How I Approach My Work

Developing Leaders, Teams & Cultures for Lasting Success

I provide leadership consulting services designed to elevate individual and organizational performance. From behavioral assessments to team building workshops, each service is tailored to meet the unique needs of leaders and their teams. Discover how my expertise can help your organization close culture gaps, inspire collaboration, and drive meaningful growth.

Bar chart showing four categories and scores for those categories: Problems & Challenges, People & Contacts, Pace & Consistency, and Procedures & Constraints.
DISC Wheel with segments labeled Analyzer, Implementor, Conductor, Persuader, Promoter, Relater, Supporter, Coordinator.
A chart with six horizontal bars labeled Knowledge, Utility, Surroundings, Others, Power, and Methodologies.
A circular diagram showing learner mindsets: receptive, intellectual, resourceful, harmonious, altruistic, commanding, structured, instinctive, selfless, objective, intentional, and collaborative, with subcategories.
Circular chart showing scores for Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Social Regulation, and Social Awareness.

Behavioral Assessments

Unlock Insights into Strengths & Communication Styles

Understand what drives your leaders and teams with comprehensive behavioral assessments. Using industry-leading tools like DISC, 12 Driving Forces®, and Emotional Intelligence evaluations, I help individuals uncover their strengths, communication styles, and areas for growth. These insights lay the foundation for improved collaboration, engagement, and productivity within your organization. Each assessment is accompanied by detailed feedback and actionable strategies to maximize impact.

A woman presents a pie chart on a screen to four colleagues in a meeting room.
A woman presents a pie chart on a screen to four colleagues in a meeting room.

Culture Audit & Analysis

Transform Your Culture with Data-Driven Insights

A thriving culture is key to organizational success. I offer customized culture audits that evaluate alignment in mission, vision, and values with actual behaviors and beliefs, and I examine employee engagement. Through surveys, interviews, and data analysis, I identify gaps between your current and desired culture. Armed with these insights, I partner with you to create a roadmap for fostering alignment, trust, and engagement across your organization.

A woman in a white blouse sits at a table with a laptop, smiling and holding a pen. Behind her are wall decorations and framed art.
A woman in a white blouse sits at a table with a laptop, smiling and holding a pen. Behind her are wall decorations and framed art.

Executive Coaching

A Space to Explore and Examine Your Gaps

Elevate your leadership with personalized executive coaching. I work one-on-one with leaders to refine their decision-making, communication, and emotional intelligence. My coaching empowers executives to lead with confidence, inspire their teams, and achieve strategic goals. Each engagement is tailored to the leader’s specific needs and aspirations.

Person in a white shirt holding a tablet, with others having a discussion nearby. Someone is holding a pen and another person has a laptop.
Person in a white shirt holding a tablet, with others having a discussion nearby. Someone is holding a pen and another person has a laptop.

Organizational Development

Build a Thriving Organization Aligned for Success

Transform your organization’s potential with tailored development strategies. My approach focuses on aligning structure, leadership, and culture with your goals and objectives. Whether you’re navigating change, scaling operations, or addressing specific challenges, I provide tools and frameworks to create lasting organizational success.

Group of seven diverse people standing close together indoors, all smiling and laughing.
Group of seven diverse people standing close together indoors, all smiling and laughing.

Team Building

Strengthen Your Team through Connection & Collaboration

Strong teams are built on trust, communication, and shared goals. I facilitate engaging team-building workshops that strengthen relationships and boost collaboration. These workshops are customized to address your team’s unique needs, allowing for a shared team experience that is meaningful, experiential, and fun.

Services

Behavioral Assessments
Culture Audit & Analysis
Executive Coaching
Organizational Development
Team Building

Leadership Consulting Packages

Tailored Solutions for Every Leadership Challenge

Comprehensive Customized Engagements

Forge a long-term partnership to meet the unique and evolving needs of your organization. This comprehensive package offers customized solutions that address every aspect of leadership and cultural transformation to bridge existing gaps.

