Article written (and published in Fast Co) regarding AI impacts in the workforce providing factual data about current job trends and forecasts. Article also provides suggestions for increasing AI proficiency personally and for your organization.
Her Story
About Shelly
Shelly Ashwill Powers is a distinguished business executive, investor, advisor, and philanthropist who recently retired following an exceptional 36-year career in technology and global telecommunications. After earning her degree from the University of Utah, she began her professional journey with MCI Telecommunications in 1989 and continued through the company's acquisition by Verizon in 2006. During her tenure at Verizon, Shelly held numerous executive leadership positions, including responsibility for B2B client services and operations, where she led global teams supporting customers across 31 countries. Her organization grew from approximately 3,000 to 6,000 employees and partners under her leadership.
Shelly later served as Senior Vice President of Operations within the HCLTech-Verizon partnership, playing a key executive role in one of the industry's largest global technology transformation initiatives, valued at approximately $2.2 billion. Her expertise spans global operations, business transformation, client services, program management, sales, marketing, and organizational leadership. Following her retirement in January 2026, Shelly has continued to pursue executive consulting and advisory opportunities while exploring small-business franchise investments. She attributes her success to hard work, ethical leadership, and a commitment to driving meaningful business outcomes while caring for the organizations and teams she serves.
Beyond her corporate career, Shelly is deeply committed to mentorship, women's leadership, youth development, and philanthropy. She is a member of Chief and the Exceptional Women Alliance, serves as a Business Alliance Patron for the London-based nonprofit Unloc, and established a donor-advised fund at the University of Oregon to support student scholarships. She previously served as president of Verizon's Women's Association of Verizon Employees (WAVE) employee resource group and remains actively engaged in initiatives that support professional growth and career advancement. Shelly is also passionate about real estate investing, travel, dining, and building meaningful connections with friends and professional communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shelly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, dedication, and a genuine commitment to the organizations and teams I serve. I believe in caring for the organization that invests in and supports me while remaining focused on driving meaningful business outcomes. Throughout my career, I have prioritized achieving results in an ethical, responsible, and sustainable way, recognizing that success as a for-profit business should be built on strong relationships, integrity, and value for both the organization and its people.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to be the CEO of my own career. I have learned to clearly define what I want, take ownership of my professional growth, and intentionally create value within an organization. I regularly ask myself, “What would have to be true for my CEO to say, ‘I can’t imagine a world without you’?” That mindset has encouraged me to think strategically, make meaningful contributions, and consistently demonstrate the value I bring to my role and organization.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are balance, connection, and enjoying life. I have a strong passion for real estate and enjoy investing in properties, while also making time to travel, explore new places, enjoy great food, and spend quality time with my friends. I value building meaningful relationships and embracing the experiences that make life fulfilling, both personally and professionally.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Shelly
Separating AI Fact From Fiction
Technology and Operations Leader Shelly Ashwill Joins the Exceptional Women Alliance
LOS ANGELES, May 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA) proudly welcomes Shelly Ashwill, a seasoned technology and operations leader, into its distinguished community of influential women leaders. Bringing over 36 years of deep operational experience spanning major telecom and global technology giants, Ms. Ashwill brings a powerful track record of large-scale leadership and a profound commitment to mentorship to the community.
Throughout her impressive career, Ms. Ashwill has built and led high-performing global teams, managing complex operations and client services for Fortune 500 companies across telecom infrastructure, voice, data networks, and advanced communications. Her senior leadership roles involved overseeing teams of thousands worldwide, delivering mission-critical services, driving operational transformations, and implementing large-scale transitions valued at over $2 billion. Her executive expertise seamlessly spans global client services, complex project management, and robust operational governance.
"Shelly's extraordinary career at companies like MCI, Verizon, and HCL Technologies showcases her incredible capacity to navigate complex, multi-billion-dollar global operations," said Larraine Segil, Founder, Chair, and CEO of EWA. "What makes Shelly uniquely exceptional is how she pairs this operational excellence with a deep passion for leadership through service. Her dedication to fostering inclusive environments, women's leadership initiatives, and mentorship aligns beautifully with EWA's foundational values, and we are thrilled to welcome her to our sisterhood."
Known for her dedication to professional growth and talent development, Ms. Ashwill has consistently led diversity and mentorship initiatives, cultivating strong organizational cultures and cross-functional collaboration. Now retired from corporate infrastructure, Shelly continues to provide advisory services to global businesses while pursuing her passion for mentorship and leading initiatives that empower women in business.
When asked about her acceptance into EWA, she shared,
"I am incredibly thankful to Larraine Segil for creating such a powerful program that unites women with shared values and a common purpose. To gain a sisterhood for life is truly an incredible gift."
About the Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA)
The Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA) is an invitation-only peer mentorship organization where high-level Exceptional Women from across multiple industries are hand-selected and invested in, to grow, learn, share, and succeed. The year-long program enables each member to be connected as alumnae for life in the ever-expanding EWA global community, as their fellow women leaders continue to move into positions of significance. EWA is a values-led community that prioritizes Kindness, the Spirit of Generosity, Transparency, Gratitude, and Willingness to Share. Learn more at www.exceptionalwomenalliance.com.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.