WELCOME!
My name is Ashley Dodge and if you’re looking for an efficiency expert you’ve come to the right place. I have a passion for taking complicated systems and developing streamlined business processes that focus on outcomes and user experience.
It’s this combination of analytical thinking and cultivation of interpersonal relationships that allow me to see the big picture when creating processes. Not only is it integral for your business to document and monitor your processes but you also need to train and communicate the process to the folks performing the tasks. Managing change, performance, culture and personalities can seem daunting but by surfacing actionable data and clear communications your teams will be more prepared and successful in their outcomes.
WHY PROCESS IMPROVEMENT?
By improving processes you:
Cut out waste, increase customer satisfaction, and improve your bottom line.
Give team members clear expectations and strategies, thus improving work experiences and preventing burn out.
Enable the organization to easily pivot should new challenges arise.
Change is inevitable but if you have a clear road map it can be far less daunting. Process Improvement gives that map and allows you to monitor success, stay profitable and to re-align your goals/vision should the need arise.
VISUAL COMMUNICATION
Today’s workforce is made up of an intergenerational, multi-cultural blend of colleagues with varying learning styles and backgrounds. Visual communication helps to clearly illustrate and engage your team through graphic and data-backed storytelling. Visualizations strengthen users’ ability to retain connections far more effectively than text-based documentation alone.
My Bachelor’s degree from Simmons University focused on Visual Communications and Graphic Design, skills which I have incorporated into every role since. Through my undergraduate education, I was formally introduced to the concepts of UX/UI design and these principles have been fundamental to me when creating processes. No project in my repertoire has not been informed by acute consideration for the end users’ experience. This human-centered approach combined with clear and aesthetically pleasing process flowcharts, educational slide decks, training manuals, infographics and more has greatly improved the adoption of operational processes.
Data Analytics
I later married these design skills with my passion for managing through data by attending a Data Analytics and Visualization bootcamp at Harvard University. During this bootcamp I was able to hone my skills for accessing data sources, cleansing and validating data, and finally loading it into more robust visualizations such as charts, reports, and dashboards. Further opening my access to data sources, this course also taught me SQL, Python, VBA, and Java. Having had past experience with CSS/HTML coding as well as advanced Excel experience I was able to quickly adopt these new languages to tackle even more complex data problems.
METHODOLOGY
My approach to process improvement combines the teachings of Lean Six Sigma and design concepts surrounding UX and UI. It’s critical to not only understand the problem you are trying to solve but who you are trying to solve it for.
LEAN SIX SIGMA: DMAIC
Define the opportunity for improvement.
Measure the performance of your existing processes.
Analyze the process to find defects and root causes.
Improve processes by addressing root causes.
Control any improved processes and assess future process performance to correct deviations.
UX: DESIGN THINKING
Empathize to understand the user's point of view and interactions with the process by setting aside your own beliefs and assumptions.
Define the opportunity for improvement.
Ideate and get creative to brainstorm possible solutions.
Prototype your idea on a scaled down version.
Test your idea! Did it confirm or challenge your design?
When creating processes, it’s important to keep in mind the scalability of the process. Is your corporation going through a hiring surge or a production increase? Can this process grow with the needs of the business? The above methodologies are iterative and by monitoring the process outcomes and users’ experiences the process will be revisited and improved to ensure it is still applicable.
LIFELONG LEARNING
There is always room for personal growth and development too! I consider myself a life-long learner and joke that my favorite reading material is a good ‘how-to’ manual. I have a curious and inquisitive nature; I enjoy learning, “How does this work?” but also, “Why?” Whether it’s tuning up on an existing skill or learning a new one I’m always looking for the next opportunity to grow and step out of my comfort zone.