The Collective Growth Podcast: Inner Work

High-performing leaders spend years mastering achievement; hitting targets, earning promotions, and pushing through pressure. But eventually many reach a moment where the strategy that built their success stops sustaining them. In this episode of Inner Work, MaryAnn Means-Dufrene sits down with Kellie Richter, Chief Operating Officer of First Command, to explore the deeper leadership development that happens after success, when leaders must shift from achievement-driven performance to mission-driven impact. Kellie shares how her career evolved from Chief Marketing Officer to Chief Operating Officer, and what that transition taught her about authentic leadership, operational responsibility, and the role leaders play in shaping real client experiences, not just brand promises. From redefining work-life balance to building trust through clarity and consistency, Kellie explains why sustainable leadership requires moving beyond telling people what to do and instead coaching others to grow, contribute, and lead themselves. You’ll also hear how First Command’s mission of serving military families shapes its culture, and why leaders who anchor their work in purpose create stronger teams, deeper trust, and more meaningful impact. This conversation is a powerful look at the inner work required to lead with authenticity, accountability, and purpose.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:38 Introduction to Kellie Richter and her leadership journey 02:38 The shift from CMO to COO and translating strategy into operations 04:38 Why brand, experience, and operations are inseparable 06:38 Moving from achievement-driven leadership to mission-driven work 09:38 The myth of work-life balance and the “pie chart” perspective 12:38 The leadership shift from telling to coaching 15:38 Mission impact and serving military families 17:38 The Three Cs of leadership: clarity, consistency, and control 20:38 When leaders break trust—and how to rebuild it 23:38 Modeling accountability inside executive teams 25:38 Why listening deeply builds trust across organizations 28:38 Helping people feel respected, seen, and understood 31:38 The deeper purpose behind serving those who serve About the Guest: Kellie Richter is the Chief Operating Officer of First Command, where she leads technology, experience design, digital solutions, data, service, and operations. Her role focuses on translating strategy into real results that deliver value to clients—primarily military families—and the workforce that serves them. Kellie joined First Command in 2016 as Chief Marketing Officer and brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in financial services, brand strategy, and client experience. Her leadership philosophy centers on mission clarity, authentic accountability, and building systems that serve both people and purpose. 🔗 Connect with Kellie: linkedin.com/in/kellierichter    Want to explore your own leadership transformation? Book a 1:1 conversation with MaryAnn: 👉 https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call  

Leadership development isn’t forged in comfort;  it’s shaped in crisis, transition, and the quiet moments of self-reflection that redefine who we are as leaders. In this episode of Inner Work, MaryAnn Means-Dufrene sits down with TD Smyers, CEO of BoardBuild and retired Navy Captain, for a deeply grounded conversation about governance, growth, and the evolution of identity across seasons of leadership. After more than 30 years leading in the military, nonprofit, and private sectors, including commanding a Navy air station and guiding major organizational turnarounds, TD found himself confronting a structural problem in nonprofit governance: board recruitment rooted in familiarity rather than intentional diversity. That frustration became the catalyst for BoardBuild, a platform designed to strengthen nonprofit boards nationwide. But this conversation moves far beyond governance strategy. TD reflects on the tension between passion and patience, the challenge of leading decentralized teams, and the humility required to say, “I could have done that differently.” He shares lessons learned from rebuilding culture after crisis, transitioning from military authority to nonprofit influence, and stepping away for three years at sea, an experience that reshaped his perspective on urgency, control, and what truly matters. This episode is about authenticity. About choosing growth over ego. About aligning leadership with mission… and aligning identity with purpose.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:20 Passion, Conviction & the Drive to Share 02:20 The Board Diversity Problem & “The Pool” Limitation 04:20 Launching BoardBuild: From Vision to Executable Model 08:20 Scaling Governance Across 10 States 12:50 Why Giving It Away Was Harder Than Selling It 16:50 Leading a Decentralized Team 20:07 Energy, Pace & Feeling Triggered When Slowed Down 22:20 From Military Structure to Nonprofit Entrepreneurship 27:20 Crisis Leadership & Cultural Rebuilds 33:20 The Sailing Journey: Adventure, Identity & Perspective 42:20 Book Recommendations, Authentic Leadership & Daily Practice    If you’re building stronger executive teams or navigating your own leadership evolution, this conversation offers both strategic clarity and personal depth.   🔗 Connect with TD: linkedin.com/in/tdsmyers    👉 Book a 1:1 leadership conversation with MaryAnn:  https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call  

