Redefining Leadership: Calm in Crisis, Power in Presence

What if the best leaders aren’t the loudest in the room but the calmest?

Dr. Ashley Elgin-Barnes never chased a title. A lifelong introvert and clinician, she found herself repeatedly called into leadership, not because she asked for it, but because people trusted her presence.

In this deeply vulnerable episode of Inner Work, Ashley reveals how her early experiences shaped a leadership style rooted in empathy, calm in crisis, and an unshakable belief in resilience. From her work with abused children to transforming organizational culture at Lena Pope, this is leadership from the inside out.

Whether you're a CEO, founder, or someone quietly carrying the weight of others, this conversation will meet you where you are.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• 00:26 Welcome and Guest Introduction

• 01:11 What is Real Leadership?

• 02:05 From Reluctant Leader to CEO

• 04:04 Inner Skills That Fuel Outer Leadership

• 08:32 Saying Yes to the Call

• 12:26 A Life Built Around Service

• 17:04 From Doing to Being

• 21:14 Strategy, Agility, and Patience

• 24:05 The Weight of Leadership

• 29:07 Culture Shifts and Human-Centered Teams

• 37:56 Proof That We’re Built to Heal

• 40:05 Final Reflections and Encouragement

About the guest

Dr. Ashley Elgin is the CEO of Lena Pope and a nationally recognized expert in childhood trauma and organizational leadership. With 35+ years of service, she blends clinical wisdom with business strategy to build resilient communities and cultures.

👉 Ready to explore your own evolution as a leader? Book a 1:1 coaching session with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call