Welcome to the unofficial, official first episode of Shamelessly Ambitious! Before we dive into it, I wanted to take this opportunity to let you get to know me better. Personally, when I listen to podcasts, I want to feel connected to the person behind the voice and I’m sure you do too, so let’s go a little deeper.
Some things you may already know… My name is Ash McDonald, I’m a mom of three and a holistic business coach. You may also know that my journey first started as a therapist. But, I wanted to share more about my soul, my essence, and why I do what I do.
Ever since I was born I have had an insatiable desire for more. I just knew I was going to be famous, albeit I may not possess the skill sets required for fame like sports, singing, or acting, buuuut I knew life was meant to be significant. I’m willing to bet that many of you listening can relate to that longing for something bigger, too.
Like I said, I’ve always known I was meant for success, to be rich, and to live an extravagant life. It’s a belief that has guided me, but also has created a roller coaster of emotions. For example, when things aren’t going well because business has its inevitable ebbs & flows, right? It’s harder for me to accept because I don’t buy into it… the idea of mediocrity or settling just because striving for more feels too hard. But, the upside to that is my unwavering confidence that life will keep getting better.
But even knowing that my life is just getting better everyday… having this feeling of always wanting more can be incredibly lonely. Sometimes I’ve felt alone in a crowded room because people didn’t understand my drive for more. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with those people who didn’t share my same belief, it’s just rare to find others who genuinely believe they’re destined for more. As soon as I stepped into the world of entrepreneurship, I finally was able to witness others with similar beliefs as me, but in everyday life, not so much. Throughout my life, I’ve been confused by those who settle for jobs they hate or refuse to change their circumstances. It’s not a judgment, it’s just a genuine lack of understanding. How could you not crave more? But I’ve found, I’ve just always been driven to do things differently and pursue my dreams relentlessly.
Throwback to college when my journey started in sociology and psychology. I met a woman who soon became a mentor to me. She was so ambitious in her career, she was a mom of 4, and didn’t sacrifice herself for any of those titles. She truly inspired me to pursue my masters in counseling psychology. After post grad, I opened a private practice, facing doubts and warnings along the way. Loneliness persisted, but I pushed through, loving the therapist role. However, after becoming a mom and feeling the desire to be with my child, I transitioned into community mental health. This seemed like the logical choice, but it didn’t take long for me to realize it wasn’t sustainable. Soooo, I joined the world of network marketing, which replaced my income as a therapist and allowed me to enjoy my success. This unconventional path received its fair share of criticism, but I learned to trust my instincts.
Through it all, I’ve embraced the journey, knowing that my belief in something bigger sets me apart. I am unapologetically ambitious, and this podcast is my way of connecting with like-minded individuals who also crave more from life. Remember, it’s okay to stand alone in a crowded room and continue pursuing your dreams.
So, welcome to Shamelessly Ambitious, where we’ll explore success, mindset, and living an extraordinary life. Let’s walk this path together and support one another as we unapologetically chase our dreams. Stay tuned for more empowering conversations and insights that will inspire you to unleash your full potential.
