Joining NB in 2025, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge from her background in project management and events. Joining part of our remote team, Ashley is an expert at keeping projects moving forward, paird with a naturally inquisitive mind, she loves learning about different industries through our clients. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling with her husband in her campervan Artio. Find out more about Ashely below...
1. Tell us a surprising fact about yourself…
I was a pretty good ballerina and tap dancer when I was younger. Surprising, because I’m about as graceful as a bull in a china shop and I couldn’t even tell you what a kick-ball change is now.
2. What are your top three life highlights…
- Earning my degree
- Taking a gap year to work and travel across Canada
- Getting married
3. Have you ever been told you look like a celebrity?
I was once told I looked like Bryce Dallas Howard. I don’t really see the resemblance, but I’ll take the compliment anyway.
4. What did you want to be when you were a child?
I wanted to be a hairdresser for the longest time, until one day I thought it would be a great idea to let my friend cut my hair. We were about 8, so you can imagine the haircut I ended up with. Safe to say I changed my mind after that.
5. What are your most overused words or phrases?
If you asked my husband he’d say something like “shut the door!” because one of my bug bears is being cold from a draft. But in the workplace I tend to use “and we can take it from there” quite a lot as way of compartmentalising tasks and projects.
6. What is the favourite aspect of your job?
I live for the moment when a project comes together. It’s a really great feeling being able to tick off the final things on your to-do list. Nothing beats crossing the finish line and sitting back and admiring all the great work put in by you and your team.
7. What is the most important personal attribute that you bring to your job?
I’ve got a naturally inquisitive mind. I like learning about different industries through the clients I get to work with and I like to think I’m great at asking the right questions to get the best out of people.
8. What tech innovation has made the most impact on your life?
As someone who is permanently cold, the electric blanket has changed my life. It is hands down the appliance I use the most. A heavy blanket that heats up to keep you warm and cosy, just genius.
9. What would you name your boat if you had one, and why?
I’m not sure what I’d call my boat, but I have named my campervan Artio, after the Celtic bear goddess. She’s heavily linked to the wilderness and exploration but also to protection and warmth. I like to imagine my van giving me a big bear hug and protecting me from the elements when I’m off on an adventure.
10. How would you convince someone to visit the place you love the most?
I love travelling and exploring new places but nowhere feels as special or nostalgic as visiting my home city of Edinburgh. It’s a great wee city to get lost in wandering around the streets and closes of the old town and visiting all the museums and galleries. A locals tip would be to walk up Calton Hill for the most amazing view of the city!
11. You're a part of the core NB team based in the Scottish mainland. What do you like most about remote working?
I have a friends and family spread across the UK, so I enjoy the location freedom! One week I can be working from my home office, the next week working from Dumfries and Galloway. Working remotely allows me to spend more time with my loved ones after work. All I need is a desk, stable internet connection and a steady supply of tea.