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Lean In and Level Up
Welcome to Lean In and Level Up—the podcast where real leaders get honest.
Hosted by Ashlie Marshall, a CFO, executive strategist, and no-fluff kind of leader, this show is your space to lean into the hard conversations that most people avoid, and level up through the lessons they teach us.
Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about asking the right questions, owning your growth, and showing up with integrity—even when it’s messy.
On this podcast, we tackle:
- Transparent leadership (the kind that doesn't sugarcoat)
- Financial clarity that empowers, not confuses
- Accountability, ownership, and the courage to course-correct
- How to lead through hard seasons without losing your people—or yourself
- And what it really means to choose progress over perfection
You’ll hear from Ashlie and other leaders, entrepreneurs, and everyday change makers who’ve walked through challenges, made bold pivots, and built something meaningful on the other side of the mess.
If you're ready to lead with more truth, build with more clarity, and grow with more intention—you're in the right place.
Let’s stop pretending and start progressing.
Lean in. Level up. Let’s go.
Episodes
25 episodes
Imposter Syndrome: The Confidence Killer You Didn’t See Coming
Ever felt like you're not good enough despite all your achievements? You’re not alone!Whitney and Ashlie dive deep into imposter syndrome, exploring how it manifests in both men and women, the different ways it affects career growth, and...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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29:33
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Sink or Swim: Navigating Leadership Choices
What’s the hardest decision you’ve had to make, and how did it shape the future? Whitney and Ashlie dive deep into the art of decision-making, whether it’s about navigating family holidays, dealing with toxic relationships, or making mu...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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29:07
Lisa Resnick's Journey FROM CITY STRESS TO SMALL TOWN SUCCESS!
Ever felt like life was pushing you toward a fresh start? Ashlie and Whitney welcome Lisa Resnick. Lisa turned her challenges into opportunities, transforming big-city ambition into small-town innovation. From a career in Washin...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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45:36
Holiday Hustle Hacks for MOMS
Feeling the holiday chaos? Whitney and Ashlie dive into the whirlwind of holiday prep, gift-giving, and balancing work, family, and sanity during the busiest season of the year. From wrapping presents to managing school parties ...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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28:54
Decision-Making and How to Say NO
When do you hold the line, and when do you let go? Ashlie and Whitney dive into the art of decision-making—personally, professionally, and everything in between. They candidly share their experiences navigating difficult decisio...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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30:32
Climb The Corporate Ladder To C-Suite SUCCESS!
What does it take to rise through the ranks, shatter glass ceilings, and lead with integrity? Ashlie and Whitney welcome their first-ever guest, Dr. Karen Hills Pruden. Dr. Pruden shares her incredible journey from middle manage...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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26:01
Do Women Leaders Need to Play Office Politics to Succeed?
Do women in leadership positions need to play office politics to reach the top and stay there? Ashlie and Whitney explore the age-old question of whether women leaders can succeed without getting caught up in the game of office politics...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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31:21
Boundaries: The Key to Surviving Other People’s Instability
Ever wondered how to handle someone else’s instability without losing your own peace? Ashlie and Whitney tackle exactly that, sharing personal experiences from both work and life. They offer practical strategies on d...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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34:07
Success Timelines: How Happiness Evolves on Your Journey
Do you remember the advice you gave your younger self? In this episode, Whitney and Ashlie explore a 14-year-old Whitney's journal entry titled "Guide to Successful Living." As they unpack the wisdom within this childh...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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26:48
The Art of Client Gifting: When Generosity Crosses the Line
What’s the right way to thank your clients? That’s what Ashlie and Whitney explore in this episode, diving into the art of gift-giving in business without crossing boundaries. From discussing appropriate client gifts t...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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26:03
Going Rogue: Balancing Work, Kids, and Sanity
Are you ready to go rogue with your daily routine? In this episode, Ashlie and Whitney take a detour from their usual discussions to tackle the chaos of balancing work, motherhood, and personal life. With the school ye...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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25:59
Goals vs. Expectations: Finding the Sweet Spot
Are you setting goals or just chasing expectations? In this episode, Ashlie and Whitney dive deep into the delicate balance between setting achievable goals and navigating the often-unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves—or...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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29:17
Balancing Personality and Professionalism at Business Events
Ever wondered how to balance authenticity with professionalism at work events? In this episode, Ashlie and Whitney dive into the complexities of being your true self while navigating the demands of corporate culture. T...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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30:06
Life with Chronic Illness: The Impact on Work, Parenting, and Self-care
Struggling with a chronic illness while trying to balance work and life - can you relate?In this raw and honest episode, Ashlie and Whitney open up about their experiences living with Crohn's disease and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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25:35
Money Matters: Overcoming Financial Challenges in Business
Can a struggling business really bounce back to success? In this episode, Ashlie and Whitney discuss their experiences navigating financial hardship within their company. They talk about the challenges of sustaining and...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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33:37
Closing Deals with Confidence: Whitney's Top Strategies
Ever wondered what it takes to master the art of sales? In this episode, Whitney and Ashlie dive into the psychology behind successful sales techniques. Whitney shares her approach to handling sales calls, building t...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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28:11
The Transparency Trap: Balancing Honesty and Boundaries
Transparency in business: essential or overrated?In this episode, Ashlie and Whitney look at the nuances of client communication and the importance of transparency in building trust and effective relationships. They discuss the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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30:08
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Resilient and Rising: Women Leading the Way
Ever felt like your voice is getting lost in the crowd? In this episode, Ashlie and Whitney share their personal stories of overcoming gender biases in leadership roles. This episode dives into the emotional and psychological challenges...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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34:06
A Day in the Life in the C-Suite
Life in the C-suite is anything but predictable—just ask Whitney and Ashlie.Whitney and Ashlie reveal the unpredictable and demanding nature of their executive roles. Sharing insights on how their days are filled with a mix of high-stak...
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28:06
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Starting from scratch from fumbles to triumphs.Ashlie and Whitney pull back the curtain on their journey becoming ambitious creators. They explore their candid reflections on overcoming imposter syndrome, stumbling through their initial...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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29:24
The Remote Working Reality for Business Moms
When work meets life in the most literal sense, it's not just about conference calls interrupted by cries for snacks—it's about redefining professionalism. In this episode, Ashlie and Whitney reflect on the challenges and triumphs...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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31:09
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The Journey From the Ground Floor to the C-Suite
Whitney and Ashley discuss their journey to becoming the CEO and CFO of their company, respectively. They reflect on their early roles in the company, the challenges they faced, and how they navigated through adversity. Both highlight t...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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27:36
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Cheer and Change: Ashlie Marshall’s Journey of Growth
Ashlie opens up about her journey from childhood to adulthood. She grew up in a devout Catholic household, frequently moving around the country due to her father's work in military housing construction. There was a series of religious schools, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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40:26
Resilience Rewritten: Whitney Ramirez's Path Through Adversity
From overcoming adversity to carving her own path.Whitney Ramirez's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, we dive into Whitney's past, a mosaic of challenges and triumphs that shaped her indomitable spirit.
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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39:23
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