Episode 8: Ashley Gabb on Building with Vision and Impact

Episode Summary

What does it take to lead with vision, build across industries, and create lasting impact? In this episode of Live with Living Cities, guest host Valerie McDowell sits down with Ashley Gabb, founder of Gabb Consulting and former executive at global companies like Estée Lauder, HP, and Discover.

Ashley shares her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the pivotal moments that shaped her purpose-driven approach, and how she continues to influence communities, institutions, and future leaders. From reimagining procurement at a Fortune 500 company to championing entrepreneurs and leading legacy institutions like the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Ashley’s story is full of lessons in resilience, innovation, and leading with purpose.

Tune in to hear Ashley’s insights on navigating challenges, accessing capital, supporting Black colleges, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Key Topics Discussed

• Purpose & Mission:
  Ashley shares her lifelong commitment to advancing equity, creating opportunity, and aligning impact with purpose through every aspect of her career.
• Entrepreneurial Journey:
  After a successful corporate career, she launched her own consultancy—twice—learning lessons about sustainability, low-overhead startups, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
• Change Management & Collaboration:
  Ashley emphasizes educating leaders, breaking silos, and using cross-sector partnerships to drive systemic change and inclusive business practices.
• Access to Capital:
  She discusses the persistent barriers entrepreneurs face, from insurance to limited funding options, and calls for flexible, scalable support from funders.
• Model Examples:
  Cities like Pittsburgh and Detroit serve as models for fostering diverse entrepreneurship and economic inclusion through intentional public-private partnerships.
• Guidance & Call to Action:
  Ashley encourages listeners to “lead from every chair,” showing up authentically, practicing patience, and contributing time, talent, and treasure to close equity and wealth gaps.