Happy August Baddies!
It somehow went from June 1st to August 1st faster than the Astronomer CEO was able to duck from the camera at the Coldplay concert, and we are just going to embrace it.
🎶 Newsletter Sounds: A few songs that matched my energy this month. Listen here while you read.
If I had to assign a word for July, it would be transition. I’ve set a lot of intentions out into the world, and I am excited to see where the chips fall.
📆 Month in Review
July was about slowing down, reassessing, and finding joy in the in-between. I started the month surrounded by friends, fireworks, and a quick Long Island escape that reminded me how much I value moments that allow you to slow down and enjoy.
Once I got back, it was time to focus. I skipped hosting F3 events and gave myself space to use July as a true mid-year checkpoint. The first half of the year always moves fast, and this was my moment to pause, reflect, and figure out what needs to shift before 2025 wraps.
Some themes came up as I reflected:
I’ve gone from being an independent product leader and advisor to a community leader, and now a business creator and event curator. I love that list, and I want to open myself to more opportunities that let me grow in those avenues.
I’ve been asking what growing F3 looks like. For those unfamiliar, F3 (Founders, Funders, Fractionals) is my future of work community where I not only partner with individuals to educate the startup ecosystem on fractional talent, I also bring people together to brainstorm deeply about building better businesses. After one year, we’ve held 13 events, welcomed 705 attendees across 4 cities (NY, LA, SF, ATX), and partnered with brands like Carta, Persona, Parlor Social Club, Brainstation, and iDelSoft. I’m proud of that foundation and ready to take it further. That means designing an ecosystem that bridges the gap between the magic of in-person events and what happens in between. More on that soon.
I’ve been thinking about how to maximize me. I’m one person with a lot of thoughts, ideas, and projects I’m excited about. This newsletter was born out of that realization. It’s a way to keep you updated and plugged in.
July also brought the soft launch of a new offer for small business owners. It combines my decade of experience bridging online and offline customer experiences with what I’ve learned building community this past year.
Check it out here. And if you know a small business that could benefit, send them my way.
And last but not least, July ended with another trip around the sun. Happy Sweet Sixteen times two to me :)
💬 A Concept I’m Thinking About
How can IRL and online connect without feeling like yet another rinse-and-repeat community?
Lately, I’ve been sitting with that question especially when I look at F3. I can’t help but notice that most online communities are starting to feel the same: intros, content support, events, role-specific channels, and an occasional thread for opportunities. All useful, but I know how hard it is to stay on top of every community you’re already in.
So the real question for me is how to make F3’s digital layer feel fresh, worth coming back to, and true to what makes this community different.
Here’s what I know founders, funders, and fractionals need most:
Opportunities to meet the right, well-connected people
Ways to maximize their time while still networking meaningfully
Environments where building feels less lonely, less stressful, and more supported
That’s where I’m starting. You’ll be the first to know what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next.
💭 What I’m Dreaming About
July reminded me why I became an entrepreneur: to design my life on purpose. I’ve been dreaming about what my ideal days look like, how I’ll celebrate milestones (Tatiana is absolutely on the list), and how I’ll keep God and my values at the center of it all.
Here’s to future me. I know all this building will be worth it.
📚 What I’m Reading This Month
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport.
Part of my mission in championing fractional talent is understanding why this model hasn’t fully stuck yet. A big piece of it comes down to how we define “productivity.” For knowledge workers, the definition is gray and personal, yet we’ve forced it into rigid structures like 40+ hours in an office and endless check-ins, all in the name of being “productive.”
This book is helping me put language to what I’ve always felt: real productivity looks different for everyone. And that matters as we rethink how work gets done.
Before I sign off…
Before I go, here’s what I’m calling in this next month:
Clarity on how to bring F3 online in a way that feels different and valuable
Consistent content that connects me with future clients, partners, and collaborators
The right West Coast partners to help bring a few Tech Week events to life
If you’re building something and could use support — or just need the right person to talk to — I’m always down to help or make a connection.
Whether you’re looking for a thought partner, a fresh perspective, or someone to help you get unstuck, here’s how I currently support folks:
Product and go-to-market strategy for founders
Community building and activation for brands
Hosting or moderating thoughtful, impactful conversations
Collaborating with creators on aligned projects
If something here speaks to you (or someone you know), I’d love to hear from you.
If you made it this far, thank you. Hit reply and let me know what landed — or what you want more of next time. I’d love to hear from you.
Grateful you’re here. Talk soon.
xx,
Ashley
Startup Baddie