Curator, Conversationalist, Los Angeles, USA

I’m in awe of women who bring people together in unusual ways, while revealing parts of themselves, their life. Ms. Aisling (æʃlɪŋ - ASH-ling) Carlson has shifted gears in her career to do just that, with the initiative to commingle curious people, in an online medium. I was introduced to Ms. Carlson by another fascinating WOW Woman (Philippa Hughes) and no wonder they are friends; these two ladies possess a heightened level of professionalism, wonder and curiosity about the world.

It took Ms. Carlson a special hindsight in corporate, tech and venture capital worlds to be able to have enough wisdom to invent her own job and carve a new path. Please enjoy the WOW Woman story from the sunny and gorgeous Santa Monica, California.

1. Name.

Aisling Carlson

2. Where is your hometown?

I have a few – a product of diplomat parents: Sydney, Paris & Dublin.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I am a Curator and Conversationalist. I build communities by designing and hosting interactive salons and discussions; which is a wonderful way to spend one’s day – talking to fascinating people and learning about the world.

4. What did you study in school?

Philosophy for my undergrad and then philosophy for my masters. It certainly doesn’t prepare you for any specific path in life, but it does equip you with critical thinking capabilities to tackle problems head on!

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the breakthrough moment for you (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

My career has taken a circuitous route. I have a background in tech and VC but knew that what I was really passionate about was fostering community through shared learning experiences. It only dawned on me that this could be a job when I created it myself through the company I co-founded – Faura -  with my business partner.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

I think I had vague notions that by the time I was 34 I would be married with 2.4 children and a white picket fence. But I realise now that this idea of life was never one that I truly wanted, but one that was fed to me as the life I should want.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Wow. Yes. Going through a divorce was incredibly painful. I met my ex-husband when we were young. We loved each other but were too immature to evolve together as a couple and so we grew apart as individuals.

I think heartache has become normalized in society such that we are desensitized to it when we talk about it in the abstract. We are so used to seeing it on the screen or in literature that we forget what it feels like. I got back on my feet with the help and support of my family and friends. And by doing some serious introspecting.

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

Sadly, I think the patriarchy continues to be alive and well. The #MeToo movement blew the lid off many of the most damaging workplace practices and cultures but more subtle and nuanced sexism is thriving. I think it is every person’s duty to continue learning and educating themselves on DEI as well as reflecting on their own personal beliefs and conduct. How else can we make progress?

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

Climbing mountains. I recently hiked Mount Whitney in one day – that was pretty rad.

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I’m not sure pride is how I would describe it, but I adore cycling, swimming and running and I recently got into triathlons. I am not particularly good at them but I take an immense amount of pleasure from the physicality of the sport.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I want to be kind.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Like many women, I think, I suffer with feelings of unworthiness. I worry that I am not enough and that means I have been guilty of making choices that aren’t necessarily right for me. I compromise my own wants and needs because I fear that no one will want my whole and true self.

But that’s BS. Like many of us I have lived through a woeful 2020 of loved ones dying, intense loneliness, feeling like the fire in me was being stamped out…

But I still have a beating heart and endless love to give. So, fuck you fears! I am worthy.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

I don’t think so. The richness of life comes from the good times and the hardships. We are beautiful and multifaceted beings because we have endured pain; it allows us to understand ourselves better and be more empathetic of others. Perhaps perversely I think this can make the world a better place.

15. What inspires you?

Nature. I love the outdoors and the beauty of the unspoilt world.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life?

Three ingredients that I could not live without are Love – for oneself and for those dear to you. A passion and pursuit – this is key for fulfilment. Community – to be able to support, and feel supported by, a network.

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

• I am adventurous. Whatever challenge you want to throw at me, I will likely be game.

• I commit. If I say I am going to do something then I will do it and I will give it my all. Sometimes to a fault.

• I am loving. I give much of my energy to supporting and caring for those around me.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

I am reading so many books right now as I run and am part of multiple book clubs; you could say I read for a living to a certain extent…!

Recent books that have moved me are: Americanah, by Chimamanda Adichie; Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given; and 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

21. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?

• I am inspired by my business partner and dear friend Jenny Pellicer. She is one of the kindest and most loving people I know.

• Jaime Carlson is another incredible woman I look to for inspiration. Her career and breadth of interests never cease to amaze me.

• Marnie Jervis is another WOW WOMAN in my life. She has incredible perspective, insight and resilience. I admire her deeply.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?