What happens when a high-performing entrepreneur hits a wall he can’t outwork? Justin Mink helped scale companies to billion-dollar valuations, until chronic illness forced him to stop everything. In this episode of Inner Work, Justin shares the hidden reckoning behind his public success: the burnout he ignored, the pain he endured, and the radical mindset shift that transformed how he leads today. Host MaryAnn Means-Dufrene guides this honest, revealing conversation about what it really takes to evolve; not just as a leader, but as a human being. If you've ever asked, “Is this all there is?”, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:24 Welcome and Introduction 01:51 Defining Leadership Today 03:38 The Shift: From Striving to Thriving 06:31 Personal Struggles and Transformation 07:20 The Role of Suffering in Growth 10:34 Integrating Personal and Professional Growth 23:44 The Power of Systems and Creativity 25:57 The Journey of Self-Development 28:50 Embracing Chronic Pain 31:40 Parenting and Positivity 34:05 The Philosophy of Acceptance 36:47 Building a Sustainable Business 43:29 Personal Growth and Practices   About the guest Justin Mink is a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership advisor who has spent over two decades building and scaling high-growth companies; from zero to 1,000+ employees. After chronic illness brought his world to a halt in 2016, Justin redefined his path. Now, as a Certified EOS Implementer and Certified Outgrow Advisor, he guides leaders toward sustainable, human-centered growth, inside and out. 🔗 Connect with Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmink/  🔗   Want to talk through your own leadership shift? Book a 1:1 with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call

What happens when a leader built on calm presence steps into chaos, and still delivers record-breaking results?In this powerful episode of Inner Work, Bob Jameson, President & CEO of Visit Fort Worth, opens up about his leadership evolution, from running a hotel to navigating public responsibility and shaping the identity of a growing city. Bob shares how he manages complexity without losing connection, why knowing your strengths is non-negotiable, and how to lead through uncertainty with credibility and care. If you’re feeling the weight of leadership, this conversation is a breath of fresh perspective.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:24 Welcome to Inner Work: Introducing Bob Jameson 01:22 Bob Jameson's Leadership and Achievements 02:38 Tourism and Economic Growth in Fort Worth 06:08 Navigating Leadership Transitions 11:35 Embracing Change and Innovation 15:36 Building a Culture of Trust and Strengths 19:35 Leadership Insights and Reflections 32:55 Keys to Success in Times of Change 37:09 Final Thoughts and Recommendations   About the guest Bob Jameson is the President and CEO of Visit Fort Worth, where he has led the city through record-setting tourism growth and economic recovery. Known for his calm presence and relational approach, Bob’s decades of experience span hospitality, public leadership, and cultural storytelling. 🔗 Connect with Bob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-jameson-b447a6a/  🔗  Ready to Rebuild with More Trust? Book a 1:1 leadership clarity call with MaryAnn: 👉https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call

What does true leadership development look like during relentless change? In this raw, honest conversation, Jennifer Limas, CEO of Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, opens up about the breaking point that transformed her leadership, from running the day-to-day to becoming the vision keeper her organization desperately needed. Through deep reflection and vulnerable storytelling, Jennifer shares the hard-earned lessons of stepping back, empowering her team, and reshaping her role to align with the future her mission demanded. You'll hear how she navigated pandemic pressures, team trust, community shifts, and the emotional labor of leadership; with grace, grit, and fierce clarity. If you're a mission-driven leader clinging to control but craving impact, this episode is your mirror.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:24 Welcome to Inner Work: Meet Jennifer Limas 00:38 Jennifer's Journey with Girls Inc. 02:40 Impact of Afterschool Programs 03:32 Jennifer's Community Involvement 05:21 Navigating Leadership Challenges 08:47 Empowering the Team 15:02 Strategic Vision and Community Growth 23:37 Building Trust in New Communities 23:58 Balancing Purpose and Programming 26:03 The Railroad Fallacy and Leadership Lessons 28:21 Evolving Parent Engagement 30:17 Day of the Girl: Embracing Change 31:29 Empowering Teams and Letting Go 34:06 Navigating Leadership Challenges 37:00 The Importance of Honest Conversations 41:23 Quick Fire Questions with Jennifer Limas   About the guest Jennifer Limas is the President and CEO of Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, a nonprofit inspiring over 18,000 girls annually to be strong, smart, and bold. She’s a civic leader, board member, and a passionate advocate for transforming lives through purpose-driven programs and visionary leadership. 🔗 Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-limas-71379047/ 🔗 Feeling the weight of it all? Book a clarity call with MaryAnn: 👉https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call  

