Ashleigh Walters

West Palm Beach

#TV #News Anchor 📺🗞️ artist, animal lover, traveler, odd-scale object aficionado, ability-challenged golfer, learning #ASL

Articles

Ham Business Is Slow. And That's Good

3 weeks ago | industryweek.com | Ashleigh Walters

I've witnessed this firsthand. Every time I visit Benton’s in Madisonville, Tennessee, I’m greeted with a warm smile and a cheerful greeting. Pride is evident throughout the facility, where employees carefully slice bacon and package hams for delivery. I’ve even seen extra food offered to a customer in need—not as a handout, but as a friendly gesture: “Here, try this. We think you'll like it.”Darrell Benton, a second-generation leader, carries a deep passion for the family business.
A Cotton Farm, a Made-in-the USA Dream and a Manufacturing Dilemma

1 month ago | industryweek.com | Ashleigh Walters

As a leader in manufacturing, I’ve always believed in the value of learning from other industries. Linens manufacturer Red Land Cotton, in particular, has reminded me of the immense power of innovation, resilience, and strong leadership. What began as a financial goal for Mark Yeager evolved into a business that exceeded the family’s wildest dreams. Cotton farming, like many agricultural endeavors, has become increasingly expensive.
Tapping into the Power of Peers: You’re Not Too Important to Try

Feb 13, 2025 | industryweek.com | Ashleigh Walters

Tim Sanders, a former Yahoo! executive says, “Your network is your net worth.” This simple but powerful statement underscores an essential truth in the world of business: Relationships matter. However, in today’s fast-paced, results-driven environment, business leaders often find themselves caught up in daily responsibilities. It can be difficult to step away from the endless to-do lists and meetings to focus on expanding your network.
Embrace a One-Word Goal to Provide Focus in the New Year

Dec 11, 2024 | industryweek.com | Ashleigh Walters

During this time of the year, I find myself reflecting on the accomplishments made in the current year and dreaming of what the new year will bring. For many years now, I have had a practice of homing in on one word that will provide me focus for the new year. The chosen word will help me say “no” or “not yet” to good opportunities that are not in line with my vision for the year while leaving room for enthusiastic “yeses” for amazing experiences I could only dream of.
Leadership Advice on Losing Control and Getting It Back Again

Oct 31, 2024 | industryweek.com | Ashleigh Walters

You are stronger than you think. My husband Drew and I saw these words written on a print of a hiking boot by Rosalie Haizlett when we stopped for coffee this morning. We were on our way to ride the 11-mile loop around Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is one thing to drive the loop oohing and aahing at the wildlife and beautiful fall foliage. It is another thing to be on a bicycle climbing hills you never noticed before in a car. My legs were hurting, and my lungs were burning.
Leadership Lessons from Sports, Part II: Direction and Discipline

Sep 12, 2024 | industryweek.com | Ashleigh Walters

We explained that as business owners, we were always coaching our team. Striving to meet all those goals they felt were once out of sight. Getting better and stretching ourselves each day to do a little more, learn a little more and get just a little bit better. Recently, I was reading “The 7 Crucibles” by Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold. As Ingold was discussing goal-setting in football, one of his points really struck a business-leadership chord.
Basketball Coaches Share Their Best Leadership Layups

Aug 29, 2024 | industryweek.com | Ashleigh Walters

At first glance, you may not think that manufacturing and college basketball have much in common. Yet an executive peer group hosted by UT CIS, the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership, found quite a few parallels. When I plan the content for the group, I work from a business health self-assessment the participants use to identify areas of improvement. A common theme among manufacturers is how to recruit and retain talent.
Treating Customers Right (Ritz-Carlton Edition)

Jul 18, 2024 | industryweek.com | Ashleigh Walters

New experiences are learning and growing opportunities. You never know what new thoughts will be sparked when you are exposed to something different. An inspiring speaker, an interesting facility tour, or a new book are just a few ways to gain knowledge. I particularly love exposing my clients to industries outside of their own. I find lots of new ideas bubble up. As a lifelong learner, I am at most energized when I am stretched and challenged.
Connecting Others Is Networking at Its Finest

Apr 30, 2024 | industryweek.com | Ashleigh Walters

In preparation for an event for Women in Manufacturing, ladies brainstormed some questions for me to think about prior to our interview. I find it fascinating to hear what resonated with the readers of my book, “Leading with Grit and Grace.” What’s interesting is I never feel like I am asked the same question twice. Why is that? Because everyone has a unique history and perspective. In addition, my readers face a lot of the same struggles personally and professionally.
Marketing Lessons for Manufacturers

Apr 2, 2024 | industryweek.com | Ashleigh Walters

“It’s always been this way.” Ugh. One of my least favorite statements. It recks of complacency in a world that is ever-changing. Instead, I prefer to be challenged and learn new things. Even though change is not comfortable, it is a sign of growth. The University of Tennessee’s Center for Industrial Services offered me the opportunity a year ago to design and build a peer group for manufacturing executives.