Ashleigh Vogstad is a dynamic and visionary leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to fostering human connection, scaling impactful partnerships, and championing diversity in STEM fields. As the founder and CEO of Transcends, Ashleigh established a groundbreaking channel agency dedicated to driving measurable growth for tech companies ranging from innovative startups to Fortune 500 giants like Microsoft. Under her leadership, Transcends has consistently garnered industry recognition, including prestigious awards such as the Microsoft Partner of the Year, which the agency has won every year since 2018. Through her strategic guidance, Transcends has become a cornerstone for channel partner success, leveraging shared values and cutting-edge marketing campaigns to create lasting value.
Ashleigh’s professional journey is steeped in a commitment to both purpose-driven initiatives and technical innovation. Her career began with roles that emphasized human-centered impact, including overseeing marketing and crisis management for His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. She later co-founded Global Bend, an agency specializing in measurable ROI for nonprofit organizations and technology clients, serving renowned entities such as the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education and the United Nations Foundation. Ashleigh’s work at Global Bend demonstrated her ability to align marketing strategies with larger humanitarian and organizational goals, a hallmark of her career.
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Ashleigh has held key roles at organizations such as Microsoft, where she managed global ISV programs, and Change Heroes, a SaaS platform that revolutionized fundraising through video-driven friend-funding campaigns. Her innovative approach to client success and marketing strategies at Change Heroes helped raise millions for charitable causes, highlighting her exceptional ability to blend technology with meaningful social impact.
Ashleigh’s entrepreneurial spirit also extends into wellness and community-building initiatives. As a partner at Zend Lounge, Canada’s first kava bar, she championed a vision to nourish the mind, body, and soul, creating a peaceful space in the bustling world. Her ventures consistently reflect a passion for creating environments where innovation and connection thrive.
Ashleigh spent five years on the Board of a publicly traded Canadian company, Global Wellness Strategies, where she provided strategic oversight and guidance to drive the company’s mission and growth in the wellness sector. Her board experience highlights her ability to contribute to organizational success at the highest levels.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ashleigh is a sought-after member of the Fast Company Executive Board, contributing thought leadership on the intersections of technology, marketing, and social innovation. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Simon Fraser University and has completed additional coursework in public relations and communication at The University of British Columbia. Her certifications in business storytelling, content strategy, and UX design further reinforce her commitment to mastering the art and science of impactful communication.
Ashleigh’s ability to seamlessly navigate the worlds of technology, marketing, and humanitarian efforts makes her a standout leader and innovator. She continues to inspire as a champion for diversity in STEM and a driving force behind campaigns that transform vision into reality.
Character: Ashleigh Vogstad embodies a purpose-driven leadership style rooted in fostering human connection and advocating for diversity in STEM.
Knowledge: With expertise in marketing, technology partnerships, and nonprofit innovation, she combines technical acumen with a deep understanding of impactful strategies.
Strategic: Ashleigh excels at scaling vision and driving measurable growth through partnerships and innovative campaigns tailored to client needs.
Communication: A skilled storyteller and marketer, she effectively bridges ideas and audiences, delivering impactful messages that resonate across industries.
