Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Phillips Ballard
Jenna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2016, I co-founded Ascension Leadership Academy with my husband, Brad, and our business partner Chris Lee. We all felt a deep calling to help people break through their limiting beliefs and step into their most empowered, authentic selves. We revolutionized the personal development space as we modernized decades old technology and merged somatic practices with mindset and shadow work.
Before ALA, I had spent over a decade as a personal trainer and mindset coach, working with celebrities and high-profile clients. Through that work, I saw firsthand how even the most successful people often struggled with self-doubt, burnout, and a lack of fulfillment, despite their achievements.
My personal journey, overcoming a life-threatening brain injury when I was 17, had already shown me the power of a positive mindset and unwavering resilience. As a trainer and coach, I realized that physical fitness alone wasn’t enough—real transformation required emotional and mental breakthroughs.
Brad and I had both gone through many years of transformational work, and we knew we wanted to create a space that took people beyond surface-level change, diving deep into emotional intelligence, leadership, and personal power.
That’s how Ascension Leadership Academy was born. We wanted to create a program that would guide people through profound inner work, allowing them to rise above their limitations and lead extraordinary lives. ALA is where people come to rediscover their purpose, heal old wounds, and become the leaders they were always meant to be—in their careers, relationships, and communities. Chris Lee, Brad and I have built a movement that transforms humans from the inside out.
We have supported thousands of people from all over the world in creating sustainable transformation in every aspect of their lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our business was thriving very successfully until Covid shut us down in San Diego, CA. With no end in sight, we were entirely unable to lead our in person trainings.
Austin was open for business and we already had a large community in this amazing city. We uprooted everything and moved our headquarters to ATX in October of 2020.
Just one week before our first training in our new location, the big freeze happened and we were stuck in many inches of snow.
The whole city came to a screeching halt. We had to postpone our very first training but we finally made it happen. We’ve now had over a thousand students attend our trainings since arriving in Austin.
I’ve learned that curveballs are inevitable. The tools I’ve developed and sharpened over the years have set me up to be able to handle the unexpected hits. I’ve learned how to keep going and never give up. There will always be an opportunity to fully trust the process. Doing so has never failed me once.
Because I’m committed to fulfilling my purpose, I’m always protected and guided by a Higher Power. When I surrender to that, life becomes so much easier.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ascension Leadership Academy . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Ascension Leadership Academy (ALA), we are in the business of transforming lives through high impact leadership, emotional intelligence, and deep personal development. Our mission is to help individuals break through their limiting beliefs, step into their authentic power, and create extraordinary results in every area of their lives. We specialize in creating immersive, high-impact personal growth experiences that take people beyond surface-level transformation, helping them uncover their true potential.
What sets us apart is our focus on emotional intelligence and self-leadership. We don’t just offer quick fixes or temporary motivation; we provide the tools and guidance to help people make lasting, meaningful changes. ALA is known for creating powerful, heart-centered leaders who are capable of making a significant impact in their businesses, relationships, and communities. Our graduates leave with a profound sense of purpose, confidence, and clarity, which translates into real-world success and fulfillment.
It’s our commitment to creating a deeply connected, supportive community where transformation happens not just in isolation, but as part of a collective movement. We foster a space where vulnerability, authenticity, and personal responsibility are at the core of every breakthrough.
We’re incredibly proud of the life-changing impact we’ve had on thousands of people’s lives. Watching our graduates go on to become powerful leaders in their own right, creating ripple effects of change in their personal and professional circles, is what fuels our passion. Our brand is rooted in empowerment, authenticity, and lasting transformation.
ALA is not just about personal growth; it’s about stepping into a new level of leadership—within yourself and for others. Our programs are designed for those who are ready to commit to their own evolution and make a profound impact on the world around them. Whether you’re looking to elevate your business, improve your relationships, or deepen your sense of purpose, we offer a pathway to achieve that.
Our programs include transformational leadership trainings, workshops, and exclusive mastermind groups, all of which are tailored to help individuals unlock their highest potential. We invite anyone who’s ready for a profound life shift to join our community and experience the power of true personal and collective transformation.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Transformation isn’t just about overcoming obstacles or achieving success; it’s about creating a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and purpose-driven. Ascension Leadership Academy was born out of my own personal journey of healing and growth, especially after surviving a life-threatening brain injury when I was 17. That experience completely changed how I view life, resilience, and what it means to live fully.
It also showed me that real success starts from within—and I knew I wanted to help others experience that kind of deep transformation.
No matter where you are in your journey—whether you’re feeling stuck, seeking more purpose, or simply ready for the next level of growth—there’s always more power within you waiting to be unlocked. In the exploration of that, we shine light on what’s truly working for each of our students.
At ALA, we believe that when you rise, you lift others with you. That’s the ripple effect we aim to create, and we invite anyone who’s ready to step into their highest potential to be a part of this global community & movement.
There’s a shortage of responsible & authentic leaders in this world and we’re on a mission to change that.
Pricing:
- $7495 (paid in full) for both levels 1 and 2
- $8995 (payment plan) for both levels 1 and 2
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ALAeq.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ascensionleadershipacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19SDyi8khM/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Chris Van Loan
