In a recent interview on the Female Founder Showcase, Crystal McGregor, Program Manager of Tech Ready Women, sat down with Ashlynn Stewart, the Founder of Career XP. Ashlynn shared her journey from being a career coach and a mother to launching Career XP, an online community dedicated to supporting women returning to work. She highlighted the difficulties she faced in balancing motherhood and career, which inspired her to create a platform addressing these challenges. Career XP focuses on coaching, connecting like-minded mothers, and providing a tech component to streamline the job search process.

Feeling supported: TRW Female Founder Startup Program

Ashlynn discussed the significant challenges she faced before joining Tech Ready Women, including feeling lost and demotivated. The support and inspiration she found in the program's community were instrumental in reigniting her passion and providing her with the necessary tools to advance her startup. She emphasised the importance of finding a supportive network and how Tech Ready Women helped her feel validated and encouraged in her entrepreneurial journey.

Her Challenges

One of the major barriers Ashlynn had to overcome was imposter syndrome. She constantly questioned her abilities and the validity of her ideas. However, the positive feedback from the women she aimed to help reminded her of her mission's importance. Tech Ready Women provided a safe space where she could connect with others who believed in her vision, helping her overcome self-doubt and stay focused on her goals.

Brag Moment

Ashlynn proudly shared her experience with the Ascent Program at FishBurners, where she successfully pitched her idea to a large audience, despite being an introvert. The rigorous preparation and support from mentors paid off, allowing her to deliver a confident and impactful pitch. This achievement was particularly meaningful as it demonstrated her growth and determination, inspiring her young daughter and reinforcing her commitment to her venture.

What’s next for Ashlynn and Career XP

Looking ahead, Ashlynn is focused on building the Career XP community before finalising the app. She aims to engage with her target audience, gather feedback, and continuously improve the platform based on their needs. She is seeking advice from others in similar fields and inviting women to join the community for support and coaching. Ashlynn's journey with Career XP is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and the impact of addressing real-world challenges faced by women returning to the workforce.

You can reach out to Ashlynn via her LinkedIn or website!