What does it take to disrupt an industry built on tradition and regulation?

In this episode, Ashley sits down with Meredith Mills-Merritt, Founder and CEO of The Original Southside and Clean Alcohol Collective, to talk about building a modern CPG brand rooted in transparency, intuition, and bold decision-making.

From leaving the beauty industry to launching a spirits company, Meredith shares the realities of entrepreneurship inside one of the most regulated industries in the world. She breaks down what founders really face behind the scenes - from distribution hurdles to investor setbacks - and why trusting your instincts can be your greatest competitive advantage.

This conversation is for founders, brand builders, and leaders who want to understand what it actually takes to create something category-defining in a crowded market.

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Know a founder, operator, or brand builder navigating risk and big decisions? Share this episode with them. It might change how they think about leadership and growth.

Guest Appearing in This Episode

Meredith Mills-Merritt: https://www.drinksouthsides.com/

Founder & CEO of The Original Southside and Clean Alcohol Collective, building modern beverage brands centered on transparency, quality, and bold identity.

What if we stopped underestimating children and started listening to them as leaders?

In this episode, Ashley sits down with Leah Ellis, founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, for a powerful conversation about youth empowerment, creativity, and what true intergenerational leadership actually looks like.

Leah challenges the belief that children should wait their turn to lead. Instead, she shows what happens when kids are trusted with real responsibility, real decision-making power, and real-world learning through entrepreneurship.

This conversation is for parents, educators, nonprofit leaders, and anyone rethinking how we prepare the next generation to lead with confidence, curiosity, and courage.

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Know a parent, educator, or leader rethinking how we empower young people? Share this episode. It might change how they see leadership - at every age.

Guest Appearing in This Episode

Leah Ellis: https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/

Founder, Society of Child Entrepreneurs and championing youth-driven leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy for the next generation.

What if financial confidence wasn’t about having more money but about trusting yourself?

In this episode, Ashley is joined by Nancy Griffin, founder of Women, Worth, and Wellness, for an honest and empowering conversation about money, mindset, and the systems that have historically kept women from fully owning their financial power.

Nancy breaks down the myths that hold women back from financial independence and reframes wealth as a tool for freedom, health, impact, and choice - not intimidation or shame.

Together, Ashley and Nancy explore how confidence compounds, why asking questions is a leadership skill, and how women can take small, intentional steps to build long-term financial clarity.

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Know a woman who wants to feel more confident with money but doesn’t know where to start? Share this episode with her. It could be the mindset shift she’s been waiting for.

Guest Appearing in This Episode

Nancy Griffin: https://womenworthwellness.com/about-us/

Founder of Women, Worth, and Wellness and leader in financial confidence, holistic well-being, and purpose-driven wealth.