Ashley Bernhard Is a Social Impact Consultant Focused on Women's Leadership, Equality & Empowerment
Ashley Bernhard is the founder and CEO of Haven Hill LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations develop programs and initiatives centered on equality, leadership, and empowerment. With a focus on both men and women, Ashley considers herself an "equalist," inspiring the next generation of leaders through her work. Her consulting services have made a significant impact on companies like U.S. Squash and the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions, where she has successfully increased awareness and fostered strategic partnerships for women's professional squash.
Before launching Haven Hill, Ashley served as the Deputy Chairman of the Professional Squash Association, where she passionately advocated for the women’s division and helped secure equal prize money for top-level tournaments. After taking a break from her career to raise her three children, Ashley embraced the entrepreneurial journey, utilizing her strong background in marketing, public relations, and event planning to identify strategic opportunities and develop impactful programs. Now, she is committed to moving the needle on gender equality and empowering organizations to invest in women for the benefit of their businesses and society as a whole.
How did you come up with your business idea? What inspired you?
My business idea for Haven Hill really took shape during my time as the Deputy Chairman of the Professional Squash Association. In that role, I dedicated significant effort to advocating for the women’s division, pushing for equal opportunities and visibility in a sport that historically had disparities. Over the course of just four years, we were able to successfully implement equal prize money at our top-level tournaments, which was a monumental achievement not just for the sport but for women's representation in athletics overall. Seeing firsthand the impact of these changes on the athletes, the sport, and the community fueled my passion for equality and leadership.
As I reflected on that experience, it became clear to me that the principles I had championed in squash could be applied more broadly across various sectors. I realized there was a critical need for organizations to develop initiatives focusing on equality, leadership, and empowerment, not just in sports but in corporate environments and other industries as well. This realization prompted me to transition into consulting, where I could leverage my background and skills to guide organizations in creating meaningful change. The drive to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders—both men and women—became the cornerstone of Haven Hill's mission, and that’s what continues to motivate me every day.
What were you doing before this? How did it prepare you for the entrepreneurial life?
Before launching Haven Hill, I was on a long break from the working world to raise our three children. If you ever need a course in being an entrepreneur, raising kids is the way to go ~ every day is different and no one is sitting you down for a review or giving you a regular paycheck!
Who is the one super successful person you look up to? Why them? Can you share their quote/ideology that inspires you the most?
One super successful person I greatly admire is Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. She embodies strength and grace, and what I find particularly inspiring is how she maintained her femininity while navigating the challenges of being at the top of a major corporation. In a world where women often feel pressured to conform to traditionally masculine leadership styles, Nooyi has shown that it’s possible to lead with authenticity and compassion. Her approach reinforces the idea that we don't have to sacrifice our identities to succeed; instead, we can leverage our unique perspectives to drive change and foster inclusive environments.
One of her quotes that resonates deeply with me is, "At the end of the day, don't forget that you're a person, don't forget you're a mother, don't forget you're a wife, don't forget you're a daughter." This reminder to embrace our multifaceted identities is crucial, especially for women in leadership positions. It emphasizes that personal life and professional responsibilities can coexist harmoniously. She also said, "To be a CEO is a calling. You should not do it because it is a job. It is a calling, and you have got to be involved in it with your head, heart, and hands. Your heart has got to be in the job; you have got to love what you do; it consumes you." This ideology can easily be applied to entrepreneurship as well. It speaks to the passion and commitment required to make a meaningful impact, something I strive for in my own work. Nooyi's journey and principles serve as a guiding light for me as I work to promote gender equality and empower the next generation of leaders.
What is your biggest dream? Why?
My biggest dream is to help move the needle on equality, particularly in the realms of education, healthcare, and pay for women. The research from the World Economic Forum, which predicts that we won't see true equality for women for another 100 years, is not just staggering; it’s a wake-up call for all of us. Every morning, this statistic drives me to action, as I believe we can—and must—accelerate progress. I want to raise awareness within the corporate world that investing in women is not merely a moral imperative but a strategic necessity.
The data is compelling: companies that prioritize gender equality see tangible benefits, such as increased revenue, higher customer satisfaction, improved employee retention, and enhanced creativity. These aren't just feel-good statements; they’re backed by research showing that diverse teams outperform their less diverse counterparts. On a fundamental level, it’s a no-brainer. By supporting and retaining women in leadership roles, organizations can foster a more inclusive environment that drives innovation and success. My goal is to shift the narrative around women in the workplace from one of obligation to one of opportunity, making it clear that when we invest in women, we’re investing in the future of our businesses and our communities. I envision a world where equality is the norm, and I am dedicated to making that vision a reality through my work at Haven Hill and beyond.
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