Leadership is about more than just expertise—it’s about empowering others to succeed, a belief strongly held by Penny Ashley-Lawrence. As Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Workiva, she ensures that customers and partners achieve their business objectives through the platform. Under her leadership, the company’s customer success, services, support, operations, and enablement teams have been redefined to deliver best-in-class experiences. Her commitment to fostering an environment where employees feel heard and valued has helped Workiva accelerate its efforts in advancing workplace equality and customer satisfaction.
Originally from the United States, Ashley-Lawrence earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from East Carolina University. Her career spans over two decades in sales, marketing, and management, particularly in SaaS and online marketing industries. Before joining Workiva, she held senior customer success leadership roles at LogMeIn and Citrix, where she developed a reputation for building strong client relationships and driving operational excellence. At Workiva, she leads initiatives that prioritize customer engagement, ensuring that clients maximize the value of the platform and achieve their strategic goals.
Ashley-Lawrence encourages professionals—especially women—to embrace both fearlessness and the discomfort of growth. "Failure is totally fine. Just don’t make the same mistake twice," she advises, highlighting the importance of resilience in leadership. She emphasizes the power of allyship, advocating for inclusive workplaces where every voice is valued. Her approach to mentorship includes actively expanding networks, seeking diverse perspectives, and nurturing a culture where employees are empowered to contribute and innovate. Through her leadership at Workiva, Ashley-Lawrence continues to shape a future where diverse voices are integral to business success and workplace transformation.