Project-Based Engagements

Address specific leadership or cultural challenges within your organization with focused, short-term consulting. These project-based engagements provide the expertise and support needed to drive immediate results and lay the groundwork for lasting success.

Coaching Packages & Assessment Services

Achieve greater clarity with one-on-one coaching that can be paired with comprehensive assessments. These tailored sessions provide actionable insights into your strengths, areas for growth, and leadership style, empowering you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.

Who Trusts Beyond

Logo for the City of Highland Park with initials "HP" inside a green circle.
Clearbrook logo with colorful abstract figures and text: "Enrich Lives. Embrace Potential."
Logo of Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association with the text "Play, Grow, Belong"
Logo for Park Ridge, IL, featuring a stylized blue and white design with a central yellow diamond shape above the text "Park Ridge IL"
Lake Forest Parks and Recreation logo with a tree emblem in the center.
Logo of The Lake County Community Foundation with the slogan "Growing Philanthropy. Building Community."

Testimonials

Here’s How I Approach My Work

“I have worked with Ashley Ward for the last 6 years, in that time I have come to find her as a support, confidante, and friend! She exhibits remarkable leadership, empathy, and coaching. These skills have transformed my leadership and left a lasting mark on me.”
Hollis G., Chief Operating Officer, Clearbrook

“Ashley has a knack for taking a highly individualized approach to both her coaching and her work with teams. Her relationship-centered approach makes me feel comfortable engaging in challenging conversations that help me grow as a person and a professional. She is a delight to work with in a team setting and has helped my growing team thrive by fostering a deep understanding of each individual’s working style and communication preferences. I’m so grateful for the transformative leadership support she’s provided me over the years!”

Maggie M., Executive Director, Lake County Community Foundation

“For over 17 years, it has been an absolute joy to work alongside Ashley. She brings such genuine enthusiasm to every project, paired with a positive, can-do attitude and an incredible ability to collaborate with others. Ashley’s dedication and drive ensure that not only does the job get done, but it’s done with excellence. Her thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and accountability make her someone I’ve truly been lucky to have in my corner all these years.”

Sheri M., Founder & Executive Director, The Charmm'd Foundation | Founder, BeDo Leadership

“Ashley has been a consistently positive and impactful force at our Agency. She is our go-to resource for culture and teamwork challenges, always guiding us back in the right direction. I can confidently say that I would not be the professional I am today, and our Agency would not be the supportive, positive workplace it is, without her influence. Through her consistent involvement and leadership, Ashley has shaped our team into a cohesive, supportive group that works together effectively to achieve our mission.”

Craig C., Executive Director, NSSRA
“I have had the pleasure of working with Ashley in two different communities, and in both instances, I have experienced high levels of professional and team growth under her leadership. She has an exceptional ability to bring out the best in people by offering valuable perspective, guidance, and support. Ashley fosters a positive and collaborative environment, empowering individuals to develop their skills and reach their full potential. Her dedication, insight, and leadership make a lasting impact on those she works with, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn and work with her.”
Mike W., Director of Parks and Recreation, The City of Lake Forest

“Ashley possesses a rare combination of qualities: she is bright, attentive, inquisitive, grounded, and constantly professional. Her ability to listen and ask thought-provoking questions challenged me to think differently, stretch beyond my comfort zone, and see new perspectives. She knows how to create a space for authentic growth and development.

What sets her apart is her intuition and ability to tailor her guidance to meet you where you are while keeping you accountable for where you want to go. Through her leadership and coaching, I not only gained clarity but also developed sustainable habits and strategies that continue to benefit me today.I highly recommend Ashley Ward to anyone seeking a powerful and transformative coaching experience. Working with her is truly an investment in your success.”

Scott J., VP of Operations, eFinery

Ready to Transform Your Leadership?

Start your journey with a consultant who goes beyond the ordinary to inspire lasting change. Schedule a free consultation with me today.