What does it mean to find your voice in a world that often asks you to stay quiet?
In a recent episode of the Hello Moxie Podcast, host Nicole Donnelly sat down with leadership coach and speaker Ashley Cox for a deeply moving conversation about identity, courage, and the power of using your voice. Whether through song, advocacy, or quiet strength, Ashley’s journey is a reminder that every voice matters—and that moxie starts from within.
Ashley brings a unique perspective to leadership. She’s not only a sought-after speaker and emotional intelligence expert, but also a proud member of the Appalachian Equality Chorus, where she finds connection and meaning through music. Her story unfolds with grace and grit, giving listeners permission to show up fully, even when it’s hard.
Growing in the Dirt: Why Courage Starts Small
One of the most powerful themes Ashley explores is the growth that happens underground, before we ever bloom.
“Courage doesn’t come because you’re just automatically blessed with it,” Ashley said. “Courage comes from getting in the weeds, getting mud on your face, falling down, and making mistakes.”
Ashley’s metaphor of plants taking root in the dark perfectly illustrates how real transformation often begins in silence, solitude, and discomfort. Just like a seed, we grow not in the spotlight but in the quiet, unseen places where resilience is built.
She encourages us to stop measuring our impact by visibility and to start noticing the courage it takes just to begin.
“You don’t have to become an overnight powerhouse—you get to start small.”
Singing in Harmony: The Power of Connection
Ashley’s reflections on singing in the Appalachian Equality Chorus are more than a story about music—they’re a call to communal courage.
“Even if it’s a song you’ve heard before, this experience—this moment—is something that will never be replicated again. That’s the magic of voices coming together.”
For Ashley, the chorus is a metaphor for leadership and life: every voice matters, and when we come together, our collective strength becomes something far greater than the sum of its parts. Performing songs like “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Bob Dylan, Ashley felt the power of protest, unity, and hope resonating in real-time.
A Modern-Day Heroine: Emily Calandrelli
Ashley also paid tribute to her modern-day inspiration, Emily Calandrelli, an MIT-trained aerospace engineer, science communicator, and advocate for girls in STEM.
“Emily was the 100th woman to go to space—and she’s from West Virginia, just like me. I remember watching her with tears streaming down my face.”
What moved Ashley most was not just Emily’s achievements, but how authentically she carried her roots with her—literally. Emily brought a pepperoni roll (a beloved West Virginia food) with her into space.
“She didn’t have to bring that roll, but the fact that she did endeared her to me even more. It showed that you can be brilliant and still carry where you came from.”
Emily’s story reminded Ashley—and all of us—that we don’t have to trade in our identities to do big things. We carry our people, our place, and our power with us.
Emotional Intelligence Begins With You
A core part of Ashley’s coaching practice is emotional intelligence—not as a buzzword, but as a deep skill set rooted in self-awareness.
“Every single one of us has a visceral emotional response. It’s human. What matters is whether you act from that space or take a moment to choose an intentional response.”
Ashley encourages leaders to slow down, feel their emotions without judgment, and create space before reacting. She also teaches the power of empathetic listening, which she believes is the foundation of leadership and meaningful dialogue.
“Help me understand—that’s my favorite question. It invites conversation without judgment.”
Key Takeaways from Ashley Cox
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Start where you are. You don’t need a stage to use your voice—start with one small act of courage today.
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Lead with both empathy and boundaries. You can be compassionate and still hold high standards.
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Own your uniqueness. Whether you’re a “potato” or a “tomato,” your gifts are valid and valuable.
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Embrace emotional intelligence. Begin with self-awareness, then extend that grace to others.
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Representation matters. Seeing someone like Emily Calandrelli fly into space showed Ashley—and millions of girls—that anything is possible.
