This Wasn't My Plan

Ashlee
  • 4.8 (8)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This Wasn’t My Plan is the career podcast for high-achievers who’ve checked all the boxes (and done all the right things!) but still feel something’s missing. Hosted by Career Strategist and Performance Consultant and Advisor, RX Ashlee, it’s your no-BS roadmap to redefining success on your terms. Whether you’re pivoting, scaling your business, or ready for work that works for you, this show delivers sharp strategy, smart scripts, and real talk. No fluff, no filler, just focused guidance to help you lead, own your voice, and win with intention.

  1. FEB 6

    Why This Show Exists

    This episode is about what happens when your plan falls apart, and you stop treating that as a problem to fix. It’s about the quiet, unglamorous moments where identity shifts, careers reroute, and life asks you to grow up faster than expected. And what becomes possible when you stop performing a polished narrative and start telling the real one. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the throughline behind the pivots, losses, relocations, and decisions that shaped who I am and why this show exists. This episode is for you if: You’re realizing your life or career didn’t follow the blueprint you once trusted You’ve made choices that didn’t make sense to other people You’ve outgrown an identity that once fit, but no longer does You’re standing at a decision point and questioning what comes next After listening, you will understand: Why plans falling apart often create more alignment than success ever could How non-linear paths quietly build leadership, resilience, and perspective What most people miss about identity when titles, roles, or stability disappear The shift from chasing the “right” path to building something that can’t be taken away Follow This Wasn’t My Plan. Share this episode with someone navigating a pivot they didn’t ask for.

    31 min

  2. JAN 30

    Redefining Success

    "If you’ve done everything “right” and it still doesn’t feel right… listen to this. Season Two opens with a reset. Not because something broke. Not because I’m burned out. But because the version of success I was chasing no longer fits the life I’m living. And if you’re feeling that same quiet tension, this episode is for you. This episode is about one distinction that changes everything Most high-achievers are incredibly accomplished. They’ve stacked credentials. Titles. Wins. Proof. But accomplishment isn’t the same as success. This conversation is about learning the difference, and what happens when you stop measuring your life by what looks impressive and start paying attention to what actually feels sustainable. You’ll resonate with this episode if: • You’ve built a career that works, but something still feels off • You’re not lost or starting over, you’re just recalibrating • You’re standing in the in-between, questioning old definitions of success • You know your values, but your life availability has changed What this episode will shift for you: • Why accomplishment can feel safe, but still leave you unsettled • How to recognize when you’re chasing validation instead of alignment • What “life leadership” actually looks like in this season • Why redefining success isn’t failure, it’s growth What Season Two is really about: This season is built around real conversations with people whose lives didn’t go according to plan. Founders. Leaders. Professionals. Partners. People who honored the pivot instead of fighting it. No polish. No pretending. Just honest conversations about evolution, recalibration, and building a life that fits. Before you go: Season Two episodes will be released as they’re recorded, there’s no fixed drop day. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss a conversation. Share this episode with someone navigating their own in-between season. And DM @rxashleehayes with this question: What does success feel like for you right now?

