The Skigital team recently had the honor of speaking with an influential woman in business and incredible client partner, Ashley Kane, the Vice President of Operations for Stove and Co. Restaurant Group. With six unique brands and seven locations—and more on the way—Ashley shares with us her career journey to Stove and Co. and valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in business.
A Journey Fueled by Mentorship and Growth
Ashley’s path to her current role is one marked by passion and hard work. After the upheaval of COVID-19, she sought a new direction, leaving the city to work with Stove and Co. in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Her journey began with bartending with the founders of the restaurant group, Joe and Justin, during a period of rapid growth. “I feel like one day I woke up, and I was in charge of a lot of things,” Ashley remarked lightheartedly, highlighting how opportunities can arise unexpectedly.
Navigating the Unique Challenges
Being a woman in business is not without its challenges. Ashley candidly shared her experiences navigating the complexities of leadership. “It’s still pretty difficult,” she admitted, highlighting the delicate balance women must strike between being seen as strong yet approachable.
Women can be seen as too strong or not strong enough, a fine line that Ashley has learned to traverse. “Learning how to be strong without being imposing,” she describes as a significant challenge that she’s turned into a strength. “Women are uniquely nurturing, and combining that with business can be a superpower,” she emphasized.
The Power of Mentorship
When asked about the influence of mentors in her life, Ashley emphasized the importance of support from both men and women throughout her career. “I feel like the idea of self-made is flawed,” she stated, recognizing that her achievements are built on the guidance and encouragement of others. From her first job at 15 to her current role, mentors have shaped her journey, reinforcing the notion that collaboration and support are essential in business.
Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders
For women aspiring to leadership roles, Ashley has three key pieces of advice:
Recognize Your Strengths: “Women are the best leaders,” she insists. It is vital to embrace the qualities that make women effective leaders—nurturing, caring, and resilient.
Stay True to Yourself: Ashley encourages women to avoid hardening themselves in response to challenges. “There’s a way to be a great leader and still be kind and loving,” she explains, advocating for an authentic approach to leadership.
Prioritize People: “When you care about people, they care about their job,” she asserts. This focus on empathy and connection can transform workplaces and foster loyalty and dedication.
Ashley Kane’s journey as the VP of Operations at Stove and Co. Restaurant Group exemplifies the crucial strengths and leadership qualities of women in business. Her insights remind us of the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and empathy in leadership. As we celebrate women in business, stories like Ashley’s inspire us to continue paving the way for future generations of women leaders.
Let’s continue to lift each other up, as we navigate the business world together.
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