What if the cost of “success” is your health, your joy, or your identity?This raw and powerful episode dives deep into the emotional journey behind leadership development and what it takes to come back to yourself. Executive coach and former Google Chief of Staff Eric Nehrlich sits down with MaryAnn Means-Dufrene for a vulnerable conversation about burnout, parenting, trauma, and the inner reckoning that changes everything. They explore how real leadership isn't about pushing harder, it’s about learning to pause, feel, and choose differently. If you're carrying too much, pushing too hard, or quietly breaking down behind the scenes… this one is for you.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:25 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:14 The Importance of Inner Work 02:03 Personal Growth and Transformation 03:37 Challenges and Failures 11:43 Burnout and Realizations 14:26 The Power of Choice 18:52 Embracing Emotions and Trauma 22:03 Empowerment and Leadership 26:28 Discovering Personal Passions 31:04 Continuing the Journey of Healing 31:57 Lessons from Parenting 33:17 Balancing Self-Care and Responsibilities 35:35 Understanding and Managing Emotions 40:42 Parenting as Leadership 55:01 The Importance of a Safe Space 56:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   About the guest Eric Nehrlich is an executive coach who helps leaders increase their impact by challenging the mindsets and habits that hold them back. Drawing on 25+ years in tech, including 6 years at Google, he guides high achievers toward more meaningful impact. He’s the author of You Have A Choice and lives in the Bay Area with his partner and three children. Learn more: https://www.toomanytrees.com/ 🔗 Feeling the weight of it all? Book a clarity call with MaryAnn: 👉https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call

Leadership development isn’t always bold, sometimes it’s quiet, personal, and fiercely compassionate. In this conversation, we meet a leader who left nothing on the table. In this raw and uplifting episode of Inner Work, host MaryAnn Means-Dufrene sits down with Lindsey Garner, CEO of Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County. For over a decade, Lindsey has carried a bold vision to serve students through compassion, consistency, and community, even when it meant breaking through her own fear barrier. They talk about what it really takes to lead through change: midlife reckonings, ethical tension, parenting neurodiverse children, and launching a capital campaign that changed the game for her organization. It’s a story about staying grounded in humility while building something that matters. Whether you're leading a team, a nonprofit, or just trying to show up for your life, this one will stay with you.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:23  Welcome and Introduction 00:37  Communities in Schools: New Building and Mission 03:08  Leadership Journey and Personal Growth 05:05  Facing Midlife and Embracing Change 14:34  Balancing Professional and Personal Life 16:28  Creating Support Networks 26:05  Humility and Continuous Learning 31:22  Closing Thoughts and Reflections   About the guest Lindsey Garner is President and CEO of Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County. With nearly 20 years in the nonprofit sector, she leads a 108-person team across 11 districts, advocating for students and supporting at-risk youth. She’s also the founder of Mom Strong FW, a 500-member group for mothers raising children with autism. 👉 Want to explore your own leadership shift? Book a 1:1 with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call   

Is leadership about rising through the ranks or rising to who you truly are? In this episode of the Inner Work series, The Breakdown, MaryAnn Means-Dufrene and Karen Finney revisit MaryAnn’s powerful conversation with Dr. Ashley Elgin Barnes, CEO of Lena Pope. Together, they reflect on Ashley’s unique leadership journey, from counselor to executive, and what it means to lead with service, depth, and humility. Through honest insight and emotional resonance, this episode redefines leadership readiness, challenges traditional success metrics, and explores how mentorship, vulnerability, and inner work shape who we become at the top.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:18 Introduction and Welcome 00:38 Ashley Elgin Barnes' Unique Leadership Path 02:28 Redefining Leadership Traits 08:44 Mentorship and Readiness 16:59 Emotional Resilience and Recovery 20:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   About our past guest Dr. Ashley Elgin is the CEO of Lena Pope and a nationally recognized expert in childhood trauma and organizational leadership. With over 35 years of service, she blends clinical wisdom with business strategy to build resilient communities and cultures. 👉 Want to explore your own leadership shift? Book a 1:1 with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call