    21 min

  3. 12/22/2025

    Your Career Identity: Understanding Who You Are and Where You Belong

    Your Career Identity: Understanding Who You Are and Where You Belong Season One Finale of This Wasn’t My Plan In the final episode of Season One, Ashlee closes the year with a conversation every high-achiever needs but rarely makes space for: career identity. If you’ve ever wondered: Who am I professionally? What do I actually bring to the table? Where do I truly belong? This episode is your mirror. Ashlee takes you inside the mindset shifts, patterns, and lived experiences that shape how we show up in our careers — and why so many ambitious people feel mislabeled, misunderstood, or stuck in roles that no longer fit. Through personal stories, client examples, and the emotional evolution behind her own career pivots, Ashlee breaks down: 1. What career identity really is and why it has nothing to do with your job title. 2. Why high-performers struggle to see their own strengths because adaptability becomes a double-edged sword. 3. How to identify the roles you naturally step into even when no one formally assigns them 4. The difference between skill and identity and why being good at something doesn’t mean it should define your life. 5. Why your next chapter requires letting go of outdated versions of yourself and how to recognize when it's time to pivot This episode blends reflection, strategy, and storytelling including powerful identity shifts from real clients, plus Ashlee’s own journey from pharmacist to founder, operator, and clarity expert. It’s the perfect closing chapter to a season built on evolution, ambition, and the courage to rewrite your path. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • How to recognize your real career identity • What your behaviors reveal that your title doesn’t • The three questions that help you define your next chapter • Why proving yourself keeps you stuck • How to trust your instincts when they feel risky • What to do when your professional identity stops fitting • Why nonlinear paths are becoming the new normal Listener Takeaways: • Your title doesn’t tell the full story — your patterns do. • You’re not stuck — you’re evolving. • You’re allowed to outgrow roles, labels, and expectations. • Your career identity is already inside you — you’re learning how to name it. Season Two Preview: Next year, Ashlee brings on more than one hundred guests with real This Wasn’t My Plan stories — people who pivoted, rebuilt, paused, left, returned, and reinvented their careers in ways that don’t fit the traditional mold. Consider this your permission to evolve. Special Thank You: Brittany — the creative engine and heartbeat behind Season One — thank you for shaping every episode behind the scenes. And to every listener: every share, every message, every moment you pressed play… you built this season with us. Stay Connected: • Follow the show so you never miss a new episode • Share this episode with someone navigating a pivot or identity shift • DM Ashlee on Instagram @rxashleehayes and tell her: What part of your career identity are you starting to outgrow?

    21 min

  4. 12/15/2025

    The Bridge: Why All Businesses Need an Integrator

    If you’ve ever worked inside a business—big or small—and thought, “Why does everything feel so chaotic?” or “Why are we always reacting instead of leading?” this episode is going to make everything click. Today we’re talking about the most overlooked role in organizations: the Integrator. The bridge between the people dreaming about the future… and the people responsible for building it. Most leaders don’t know this role exists. Most teams don’t realize they’re missing it. But everyone feels the impact when it’s gone. In this episode, I break down: • What an Integrator actually is —not in MBA language, but in a way you can bring straight back to your team. • Why big ideas fall flat without a translation layer and why execution suffers even when the talent is strong. • The signs your organization is missing a bridge (overwhelm, rework, shifting priorities, recycled goals, decision fatigue). • What changes when this role is in place alignment, accountability, clarity, steadiness, and real momentum. • How my entire career unknowingly trained me to be an Integrator long before I had language for it— and how EOS finally gave me the name for the way my brain has always worked. Whether you’re a high-achieving employee trying to understand why your team feels stuck… or a business owner wondering why your organization can’t seem to scale without burning your people out… this episode will help you identify the gap and understand what’s been missing. Because every business—every single one—needs someone who: • Translates the vision • Creates the plan • Holds the team accountable • Removes obstacles • Clarifies priorities • Connects communication • Protects momentum That’s the Integrator. That’s the bridge. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Mentions in this Episode: • EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) • The Visionary + Integrator dynamic • My journey into operations, systems, and leadership clarity Episode Takeaways: • Big ideas aren’t the problem—lack of ownership is. • Alignment is a leadership choice, not a mood. • Businesses don’t burn out from growth—they burn out from unclear roles. • You might already be acting like an Integrator without realizing it. • Clarity is what makes execution sustainable. Before you go: If this episode hit home, here’s your next step: • Follow the show so you never miss an episode. • Share this with a friend, colleague, or teammate who’s navigating growth. • DM me on Instagram @rxashleehayes and tell me: What part of your career are you beginning to outgrow? Thank you for being here. Thank you for pressing play. You’re not stuck—you’re evolving. And next week? We’re talking about my divorce from my pharmacy profession— a story I’ve never shared like this before. You don’t want to miss it.

    19 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    If You Feel Behind, This Episode Is For You

