In the competitive landscape of professional development, conventional wisdom often emphasizes the importance of work-life balance. However, Ashley Etienne, former communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, offers a contrasting perspective that challenges this traditional narrative.
“I didn’t understand this concept of balance until Michelle Obama became the First Lady,” Etienne reveals, reflecting on her early career trajectory. “My life was completely imbalanced – like I didn’t even want balance. I wanted to fully immerse myself in my work.”
Five pillars of professional advancement
Through her journey from political newcomer to trusted advisor for some of Washington’s most powerful leaders, Etienne has developed several key strategies for professional success:
- The first strategy involves embracing discomfort. “I’m one that always runs to the fire,” she explains, describing her tendency to seek out challenging situations that others might avoid. This approach has consistently placed her alongside the most skilled professionals in her field.
- Taking calculated risks forms her second pillar. From boarding a plane to Washington with no connections to managing high-stakes political communications, Etienne’s career has been built on carefully considered gambles that yielded significant returns.
- The third strategy focuses on building diverse professional relationships. “I will advise folks and young people to not make any assumptions about who those people can be,” she notes, emphasizing that mentors and allies often come from unexpected places.
- Understanding your audience represents her fourth principle. “When you think about building an effective communications message and strategy, it’s all about knowing your audience,” she explains, highlighting the importance of deep comprehension of others’ motivations and concerns.
- The final strategy involves maintaining unwavering focus during crucial moments. “Iron sharpens iron,” she says, describing her experience working with Nancy Pelosi during the Trump years.
Redefining self-care in high-pressure environments
While much of today’s professional discourse centers on work-life balance and self-care, Etienne offers a nuanced perspective. As a former runner who logged five miles daily, she viewed physical activity not as self-care but as a necessary outlet for managing professional pressure.
“The beautiful thing about communications is, it’s sort of almost immediate gratification,” she explains. “You get a cover story on the Washington Post, you’re like ‘Yes!’ And it kind of becomes adrenaline. You want more and you want more of it.”
The evolution of professional identity
Etienne’s approach to career development has evolved significantly since becoming a mother. “Now you’re living for other people, and it becomes harder for you to invest in yourself,” she reflects. This transition has led her to develop new strategies for maintaining professional momentum while managing personal responsibilities.
Her experience as a single mother while serving in high-pressure roles has shaped her perspective on professional development. “I had to take her kind of everywhere I went,” she says of her daughter, “and that felt like a bummer, but was really great because I’m exposing my daughter to everything.”
Creating lasting impact
Perhaps most striking about Etienne’s career philosophy is her emphasis on creating opportunities for future generations. Her daughter, who took her first steps in the Executive Office Building, has grown up with a sense of possibility that Etienne herself never experienced as a child.
“She walks through life expecting that she can do anything and everything,” Etienne says proudly. This transformation of expectations across generations represents what she considers her most significant professional achievement.
For professionals navigating their own career paths, Etienne’s journey offers valuable insights into the relationship between personal sacrifice and professional achievement. Her story suggests that success might not always require perfect balance, but rather strategic imbalance at key moments in one’s career.
As workplaces continue to evolve and traditional career paths become increasingly fluid, Etienne’s approach to professional development provides a framework for those seeking to make their mark in demanding fields. Her experience demonstrates that while the path to success may require significant personal investment, the impact can extend far beyond individual achievement to inspire future generations.
