Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! We’re continuing our Strengths at Play Series with ALIGN’s very own, Dr. Ashley Lang! You may recognize Ashley from her past appearances on the podcast, where she’s shared her insights and research on generational differences. Today, she’s joining us for a more personal conversation about how she defines fun—and what incorporating play looks like in both her work and home life.

Join Pamela, Tara, and Ashley as they explore how certain strengths can sometimes get in the way of having fun, and how a simple mindset shift can change that. Ashley opens up about how she’s had to give herself permission to have fun, challenging an old, broken soundtrack that told her play was unproductive or frivolous. She shares how trying new things, embracing the unknown, and seeking out challenges is her version of fun, and how that perspective has shaped her interests over time. Tune in for a thoughtful and energizing conversation that might just inspire you to rethink your own relationship with fun.

***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.***

At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.    

CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com.    

Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!    

Resources: 

Gallup

Align Circle Community

Growth Focused Leader Program

Strengths at Play with Dr. Ashley Lang