Surfacing Leaders

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Dr. Ashley Markovic, board-certified clinical psychologist, former U.S. Navy officer, and expert in military psychology, to explore what truly builds resilient leaders in high-pressure environments. Drawing on her years supporting submarine crews, recruits, and veterans, Dr. Markovic shares powerful insights into the psychology behind trust, emotional intelligence, and sustained high performance.

Together, they examine why the most effective leaders aren't simply the smartest or toughest—they're the ones who earn trust through empathy, humility, and genuine human connection. Dr. Markovic reflects on her experiences working alongside submarine commanders and enlisted sailors, revealing how psychological readiness, resilience, and purpose shape decision-making when the stakes couldn't be higher.

Listeners will discover practical lessons that apply far beyond the military, including how leaders can build stronger teams by empowering others, creating psychological safety, and embracing stress as a catalyst for growth rather than something to avoid. Marc and Ashley also discuss the importance of leadership development, the evolving role of mental health in elite organizations, and why purpose remains one of the greatest drivers of resilience.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for aspiring leaders:

• Lead with humility and self-awareness.
• Build trust one interaction at a time.
• View stress and adversity as opportunities to grow.

Join us for this compelling conversation and discover how the lessons learned beneath the surface can help you become a stronger, more resilient leader in any environment.

Connect with Dr. Ashley Markovic:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-markovic-psyd-abpp-435a00202/

Email: ashleyshenberger@gmail.com