    Episode Title: If You Feel Behind, This Episode Is For You If you’ve been walking around with that quiet pressure in your chest, the “I should be further along by now” pressure, this episode is for you. Today, we’re talking to the part of you that’s tired, overstretched, and holding yourself to timelines that don’t match who you are anymore. The part of you comparing yourself… to an older version of you. The part of you grieving an identity or a plan you’ve outgrown. In this episode, Ashlee shares why feeling behind often means you’re actually evolving, not failing. You’ll hear stories from ambitious employees and business owners who all feel the same pressure—and the question that changes everything: “What version of you created that expectation—and does that version even exist anymore?” Whether your life is shifting because of aging parents, changing responsibilities, new opportunities, or a career identity that no longer fits, this episode will help you release the outdated timelines, reconnect with who you are now, and acknowledge the invisible progress you’ve been building all along. If you feel behind… come closer. You might be further along than you think. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. Why feeling “behind” is a signal, not a failure How pressure shows up when your identity, responsibilities, and values evolve. 2. How timelines you created years ago quietly turn into cages And why those expectations need to evolve with the person you’ve become. 3. Why employees and founders struggle with the exact same narrative Different roles, different stakes, same internal story: “I should be further than this.” 4. The question that snaps high achievers out of self-judgment “What version of you made that expectation?” and what to do when the answer is “someone I’m not anymore.” 5. The invisible progress you keep overlooking The internal upgrades such as clarity, resilience, and courage that never show up on a résumé but change everything. Key Takeaways • You’re not late. You’re evolving. • Outdated expectations create unnecessary pressure. • Feeling behind usually means you’re outgrowing your current chapter. • You can’t measure growth with old metrics. • Progress isn’t always visible, but it’s always accumulating. • You’re allowed to rewrite your path at any age, in any season, for any reason. Power Questions to Ask Yourself Use these to check your story and reclaim your timeline: 1. Am I actually behind or grieving an older version of me? 2. Is this expectation coming from who I was… or who I am now? 3. What pressure am I carrying that was never mine to carry? 4. If I removed the timeline, what would I be free to pursue? Episode Resources Follow Ashlee on Instagram: @rxashleehayes Work with Ashlee: rxashlee.com Join the newsletter for career clarity, leadership growth, and communication tools. If This Episode Spoke to You… • Follow the show so you never miss what’s next • Share the episode with a friend or teammate who feels “behind” • Send Ashlee a DM: What part of your timeline are you ready to rewrite?

    13 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    What I’m Letting Go Of Before 2026

    In this episode, Ashlee opens up about the powerful internal shift she experienced throughout 2025 — a year marked by releasing identities, roles, habits, and patterns that no longer fit. For the first time in nearly two decades, she stepped entirely out of the profession of pharmacy and into a fuller expression of herself: strategist, leader, visionary, woman on a mission to reshape how we communicate and lead. If you’re walking into a new season of your life, this episode will speak directly to you. It’s part reflection, part invitation, and fully aligned with the evolution so many high-achievers are navigating right now. Ashlee walks you through what she’s setting down, what she’s stepping into, and what it really takes to rewrite your narrative—especially when life has never followed your plan. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why 2025 became a year of clearing, cleansing, and conscious release How trauma, loss, transitions, and identity unraveling shaped her path The internal patterns that were quietly steering her decisions What stepping fully out of pharmacy opened up How over-functioning becomes a self-imposed ceiling Why “the fixer” identity had to go The shift from confidence coaching → clarity + leadership What the next era of RX Ashlee looks like What she’s choosing to carry (and what she’s not) into 2026 6 Things Ashlee Is Letting Go Of Before 2026 The identity of being the fixer She’s not the glue anymore — she’s the architect. The pressure to please everyone She’s trading likability for clarity. The need for external validation Alignment over applause. The belief that “safe” equals success Familiar isn’t growth. The guilt around wanting more Ambition isn’t betrayal. Over-functioning Doing the most isn’t the gateway to receiving the most. Key Takeaways Letting go is a skill you have to practice. Stillness can be strategic, not self-indulgent. Space isn’t empty — it’s powerful. Not every problem is yours to solve. You can love your life and want a fuller expression of it. Your next chapter requires clarity, not clutter. Powerful Quotes from the Episode “I’m not the glue anymore — I’m the architect.” “My value isn’t in doing everything. It’s leading with clarity.” “Letting go isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.” “I don’t have to do more to deserve more.” “You’re not stuck. You’re evolving.” “I am the voice. RX Ashlee is the vehicle.” Looking Ahead This episode sets up a major story arc for what’s coming next. You’ll hear more about her transition out of pharmacy in Episode 25: ‘My Divorce From Pharmacy.’ If This Episode Hit Home… Before you go: Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming in 2026. Share this episode with someone who’s clearing space for their next chapter. DM Ashlee on Instagram @rxashleehayes and tell her: What are you letting go of before 2026 begins? Thank you for pressing play. You didn’t freeze. You’re moving forward.

