In this edition of “Empowered Women Empower Women”, we feature Ashleigh Arnaud, Vice President at IntegriShield and a champion of authenticity, resilience, and community. Growing up in a small town, Ashleigh learned early on the importance of perseverance and inner strength. Her journey of self-discovery, including embracing her identity as a member of the LGBT community, has profoundly shaped her commitment to living authentically and fostering inclusive spaces. With a career spanning affiliate marketing and now a leadership role at IntegriShield, Ashleigh is dedicated to empowering women through mentorship and creating supportive communities. In this interview, she shares her insights on navigating challenges, building meaningful connections, and her vision for inspiring others to embrace their true selves.
Inspirations and Identity
TBN: Ashleigh, can you share a bit about your professional journey and the personal experiences that have shaped who you are today?
AA: I grew up in a small town on the Texas-Louisiana border, raised by a young mother who was diagnosed with cancer when I was about 10 and has had medical issues ever since. Spending a lot of time with her in hospitals taught me resilience and the importance of never giving up (as I am writing this sitting at a hospital with my mom). Amidst these challenges, I discovered a love for softball, which became my escape and joy, eventually leading me to play at LSU which was definitely a dream come true.
Initially, I aimed to become a college softball coach, but affiliate marketing stole the show! After a few social media roles after college, my career truly took off at OBMedia, where I dove into the world of search arbitrage, affiliate marketing, and lead generation. There, I discovered my strengths in strategic partnerships, compliance, and operations, which led to my role as Vice President of Publisher Relations.
Now, as the Vice President of IntegriShield, I’m able to bring all these experiences together at a great company!
TBN: Has your experience as a member of the LGBT community shaped your perspective on authenticity and self-expression? How?
AA: Coming out at 31, after being married to a man for 8 years, was a pivotal moment in my life. Growing up, I didn’t realize I was gay, but the stereotype of being a gay softball player was always there. I think I subconsciously pushed against that stereotype, not even allowing myself to consider the possibility. The town I grew up in and the people I was surrounded by, even if they didn’t realize it, had pretty strong religious beliefs that looked down on being gay. That definitely influenced me as a kid and how I viewed myself.
This journey of self-discovery and acceptance has deeply influenced my perspective on authenticity and self-expression. For a long time, I felt the need to fit into a mold that wasn’t truly me, which led to a lot of internal conflicts in the past few years. When I finally embraced my true self, it was incredibly liberating. I learned that living authentically is not just about being honest with others, but also about being honest with yourself.
In my professional life, this experience has taught me the value of creating spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, without fear of judgment. It has reinforced my belief that authenticity leads to stronger, more genuine connections and allows for a more inclusive and innovative environment. By being true to who I am, I’ve found that I’m able to contribute more meaningfully, and I encourage others to bring their full selves to the table as well.
Empowerment and Resilience
TBN: What does empowerment mean to you personally, and how do you foster it in others?
AA: Empowerment to me is about creating opportunities to step into leadership roles, trust my instincts, and make my voice heard. It’s about gaining the confidence to positively impact your circumstances and take control of your life.
I’ve been fortunate to have a great mentor who, despite being a male in a predominantly male industry, truly believed in my potential and gave me the confidence to push beyond my comfort zone. He didn’t just teach me about the business, he empowered me to trust my abilities and make decisions with conviction. That experience was transformative for me and really reinforced the idea that true empowerment comes from believing in yourself and having others believe in you as well.
Now, I’m committed to paying it forward by supporting and mentoring others in every role I take on. I focus on creating an environment where everyone feels valued, confident, and encouraged to take on new challenges. By fostering a culture of empowerment, I believe we can inspire the next generation of leaders to make their mark in whatever way they choose.
TBN: Can you describe a time when you had to rely on your inner strength and resilience to navigate a difficult situation?
AA: A time when I had to rely on my inner strength and resilience was when I made the difficult decision to leave a former employer. I had invested a lot of time and effort into the company and felt a strong personal connection to its success. When faced with challenging internal dynamics, I decided to move on, even though I didn’t have another job lined up.
This was a profoundly difficult moment for me. Leaving behind something I had built and nurtured was emotionally taxing and unsettling. In the face of uncertainty, I decided to start my own consulting business. Venturing into the unknown without a secure position was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done.
However, this experience taught me a lot about my own resilience. It pushed me to trust in my abilities and embrace the uncertainty with courage. It reinforced the importance of staying true to my values and being open to new opportunities, even when they come with risks. This period of transition ultimately helped me grow stronger and more confident in navigating challenging situations.
Community and Connection
TBN: How do you build and nurture a sense of community in both your personal and professional circles, Ashleigh?
AA: In both my personal and professional circles, I focus on building a strong sense of community through genuine connections and mutual support. My relationships are grounded in trust and shared experiences, and I make a point to be present and celebrate milestones together.
For me, the line between personal and professional often blurs because many of my closest friends are people I’ve met through work. LinkUnite has definitely been a key player in this. It’s helped me create a network where I’ve not only made lifelong friends but also formed important professional connections. For instance, I met Gayla Huber, the President of IntegriShield, at the first LinkUnite event, and now I am her Vice President. The relationships and opportunities I’ve gained through LinkUnite have been invaluable to my growth and success.
TBN: Why do you think it’s important to support and uplift other women in your community?
AA: Supporting and uplifting other women is vital for several reasons. First, it helps create a more equitable and inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. By offering support and sharing resources, we can break down barriers and provide women with the tools and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.
Secondly, uplifting other women fosters a sense of solidarity and collaboration. This collective support strengthens networks and communities, allowing women to rely on each other for guidance, mentorship, and inspiration. It creates a ripple effect where one person’s success can lead to more opportunities for others.
Finally, empowering women contributes to broader societal progress. When women are supported and given the chance to lead and innovate, it enriches our communities and drives positive change. By working together to uplift each other, we can build a more dynamic and supportive environment that benefits everyone.
Ultimately, I want every woman to feel empowered and confident, knowing they can achieve anything despite the genuine challenges we’re working to overcome. Supporting each other not only strengthens our individual paths but also contributes to a more dynamic and supportive community. LinkUnite definitely embodies all of these principles by fostering connections, offering support, and driving progress for women everywhere!
Ashleigh’s Advice
TBN: What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your journey?
AA: Throughout my journey, I’ve learned some key lessons that have been really impactful:
- Everyone is faking it until they make it. It was reassuring to realize that many people are navigating their own challenges and uncertainties, just like me. This understanding has helped me manage imposter syndrome and recognize that it’s normal to feel like you are figuring things out as you go.
- Titles don’t define worth. People with impressive titles are just like anyone else. Treating them as equals and speaking to them on the same level often fosters better connections and opportunities. Avoid putting anyone on a pedestal, everyone has their own struggles and strengths.
- Finding a great mentor can be a game-changer for your career. Their guidance and support can provide valuable insights, open doors, and help accelerate your growth in ways you might not achieve on your own.
- Find a great community! Building a network of supportive, like-minded people in your industry can make your professional life so much more fun. A strong community not only provides valuable connections but friends at conferences.