In a recent episode of Health Futures: Taking Stock in You, host Bob Roth sat down with leadership coach and Orion Care Director of Stakeholder Relations Ashlee Jensen for an insightful conversation about leadership, workplace culture, emotional intelligence, and the growing importance of authentic human connection in today’s increasingly digital world.
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Throughout the conversation, Jensen reflected on her nearly 24 years in the aging services and home care industries, sharing how her experiences helped shape both her leadership philosophy and the launch of her coaching company, Altum Coaching.
At the center of the discussion was the idea that leadership is less about authority and more about self-awareness, authenticity, and creating psychological safety for others.
“When I show up as my incredibly messy self, then I energetically give you permission to do so as well,” Jensen said.
Drawing from her work with Orion Care and her background in leadership development, Jensen discussed how organizations across industries are struggling to maintain meaningful human connection as workplaces become more virtual and technology-driven. While automation and artificial intelligence can improve efficiency, she emphasized that relationships, empathy, and trust remain irreplaceable.
“There are some things that just can’t get replaced by automation or by tech, and that’s our connection,” Jensen explained.
The conversation also explored the changing expectations of today’s workforce, particularly younger generations entering leadership roles. Jensen noted that employees increasingly want more than just a paycheck. They want purpose, feedback, flexibility, and to feel genuinely seen and valued by their organizations.
“This new workforce wants to be seen, heard, and valued,” Jensen said.
Roth and Jensen spent significant time discussing the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, especially within healthcare and caregiving organizations where burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion are common. Jensen explained how poor leadership experiences can deeply impact employees long after they leave an organization, while strong leaders can create environments where people feel safe enough to grow and thrive.
“Good leaders are amazing. It’s the negative experiences that really drive us and teach us,” Jensen said.
Another major focus of the episode centered on psychological safety in the workplace and the role trust plays in healthy organizational cultures. Jensen argued that when employees feel psychologically safe, they are more engaged, collaborative, innovative, and resilient during times of change.
“If I trust you, I give you permission to trust yourself,” Jensen said.
The episode also highlighted Jensen’s work with Altum Coaching, a leadership development and coaching practice focused on helping emerging and middle-level leaders develop from the inside out. Through coaching, self-reflection, and customized leadership development programs, Jensen aims to help professionals build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and lead more authentically.
At its core, the conversation served as a reminder that leadership is ultimately about people. Whether in healthcare, business, or everyday life, connection, vulnerability, empathy, and trust remain essential ingredients for building strong teams and healthy organizations.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Health Futures: Taking Stock in You to hear more from Ashlee Jensen about leadership development, emotional intelligence, workplace culture, and the future of coaching.
📌 Learn more about Health Futures: Taking Stock in You
📌 Learn more about Cypress HomeCare Solutions
📌 Learn more about Altum Coaching
📝 This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
