Her Story
About Ashley
Ashley Calhoun serves as Regional Director at Wise Staffing Group, where she oversees light industrial staffing operations, leading sales and recruiting teams across Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. With more than 11 years in the staffing industry and 15 years in sales, previously as a sales manager in retail at Dillard's, she focuses on building relationships through field work and delivering staffing services that benefit clients, candidates, and the organization alike. Calhoun earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Tennessee Temple University in 2012. She is a member of the Downtown Association in Memphis and SHRM, the society for HR professionals. In 2025, she received her company's Rising Star Award. Calhoun attributes her success to her upbringing as one of four girls raised by a single mother, which instilled a drive to succeed. She values integrity and draws from her Christian faith, and she advises others to do it scared, embracing daily changes in a people-facing career while balancing her role as a leader and mother.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ashley
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think I can contribute my success to probably my upbringing. I'm one of four girls in my family. My mom is a single mom. And so we didn't really have a choice but to make a name for ourselves and to put ourselves in position to be successful.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think the best career advice probably is to do it scared. I hear that a lot in sales, like you just have to continue to go for it even if you're afraid to fail. And that's kind of the one thing I probably say to myself almost every day.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
This career path changes daily. It cannot be afraid of the change, the challenge that it faces, and we're dealing with people every single day. There's a lot of highs and lows dealing with people, so can't be afraid of this.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Juggling being a good mom and a good leader. The challenge that I face the most is dealing with different types of personalities. Leading a group of people for the success of their families.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I am a Christian. Lots of integrity.
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