This week we chat with Ashley DelBello! No matter how much or how little support we get from our colleagues, we put SO much pressure on ourselves to succeed. And because of that, we sometimes feel guilty for taking extended vacation. Rarely do PR folks take more than 10 days off in a row. I know; I’ve done my own research on the topic!As professionals, we need to think about not only short vacations, but taking extended time away. It’s important for our mental health.Ashley is doing just that! She and I had a great chat about a number of topics.

Ashley’s background.Her transition from agency to client-side.How Ashley determined this was the right time to take a break.How Ashley adjusted to life while starting on her break.The importance of self-care.Tips Ashley has to start her mornings off right.Thoughts people should have before making a decision to start a lengthy break.What Ashley is up to next.

Thank you, Ashley, for your time!About Ashley:Ashley is an accomplished PR and communications professional with 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. She recently left her role as the Product Communications Lead at Neurocrine Biosciences to focus on personal development as well as to branch out on her own as a PR and communications consultant. Prior to this, Ashley served as a Director in the Corporate Affairs department at Amgen and was the U.S. Communications Lead for Amgen’s Cardiovascular and Bone franchises. In previous roles at Amgen, she worked on the Global Product Communications team where she managed communications for the Cardiovascular franchise, including pipeline products. Ashley has also held a variety of roles at several public relations agencies, including Weber Shandwick, Hill&Knowlton and Burson-Marsteller. Through her personal development work, Ashley has become passionate about mindfulness and the impact it can have on the world. She hopes to be able to bring mindfulness to the public school system one day. Ashley earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Spanish at Texas A&M University. She maintains her focus and sanity by doing a daily morning routine that includes gratitude, journaling, and meditation. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles and can be found on Instagram at @abdelbello.