The Courage to Pivot: Ashley Varnado on Success, Reinvention & Choosing Yourself

In this episode of SHE DECIDES, Staci Swiderski sits down with Ashley Varnado, a first-generation corporate executive, author, speaker, and former Managing Director at Bank of America Private Bank. Born and raised in a small Mississippi town, Ashley shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the youngest African American female Managing Directors at one of the nation's largest financial institutions. But after achieving everything she thought success was supposed to look like, a series of life-changing events, including the loss of loved ones and three strokes in 2025, forced her to reevaluate what truly mattered.  Ashley opens up about taking what she calls a "radical sabbatical," walking away from a high-powered career, and choosing time, health, family, and purpose over titles and expectations. Together, she and Staci discuss ambition, burnout, reinvention, networking, mentorship, using your voice, and why it's never too late to pivot toward a life that feels more aligned. This conversation is an inspiring reminder that success isn't just about what you build, it's about having the courage to decide what comes next. Because when she decides to choose herself, she creates space for an entirely new chapter.   🔗 Connect with Ashley Varnado Website: https://www.theashleyexchange.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyvarnado  Instagram: @theashleyexchange  Book: Out of the Yazoo Clay  Upcoming Book: Halftime