What if your leadership was costing your team more than you realize? Underneath the metrics and meetings lies a truth most leaders ignore: burnout isn’t a badge of honor, it’s a warning signal. This episode takes you into the heart of that tension. In this episode of the Inner Work series, The Breakdown, MaryAnn Means-Dufrene and Karen Finney revisit a powerful conversation with Brad Wallace. Together, they explore what it means to lead like a “corporate athlete,” why pushing harder isn’t the answer, and how redefining rest, feedback, and capacity can transform team performance. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “do more” while your team quietly unravels, this one’s for you.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:19 Introduction and Episode Breakdown 01:00 Sports Metaphors and Corporate Athlete 03:44 Marketing and Communication Strategies 05:22 Work-Life Balance and Team Norms 10:30 Feedback and Leadership Challenges 19:17 Learning from Failures and Growth Mindset 26:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  About our past guest Brad Wallace, CFA, is a Partner at LKCM Headwater Investments. With roots in competitive sports and finance, he’s known for building values-driven companies and leadership cultures that scale. 👉 Want to explore your own leadership shift? Book a 1:1 with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call  

What if your greatest trials became the blueprint for your deepest impact? From battling severe acne to becoming a global skincare innovator and cultural advocate, Myong Chong’s leadership journey is a masterclass in faith, purpose, and resilience. In this powerful episode of Inner Work: The Collective Growth Podcast, host MaryAnn Means-Dufrene sits down with Myong Chong, founder of Hanna Isul® and president of the Federation of Korean American Associations. Together, they explore what real leadership looks like behind the scenes, in the silence, in the struggle, and in the spiritual practice of staying true to your purpose. Myong opens up about the inner war behind her entrepreneurial success, the role of prayer and ritual in sustaining balance, and the calling that drives her advocacy work across generations. This is a story about leadership from the inside out, and the fierce grace it takes to lead with integrity.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:22 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:09 The Spiritual Experience of Skincare 01:39 Challenges and Triumphs in Entrepreneurship 03:13 Faith and Purpose in Leadership 04:31 Advocacy for Korean American Voices 05:49 Honoring Veterans and the Korean War 09:24 Leadership Style and Personal Growth 12:24 Legal Battles and Lessons Learned 22:05 Learning from Mistakes and Resilience 22:22 The Journey of Innovation 24:12 Maintaining Strength and Balance 26:10 Natural Remedies and Skincare 27:15 Understanding Skin and Health Connections 31:41 Cultural and Personal Growth 34:08 Future Aspirations and Global Impact 40:43 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude    About the guest Myong H. Chong is an inventor, healer, and lifelong advocate for Korean American voices. Founder of Hanna Isul®, she has transformed decades of personal struggle into patented skincare innovations rooted in faith and science. She’s also the author of Divine Youth, and a mission-driven leader bringing spiritual and cultural renewal to communities worldwide. 👉 Want to explore your own leadership shift? Book a 1:1 with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call

