Influential Woman · Leadership Coaching and Development
Jacqueline D. Ashley, Ed.D
Founder + Principal Consultant, The Ashley Approach, LLC
Chicago, IL 60621
Stepping into entrepreneurship challenged me to define success on my own terms by betting on myself, trusting my voice, and building a legacy that reflects who I am becoming.
Jacqueline D. Ashley, Ed.D · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Dr. Jacqueline D.
Dr. Jacqueline D. Ashley, is a leadership development expert, scholar-practitioner, and founder of The Ashley Approach based in Chicago, Illinois. With a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, she brings over a decade of experience in higher education, curriculum innovation, and executive coaching. Her career has centered on helping individuals and organizations build clarity, confidence, and intentional leadership practices that drive meaningful organizational impact. Most recently, she served as Senior Curriculum Leader and Clinical Assistant Professor at Northwestern University’s Center for Leadership, where she designed and led undergraduate and graduate leadership programs, developed inclusive curriculum frameworks, and coached emerging leaders. She has also held faculty and consulting roles at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and has contributed to national leadership initiatives through the American Society for Engineering Education, where she serves in executive leadership roles. Through The Ashley Approach, Jacqueline now provides leadership consulting, executive coaching, and curriculum design services to universities and mission-driven organizations. Her work integrates leadership theory, inclusive strategy, and emerging tools such as AI-enhanced learning to support organizational growth and leader development. Grounded in research and practice, she is committed to helping leaders navigate complexity with purpose, authenticity, and impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Jacqueline D.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of dedication, resilience, and confidence in my abilities. I also recognize that a strong support network has played a significant role in helping me grow personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay present and remain open to opportunities when they arise. That mindset has guided me throughout my career and has allowed me to grow through experiences I may not have planned for initially.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give women entering my industry is to build strong advocates, continue upskilling, and unapologetically take up space. It’s important to consistently invest in your own growth and development while confidently claiming your place in the field and recognizing the value you bring.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe the leadership coaching and leadership development space has become increasingly saturated, and many professionals present very similar approaches. What differentiates my work is that I ground it in research, theory, and evidence-based practice. As both a scholar and practitioner, I focus on helping individuals translate leadership theory into actionable, measurable practice in a way that is thoughtful, strategic, and rooted in real development. That academic and scientific foundation is what helps my work stand out in a crowded field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, clarity, and transformation. These principles guide how I lead, how I build relationships, and how I support the growth and development of others.
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