Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast

About Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast

A podcast to interview dope people in leadership who use the model of Servant Leadership and are driven by emotionally intelligent leadership & and are passionate about lifting others up to empower their success cause the pie is big enough for us all and we can all find a seat at the table! jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

J² Elevate Consulting

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

20 Oct 2025

Latest episode

24 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast

   Navigating the people side of leading teams requires the courage to trust your instincts and challenge the status quo. In Episode 9 of Season 2, we sit down with Toni Will to discuss how to break through male-dominated industries and lead with radical authenticity. Episode Summary: Toni Will is a speaker, executive coach, and the first female General Manager of the Kalamazoo Wings professional hockey team. She brings over 25 years of experience to the table, spanning executive leadership, banking, and professional sports. Her journey has required immense resilience. Toni has faced incredibly difficult professional environments, including navigating sexual harassment early in her career and learning how to lead when she was the only woman in the boardroom. Today, Toni is deeply passionate about lifting women up in professional sports. Whether you are trying to overcome micromanagement, figure out how to navigate an uncomfortable workplace situation, or simply learn how to pause and reflect, this conversation provides practical insights. Toni explains her "macro-management" style and details why giving your team autonomy is the ultimate key to a highly engaged organization. In this episode, we cover:• How to handle situations where your professional boundaries are crossed.• The definition of a "macro-manager" and why trust drives better team results.• Why pausing to reflect when you find yourself in the majority is critical for leaders.• How to stop shrinking in male-dominated environments and confidently own your space. Resources & Links:• Connect with Toni Will: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonildaniels/ | toniwill.com• Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-Strategic-Audit-30-min-CoachJDTake the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   27 Aug 2026

   Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - S2E8: Geralyn Gaines

   Do you find yourself struggling to maintain your boundaries and protect your peace while climbing the corporate ladder? In Episode 8 of Season 2, we sit down with Geralyn Gaines to discuss the absolute necessity of sustainable leadership and the power of radical authenticity. Episode Summary: After nearly a decade at Ford Motor Company, Geralyn had reached what she thought was the pinnacle of her career. She was hosting massive global dealer events and working with chief executives. During a simple teleprompter rehearsal, she realized she had a totally different calling. She walked away from her corporate safety net to launch her own speaking business, Keeping It G. Geralyn shares her transition from corporate employee to solo entrepreneur, and the hard reckoning she faced when she realized she could not build her empire entirely alone. She breaks down the importance of finding a team, trusting experts, and knowing exactly when to protect your peace by not responding to every piece of criticism. Whether you are struggling to set boundaries at work, trying to navigate your own career pivot, or simply trying to stop comparing your Chapter Two to someone else’s Chapter Ten, this conversation provides practical guidance. Geralyn also shares her insights on self-advocacy and why it is the foundational requirement for building a career you actually love. In this episode, we cover: * How to find the balance between maintaining power and protecting your peace. * Why sustainable leadership requires the courage to finally ask for help. * The reality of radical authenticity and setting clear personal boundaries. * How to overcome the trap of comparison and focus strictly on your own journey. Resources & Links: * Connect with Geralyn Gaines: LinkedIn: Geralyn Gaines (https://www.linkedin.com/in/geralyn-gaines/) | geralyngaines.com * Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-Strategic-Audit-30-min-CoachJD (https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-Strategic-Audit-30-min-CoachJD) * Take the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment (https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   30 Jul 2026

