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In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• [01:03] Introducing today’s guest, CEO of MUSH, Ashley Thompson.

• [02:34] Ashley tells us about how her entrepreneurial father inspired her, the early leadership skills she had, and the challenges she faced in childhood. 

• [15:52] Studying at Columbia University, her drive to work hard, realizing that she didn’t enjoy the world of finance, and finding her true passion.

• [20:51] How Ashley came up with the idea for MUSH and how people responded to her change in career.

• [28:32] How Ashley found her co-founder, the steps they took to develop their product, and their first ‘big break’.

• [34:31] Working with Shark Tank, Ashley’s take on fundraising, and the dangers of raising too much capital.

• [41:20] Ashley shares her toughest entrepreneurship moments; including her co-founder leaving, how she overcame them, and the important lessons she learned.

• [45:23] How Ashley manages her energy and emotions through reading, writing, talking, and staying healthy.

• [47:34] Why Ashley’s favorite MUSH flavors are chocolate and peanut butter chocolate and what’s next for the brand.

• [50:15] Ashley shares some advice about the power of mindset for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

 To Find Out More:

MUSH

Ashley Thompson on LinkedIn

Ashley Thompson on Instagram

Lee Greene on LinkedIn

Stairway to CEO

Stairway to CEO on Instagram

 Quotes:

“I always wanted to be the best, and I always wanted to leave a mark in some way shape, or form.” [0:09:40]

“I especially [gravitate] towards things that could help people or could make the world a better place.” [0:09:46]

“I really wanted to race out of college and start a job because I wanted to make money [and be] independent.” [0:16:44]

“Oatmeal is so ubiquitous, and no one knows what overnight oats are!” [0:22:16]

“Businesses need all of your time and attention!” [0:26:21]

“You want to get the basics right before you scale.” [0:30:22]

“There’s so many different [business] strategies, and execution plays a huge part in a winning strategy.” [0:32:53]

“It takes money to make money – and at the same time, raising too much capital [can cause you to] build the wrong company for the product by having too much capital at your disposal.” [0:37:49]

“You have to manage your energy and emotions appropriately to get through the really hard things.”  [0:44:25]

“The power of mindset is everything!”  [0:50:35]