We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Ashlee Saddler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Ashlee, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
At one point in time, I banked so many vacation hours in my school district that I reached the maximum allowed. I wasn’t saving the vacation time for anything specific; instead, I was taking small spurts of time but not taking full advantage of my accrued time. As a school and district leader, I felt that taking sufficient time (or the time I needed) would be more work. I hated the idea of returning to work, facing massive To-Do lists and compounding expectations.

I took an unconventional route to school leadership. I entered the work with a mental health background. The health of the school was of the utmost importance. When I took on the principalship, relationships between the school and the community were damaged and student achievement was impacted. I walked in with the view that my job was to take care of the teachers and in turn, the teachers would take care of the students. I wanted to establish an environment where members of the school community (students, teachers, and staff) had a voice, felt seen and heard, and enjoyed learning and growing every day. Within two years, I created the conditions for a healthy environment where we saw 91% retention among teachers and movement to the highest student achievement rating within the State of Colorado.

As I focused on the needs of the students and staff, I was proud that I did it while taking minimal vacation time. I was showing the community that the students and staff were my top priority. I was invested and committed to the work. While those investment decisions had positive results for the school community, it had devastating consequences for my body. I paid an incredibly high price.

Over the years, I’ve learned that if we don’t proactively listen when our body is whispering for what it needs, it will demand what it needs through more aggressive ways. On November 19, 2018, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. For two years prior, I minimized symptoms I was experiencing. My body was screaming at me! I recall meeting with my general surgeon to schedule a surgery date for my double mastectomy. I had the meeting in December (2018) as asked if I could schedule the surgery over spring break as to not disrupt my schedule. I still had not learned.

I was fortunate to have incredible people around me to jolt me out of my disillusionment. Without hesitation, I agreed with the surgeon on the January surgery date. From that point, I began to prioritize my health. I began to prioritize me. Through eight surgeries (including a failed reconstruction), I was forced to not just pause, but to completely stop.

I have learned to say “No!” and understand that it is a complete sentence. There is no explanation needed. I take my vacations and take time to <b>truly</b> rest…..both the mind and body. I cannot show up at my best for others if I don’t show up for myself first. It’s been a learning process. I hated the month of November (as my diagnosis month). So in 2019, my husband and I took a trip to Italy in November to rebrand the month. It was the first time I took a vacation without taking my laptop. In February, we went to Bora Bora,….without my laptop!

I’ve learned that I show up as my best self when I feel well, whole, and internally balanced. I can pour into others when I fill my cup first. I’ve learned that others will adhere to the boundaries I set because the price of negotiation is too high. Balance is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is Saddler Consulting, LLC and focused on leadership development, executive coaching, and public speaking. I have a mental health background so I approach executive coaching through a humanistic and holistic lens. My doctoral work focused on executive coaching and I provide coaching to all types of leaders including, education, corporate, and non-profit business leaders.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Colorado is known for its beautiful landscapes and I love incorporating fitness in what I do, especially during the summer. The first stop would be breakfast at First Watch. I was first introduced to the restaurant in St. Louis, MO and was so excited when they arrived in Colorado. Afterwards, we’d do some light shopping in Cherry Creek and then walk the mall to burn off some calories. Our next step would be my favorite restaurant, Cucina Colore on 3rd Avenue in Cherry Creek. The rest of the week would include other fitness opportunities. Tuesday would include walking the steps at Red Rocks and then doing some yoga on the steps. Following Red Rocks, we’d make the drive to Colorado Springs and have lunch at White Pie. We’d stay in the Springs and on Wednesday go to the Garden of the Gods and then head to Vitality Bowls for a healthy brunch. Thursday would be a day in Denver. We’d go to Mimosas for breakfast and spend time around the Five Points area to see historic components of the area. After spending time in Five Points, we’d go to Wash Park to walk the park and then eat at Washington Park Grille. Friday would be a day at home, cooking, relaxing, and spending time in the gym.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are quite a few people who supported me throughout my journey. First, my husband and parents dropped everything to continually pray for and care for me. I have incredible friends who showed up in dynamic ways! Stacey Smith, Dr. Biaze Houston, and Yolanda Greer were my rocks by checking up on me, praying for and with me, and giving me what I needed, when I needed it. I am incredibly grateful for a caring and competent medical team including Dr. Christine Rogness and Dr. Nadine Mikhaeel. There are so many people in my community of support who provided an outlet for me during my recovery.

Website: www.saddler-consulting.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ashlee-saddler-msw-b69b1088?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app 

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