The playbook for rooms they never prepared us for

Ashaunte McLean · Vice President, Red Bull · Coach · Keynote Speaker

A kid from the South Side of Chicago who earned his MBA and went on to lead at some of the world's most iconic companies — Coca-Cola, Nestlé, PepsiCo, and now as a Vice President at Red Bull.

Book a Speaking Engagement Explore Signature Talks

Corporate Vice President

Ashaunte McLean is a Vice President at Red Bull with more than 20 years of leadership experience across some of the world's most recognized consumer brands.

But his story started as a kid from the South Side of Chicago, learning how to navigate rooms, opportunities, and expectations no one had prepared him for.

He built his career on preparation, execution, accountability, and staying authentic to who you are — lessons learned through experience, not from a textbook.

Today, he's committed to sharing those lessons and opening the playbook for the leaders coming behind him — so they can walk into those rooms more prepared than he was.

Read his story

Ashaunte McLean speaking on stage at the Progressive Grocer GenNext conference

Speaker

Ashaunte McLean is a Vice President at Red Bull with more than 20 years of leadership experience across some of the world's most recognized consumer brands.

But his story started as a kid from the South Side of Chicago, learning how to navigate rooms, opportunities, and expectations no one had prepared him for.

He built his career on preparation, execution, accountability, and staying authentic to who you are — lessons learned through experience, not from a textbook.

Today, he's committed to sharing those lessons and opening the playbook for the leaders coming behind him — so they can walk into those rooms more prepared than he was.

See signature talks

Coach

He owns a basketball program and coaches youth athletes on and off the court, plus one-on-one and small-group coaching for professionals and teams.

Discipline, resilience, and self-advocacy — the same playbook whether the room is a locker room or a boardroom.

Explore programs

Storyteller

The Invisible Playbook podcast launches January 2027 — corporate strategy and locker-room truth in the same conversation.

Leadership, legacy, grief, and the life lessons that shaped the way he leads.

The podcast

Signature Talks

The lessons they don't teach you.

Every audience gets a different way in, but the core message stays the same.

I speak to leaders about the lessons that don't always make it into the leadership handbook—from reading the room and building strong teams to leading authentically when the stakes are high. I share real experiences from more than 20 years in corporate America at VP Level and what I've learned navigating rooms I wasn't always prepared for.

Book this talk

I speak to students about what I wish someone had told me before I entered the professional world. From confidence and preparation to authenticity and career choices, I help young people get ready for the rooms and opportunities ahead of them.

Book this talk

As a former athlete, coach, and business leader, I connect the lessons of sports directly to leadership and life. I speak about preparation, discipline, accountability, teamwork, resilience, and how the habits built in competition can prepare you to win far beyond the game.

Book this talk

I share my personal journey of navigating the grief of losing 2 parents within 6 months while continuing to lead, work, and show up for the people who depend on me. I speak about finding the strength to keep moving forward while honoring the people, lessons, and legacy we carry with us.

Book this talk

I share the career lessons I've learned through more than two decades in corporate America—the things that aren't always taught in school, onboarding, or the employee handbook. From reading the room and building your personal brand to navigating promotions, relationships, and setbacks, I help professionals prepare for what comes next.

Book this talk

Ashaunte McLean speaking with students in a classroom

Leave the door open.

Ready for the room you're walking into?

Keynotes, coaching, team sessions, and community events — built for the people who were never handed the playbook.

Book a Speaking Engagement Explore Signature Talks