   S2E7 - Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast: Aileen Edwards

   Navigating the people side of leading teams requires deep self-awareness and a willingness to stand firm in your knowledge. In Episode 7 of Season 2, we sit down with Aileen Edwards to discuss how leaders can build genuine trust and stop letting others second-guess their hard-earned expertise. Episode Summary: Aileen brings over 30 years of human resources and executive coaching experience to the table. She shares her personal climb from an immigrant family living in survival mode to reaching the Director level in corporate spaces. Her path required immense resilience. Colleagues frequently questioned her decisions despite her master’s degree and extensive track record. She learned to stand confidently in her abilities, let her results speak, and completely refuse to shrink to make others comfortable. Today, Aileen helps women of color build executive presence and strengthen their influence. Whether you are trying to overcome the urge to stay small, figure out your unique leadership style, or simply learn how to pause and listen better, this conversation provides an incredible roadmap. Aileen explains the affiliative leadership model and details why putting people first is the ultimate key to a highly engaged organization. In this episode, we cover: * How to handle situations where your professional expertise is constantly questioned. * The definition of an affiliative leader and why emotional bonds drive better team results. * Why highly extroverted leaders must learn the difficult skill of silent listening. * How to stop minimizing yourself in corporate environments and confidently own your space. Resources & Links: * Connect with Aileen Edwards: LinkedIn: Aileen Edwards (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileen-m-edwards/) | aemedwardsmeconsulting.ca * Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD (https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD) * Take the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment (https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

4. 

   25 Jun 2026

   S2E6 - Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast: Dr. Douglas Lewis

   Did you know that Black men make up less than one percent of all psychologists in the United States? In Episode 6 of Season 2, we sit down with Dr. Douglas Lewis to discuss the realities of representation, the barrier of corporate gatekeeping, and why true leadership requires a willingness to share power. Episode Summary: Dr. Douglas Lewis is a distinguished forensic psychologist who evaluates justice-involved individuals across juvenile, state, and federal courts. He shares his incredible journey from earning a mathematics degree to working in psychiatric units and eventually navigating the complex intersection of mental health and the legal system. Douglas breaks down the exact reasons why the old guard of leadership often refuses to share their seats at the table. He explains how relying strictly on your network can lock out ambitious, highly qualified professionals. Whether you are dealing with a gatekeeper blocking your next promotion, struggling to feel seen in your industry, or trying to figure out how to be a better mentor to your team, this conversation gives you a clear path forward. Douglas also introduces his philosophy on why power is always better when it is shared. In this episode, we cover: * Why the lack of representation in highly specialized fields impacts the people being served. * How to handle industry gatekeepers who block access to career opportunities. * The massive difference between hoarding leadership power and sharing it to build a stronger team. * How to transfer analytical skills from one completely different industry into another. Resources & Links: * Connect with Dr. Douglas Lewis: LinkedIn: Dr. Douglas Lewis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-douglas-e-lewis-jr/) * Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-Strategic-Audit-30-min-CoachJD (https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-Strategic-Audit-30-min-CoachJD) * Take the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment (https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

5. 

   28 May 2026

   Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - S2E5: Kadine Cooper

   Are you exhausted from proving your worth to a new manager every year? In Episode 5 of Season 2, we sit down with Kadine Cooper to discuss why climbing the corporate ladder often leaves high achievers feeling completely unseen. Episode Summary: After years as a senior talent manager at a Fortune 500 company and navigating through four different managers in three years, Kadine hit a wall. She realized she no longer wanted to bring talent into an organization that did not match her personal values. She quit without a backup plan. Today, she runs her own successful coaching business by helping women become the "CEO" of their careers: Create Every Opportunity. Whether you are surviving another corporate reorganization or feeling stuck in a role that drains your energy, this conversation offers a clear path out. Kadine breaks down her specific rule for evaluating new opportunities and shares exactly how to ground yourself when the corporate environment feels chaotic. She also reminds us of the Maya Angelou rule: people will never forget how you made them feel. In this episode, we cover: - Why collecting corporate titles will never substitute for true self-leadership. - How to use the "Five Fs" (Faith, Family, Fun, Freedom, and Flexibility) as your decision filter. - The hidden human cost of constant corporate restructuring. - How to apply the "Control what you can control" mantra to stop anxiety and take action. Resources & Links: - Connect with Kadine Cooper: LinkedIn: Kadine Cooper - Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD - Take the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

6. 

