Episode #
51
August 5, 2026

Creative Thinking Wins with Ashley Smallwood

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Episode Overview

Ashley is a design thinker, facilitator, and educator with over 20 years of experience managing teams, leading projects, and designing group experiences. Her specialty is galvanizing teams to solve complex problems. 

Ashley has partnered with organizations of all stripes and been a leader inside organizations such as IDEO, Clear USA, Tough Mudder, and Teachers College, Columbia University. In addition to her work with People Playbook, Ashley is a Teaching Assistant with IDEO U. She has a BA in English and Art History from Georgetown University and an M.Ed. from Harvard University.

When she’s not working, you can find Ashley with a karaoke microphone, book, or spatula in her hand. She lives in the UK with her partner, Lee, and her rambunctious toddler, Millie. 

In this episode, Ashley shares her three points on how creative thinking wins:

  • Creativity Makes Work Better
  • Creativity Is the Edge
  • Creativity loves constraints

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Episode Resources

Episode Transcript

Episode Guest

Ashley Smallwood Three Points Podcast

Ashley Smallwood

Ashley helps people think creatively, work better together, and turn complex challenges into meaningful action. Her two-decade career spans IDEO, Clear USA, Tough Mudder, and Teachers College, Columbia University. Today, she works with People Playbook and supports the next generation of creative thinkers as a Teaching Assistant at IDEO U.

A Georgetown and Harvard graduate, Ashley now lives in the UK with her partner, Lee, and their toddler, Millie. Away from work, she’s happiest singing karaoke, reading a good book, or experimenting in the kitchen.

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