Born in Saskatoon, Canada, in 1987, Vivian Ashford grew up in a place that many would describe as quiet and unassuming. Saskatoon, nestled in the heart of Saskatchewan, is a town known for its sprawling prairies, friendly faces, and long, cold winters. But for Vivian, it was also the backdrop of her early struggles and the foundation of her fierce drive to escape the limitations of small-town life and create something bigger.
Her story is one of resilience, faith, and an unrelenting desire to succeed—a journey that has taken her from the icy streets of Saskatoon to the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, where she now consults as one of the most dynamic business strategists in the game.
A Small-Town Start with Big Dreams
Vivian’s childhood in Saskatoon wasn’t easy. Her family faced financial hardships, and growing up in a small town meant there were limited opportunities for someone with her ambition. But even as a child, Vivian was different. Where others saw the limits of small-town life, she saw the potential for something greater.
“I’ve always believed that your circumstances don’t define you,” she says. “Saskatoon may have been a small town, but I knew I was meant for something beyond those borders.”
Her early experiences navigating financial uncertainty gave her a sharp sense of determination. She excelled in school, driven by the belief that education would be her ticket to a new life. While many of her peers were content with staying close to home, Vivian had bigger aspirations.
Breaking Free: The Journey to University
At 18, Vivian took her first bold step toward creating the future she had always envisioned. She left Saskatoon and headed to the University of Virginia in the United States, where she pursued a degree in Business Administration. It was a world away from the life she knew—literally and figuratively. Moving from a small town in Canada to a bustling American university was both exhilarating and challenging.
“I was stepping into the unknown,” she recalls. “I didn’t have the safety net that many of my classmates had. But I had faith—and I had an unshakeable belief that I could carve out my own path.”
Her time at UVA was transformational. She not only excelled academically, graduating with a 3.8 GPA, but she also found her voice as a leader. Vivian was active in student government, led the Entrepreneurship Club, and became known for her sharp business mind and infectious energy.
From Analyst to Business Leader: The Rise to Success
After earning her degree, Vivian’s journey into the business world began with a coveted role as a Junior Strategy Analyst at Bain & Company in New York City. For a young woman from Saskatoon, it was an almost surreal leap from her humble beginnings. But Vivian was no stranger to hard work, and she quickly made her mark at Bain, where she contributed to high-level market research and strategy projects for some of the world’s top companies.
Her career trajectory continued upward when she pursued an MBA at NYU’s Stern School of Business, where she specialized in entrepreneurship and innovation. Post-graduation, she joined McKinsey & Company as a Senior Consultant, where she led transformative business initiatives that helped struggling companies regain their footing and thrive in competitive markets.
Between 2014 and 2017, Vivian’s work at McKinsey set her apart as a formidable force in the world of business consulting. Her ability to identify inefficiencies, craft innovative strategies, and guide leadership teams through significant organizational changes earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor to top-tier executives.
Faith at the Core: A Leader with Integrity
But behind the success and high-profile roles, Vivian’s faith remained her guiding star. From her early days in Saskatoon, where she leaned on her Christian beliefs during tough times, to her career in the corporate world, Vivian has always integrated her faith into her professional life.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my faith,” she says. “It’s given me the strength to push through the challenges and stay grounded no matter how high I’ve climbed.”
This deep-rooted faith is what drives her commitment to integrity in leadership. She believes that businesses should focus not just on profit, but on purpose—leading with transparency, honesty, and a desire to make a positive impact.
Returning to Her Roots, Giving Back
Though Vivian has made a name for herself in the U.S. and globally, she hasn’t forgotten her Canadian roots. She regularly visits Saskatoon, mentoring young entrepreneurs in the community and speaking at local events. Her story serves as an inspiration to many small-town dreamers who, like her, aspire to create something bigger.
“I want people to know that no matter where you start, you have the power to shape your future,” she says. “Saskatoon will always be a part of me, but it doesn’t limit me. In fact, it’s the reason I’m as driven as I am today.”
The Road Ahead
Today, Vivian Ashford continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in business consulting. As a Business Consultant at ENG2, she advises companies on leadership development, business transformation, and strategic growth, helping businesses not just survive, but thrive in the face of adversity. Her journey from small-town girl to global business leader is a testament to her unrelenting work ethic, faith, and vision.
Vivian’s story is far from over. Whether she’s leading high-profile consulting projects, mentoring the next generation of business leaders, or simply taking time to reflect on her journey, one thing is clear: Vivian Ashford is a force to be reckoned with. And as she continues to rise, the world is watching.