   30 Apr 2026

   Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - S2E4: Tiana Sanchez | Building Lego vs. Jenga Teams

   Episode Summary: During a major recession, Tiana heard the four words everyone dreads: “We are letting you go.” But 90 days later, she launched a coaching firm that has thrived for over 14 years. She shares her journey from becoming a manager at a gourmet fast food restaurant at just 17 years old to advising top executives today. We dig into why 82 percent of managers are miscast. Often, companies promote people prematurely out of desperation without giving them the tools to handle the people side of leading teams. Tiana breaks down how to build dynamic Lego teams instead of single direction Jenga teams, and why we desperately need to change our relationship with making mistakes. In this episode, we cover: * Why 82 percent of managers lack the skills to handle the people side of leadership. * The difference between building a fragile Jenga team and an inclusive Lego team. * The three actual reasons we experience failure: inaction, distraction, or lack of direction. * Why you should view failure as an experience rather than a permanent identity. Resources & Links: * Connect with Tiana Sanchez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianasanchez/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianasanchez/) | tianasanchez.com * Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD (https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD) * Take the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment (https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

7. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - S2E3: Myrna Laine-Hyppolite

   Are you relying on the traditional trifecta of success but still feeling financially unprepared? In this episode of Fixin’ Your Crown Boo, we sit down with Myrna Laine-Hyppolite, a Chief Financial Officer and wealth strategist, to uncover why working hard and getting a good job is no longer enough to build real wealth. Episode Summary: We dive deep into the critical financial gaps women face and how to overcome them by actively engaging in wealth-building. Myrna, the founder of Empower Financial Wellness, shares her journey from being a young manager of people twice her age to becoming the CFO for a massive network of charter schools. She explains why true independence requires taking charge of your financial future. Whether you are trying to figure out your unique investor persona, navigating a male-dominated corporate space, or building a business alongside a demanding executive career, this episode provides a clear strategic roadmap. Myrna also breaks down how to foster a collaborative team environment by setting clear expectations and asking your team for solutions instead of just presenting problems. In this episode, we cover: * Why the trifecta of success fails to teach us how to make our money work for us. * How to start investing with confidence and discover your personal risk tolerance. * The realities of leadership in a male-dominated field and the importance of elevating your team from within. * Why your money house must be in order before the rest of your life can fall into place. Resources & Links: * Connect with Myrna Laine-Hyppolite: LinkedIn: Myrna Laine-Hyppolite | empowerfinancialwellness.com * Book a Strategy Call with JD: ⁠https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD⁠ (https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD) * Take the Leadership Quiz: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Unprepared-Manager-Quiz This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

8. 

   26 Feb 2026

   Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - S2E2: Sangeetha Dikshit

   Do you know the difference between a leader and a boss? In Episode 2 of Season 2, we sit down with ICF Certified Leadership Coach Sangeetha Dikshit to explore why true leadership isn't found in a title, but in the internal quality of empowering those around you. Episode Summary:Are you listening to solve, or are you listening to understand? Sangeetha Dikshit joins JD Johnson to discuss the power of emotional intelligence in the workplace and why identifying your feelings is the first step toward acting with purpose. We explore the common misconception that introverts can't be powerful leaders, and how leading with "quiet confidence" and self-awareness can actually be a superpower. Sangeetha shares her insights on the difference between coaching and mentorship, the importance of asking difficult questions to trigger introspection, and why receiving constructive feedback should be viewed as a gift, even when it's hard to hear. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the "hustle" culture or struggled to communicate effectively with your team, this episode will help you navigate your triggers and move from reaction to thoughtful response. In this episode, we cover: - Why your emotions are the window to your underlying thoughts. - The crucial difference between putting on a "coaching hat" versus a "mentoring hat". - How to provide constructive feedback that actually helps, rather than just delivering a "sucker punch". - Why self-awareness and empathy are the foundational superpowers of effective leadership Resources & Links: - Connect with Sangeetha Dikshit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdikshit/ - Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD - Take the Leadership Quiz: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Unprepared-Manager-Quiz This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

9. 

