Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Davidson
Hi Ashlee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to speaking. When I was three, my parents gave me my first toy microphone and I would line my dolls up on the floor and sing and lecture to them for hours. As young adult, I quickly moved into the corporate communications space to further this passion while making a living. Over the last two decades, I’ve helped craft messages that move people and inspired action. But over time, I realized I wasn’t just passionate about the message—I was passionate about being the messenger. I saw how many women, especially women of color, were having trouble finding their voice and purpose in corporate spaces.
So I decided to disrupt that narrative. I founded Speak Aberrant to create space for authenticity, bold leadership, and purpose-driven communication. Today, I use the stage to empower others to use their voice—not to fit in, but to stand out. It hasn’t always been easy, but every twist and turn has brought me closer to walking fully in my purpose.
I’ve always felt a deep pull toward speaking—it’s been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Early in my corporate career, I found myself behind the scenes, shaping powerful messages for others. But over time, I realized I was being called to the front of the room. I wanted to do more than help people communicate—I wanted to inspire real change.
That’s what led me to launch Speak Aberrant. I created this platform not just to speak, but to model what it looks like to show up boldly, disrupt norms, and lead with authenticity. My mission is to encourage others—especially the next generation—to take up space, use their voice, and understand that real impact often requires us to get uncomfortable. But on the other side of that discomfort is power, purpose, and transformation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely hasn’t been a smooth journey—but every bump has built character and grit. I credit a lot of my mindset to my upbringing. My parents always encouraged us to thrive and pursue excellence, but they never shielded us from failure. They believed that adversity builds character—and they gave us the space to get uncomfortable, fall down, and learn how to get back up stronger.
That foundation stayed with me. One of the biggest challenges has been giving myself permission to gracefully evolve through every stage of my journey. Giving permission for mistakes, growth and to humbly brag when I’ve accomplished milestones. Vulnerability, fear of judgment, and imposter syndrome – those things will always be there. But I ‘ve learned to lean into the discomfort, because I knew that’s where growth lives.
Balancing Speak Aberrant with a full-time career and family life has required boundaries, grace, and clarity on what really matters. Tenacity isn’t about doing it all—it’s about staying aligned with your purpose and showing up, even when the road is anything but smooth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a keynote speaker, a communicator at heart, and the founder of Speak Aberrant—a platform focused on empowering individuals, especially women, to embrace authenticity and disrupt spaces with purpose. I specialize in talks centered on positive disruption, personal branding, and showing up unapologetically in every space you enter.
What sets me apart is that I bridge strategy with soul. I know how to connect with both heart and head because I’ve lived both worlds—the corporate boardroom and the community stage. I show up as my whole self, and I invite others to do the same. That authenticity is what fuels Speak Aberrant and the impact I hope to continue making.
What I’m most proud of is creating space for people to see themselves differently—to recognize that their voice, their story, and their perspective is enough to spark change. I don’t just speak to inspire—I speak to ignite action.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about living in Dallas is how much it has become home—for me and for my family. Since moving here, we’ve built strong roots through work, school, and community. We’re proud members of Concord Church, love cheering on Texas Rangers, discovering kid-friendly weekend activities and love that on our monthly date nights we never have to visit the same place twice because there’s always something new to explore!
Dallas has something for everyone—from amazing food and entertainment to opportunities for growth and service. And with the way business is booming, it’s exciting to see so many people coming here to pursue their dreams and build something meaningful.
If I had to pick one downside? Probably the traffic. But honestly, it’s a small trade-off for being part of such a vibrant, growing city that offers so much to so many.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.speakaberrant.com
- Instagram: Speakaberrant
