Dr. Ashley S.
Licensed Psychologist, Author, Co-founder at Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength
Leadership
Education: University of Central Arkansas - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kansas City, MO, USA
Biography
Your mind will keep you playing small... if you let it. I want to make sure that doesn't happen. I'm Dr. Ashley, a psychologist, speaker, and author, dedicated to helping others master their minds, break limits, and live boldy.
Your brain is wired to play it safe, avoid discomfort, and minimize risk. It convinces you that fear means stop and doubt means don’t. It tells you that confidence is something you either have or you don’t. But none of that is true. I empower people to build courage and take brave action—because growth, success, and happiness only happen when you step beyond your comfort zone.
I’m a psychologist, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience specializing in anxiety, mindset, and human behavior. I know exactly how and why our minds deceive us—how they distort reality, keep us stuck in negative thinking, and trick us into playing small. But the good news? You can train your mind to work for you—not against you—and I can show you how.
I don’t just talk about pushing past limits—I live it. Born with a rare visual impairment that makes me legally—and increasingly—blind, I know firsthand what it takes to conquer both real and perceived limitations. I’ve built a life filled with bold choices—and now, I teach others how to do the same. By blending science with powerful storytelling and practical strategies, I help audiences rethink what’s possible—for themselves, their careers, and their lives.
🎤 My Keynotes Help Audiences:
✔ Break mental barriers and build unshakable confidence—because the biggest limits are the ones we create.
✔ Overcome fear and take bold action—because courage is built, not born.
✔ Master their minds to lead, perform, and thrive—because your thoughts shape your reality.
✔ Recognize the impact of thoughts, emotions, and biases—so they can lead, connect, and make smarter decisions.
📚 My Book: The Way I See It: A Psychologist's Guide to a Happier Life
Most people have it all wrong when it comes to happiness. They chase it, wait for it, or assume it’s just not for them. But happiness isn’t about what you get or what happens to you—it’s about how you think and how you live.
Through short, entertaining, and easy-to-digest chapters, I blend psychology and engaging stories to help readers understand their minds and take control of their happiness. Because happiness isn’t luck—it’s something you cultivate.
Passion
I am passionate about the brain and maximizing happiness! I love learning about how our minds work and sharing that knowledge with others in accessible and actionable ways to make real impacts in all areas of life, professional and personal. I am passionate about using psychology and applied neuroscience to boost wellbeing and to help people thrive through adversity, perform at their peak, and create lives they love.
Featured Video
Featured Book
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions
Topics
Best Story
Many years ago, I found myself at a low-stakes Texas Hold ‘Em Game. Because the buy in was so minimal, I was fully prepared to part with my chips. When I was dealt a 2 and a 7, apparently one of the worst hands in poker, I decided it would be more fun to play than fold, so I played…and I won. My friend, who fancied himself quite the poker shark, was upset: “WHY DIDN’T YOU FOLD? EVERYONE KNOWS YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO FOLD WITH THAT HAND!” Well, sir. I didn’t. I played the cards I was dealt…and I played them well.
In the metaphorical poker game of life, we don’t get to choose our cards. We do, however, get to decide how to play them. Some people are dealt pocket aces and others get the 2/7 hand. Me? I got the disability card. While you might not be able to tell just by talking to me, I was born with a really rare degenerative retinal disease that makes me legally, and increasingly, blind.
I spent most of my life defined by and striving to hide my disability until my vision loss progressed far enough that hiding it was no longer an option. When I had to stop driving, I hit my darkest point. I felt my world caving in as I lost opportunities and independence. I was consumed by sadness and fear because I knew that everyone would see my flaw and reject me - personally and professionally, that I wouldn’t be able to do the things I wanted to do, and ultimately, that there was no way I could be happy with blindness.
Fast forward to now. My vision is the worst it has ever been and, yet, I am at peace with it. I am no longer sad or afraid, and I now know that my fears were unfounded. My once contracting world has expanded beyond what I could have imagined. My vision no longer holds me back, personally or professionally. I’m playing my cards well, and you can, too. Just ask me how.
Origin Story
A nice side effect of my job as a licensed clinical psychologist is that I have stellar coping skills, which I use on a daily basis. I've used those skills to overcome social anxiety to become one of those weird people who actually enjoys public speaking, and I've needed to rely on those skills to come to terms with vision loss.
At the time I had to stop driving, doctors could not explain why I was losing sight, and I still don't know if or when the vision loss will stop progressing. While my clinical psychology skills were helpful in dealing with the difficult transition and uncertainty, they weren't enough. I was still scared and miserable. I finally got so tired of staring down the barrel of a bleak future that I did not want, that I realized something had to change. Being the professional nerd that I am, I dove head first into the science of happiness. I read everything I could get my hands on, and I stumbled across some illuminating research and practices. The combination of clinical psychology, applied neuroscience, and the science of happiness have helped me to not only come to terms with vision loss but to truly thrive. While my vision is the worst it's ever been, I am at peace with it. I am no longer scared or sad, and I am living a life full of professional success, adventure, and meaningful relationships. I'm not special, though. If I can do this, anyone can. It is my mission to help others live better lives using actionable and effective psychological science.