   29 Jan 2026

   S2E1 - Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast: Coach Vic Nichols | Whatever You're Not Changing, You're Choosing

   Is your energy worth catching? In the Season 2 premiere of Fixin’ Your Crown Boo, we sit down with Executive Coach Vic Nichols to dismantle the myth that talent alone is enough to succeed. We dive deep into why “life is lived forward and understood backwards,” and how to stop accidental self-sabotage by realizing that whatever you aren’t changing, you are actively choosing. Coach Vic shares his journey from aspiring NFL athlete to corporate leader, revealing why the “A-Type” personality can actually be a liability when leading diverse teams. Whether you are a new manager or a seasoned executive, this episode will force you to look in the mirror and ask: “Am I showing up for my team the way they need, or just the way I assume?”. In this episode, we cover: * Why “talent won’t always take you out of your situation.” * The “Life is Lived Forward” framework for overcoming failure. * Why your biggest struggle in leadership is expecting others to be like you. * The danger of “hustling to disappear” vs. “hustling to be seen.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

10. 

    23 Dec 2025

    S1E6 - Fixin' Your Crown Boo!! Podcast - Julian Thomas

    This week’s theme: The Power of Connection.In a world obsessed with metrics and KPIs, we often forget the invisible engine that actually drives high performance: human connection.In this episode of Fixing Your Crown, Boo!, JD sits down with Julian Thomas, a leader whose career spans from high-pressure sales entrepreneurship to impactful non-profit management. Julian challenges the old adage that "people leave managers." Instead, he flips the script to reveal a powerful truth: People stay for (and follow) great leaders.Together, we explore how relational equity isn't just a "soft skill" but the safety net that keeps teams from crumbling under pressure. Whether you are a founder, a director, or an emerging leader, this conversation will change how you view retention, feedback, and your own career growth.In this episode, we discuss:The 3 Levers of Motivation: Julian breaks down the three things every employee needs to stay—Pay, Relationships, or Education.The Retention Reality: Why top talent will follow a trusted leader from company to company, and how to become that leader.Managing Up: Practical strategies for leading from behind and aligning with your manager’s vision without losing your own.Perception vs. Intention: A critical look at why "Perception is Reality" rules the workplace, while "Intention is Reality" must rule the home.The "Brag Board": How to protect your career during layoffs by maintaining an ongoing list of your wins, independent of your current manager.About the Guest:Julian Thomas is an Ivy League graduate (Dartmouth College) with an MBA and a diverse leadership background. He founded and managed a successful sales company for five years before transitioning into management consulting at Propeller. Currently, he serves as a leader in the non-profit sector at Ride Connection, managing Medicaid transportation programs for vulnerable populations in Portland. Julian is passionate about servant leadership, emotional intelligence, and building equitable communities.Connect with JD Johnson:Website: https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.holm.site/homeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsquared_elevate_consulting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaydejohnson/Quote of the Day:"You cannot withdraw from a bank account you haven't deposited into. Leadership is a relationship business. If you get the relationships right, the metrics follow. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

11. 

