Her Story
About Ashley
Ashley Amick Washam is Senior Director of Retail Client Service & Operations at Circana, where she leads strategic client partnerships and operational initiatives for some of the nation’s largest retailers. Her career spans the full retail ecosystem, giving her a unique perspective on the industry—from merchandising and buying to forecasting and analytics, market research, client service, and operations leadership.
Ashley began her career in merchandising with Stage Stores and Ralph Lauren before moving into forecasting and analytics at Royce Too, where she developed expertise in retail strategy. She joined The NPD Group in 2014, later becoming part of Circana through its merger with IRI, and has advanced through a variety of leadership roles focused on helping retailers transform data into actionable business decisions while driving operational excellence and exceptional client experiences.
A graduate of North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in Textile and Apparel Management, Ashley was selected for Circana’s highly competitive Operational Leadership Development Program, recognizing her leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to continuous improvement. She is passionate about developing high-performing teams, fostering meaningful client relationships, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ashley
01What do you attribute your success to?
My father was my first role model and hero. He instilled in me the belief that anything carrying my name should reflect my very best. That mindset has shaped every stage of my career. I also believe success comes from how you respond to setbacks, not just your accomplishments. I’ve learned to stay curious, build trust through consistency, and create environments where people can do their best work by setting clear expectations, removing obstacles, providing honest feedback, and investing in their growth. To me, credibility isn’t built in big moments—it’s earned every day through consistency.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Some of the best advice I’ve received is to focus my energy on what I can control. In leadership, there will always be competing priorities, unexpected challenges, and factors outside your influence. I’ve learned that the greatest impact comes from how you prepare, communicate, and respond. I’ve also been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors throughout my career. Sarah Bloch (VP II, Client Sales & Insights at Circana) taught me the importance of trusting my instincts and speaking up with confidence, while Kimberly Kaplan (SVP, Client Service & Operations at Circana) has challenged me to think strategically, stay curious, and lead with authenticity. Together, they’ve reinforced that strong leaders never stop learning, and they help others grow along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to stop waiting until you feel 100% ready. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career came before I felt fully qualified, but they challenged me to grow in ways I never expected. Stay curious, ask thoughtful questions, seek out mentors, and build relationships across your organization. Most importantly, be someone people can trust—your reputation for showing up, following through, and treating others well will open more doors than any title ever will.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The pace of change is both our biggest challenge and our greatest opportunity. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is transforming how we analyze data and make decisions. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement, I see it as a tool that allows us to work smarter and focus more of our time on strategic thinking, collaboration, and solving complex business problems. The organizations that embrace innovation while keeping people and relationships at the center will be the ones that succeed.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, curiosity, and consistency guide everything I do. I believe in taking pride in my work, treating people with respect, and creating an environment where others can succeed. Whether at work or at home, I value accountability, open communication, and continuous learning. I’ve found that trust isn’t built through one big moment—it’s earned over time through consistent actions and keeping your commitments.
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