Meet Ashlee, the business owner of “Wone Consulting” a small consultancy business based in Western Sydney.
Ashlee’s business “Wone Consulting” specialises in delivering strategic, culturally-informed solutions that drive sustainable impact and empower communities, with a focus on Indigenous Affairs, policy development, and social justice.
“I received business coaching from Many Rivers, and my coach, Damian, has been a great support. He’s like a trusted advisor I can talk to about everything such as the highs and the lows of running a business.” – Ashlee Wone
Read more about Ashlee’s business journey so far:
Ashlee’s Business
I started my business in July 2024 with the goal of having the freedom and flexibility to choose the projects I work on. My consultancy, Wone Consulting, specializes in strategic policy, advisory services, and program evaluation. I support organizations, corporations, and government agencies by providing insights on policy, strategic advice, evaluation frameworks, and data analysis, all with a strong focus on systems change.
I have collaborated with various clients to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs; assessing funding efficiency and community impact. Additionally, I have worked with government organizations to analyse and refine policies, particularly to improve employment outcomes for First Nations people and foster more inclusive and productive workplaces. While my work has a strong focus on First Nations issues, my expertise extends to mainstream policies as well—because inclusive, well-structured policies benefit everyone.
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers? Why did you want to go into business?
Before starting my own business, I worked as an advisor in federal parliament for Linda Burney and Senator Patrick Dodson. That experience gave me a deep understanding of power, influence, and how politics shapes policy. It also reinforced my belief that systemic change is crucial for improving the future of Aboriginal people, and I wanted to be part of driving that change.
My background is in education—I have a bachelor’s degree in education and have worked as a youth worker and teacher. During that time, I realized that while I could make an impact on 30 students in my classroom, they would move on to other teachers who might not share the same insights, beliefs, or experiences that I did. This made me think more about broader, community-led initiatives that create long-term change.
I have also worked with organizations that support community-led prevention programs. Over the years, I’ve gathered experience across different sectors, and now I bring all of that together in my business. I try my best to offer my skills and insights to those who need them. I love what I do, specially building relationships with my clients and understanding the bigger picture of what they’re trying to achieve.
Working with Many Rivers
I found out about Many Rivers through my cousin as he also started his business with Many Rivers support.
Why did you want to go into business?
I wanted to start my own business to have flexibility around family and to be able to choose my own hours.
What services did you receive from Many Rivers? How did it help?
I received business coaching from Many Rivers, and my coach, Damian, has been a great support. He’s like a trusted advisor I can talk to about everything such as the highs and the lows of running a business.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
The mentoring from my business coach, Damian has been the most useful assistance for me. As someone with experience in business himself, Damian reassures me about common challenges, like cash flow issues, and helps me plan ahead. If money isn’t coming in right away, he reminds me that it’s normal and helps me manage my invoices. He also advises me on important things to keep in mind for the future, like setting aside money for taxes.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
No I didn’t get loan.
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?
No, its just me.
Biggest Challenge
Marketing and advertising my business has been the biggest challenge for me as its not my area of expertise. Creating the website for my business and trying to sell my business has been a bit hard for me.
Biggest Success
The biggest success has been watching my business grow every quarter. Another highlight is building strong partnerships with other consultancies. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with other First Nations consultancies and businesses on projects that create lasting impact and meaningful change in our communities. These partnerships help deliver sustainable results and make a real difference.
Biggest Change
I have more work-life balance now as I get to choose my own hours. I can give more time to my family and I am setting an example for my daughter to see when she grows up.
Future Goals
I hope to use my business earnings to pay off my mortgage. I also want to be more involved in government relations, using my experience in politics and policy to support organizations—both in the private and public sectors. My goal is to help them drive the changes they are advocating for and create a real impact.
Thank you Ashlee for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Ashlee’s small business, follow “Wone Consulting” through the following links:
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