Leadership isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about knowing when to ask for help. In this episode of  the Inner Work series, The Breakdown, Karen and MaryAnn unpack the raw, behind-the-scenes growth journey of Ashton Theiss, a top-producing real estate broker who learned that doing it all alone wasn’t the path to real impact. From confronting her own perfectionism to redefining what leadership looks like at scale, Ashton’s story is a blueprint for any founder or executive ready to evolve. You’ll hear about Enneagram insights, breaking urgency addiction, and how failure can actually be a sign you’re on the right path. This is what leadership development really looks like; messy, brave, and beautifully human.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:19 Introduction and Episode Overview   00:36 Diving into Ashton's Business Approach   00:53 The Importance of Authenticity in Business   02:03 Guessing Ashton's Enneagram   03:28 Taking Risky Leaps in Business   04:04 The Value of Asking for Help   09:13 Embracing Identity Shifts   10:03 Challenges of Delegation and Leadership   13:11 Promoting Strong Doers to Managers   15:17 The Urgency Trap: Managing Work and Boundaries   16:26 Balancing Client Expectations and Personal Boundaries   19:14 Learning from Experience: The Entrepreneurial Journey   21:43 Mastering New Skills: Lessons from Gymnastics   24:40 Embracing Failure and Finding Joy in the Journey   29:13 Celebrating Wins and Recognizing Achievements   31:15 Final Thoughts and Reflections   About our past guest Ashton Theiss is a Texas real estate broker, multimillion-dollar producer, and founder of The Ashton Agency. Known for her fresh, authentic leadership approach, Ashton has been featured on HGTV, named a 40 Under 40 honoree, and leads one of Texas’s most respected real estate teams. 👉 Want to explore your own leadership shift? Book a 1:1 with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call

Great leadership doesn’t mean avoiding criticism, it means using it to grow. In this episode of the Inner Work series, The Breakdown, MaryAnn Means-Dufrene and Karen Finney reflect on Paul Coury’s interview, and how a tough team survey became the catalyst for culture transformation.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:21 Introduction and Opening Remarks    00:39 Discussing Paul Coury's Episode   01:58 Leadership and Team Building Insights   03:41 The Importance of Feedback and Surveys   05:10 Building and Investing in Your Team 10:19 Comfort Zones and Personal Growth 14:20 Jungle Motives and Fun Assessments   21:44 Parenting Reflections and Generational Changes  27:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts     About our past guest Paul Coury is the Founder and CEO of Coury Hospitality, an award-winning lifestyle hotel brand. With a design-driven approach and a people-first mindset, Paul brings both creative vision and grounded leadership to his growing hospitality empire. 👉 Want to explore your own leadership shift? Book a 1:1 with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call

What if the key to better leadership isn’t more strategy but more inner work? In this episode of the Inner Work series, The Breakdown, MaryAnn Means-Dufrene and Karen Finney revisit powerful conversations from the Inner Work podcast. This time, unpacking their discussion with Dr. Julie Kennedy. Together, they explore how conscious choice, trusting your gut, and letting go of control can transform both leadership development and personal growth. From the power of delegation to the wisdom hidden in children’s stories, MaryAnn and Karen break down the moments that reveal how breakdowns often lead to breakthroughs. They also share candid reflections on burnout, boundary-setting, and how our bodies can guide us toward better decisions. Whether you lead a team, run a business, or are navigating a personal transition, this conversation will help you see your own leadership journey in a new light.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:   00:16 Introduction and Concept of Breakdowns 01:13 Discussing Julie Kennedy's Episode 01:37 Empowerment and Delegation 03:41 Conscious Choice and Growth Mindset 05:43 Healing Through Experience 09:41 Trusting Your Gut and Intuition 14:28 The Role of Anger in Healing 19:33 Exploring Personal Aspirations 29:45 Closing Thoughts and Reflections     About the guest Dr. Julie Kennedy is a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in functional medicine and holistic health. With 25+ years of experience, she blends traditional medical training with personal healing insights to help clients address root causes of illness and reclaim wellness. Learn more: https://www.seedwellness.co/julie-kennedy 👉 Want to explore your own leadership shift? Book a 1:1 with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call

