Meet Ashley Burns

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Burns. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

When I think about where I get my resilience I often reflect on a moment right after high school when life threw me an unexpected curveball I had been accepted into every college I applied to, ready to take on the world. But when the time came, my parents told me there was no money to send me. It was a shock, a painful realization that the path I thought was set in stone was actually just the beginning of a long, winding road. I stayed home that semester, working long hours at a grocery store, often in tears, grappling with the reality that I had to fend for myself. That experience, though challenging, was pivotal. It taught me that relying on others would only get me so far-I had to be my own support system. I saved every penny, determined to make my dream of going to a historically black college a reality. And I did. I started at college, but the challenges didn’t stop there. Depression, loneliness, financial struggles, and family issues all weighed heavily on me, leading me to take a step back and reassess my path.

I went home, enrolled in Community College, and pursued nursing courses. But even then, the road wasn’t easy. I was told by a counselor that my grades weren’t good enough for nursing school- a crushing blow that triggered another bout of depression. But instead of giving up, I decided to start from the ground up. I saved up for a car to ease the stress of commuting, then paid my way through C&A school. After landing my first seat in a job, I was encouraged by colleagues to apply for nursing school, despite my previous doubts

That push was exactly what I needed. I got accepted into LVN school, working tirelessly dash sometimes sleeping through classes because I was balancing work and school full time period but I was determined. After finishing LVN school, I took the NCLEX, failed the first time, but didn’t let that stop me. I studied hard, took the test again, and passed. That moment, passing the influx and stepping into a career as a nurse was transformative. And went from making $12.00 an hour to $22, significantly improving my quality of life and securing a future I could be proud of.

This journey, filled with setbacks and triumphs, is the foundation of the resilience I carry into everything I do, including my work with The OBM Group. At The OBM Group, we are not only dedicated to building sustainable, person centered practices, but we also ensure that these practices are deeply tied to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that true growth and empowerment come from environments where every individual is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive. My story is a testament to the power of resilience, and it’s that same resilience that fuels my passion for making a positive impact through my work, ensuring that our efforts foster a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As the founder and chief consultant, I’m passionate about the work we do, which centers around a simple yet powerful philosophy treating people like people. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for organizations to lose sight of the human element, but at the opium group, we are committed to changing that

My journey to this point has been shaped by my experience in healthcare and my understanding of the profound impact that person-centered practices can have. We specialize in training companies to become well-versed in these practices, equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to create meaningful change. Our approach not only strengthens the connections between companies and the people they serve but also fosters a more harmonious and effective internal environment.

What excites me most about our work is seeing the tangible impact it has on both individuals and organizations. When companies fully embrace person-centered practices, they don’t just improve their bottom line- they create workplaces where employees feel valued and customers feel genuinely cared for

We have ready-made person-centered training sessions available right now, which can be booked directly for your organization. Moreover, we understand that every company has unique needs, and we are fully equipped to customize and tailor our training to meet the specific requirements of your company, nonprofit, or group. Our commitment extends to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral parts of this process. It’s crucial to us that all people feel seen, heard, and valued in the environments we help create

As we continue to grow we are expanding our services to include more in-depth training programs, workshops, and consultations tailored to the specific needs of our clients. Our goal is to help more organizations realize the power of putting people at the center of everything we they do, and I’m excited to lead The OBM Group in a making that vision a reality

For more information about what we do I invite you to visit our website at www.theobmgroup.com there, you’ll find a video that delves deeper into what person-centered practices are and how they can benefit your organization. Or email us at [email protected].

Whether you’re looking to transform your organization’s culture or seeking guidance on how to better connect with your community, The OBM Group is here to support you every step of the way.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

When I was 14, I had the opportunity to work with TLC TNT back in Portland, Oregon, where I met mentors who profoundly influence my perspective on life. One mentor would say, “Nothing you do goes unnoticed,” and “Nothing will change unless something changes.” These words stuck with me and became guiding principles through my journey. As the years have passed, I’ve come to realize that I am the one who holds the power to change my circumstances, my mindset, and my surroundings. Those quotes gave me the motivation to keep pushing, even when things were difficult. They taught me that every setback was an opportunity to learn and grow, shaping the way I navigate challenges today.

Reflecting on my journey, there are three qualities and skills that have been most impactful:

1. Self-Awareness and Willingness to Change: The realization that I have the power to change my situation has been a cornerstone of my resilience. Embracing change and being self-aware has allowed me to adapt and thrive, even in the face of adversity.
2. Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences: The importance of surrounding myself with people who are moving forward cannot be overstated. Positive, supportive relationships have provided the motivation and encouragement I needed to keep going, and they’ve played a critical role in my success.
3. Continuous Learning from Every Experience: My mentor Mr. Pittman would say, “Always stay in a beginner state of mind.” his words also taught me to find value in every experience. Whether it’s a sign outside or a challenging event, every encounter offers a lesson. I’ve learned to pay attention, reflect, and grow from each moment, turning challenges into opportunities.

For those just starting their journey., I would encourage you to embrace these principles. Remember, your internal growth is tied to your success. Don’t be afraid to change, seek out positive influences, and always be open to learning from every experience. These qualities will help you navigate your path with resilience and purpose.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am actively looking for folks to partner or collaborate with as I continue to grow The OBM Group. I am particularly interested in connecting with individuals, companies, and organizations that share a commitment to person-centered practices and value diversity, equity, and inclusion. My ideal collaborators are those who are passionate about creating meaningful change within their organizations and communities, and who understands the importance of treating people like people.

Whether you’re a business looking to improve your internal culture, a nonprofit aiming to better connect with the people you serve, or an organization seeking to enhance your training programs, I’d love to explore how we can work together. Collaboration is key to making a lasting impact, and I believe that by partnering with like minded individuals and groups, we can achieve incredible results.

If this resonates with you and you’re interested in collaborating, please reach out to me. You can connect with me through our website at www.theobmgroup.com, where you’ll also find more information about our services and philosophy. I’m excited about the potential partnerships ahead and look forward to hearing from those who are eager to make a difference together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theobmgroup.com
• Instagram: @theobmgroup
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-burns-865b066b
• Other: Tik Tok: @the.obm.group

Image Credits

Photo courtesy of Black Health Connect.

Photo courtesy of York Academy of Oregon

Photo from a Foreign Exchange Program event

Photo courtesy of Sekai