Leah Ashburn

Leah leads Asheville’s first brewery since Prohibition. The company is deeply rooted in community and a Thirst for GoodTM.

During Leah’s tenure, Highland rebranded, expanded its facilities, deepened its community impact, and developed a thriving destination even through COVID, Helene, and losing her father. She is known for her values-based leadership style and for speaking honestly about the emotional realities leaders face.

Past keynotes:

Asheville Chamber Woman Up Awards,
Brewbound’s national craft beer conference, Henderson County Chamber,
Wilmington Chamber

2026 keynotes: 

Asheville Chamber Woman Up Awards,
Competitive Enterprise Institute, Davie County Chamber, Net App, NC Craft Brewers Conference

Leadership & Media

  • NC Governor’s WNC Recovery Committee

  • James Beard Semi-Finalist

  • Good Morning America 

  • The New York Times

Leah Ashburn

Speaker and CEO|Family Owner
Highland Brewing Company
Asheville, NC

Booking | Contact
LeahA@highlandbrewing.com
828-412-0404 Direct

Signature Keynote

Lessons of Loss and Light

Leah shares candid stories of leadership during crisis and loss. She is at the helm of Highland Brewing Company, one of the pioneering craft breweries of the American South, while honoring the legacy of her father and founder, Oscar Wong. Her talk shares a journey of devastating events and personal loss entwined with recovery, peace, and joy. 

Audience Takeaways:

  • Reframe inevitable hard times as times of possibility 
  • Admit to pressure while retaining authority
  • More confidence to endure fear and unpredictability
  • Reconnection to the good in humanity and the human experience
Leah Ashburn keynote

Prepare to be Inspired

Audiences ideally suited to Leah Ashburn’s keynote include:

  • Women Business Owners
  • Women in Leadership
  • Small Businesses
  • Family Businesses

Leah is available for travel in NC, SC, TN, GA, and will consider all locations.

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