Ashley Merryman

With Po Bronson, Ashley Merryman is the co-author of "NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children." "NurtureShock" explores cutting-edge research in child development and parenting that has significantly influenced perceptions about children. The book introduces the concept of a growth mindset, a collaborative effort with Carol Dweck.

A two-time New York Times Bestselling Author, Merryman's other notable work includes "Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing," which also achieved bestseller status. Her writings have been widely recognized and cited in over 1,000 books and journal articles, emphasizing her influence in the field.

Merryman and Bronson have written for Newsweek, New York Magazine, Time, The Daily Beast, The Guardian (UK), among other publications. Their work has been featured by Good Morning America, Nightline, AC360, Fox & Friends, "All Things Considered," "Fresh Air," and "Talk of the Nation." Merryman has also shared her insights on The Charlie Rose Show, AC360, This American Morning, MSNBC, Kurt Andersen's Studio 360, "RadioWest," The Brian Lehrer Show, and numerous other radio and television shows, including "The Lawfare Podcast," discussing Pentagon sexual harassment policy.

Besides her success as an author, Merryman is a Leadership & Peak Performance Advisor, consulting with Fortune 100 business executives, military leaders, and top athletes and coaches. She has also taught Olympians and professional athletes how to perform under pressure. Her role extends to advising on building winning cultures and coaching on institutional change. She uses science-based insights to help organizations and individuals unlock new pathways to success.

Merryman holds an appointment as a Non-Resident Senior Fellow for the Joint Special Operations University and has served at the Pentagon as the Special Advisor on Diversity and Inclusion for the Chief of Naval Operations and as Special Advisor for the Department of the Navy. She has received a Meritorious Civilian Service Award from the United States Navy for her contributions.

A former Poynter Fellow for Journalism at Yale University and a William J. Clinton Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Arkansas’ Clinton School of Public Service, Merryman has also earned 11 awards for her writing.

Merryman graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts and a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University. Previously, she was a litigation attorney and a speechwriter in the Clinton Administration. She resides in Los Angeles, where she directed a small, all-volunteer tutoring program for inner-city kids, helping over 800 children over 11 years. She has received commendations from both the Clinton and Bush Administrations for her civic engagement.

Merryman continues to be a sought-after public speaker, addressing topics such as teamwork, innovation, feedback, diversity in leadership, and gender differences in the workplace. Her talks include "When 2+2=5. The Real Science of Teams and Teamwork," "Increasing Innovation: The Science of Creativity," "How to Get Better: The Art & Science of Giving Feedback," "Leading in a Diverse Environment," and "Gender Differences at Work." Her presentations combine fascinating anecdotes with cutting-edge research, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.