Side Projects Don't Work, Quit Your Job | Ashley Thompson (Founder/CEO, Mush)

Ashley Thompson is the co-founder and CEO of Mush, the ready-to-eat overnight oats brand redefining breakfast. After earning a degree in math and economics from Columbia, Ashley began her career as a trader at Goldman Sachs. But after three years on Wall Street, she left finance behind to chase a bigger mission: building Mush. Since then, she’s grown Mush into a multimillion-dollar brand with nationwide distribution. Along the way, she pitched Mush on Shark Tank and landed a deal with Mark Cuban. Through relentless focus, getting early consumer feedback, and her personal connection to wellbeing, Ashely has built a category-defining brand.

For a deeper dive into the episode, check out Carly's Substack: https://carlymalatskey.substack.com/

Where to find She Leads:

• Apple Podcasts
• Website
• Spotify
• YouTube
• Instagram
• X (Twitter)
• Substack

Where to find Carly:

• LinkedIn
• X (Twitter)

Where to find Ashley:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-thompson-50888626/

Referenced:

• Columbia University: https://www.columbia.edu
• Goldman Sachs: https://www.goldmansachs.com
• Mark Cuban: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-cuban-06a0751b
• Mush: https://www.eatmush.com
• Publix: https://www.publix.com

Timestamps:

(2:57) Ashley’s childhood

(6:54) The surprising childhood creations

(9:54) How mental health influenced the journey

(17:16) The early years at Goldman Sachs

(25:41) Why overnight oats?

(29:39) It’s important to quit

(34:35) What drew Ashley to San Diego

(36:59) Getting early consumer feedback

(39:05) Adapting to entrepreneurship

(43:37) Winning Whole Foods

(48:15) The story of Shark Tank

(52:01) Insights into the CPG industry