Episode 6: Sometimes, You Have to Fight for Your Friendships with Ashley Company

In this heartfelt and illuminating episode, Dr. Nandi Shareef and her best friend, Ashley Company, delve into the intricacies of sustaining long-term friendships. Reflecting on their 20-year bond, they candidly discuss the challenges, misunderstandings, and the necessity of fighting to preserve meaningful connections. As visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Jelani Travel, Ashley brings not only her travel expertise but also her profound insights into relationship building and maintenance.

Key Topics:

1. Accidental Beginnings:
   • Discussion on how their accidental meeting turned into a cherished, long-term friendship.
2. Surviving and Thriving After Conflict
   • Candid talk about a rough patch in their 20-year friendship.
   • Insights on dealing with life's stresses while trying to maintain a strong bond.
   • Sharing of personal vulnerabilities and how that aided their reconciliation.
3. Personal Growth Through Friendship
   • The importance of mutual effort, boundaries, and giving each other space and time.
   • The emotional journey and development that leads to a stronger, more resilient friendship.
4. Vulnerability and Truth as Tools for Healing
   • Embracing vulnerability as an essential part of friendship.
   • How focusing outwardly on each other's needs helps build empathy and understanding.
5. Advice to Listeners
   • The importance of taking intentional time and space, setting boundaries, and daring to be vulnerable.

Time stamped discussion points: 

00:00 The power of a chance encounter under the stairs that initiated a meaningful 20-year friendship

05:17 The challenges of navigating our thirties and the questioning of the longevity of our friendship that came along with it

10:17 An emotional reflection on the events that almost tore us apart and our commitment to creating an enduring friendship

16:12 How life's shifts challenge friendships, necessitating constant adaptation, flexibility, and commitment

18:16 The value in developing trust, emotional maturity, and communication for future relationships

22:59 The choice to gain perspective and experience empathy by focusing outward

Quotes:

• "We were always meant to be friends, and that's why our friendship has been able to withstand the test of time." - Ashley Company
• Regarding friendships: “Just because you don't have the answers doesn't mean you can't try something."- Ashley Company
• “When you dare to do that harder thing, that's when you get out of your comfort zone.” - Ashley Company
• "The vulnerability is being seen in that challenging moment and daring to continue being seen until you heal." - Dr. Nandi Shareef
• "Real friends will go into the forest and find you and bring you home." - Mindy Kaling referenced by Dr. Nandi Shareef

#TTDareoftheDay: Dr. Nandi dares you to get clear on the relationships that matter today. Reach out to someone you’ve drifted apart from, or take a step back from what’s not serving you. Be bold enough to fight for what’s worth it—and brave enough to let go of what isn’t.

Connect with Ashley:

• Websites
  • ashleyncompany.com 
  • gojelanitravel.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/ashleyncompany_

Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next time as Dr. Nandi explores the concept of "Dark Nights of the Soul" – those challenging periods in life when everything seems overwhelming and unending.

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