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Ashleigh Bonino

Ashleigh leads YarnnUp’s operations with a blend of strategic expertise and care, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. She is dedicated to creating an environment where the team can thrive and clients experience seamless service.

Ashleigh Bonino serves as the Chief of Operations and Staff at YarnnUp, where she plays a crucial role in driving the company’s operational excellence and strategic growth. With an extensive career spanning senior leadership roles at global consultancy firms and top ASX-listed companies, Ashleigh brings a wealth of expertise in business administration and operational strategy. Her deep understanding of business law, combined with her ability to manage complex organisational structures, makes her a key leader in steering YarnnUp toward its ambitious goals of social change and reconciliation. 

Ashleigh holds a Bachelor of Economics with a major in Business Law from Macquarie University, along with an Advanced Diploma of Business Administration and a Diploma of Business Marketing with a focus on Events Management. This robust academic background, coupled with her extensive professional experience, allows her to ensure that YarnnUp’s operations run smoothly and efficiently. Her strategic insight and leadership have been instrumental in aligning the company’s processes with its broader mission of integrating First Nations wisdom into global best practices, ensuring that every aspect of the business reflects YarnnUp’s core values of cultural integrity and social impact. 

At the heart of Ashleigh’s leadership is a commitment to fostering a collaborative, high-performing work environment. She excels in overseeing cross-functional teams, streamlining operational workflows, and implementing policies that drive both efficiency and long-term success. Whether managing large-scale projects or developing internal strategies, Ashleigh’s focus on operational excellence ensures that YarnnUp continues to lead the way in the consulting space, providing impactful solutions to clients across a wide range of sectors. 

Since joining YarnnUp, Ashleigh has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction, ensuring that every initiative aligns with its mission of empowering communities and driving meaningful social change. Her ability to balance operational management with strategic foresight has positioned her as a thought leader within the company and beyond. Her expertise extends far beyond day-to-day operations, contributing significantly to YarnnUp’s influence and growth across Australia. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Ashleigh is deeply connected to her community and family. Residing on Dharawal Country, she skillfully balances her high-level responsibilities at YarnnUp with a fulfilling personal life alongside her spouse and three children. Whether she’s planning family gatherings or retreating to the coastal charm of Berry, Ashleigh finds peace in balancing her demanding career with her personal life. 

Ashleigh Bonino’s leadership and strategic insight continue to drive YarnnUp’s operational success and long-term growth. Her dedication to excellence and passion for fostering inclusive, impactful solutions ensure that YarnnUp remains at the forefront of delivering lasting social and economic change. 

Where do you feel your place or ‘home’ is?

For those who know the South Coast of NSW, there is a bend just after Kiama where the land opens up – on your right, you have the green rolling hills of dairy country, and to your left, the sweeping curve of the coastline. That place, for me, embodies home. It’s Wodi Wodi Country, part of the Dharawal Nation, a landscape that holds both natural beauty and deep cultural significance. It’s where the land and sea come together in harmony, and that’s where I feel most at peace.

Who are the most important people in your world?

The most important people in my world are definitely my family – my husband, our three children, and our two dogs, who fill our home with love and laughter. I’m also deeply grateful for my amazing mum and dad, my older brother and younger sister along with their wonderful families. Family is everything to me – it’s where I find love, strength, and a deep sense of belonging.

Alongside my family, I’m lucky to have a handful of close friends who have been by my side through thick and thin. Some have been there since kindergarten, while others have come into my life more recently. No matter when or how they came into my life, I know they will always be there to support me through anything. These friends, along with my family, make up my core circle, and their love and support mean the world to me.

What is something you love doing?

One of my passions is being outdoors, especially when I can connect with nature. Whether it’s diving through the waves, walking through the countryside, or just spending time in the backyard, I love being in places where I can breathe in the fresh air and feel grounded. There’s something about the natural world that helps me reset, reflect, and find peace.
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