Dr. Ashley Smith

Dr. Ashley Smith Speaking Topics

• Courageously Confident: The Visionary Approach to Bold Living and Leading

  Our brains are wired for survival, not success. Anxiety, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs are the default—and they’ll keep us playing small if we let them. Whether it’s speaking up, taking a risk, or pursuing a bold goal, our minds are often the biggest thing holding us back.

  In this powerful keynote, Dr. Ashley Smith unpacks the brain science and psychology behind these mental traps and shows audiences how to challenge their thinking, stretch beyond their comfort zones, and build real confidence through courageous action.

  Drawing from her own journey navigating progressive vision loss, Dr. Ashley shares how she stopped letting fear run the show and became the CEO of her life, leading with Curiosity, Experimentation, and Openness. This science-rooted framework gives audiences a practical path to greater courage, confidence, and bold living and leadership.

  Blending relatable storytelling with research-backed strategies, this keynote leaves audiences inspired and equipped with tools to master their minds and unlock their true potential.

  Audience Takeaways:

  • Gain profound insights – Understand how anxiety, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs quietly hold you back in work, leadership, and life—and what to do about it.
  • Learn the CEO of Your Life™ Framework — Equip yourself with a science-based path to courage and confident action.
  • Build real confidence – Learn how to stretch beyond your comfort zone and take bold action, even when you’re unsure or it feels uncomfortable.
  • Leave with practical tools – Walk away with science-backed strategies to challenge your thinking, silence self-doubt, and overcome anxiety so you can move forward with clarity and courage.

• Unseen Joy: Finding Happiness Despite Circumstances

  Most people misunderstand happiness—and that’s exactly why they struggle to find it. We think it’s about feeling good all the time, getting what we want, or simply “just being positive.” But true happiness is none of those things. It’s about how we engage with life.

  In this enlightening keynote, psychologist and author Dr. Ashley Smith dismantles these myths and reveals what actually creates lasting joy.

  Through raw, relatable stories—including her own journey of vision loss—Dr. Ashley blends psychology, neuroscience, and real-world wisdom to show audiences how to break free from the hidden patterns that keep them stuck. Along the way, she introduces The 3 A’s Framework™—Attitude, Actions, and Attention—three things we can always control, even in the face of adversity. When intentionally applied, these core levers create more joy, meaning, and resilience, no matter what life throws your way.

  This keynote isn’t just inspiring—it’s a game-changer. Attendees will leave with a new perspective, a clear plan, and the confidence to take control of their happiness—starting now.

  Audience Takeaways:

  • Redefine happiness – Shift your perspective on what true happiness is (and isn’t). Move beyond the myths of fleeting pleasure, success, and “just being positive” to discover what actually creates lasting joy.
  • Find resilience and fulfillment – Build a mindset that strengthens adaptability, self-trust, and lasting fulfillment, no matter your circumstances.
  • Break free from hidden barriers – Recognize the thought patterns and mental traps keeping you stuck. Learn how to overcome negativity, dissatisfaction, and self-doubt to reclaim control of your happiness.
  • Learn The 3 A’s Framework™ — Use a science-backed roadmap to navigate life’s challenges while fully embracing life and creating lasting joy.

• Seeing Beyond the Surface: How Empathy Transforms Workplace Dynamics

  Our brains are wired for shortcuts—quick judgments, assumptions, and biases that influence how we see and interact with the world. While these mental shortcuts help us process information efficiently, they also lead to misinterpretations, overlooked potential, and workplace cultures that unintentionally exclude rather than include.

  In this compelling keynote, Dr. Ashley Smith draws from neuroscience, psychology, and her lived experience navigating the world as a legally blind professional to illustrate how our minds shape our perceptions of others—and why those perceptions matter. Through engaging stories and actionable insights, she challenges audiences to pause, question their assumptions, and cultivate a mindset of empathy and inclusion.

  This isn’t just about seeing others differently—it’s about reshaping workplace dynamics to foster connection, collaboration, and equity. With humor, warmth, and science-backed strategies, Dr. Ashley delivers a rallying call to move beyond surface-level judgments and build workplaces where everyone thrives.

  Audience Takeaways:

  • Discover hidden biases – Learn how cognitive shortcuts impact decision-making, workplace culture, and team dynamics.
  • Elevate workplace relationships – Discover why empathy improves collaboration, engagement, and overall team success.
  • Gain a practical toolkit – Learn actionable strategies to challenge assumptions, promote equity, and create an environment where everyone is valued.