Ashelyn James brings a unique blend of strategic leadership and communication expertise to Ty Boyd Inc., with a proven track record of developing powerful presenters and effective leaders. Her passion for helping others find and amplify their voice comes from years of experience directing the CMS Foundation’s acclaimed Teacher Talks program, where she coaches educators to craft compelling narratives and deliver impactful presentations to live audiences.
With extensive experience in organizational strategy and change management, Ashelyn excels at helping professionals transform their communication style and leadership presence. Her background includes serving as Director of Communications Strategy for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and working as a Management Consultant with Accenture’s Strategy practice, where she specialized in guiding organizations and their leaders through complex transformations.
Ashelyn’s approach to executive coaching and presentation skills development is informed by her deep understanding of both corporate and educational environments. She holds a B.A. in International Studies and Spanish from UNC-Chapel Hill (Morehead-Cain Scholar), an M.S.Ed. in International Educational Development from the University of Pennsylvania, and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the Broad Center for the Management of School Systems.
A North Carolina native and daughter of two educators, Ashelyn understands the power of authentic communication and its ability to inspire action. She brings energy, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence to every client engagement, helping leaders at all levels develop the confidence and skills to communicate with impact.
I love that we get to help people recognize their potential and show up more confidently and powerfully. The work is always inspiring. I also appreciate how invested each team member is in the success of others. Everyone lives out the ethos “It’s not about me,” and that creates a super supportive culture.
Describe the company in one word or sentence.
Ty Boyd empowers leaders to connect with purpose, communicate with clarity, and achieve beyond expectations.
What’s the number one thing you’ve learned since being a part of this company?
I learn from every encounter with my colleagues and the participants we get to work with. One thing I’ve come to appreciate is that it doesn’t have to take a long time to experience dramatic growth. Small changes can make a big impact.
What’s the best story from your time with the company?
I smile when I think about my own Ty Boyd journey. For years, I coached alongside members of the team for a program that elevates educators’ voices in the community. I really liked how they approached the coaching process, and I appreciated how much care they demonstrated every step of the way. I finally decided to go through the Excellence in Speaking Institute course, and I was inspired by the entire experience. It’s such a gift to now be a part of the faculty and facilitate that experience for others.
What was your experience like attending the Excellence in Speaking Institute as a student?
I was nervous about being packaged into some cookie cutter template of a presenter, but that wasn’t the case at all. Instead, my instructors (and fellow participants) helped me more clearly define and sharpen my individual style. There were so many opportunities to stretch myself and try out different techniques. It was part classroom, part laboratory, and fully engaging. I was able to immediately put what I’d learned into practice.
What should someone expect from going through the course?
Expect to learn new things about yourself, including where you can grow as a communicator and how to leverage your strengths to connect with others more effectively. Expect several “ah ha” moments, even if you’re already an experienced presenter. Expect to walk away significantly sharper and more confident than you were when you walked in.
What truly makes you different than other companies?
We not only bring an abundance of experience to the work, but also an abundance of heart. We believe that everyone can learn to communicate effectively, and we’re invested in helping people realize their full potential.
What did you want to be when you grew up, and how does that compare with working with Ty Boyd?
At one point as a kid, I wanted to be a cardiologist. Looking back, I think I probably just liked the way the word sounded. But even though I’m far from a hospital operating room, I realize that I’m serving others and doing heart work with Ty Boyd. I think the younger me would approve :)
Describe yourself in one word or sentence.
I’m a creative strategist who’s passionate about empowering people to surpass their (perceived) limitations and achieve more than they imagined.
What are some things you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Laughing with family and friends, getting lost in a good book, exploring new ideas and places, and pretending to be a barista with my home coffee bar.