You don’t need to be fixed. You need to be honest. Most leadership programs teach strategy. This one starts with surrender. In this riveting episode, author and psychotherapist Bruce Tift joins MaryAnn Means-Dufrene to explore the messy, unspoken truth behind high-achieving leaders: the drive to succeed often masks a deep avoidance of discomfort. Drawing on insights from his book Already Free, Bruce reveals why real growth isn’t about improving yourself; it’s about meeting yourself. This is a conversation for founders and executives who feel the pressure to “perform leadership”... and are ready to drop the act.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn 00:23 Welcome and Introduction 01:21 Discussing Bruce's Book and Its Impact 02:01 Exploring Intimacy and Relationships 03:35 The Complexity of Human Connections 06:30 Personal Development and Leadership 07:45 The Concept of 'Already Free' 09:52 Embracing Vulnerability and Present Moment 16:41 The Role of Protection Mechanisms 19:42 Navigating Personal and Social Challenges 08:15 Exploring Judgment and Doing Our Best 30:46 Contradictory Feelings and Behavioral Choices 31:45 The Fantasy of Resolution 35:04 Certainties and Vulnerabilities 39:26 The Reality of Privilege and Selfishness 44:55 Motivation and Helping Others 49:03 Living in the Present and Emotional Reactivity 53:17 Closing Thoughts and Reflections   About the guest Bruce Tift, MA, LMFT, has been in private practice since 1979. He taught at Naropa University for 25 years, worked in psychiatric and family therapy settings, and has presented his work across the U.S. and internationally in countries including Mexico, Japan, the UK, Korea, and Thailand, most recently with the translation of his book in Thailand. Bruce has practiced Vajrayana Buddhism for more than 40 years and was a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. His life experience includes two years of motorcycle travel across Europe, North Africa, India, and Nepal, and working in a wide range of blue-collar jobs. He now lives in California with his wife, Reva. 👉 Want to explore your own leadership shift? Book a 1:1 with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call

Most leaders chase clarity. But what if your confusion is the key?In this episode, we explore the surprising power of ambivalence as a tool for leadership development. Executive coach and author Paul Wyman joins MaryAnn to unpack his radical approach to inner leadership. After years in corporate coaching roles, Paul walked away from stability to launch Inner Team Dialogue, a transformational framework that helps leaders embrace their inner multiplicity rather than fight it. This conversation is a must for founders, coaches, and executives who feel torn between purpose and security and want to lead with more authenticity, presence, and self-compassion.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:23 Welcome and Introduction 01:02 Meeting Paul Wyman 02:29 Paul's Leadership Journey 03:32 The Shift from Corporate to Coaching 04:47 Challenges and Realizations 08:23 Transition to Private Practice 11:58 Balancing Safety and Purpose 22:41 Embracing Ambivalence 24:47 Understanding Ambivalence 25:43 Contradictory Impulses and Innovation 26:28 The Myth of the Hollywood Hero 27:17 Honoring Opposite Voices 27:34 The Next Frontier 28:00 Internal and External Teams 29:38 The Inner Team Leader 30:53 Impact on Leaders and Coaching 32:14 Boundary Setting and Personal Growth 37:44 Embracing Vulnerability and Creativity 41:39 Quick Fire Questions 44:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   About the guest Paul Wyman is a leadership coach with over 26 years of experience. Since 1998, he has coached leaders at all levels, from the C-suite to front-line managers, in industries ranging from healthcare to professional services. He’s also an accredited coaching supervisor, mentoring and developing practicing coaches since 2017. Paul is the founder of the parts-based coaching methodology Inner Team Dialogue, launched in 2019, and has since trained over 200 coaches in this transformational framework. He’s the author of Part of Me (2024), a comprehensive introduction to Inner Team Dialogue and its approach to personal transformation and radical self-compassion. Previously, Paul served as Director of People Development at Children’s Hospital Colorado (2004–2015) and as an internal executive coach at Ernst & Young (2015–2021), coaching over 300 global leaders. His client list includes Pixar, EY, the University of Colorado, Trimble Inc., and many others. Originally from England, Paul now lives in Colorado with his wife and two rambunctious cats 👉 Ready to explore your own leadership evolution? Book a 1:1 call with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call  

What if your most painful experience became the doorway to your purpose?  In this raw and soul-nourishing episode of Inner Work, host MaryAnn Means-Dufrene sits down with Corinne King, mom, community leader, and now author of Shine On, to explore how writing through her mother’s illness and death transformed her identity and leadership. Corinne opens up about navigating grief, rediscovering faith, and stepping into self-leadership after years as a stay-at-home mom. From publishing her first book to healing generational wounds, her story is both tender and powerful, a reminder that the path to true leadership often starts with surrender.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:   00:24  Meet Corinne King 00:50  Why She Wrote Shine On 01:52  Finding Her Way Through Publishing 02:31  Creative Joy & Emotional Depth 06:26  Writing to Heal 15:10  Holding Onto Memories 17:31  Becoming Her Own Leader 20:52  Book Launch & Community Support 21:28  Faith, Scripture & Grief 24:47  Nervous System Reset & Self-Care 30:08  Motherhood, Identity & Dreaming Again 35:19  Daily Spiritual Practice 39:37  Final Thoughts on Living with Purpose   About the guest Corinne King is a wife, mom of two, and passionate community advocate based in Fort Worth, Texas. Through her book Shine On, she honors her mother’s legacy, offering hope and healing to anyone navigating loss, faith, and the rediscovery of self.   👉 Feeling the call to your next chapter? Book a 1:1 call with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call  