    23 min

  7. 11/16/2025

    You Already Have a Personal Brand, Are You Owning It?

    Episode #20: You Already Have a Personal Brand, Are You Owning It? 🎙️ This Wasn’t My Plan with RX Ashlee Your personal brand isn’t about going viral or building a perfectly curated feed—it’s about clarity. It’s about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and how you want to show up in every room you walk into. In this episode, Ashlee breaks down what a personal brand actually is, how it differs from your reputation, and why clarity in communication is the foundation of your career legacy. You’ll walk away with practical steps to define your brand, identify your signature “brand words,” and audit how you’re showing up—online and in person. Because here’s the truth: you already have a personal brand. The question is—are you shaping it on purpose, or letting everyone else define it for you? In this episode, you’ll learn: • What a personal brand really means (and what it’s not) • The difference between your brand and your reputation • Why clarity in communication is everything • How to identify your unique “brand words” and proof points • Why your brand should evolve as you do 3 Key Takeaways: 1. Your personal brand is your legacy in motion. It’s the story of who you are, not just the title you hold. 2. Reputation is history. Personal brand is strategy. One is reactive—the other is intentional. 3. Clarity builds credibility. If you don’t define your message, someone else will. Reflection Questions: 1. What do you want to be known for when you’re not in the room? 2. What 3–5 words best describe your brand energy? 3. Does how you show up—online and offline—align with what you want people to say about you? Before you can grow your personal brand, you have to create it. Next week, Ashlee will walk you through how to grow your brand—building visibility, credibility, and alignment once you’ve defined your foundation. Connect with Ashlee: Follow on Instagram → @rxashleehayes Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to define who they are and own it. Subscribe so you never miss an episode of This Wasn’t My Plan.

    19 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    What Coaching 3rd and 4th Grade Girls Taught Me About Leadership

    Podcast Episode #19: Coaching My Daughter’s Flag Football Team — Leadership, Lessons, and Letting Go When you say yes to something outside your comfort zone, you rarely realize how much it will change you. In this episode, Ashlee shares the story of what started as a simple volunteer “yes” coaching her daughter’s 3rd and 4th grade girls’ flag football team and how it became one of the most meaningful lessons in patience, perspective, and purpose. Because coaching 8- and 9-year-old girls? It’s not about grooming future CEOs. It’s about helping them believe they *can.* It’s about giving them the confidence to lead their own lives — to use their voice, trust their instincts, and take up space in whatever path they choose. You’ll hear what it’s really like to coach your own child, balance fairness with competitiveness, and build a sense of belonging where every girl feels seen, both on and off the field. Ashlee shares how this season reshaped her view of leadership, community, and what it means to show up for the next generation, not to control their journey, but to guide them toward their own. In this episode, we cover: • Why girls in sports are 1.5x more likely to have higher self-esteem and why that matters far beyond the game • How to coach your own child without blurring the lines between mom and mentor • The hardest part of coaching no one warns you about (and why it mirrors real-life leadership) • How parents shape confidence when they focus on effort over outcome • Why leadership isn’t about control — it’s about creating space for others to grow Your Biggest Takeaway: We’re not grooming future CEOs. We’re shaping girls who believe they can — girls who grow up with agency, voice, and courage to lead their own lives. Before you go: If this episode hit home, here’s what I want you to do: • Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next. • Share this episode with another parent, coach, or teammate who gets it. • DM me on Instagram [@rxashleehayes](https://www.instagram.com/rxashleehayes) — tell me: What unexpected place has taught you the most about leadership? Always remember: You’re not too much. You’re just done shrinking. And you’re right on time.

    21 min
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4.8
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

This Wasn’t My Plan is the career podcast for high-achievers who’ve checked all the boxes (and done all the right things!) but still feel something’s missing. Hosted by Career Strategist and Performance Consultant and Advisor, RX Ashlee, it’s your no-BS roadmap to redefining success on your terms. Whether you’re pivoting, scaling your business, or ready for work that works for you, this show delivers sharp strategy, smart scripts, and real talk. No fluff, no filler, just focused guidance to help you lead, own your voice, and win with intention.

Information

  • Creator
    Ashlee
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26