Woman of the Week – Ashlie Edwards

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Ashlie Marie Edwards

My Current Job/Company:
Telecom Planner/American Electric Power

My Birthday:
08.03.1983

My Work:
I plan AEP’s Telecommunication upgrades for the state of Ohio. This includes working closely with other planning, project management, engineering, construction, operation, security, legal, regulatory, and accounting teams across the organization.

My Passion:
Achieving goals while helping others.

My Family:
Kyle Richard (husband/manfriend-31), Caddis James (son-10), and Hazel Anne (daughter-7).

My Hero or Heroes:
Marissa Mayer, Thor, Steve Jobs, my grandma and Oprah.

My Escape:
Gardening, cooking, playing with my children, camping, reading, and bike rides with my manfriend.

My Pet Peeve:
Two words: “can’t” and “just.”

My Indulgence:
Chocolate and sunshine.

My Roots:
Outdoor adventures, traditions and the best hugs ever.

My Future:
Mother of two ambitious university graduates, wife of a healthy and happy husband, Chief Operating Officer of American Electric Power, Board Member on Utility’s Board of Directors and friend to some of the world’s most delightful people.

My Favorite Quote:
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.

You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward.

And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” (Steve Jobs)

My Accessory:
Bright eyes, heels, and a smile.

My Advice to Young Women:
Believe. Not superficially, but to your core. Once you have it, let the momentum drive.
Please don’t forget to bring as many with you as you can possibly fit and share these moments. It makes reflection all the more joyous.

How I Balance it All:
By celebrating the little wins. These mini happy dances keep me motivated and forging ahead. And, equally as important, having a soft place to fall at the end of the day.