Ashley Tolbert manages virtual events with courage and confidence

Ashley Tolbert, today’s #PEOEISTeammateTuesday, manages events for the PEO EIS Strategic Communication Directorate. Never reluctant to tackle new projects, she organized the inaugural PEO EIS All Saints Ball and managed the first PEO EIS town hall leveraging Microsoft Teams.

Before joining PEO EIS, Tolbert was CIO/G6’s social media manager. Tolbert was pursuing an accounting degree at George Mason University when she began an internship supporting  the Farm Credit Administration’s Office of Congressional and Public Affairs. The internship inspired Tolbert to change her major to communications.

A native of Yorktown, Virginia, Tolbert’s parents met while serving in the Air Force. When not working, Tolbert enjoys spending time with her husband, dog and cat—all of whom love cuddles. Tolbert answered questions about her career and life.

What did you do after graduating from college?
As a new graduate, I applied for jobs like crazy. I ended up being offered a contractor position at the Pentagon supporting a Navy Public Affairs Officer. I wrote articles, monitored the news and developed talking points for a two-star admiral.

What is your proudest moment?
When I supported the Navy, I organized a virtual-awards ceremony that featured a four-star admiral. I was responsible for orchestrating everything, including the logistics and script.

I learned how to manage the event the first year because I had an amazing supervisor who showed me the ropes. She ended up leaving because she got a promotion. During the first year’s ceremony, I had on training wheels because I could rely on my supervisor’s expertise. The second year, I organized the event completely on my own.

How did you organize the first All Saints Ball?
In 2018, Ms. Smith decided to host a PEO EIS All Saints Ball. I had never organized a ball before. I reached out to PEO STRI to learn how they organized their All Saints Ball. I identified a venue and worked with a team to create a fun sequence of events. The event sold out. Organizing the first ball was not easy, but it was very rewarding when it all came together.

We received a lot of positive feedback about the first event. We took the feedback we received and incorporated it into the 2019 event, which had a shorter agenda to allow more time for socializing and dancing. I don’t go to balls every weekend. It’s nice to dress up in a ball gown once a year.

What advice do you have for someone who is organizing their first live event on Microsoft Teams?
I have three pieces of advice: practice, practice and practice. The more you practice, the easier it gets. Before I hosted my first live event on Microsoft Teams, I practiced with an internal team. Other people have to be involved because certain Microsoft Teams features won’t work if you are practicing by yourself. I scheduled time with my supervisors and clicked around. Once I noticed a pattern in clicks, I realized how it worked.

Live events are stressful. Try not to get rattled. There will be technical glitches. Focus on one thing at a time and what you can control.

More than 1,300 people watched Mr. Guckert’s first town hall in July. I was happy that event went off without a hitch.

You supported CIO/G6. Describe Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford’s leadership style.
He is an amazing leader. Despite having a very stressful job and working long hours, I never saw him lose his cool. He could be stern, but he never flew off the handle. He launched an internal “Why We Serve” campaign. I developed a social-media campaign supporting the initiative that featured videos of Soldiers and civilians explaining what motivated them to do their best work every day.

How would your friends describe you in one word?
Sassy. I try to make people laugh. I have a very dry sense of humor. Organizing events can get very stressful, so it's nice to work with people who can laugh. 

What do enjoy doing when you are not at work?
I enjoy hanging out at home. During his first town hall, Mr. Guckert said he is an introvert who goes home to recharge. I really relate to that. I need my recharge time.

What does a good leader do?
A good leader is a good listener. My team includes outstanding listeners like Tara Clements, Ellyn Kocher and Katie Morgan.

Describe your leadership style.
I try to be confident and give other people confidence. I like to lift people up and encourage them.

If I have to do something I have never done before, I stay confident that I can learn how to do it and overcome any challenges required to get it done. I think I do a good job making people think I am not afraid of trying new things, but in reality I am horrified. With live events on Microsoft Teams, I am sweating behind the scenes. But I don’t want people to see me sweat because that may stress them out.

What is your favorite word?
I like the word, “encourage.” I like to build people up. Everyone encounters challenges, but confidence inspires you to believe you can overcome them.

If you could thank two people for the role they played in your life, who would they be why?
My parents always had my back and believed in me. They always encouraged me. They never said, “Oh, that idea is crazy.” They said, “You can do it.”

What is the most valuable virtue?
Kindess. People say, “Kill them with kindness.” I have seen that work. I have also seen people rule with an iron fist. That works too, but it comes at a heavy cost.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who brought positive energy into a room. When I walk into a room, I want people to be happy to see me.