Example talks
Seeing Beyond the Surface: How Empathy Transforms Workplace Dynamics
Our brains love shortcuts—but those shortcuts often lead to snap judgments, misinterpretations, and bias. In this engaging and thought-provoking keynote, Dr. Ashley Smith combines her personal story of navigating the world as a legally blind professional with insights from neuroscience and psychology to reveal how our minds shape our perceptions of others—and how those perceptions impact our workplaces.
Through relatable stories and actionable strategies, Dr. Ashley challenges audiences to pause, question their assumptions, and embrace a mindset of empathy and inclusion. Attendees will learn:
• How built-in brain biases influence our interactions and decisions.
• Why empathy is essential for fostering connection, collaboration, and equity.
• Practical tools for seeing beyond first impressions and promoting understanding.
This keynote is a rallying call to reimagine workplace dynamics by making space for humanity. Dr. Ashley’s powerful message will inspire you to look beyond the surface, assume positive intent, and build inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
Perfect for HR leaders, DEI advocates, and professionals committed to fostering workplaces that truly reflect the value of every individual.
Courageously Confident: The Key to Bold Living (or Leading*)
Anxiety and doubt can act as formidable barriers to success in both professional endeavors and personal growth. Fear and uncertainty can prevent individuals and teams from doing what is right, taking chances, or chasing big goals. The solution is to become courageously confident.
In this powerful presentation, Dr. Ashley dives into the captivating brain science and psychology behind fear, unlocking the secrets of conquering it and emerging with courage and confidence.
Born with a rare degenerative retinal disease that makes her legally – and increasingly – blind, Dr. Ashley intimately understands the challenges of facing uncertainty, fear, and insecurity…and how to overcome it all to live a bold life.
This keynote is not just a story; it’s a fusion of personal triumph and evidence-based knowledge. Dr. Ashley’s compelling narrative serves as a powerful backdrop to deliver actionable insights, leaving audiences inspired, motivated, and equipped with practical strategies to tackle life’s most significant challenges with newfound courage and confidence.
Audience Take Aways:
Gain profound insights – Develop a fresh perspective on anxiety, recognizing its potential impact in both the professional and personal realms and how subtle doubts may be hindering your life experiences.
Ignite unstoppable motivation – Propel yourself to new heights of motivation as you learn to embrace courage and bolster your confidence in the face of challenges. Discover the untapped well of strength within and become empowered to confront obstacles head on.
Master an anxiety conquering toolkit – Acquire actionable insights, practical strategies, and anxiety-conquering techniques that provide you with the tools you need to quash anxiety, silence self-doubt, and navigate uncertainty like a pro.
*This talk can be customized for leadership audiences.
Unseen Joy: Finding Happiness Despite Circumstances
Most people misunderstand happiness—and that’s exactly why they struggle to find it. We think it’s about feeling good all the time, getting what we want, or simply “just being positive.” But true happiness is none of those things. It’s about how we engage with life. In Unseen Joy: Finding Happiness Despite Circumstances, psychologist and author Dr. Ashley Smith dismantles these myths and reveals what actually creates lasting joy.
Through raw, relatable stories—including her own journey of vision loss—Dr. Ashley blends psychology, neuroscience, and real-world wisdom to show audiences how to break free from the hidden patterns that keep them stuck. Attendees will gain a fresh, eye-opening understanding of what it actually takes to be happy—plus science-backed, actionable strategies to shift their mindset and create joy, no matter what life throws their way.
This keynote isn’t just inspiring—it’s a game-changer. Attendees will leave with a new perspective, a clear plan, and the confidence to take control of their happiness—starting now.
Audience Take Aways:
Redefine happiness – Shift your perspective on what true happiness is (and isn’t). Move beyond the myths of fleeting pleasure, success, and “just being positive” to discover what actually creates lasting joy.
Unlock resilience and fulfillment – Cultivate happiness from within—even in the face of adversity. Build a mindset that strengthens adaptability, self-trust, and lasting fulfillment, no matter your circumstances.
Break free from hidden barriers – Recognize the thought patterns and mental traps keeping you stuck. Learn how to overcome negativity, dissatisfaction, and self-doubt to reclaim control of your happiness.
Walk away with a roadmap to lasting joy – Leave with science-backed, actionable strategies to navigate life’s challenges, fully embrace life, and create deep, meaningful happiness—no matter what comes your way.