Episode Details

Ashley Schmitt is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of The Tribal Dream-Stackers, a publication and podcast network hosted on Substack.

Professional Background

Ashley transitioned into independent publishing after a distinguished 35-year career in the professional and legal sectors. Now retired, her extensive expertise is rooted in:

* Executive Paralegal Duties: Navigating complex legal information and documentation.

* Grant Writing & Research: Helping organizations access resources from foundations to create community impact.

* Consulting: Providing strategic guidance and research-driven perspectives.

Mission and Vision

Ashley describes her current work as developing a “Constellation,” a supportive ecosystem designed to elevate independent writers, small publications, and podcasters. Her primary goals include:

* Breaking Barriers: Creating pathways for overlooked or underrepresented voices to be seen and heard.

* Authentic Connection: Fostering a community based on collaboration rather than competition.

* Empowerment: Sharing her writing and research knowledge to help others convert bold ideas into lasting impact.

Creative Work

Through The Tribal Dream-Stackers, Ashley produces weekly articles and several podcast series, including:

* Winding Down: A podcast focused on relaxation, reflection, and real-life storytelling.

* News-worthy Stories: Articles that highlight rising creators and talent often missed by mainstream media.

Driven by a philosophy of “Sharing is Caring,” Ashley focuses on building a “concrete foundation” for her community through authenticity, compassion, and inclusivity.

Talking Points: Building a Constellation

When you look up at the night sky, no single star is doing the work of holding the shape.

The constellation is the relationship between them. Each star sits where it sits. Some are brighter. Some are older. Some are barely visible to the naked eye. But the shape of the thing you can actually navigate by only exists because of how they sit together.

Most leaders have been taught to think of their careers as a star getting brighter.

Marginalized leaders cannot survive that way.

You were never meant to be a single star. You were meant to be inside a constellation and to build one, and eventually to become a star that someone coming behind you uses to find their way home.

That is what we are here to talk about tonight.

The Core Reframe

A star alone is just a point of light. A constellation is what people navigate by.

The Four Positions in Your Constellation

Anchor each part of the conversation here. These are not roles people earn through niceness. They are the functions a constellation requires.

Position #1: Who Lifts You Up

The people above you who use their position, voice, and capital on your behalf sometimes, without telling you they are doing it.

These are not mentors. Mentors give you advice. Sponsors and elders spend something on you. They put your name in rooms you have not yet entered. They tell other powerful people who you are. They take a risk that costs them in order for you to rise.

You cannot reach where you are going without at least two of these. One who already trusts you. One who is still being earned.

“I do not need more people who like me. I need p