Are You Really Ready for Leadership? | The Breakdown Series

We talk about leadership like it’s a role you earn. But what if the most effective leaders aren’t the ones who chase titles but the ones who cultivate inner depth?

In this episode of The Breakdown Series, MaryAnn Means-Dufrene and Karen Finney explore the deeper layers of leadership by revisiting a pivotal conversation with Dr. Ashley Elgin Barnes, CEO of Lena Pope. Through Ashley’s story, they unpack what “readiness” for leadership really means, and why many people mistake ambition for preparation.

The Disruption: When Service Outweighs Status

Ashley didn’t chase leadership, she embodied it.

Dr. Ashley Elgin Barnes began her journey as a counselor, never expecting to step into a CEO role. But as MaryAnn and Karen discuss, her path was paved by presence, not pressure.

In a culture that celebrates “leaning in” and ladder-climbing, Ashley’s story disrupts that narrative. She didn’t view leadership as something to achieve, but as something that emerged naturally from her desire to serve others well.

Her quiet confidence and emotional intelligence became her superpowers, long before she realized they were leading her forward.

The Inner Work: Mentorship, Humility, and Readiness

Real leadership starts with the courage to be mentored.

Ashley’s leadership wasn’t built on strategy decks or bold declarations, it was forged through humility and mentorship. She was willing to be seen, supported, and shaped…Three things that often require more courage than any boardroom decision.

Karen and MaryAnn reflect on the tension between confidence and availability:

“If you’re chasing too hard, your mentor can’t even catch up.”

Readiness isn’t about checking boxes, it’s about emotional availability. This segment dives into how to recognize when you're actually ready to be mentored, led, or promoted... and when you’re just moving too fast to receive what you truly need.

The Rebuild: Facing Growth with Grace

Leadership readiness isn’t always a straight path, it’s often a healing one.

Not every opportunity is meant for you. And sometimes, wanting the next level doesn’t mean you're prepared for it. MaryAnn and Karen explore the emotional side of growth: disappointment, delay, and the self-compassion required to keep going.

They talk candidly about what it means to “turn toward your wounds,” honor the pain of slow seasons, and reclaim your energy after setbacks. This kind of emotional resilience isn’t a bonus skill, it’s essential to sustainable leadership.

What I Know Now: 5 Takeaways From This Episode

• Leadership is who you are, not just what you do.
  
  
• Being mentored takes vulnerability, not just ambition.
  
  
• Going slower might actually be the faster path.
  
  
• Not every promotion is aligned with your purpose.
  
  
• Emotional resilience is part of the job description.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now!