What do you do when a $2.5 million deal collapses days before launch? In this episode of Inner Work, Toan Luong shares the raw truth behind building Ampersand from rock bottom to award-winning success, including a $2.5M investor withdrawal weeks before opening at DFW Airport. Discover what it really takes to lead under pressure, build a resilient team, and create a community that won’t quit.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:24  Meet Toan: Humble beginnings & early confidence 01:24  Building Ampersand: Coffee, robots, and rapid growth 04:39  Leading inside the 3rd busiest airport in the world 08:24  Crushing moment: Investor pulls out mid-build 15:24  How Toan raised capital from scratch 20:24  The mental toll of leadership setbacks 26:24  Turning financial trauma into team strength 33:24  From black sheep to full-circle scholarship leader 36:24  Bringing tech, robots, and humanity together 42:24  Daily habits and values that fuel resilience   About the guest: Toan Luong is a DFW-based entrepreneur and cofounder of AMPM Concepts. He leads the youngest concessionaire team at DFW Airport, launching its first robotic barista and scaling ventures like Ampersand and Maestro Tacos. A two-time Fort Worth Chamber Business of the Year winner, he’s deeply committed to community, serving on multiple leadership boards.   👉 If you’re navigating a hard season in your own leadership, let’s talk. Book a 1:1 call with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call  

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

What if the feedback that stung the most… was exactly what made you a leader?  In this episode of Inner Work, Brad Wallace, Partner at LKCM Headwater Investments, opens up about the emotional turning point that reshaped his life and leadership philosophy. From college baseball to building a people-first private equity firm, Brad shares how self-regulation, real-time feedback, and long-game thinking shaped his approach to growing high-performing executive teams. If you’ve ever battled imposter syndrome, emotional exhaustion, or the tension between competition and collaboration, this conversation is your mirror. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:26 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:07 Brad’s leadership roots 02:02 Sports, teams, and leadership DNA 04:38 Why team sports create different kinds of leaders 07:16 The moment everything changed 17:40 Bringing heart to private equity 28:33 Redefining success on your own terms   About the guest Brad Wallace, CFA, is a Partner at LKCM Headwater Investments. With roots in competitive sports and finance, he’s known for building values-driven companies and leadership cultures that scale. 👉 Craving more depth in your leadership? Book a 1:1 coaching call with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call   #leadershipdevelopment #innerwork #executiveteams #consciousleadership #feedbackisagift  

How do you go from burned-out solo agent to visionary CEO leading a multimillion-dollar real estate empire?  In this episode of Inner Work, host MaryAnn Means-Dufrene sits down with Ashton Theiss, founder of The Ashton Agency,  to uncover the personal and professional transformation behind her explosive business growth. Ashton shares the real, behind-the-scenes journey: how she learned to delegate, built a powerhouse team, navigated identity shifts, and kept her passion alive in a demanding, high-stakes industry. In this conversation, we explore: - How to shift from top producer to true leader - How Ashton’s marketing savvy reshaped her brand and business - What it takes to prevent burnout and create sustainable growth - Why success is never just about numbers, but about mindset   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:25 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:37 Ashton's Real Estate Journey 05:45 Marketing and Branding in Real Estate 09:53 Leadership and Team Building 15:02 Personal Growth and Work-Life Balance 23:53 Future Goals and Adaptability 27:20 Closing Reflections and Takeaways   About the guest Ashton Theiss is a Texas real estate broker, multimillion-dollar producer, and founder of The Ashton Agency. Known for her fresh, authentic leadership approach, Ashton has been featured on HGTV, named a 40 Under 40 honoree, and leads one of Texas’s most respected real estate teams.   👉 Ready to explore your own leadership journey? Book a 1:1 call: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call