Introduction: Welcome to another episode of The Amber Stitt Show! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Ashton Rodenhiser from Mind's Eye Creative, a pioneer in the world of graphic facilitation. In this episode, Amber and Ashton discuss how visual storytelling can transform mundane meetings and conferences into engaging and memorable experiences. Ashton shares insights into her journey as an entrepreneur and the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals. So let's dive into the power of visual storytelling with Ashton Rodenhiser!
Unleashing Creativity through Visual Tools: Ashton's journey into the world of graphic facilitation began when she discovered the intersecting worlds of facilitation and graphic design. She fell in love with the idea of visualizing ideas and creating an environment where people feel valued and heard. By introducing a visual aspect to group processes, Ashton found a unique way to engage participants by tapping into their inherent visual learning abilities. This innovative approach allows her to provide feedback in both words and pictures, stimulating greater understanding and connection.
Enhancing Communication and Productivity: Amber and Ashton discuss the importance of effective communication in various industries, including insurance planning. They highlight the need to cater to different learning styles and the power of visual tools in making complex information more accessible and memorable. Ashton explains how visual representations, such as illustrations and infographics, can condense hours-long meetings into concise images that can be easily reflected upon. This not only saves time but also serves as an accountability tool, helping teams stay on track with their goals.
Building Success in Entrepreneurship: Ashton's journey into entrepreneurship was not without its challenges. She emphasizes the importance of finding supportive communities that understand the unique nuances of her work. Surrounding herself with fellow entrepreneurs helped her maintain perspective, gain inspiration, and learn from their experiences. Ashton also stresses that success in entrepreneurship requires a balance between creative expression and business acumen. By constantly sliding between the roles of artist and serious business person, Ashton has created a thriving business that allows her to make a meaningful impact on her clients and industry.
Embracing Personal Growth and Mentorship: Amber and Ashton discuss the importance of personal growth and why it's essential to embrace opportunities for self-reflection and improvement. Ashton shares how she has shifted her focus from hiding behind her work and illustrations to stepping into her own unique voice. She highlights the value of transparency and mentorship, especially within her industry, as it allows aspiring graphic facilitators to find the evidence of their own success.
Expanding Horizons: Ashton's work transcends borders and geographical limitations. With an international community of fellow graphic facilitators and recorders, she emphasizes the collaborative nature of her industry. Rather than seeing others as competitors, Ashton believes in the power of collaboration and learning from each other. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and coaching up-and-coming graphic facilitators, recognizing the importance of supporting future generations in this growing field.
Conclusion: The power of visual storytelling is undeniable, and Ashton Rodenhiser is at the forefront of revolutionizing how we communicate and learn. Through her innovative approach to graphic facilitation, Ashton has transformed meetings and conferences into interactive and memorable experiences. Her journey as an entrepreneur highlights the importance of perseverance, finding supportive communities, and embracing personal growth.
If you want to unlock the true potential of visual storytelling in your business or event, don't hesitate to reach out to Ashton Rodenhiser and Mind's Eye Creative. Together, you can discover the transformative power of combining words and images to create engaging and impactful experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Thank you for tuning in to The Amber Stitt Show, where we bring you conversations with inspiring individuals who are making a difference in their fields. Join us next week for another episode packed with valuable insights and advice. Until then, embrace the power of visual storytelling and let your creativity soar!
To learn more about Ashton please use her links:
Timestamped Overview:
00:43 Graphic facilitation 10 years ago, fell in love. 05:37 Visual aids enhance workplace communication and engagement. 06:54 Book reading, storytelling, pictures, memorizing, linking 11:39 Complications, solopreneur, referrals, unique niche, entrepreneurship 14:28 Pre/post COVID life, traveling, connecting with industry peers, rising demand. 18:39 Celebrate success, share it, help others. 21:38 Working on important projects despite lack of support. 23:39 Grateful for sharing, looking forward to connecting.