Redefining Leadership: Calm in Crisis, Power in Presence with Dr. Ashley Elgin-Barnes

What if leadership isn’t about having all the answers but being the calm in the storm?

In this soul-deep conversation, Dr. Ashley Elgin-Barnes, CEO of Lena Pope, shares how she became the leader she never planned to be. For over 35 years, she’s served children and families through crisis, trauma, and healing. And yet, she never set out to lead.

She just kept showing up with presence. And people followed.

In this episode of Inner Work, Ashley pulls back the curtain on the inner landscape of leadership, the faith it takes to move forward without a map, and the strength it takes to hold space for others when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

The Disruption: A Leader Who Never Asked to Lead

Ashley didn’t pursue leadership. It pursued her.

Time and again, people turned to her for guidance, steadiness, clarity… Especially in moments of chaos. As an introvert and clinician, she wrestled with imposter syndrome. Leadership, she thought, was for the loud, the strategic, and the ambitious.

But a mentor saw what she couldn’t yet own: her ability to hold vision when others felt lost.

“I never asked for the role. But I realized, being with people in crisis is where I belong.”

The Inner Work: From Pleasing to Leading

Ashley’s journey wasn’t about ambition. It was about alignment.

Her clinical gifts—deep empathy, listening without fixing, and witnessing others’ pain—became her leadership superpowers. She began to trust that leadership wasn’t about control. It was about presence.

She learned to stay grounded when others spiraled. To remain soft and steady in rooms full of fear. To lead without forcing.

“Leadership is not something you do. It’s something you are.”

The Rebuild: Creating a Culture Where People Can Breathe

When Ashley stepped into her first CEO role, she didn’t just inherit an organization; she inherited a culture shaped by control and hierarchy.

The structure was tight. Formalities ruled. Staff had to address each other by last names. Drop-ins were discouraged. Parking spaces were monitored. The environment was efficient but not human.

Ashley knew change was needed. Fast.

She led a quiet revolution by doing what many leaders fear: softening the space. She removed unnecessary rigidity. Invited open communication. Encouraged team members to bring their whole selves to work.

Her message was clear:
“We have hard jobs. Let’s support each other while we do them.”

Instead of focusing solely on performance, Ashley focused on presence. Instead of managing tasks, she fostered trust.

The result? A culture where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead from where they are.

“Your role doesn’t determine your worth. Your impact does.”

What I Know Now

Ashley’s story is a mirror for every leader carrying more than they signed up for. It’s a reminder that quiet strength is powerful. That leadership doesn’t require shouting. And that calm isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom.

Here are a few truths to take with you:

• “Leadership is holding vision when others can’t see.”
   
• “Calm is contagious, especially in crisis.”
   
• “Strategy matters. But presence creates culture.”
   
• “We don’t have to white-knuckle leadership to be effective.”
   
• “Resilience isn’t rare. It’s human.” 

🎧 Listen to the full episode now!