TheBridge profile: Heather Ashby

Name: Heather Ashby

Current city: Washington, DC

Current job: Associate Director of Technological Disruption and Artificial Intelligence at U.S. Institute of Peace

Past job: Acting Director Center for Russia and Europe at U.S. Institute of Peace

Q. How are you currently bridging the gap between innovation and regulation? USIP has a unique mandate as a U.S. government entity created to advance peace. Since the nature of conflict has evolved over time, particularly since the Reagan administration founded USIP in 1984 during the Cold War, we have sought to balance innovation and regulation. We have shifted our approach to peacebuilding as the world has changed while also engaging with different branches of the U.S. Government on their priorities and interests.

Q. Job advice in three words? Resilience, persistence, and flexibility

Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? How to make sure that innovations can support challenges or issues people are encountering in their everyday to understand the value of investing in new technologies, products, etc.

Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? To be flexible. Don't shy away from mistakes and failure and instead use them as opportunities to learn and continue to identify solutions.

Q. Can you describe a skill you have carried throughout your career that has always proved to be valuable? Linking strategy to action.

Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting? Casey's in Columbia Plaza near the State Department

Q. Why are you part of TheBridge community? Or, why do you think it's important this community exists for tech, policy and political professionals? I love how TheBridge brings people together either in-person or virtually to discuss the latest tech and policy topics. I have always found that helpful and exciting.

Q. Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend? Because I studied Russia in graduate school and recently worked on foreign policy issues involving Russia, I really like listening to a great expert on Russia Mark Galeotti. He has a podcast called In Moscow Shadows, which is funny, informative, challenging, and engaging.

Q. Each day is probably different, but are there certain skills you think are essential to your job? Attention to detail, listening to people (really listening and not waiting for my turn to speak), and brainstorming solutions to tough challenges that involve reducing violence in conflict environments.

Q. Living person you admire? Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins in the Department of State. She is phenomenal

Q. Most underrated virtue in an employee? Being gracious and showing support for colleagues out loud

Q. Favorite app? Instagram

Q. If you had to live in another city, which would it be? Seattle area. I miss living on the west coast even though I grew up in the DC area and my family is here.