    27 Nov 2025

    S1E5 - Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - Emma Asiedu-Akrofi

    Fixin’ Your Crown Boo! - A podcast to interview dope people in leadership who use the model of Servant Leadership and are driven by emotionally intelligent leadership & and are passionate about lifting others up! Emma Asiedu-Akrofi | Chief Executive Officer | [she/her] Emma Asiedu-Akrofi is a dedicated advocate for women and girls, committed to addressing gender-based inequalities. She holds a degree in political science and sociology from the University of Toronto and has over 10 years of experience working in the charitable sector. Currently, Emma serves as Chief Executive Officer of Fora: Network for Change. As a Black Canadian woman of Ghanaian descent, Emma’s work is deeply rooted in an intersectional, anti-oppressive, and inclusive framework. She recognizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination and oppression that individuals face. Emma is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable society for all. Emma’s passion lies in creating opportunities for underserved groups to access the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Whether advocating for gender equality, empowering marginalized communities, or championing social justice, Emma remains unwavering in her personal and professional commitment to this cause. The Leader’s Leap: Navigating Imposter Syndrome, Burnout, and the Power of Community with Emma Asiedu-Akrofi "The only way out is through." This powerful mantra has guided Emma Asiedu-Akrofi through a remarkable career journey, from managing a grassroots charity of one to leading as the CEO of Fora: Network for Change. In this episode of Fixin' Your Crown, Boo, host JD Johnson sits down with Emma to discuss the realities of leadership that often go unspoken—the leaps of faith, the quiet battles with imposter syndrome, and the critical importance of having a "village" to hold you up. In this conversation, Emma and JD dive deep into: The Reality of "The Leader's Leap": Emma shares her inspiring transition from an established role at the YMCA to leading the Jean Augustine Centre, a small grassroots charity, and eventually becoming the CEO of Fora. She opens up about the steep learning curves, from reading financials to mastering the language of advocacy. Navigating Burnout and Healing: Emma candidly discusses her experience leading a nonprofit during the pandemic, the toll of anxiety and burnout, and the radical act of taking a month off to heal, meditate, and reconnect with family. Confronting Imposter Syndrome: Even as a CEO, Emma admits to battling the feeling of not belonging in certain rooms. She shares her strategy for positive self-talk: reminding herself, "You deserve to be there just as much as they do". The Power of the "Village": Emma credits her success not just to her own efforts, but to her "board of directors"—the mentors, friends, and peers who provide honest feedback and unwavering support. Operationalizing Empathy & Feedback: As a leader committed to growth, Emma shares her unique approach to a "360 review," inviting feedback from her entire staff and board to ensure she is serving her organization with integrity and transparency. Why Listen? This episode is a masterclass in resilient, human-centered leadership. Whether you are a new manager, a nonprofit leader, or someone contemplating a major career pivot, Emma’s story offers a blueprint for leading with vulnerability, courage, and community. Tune in to hear how you can fix your own crown while lifting others up along the way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

12. 

    23 Oct 2025

    S1E4 - Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - George White Jr

    George White Jr - With over a decade of expertise in information technology and project management, he is a PMI Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) known for leading cross-functional teams, optimizing processes, and delivering successful outcomes across both technical and legal environments. His career has centered on managing large-scale, data-driven projects, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and seamless technology integration. In his roles, he has developed strategic project plans aligned with organizational goals, always seeking opportunities to innovate and streamline processes. As a PMO Project Manager, his passion for process improvement led him to design and implement impactful project management training programs. These initiatives have empowered teams, boosting productivity, enhancing project management capabilities, and elevating client satisfaction. Leading with Heart & Hustle: Servant Leadership, Mentorship & Owning Your Career with George White Jr. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This Maya Angelou quote is more than just a mantra for George White Jr.; it’s the foundation of his leadership philosophy. In this episode of Fixin’ Your Crown, Boo, host JD Johnson sits down with George, a seasoned project management leader with expertise in IT and legal tech, to explore the powerful intersection of technical precision and deep human connection. In this conversation, George and JD dive deep into: * The Power of “The Human Element”: George explains why building genuine rapport is his first move on any project. He shares how treating team members as whole people—not just resources—can inspire exceptional effort, even during crunch times. * A Defining Moment in Mentorship: George recounts a pivotal career conversation where a manager selflessly advised him to leave the company for his own growth. This act of true servant leadership changed his trajectory and solidified his belief in prioritizing people over retention. * Navigating Bias with Data: As a Black leader in corporate spaces, George opens up about facing microaggressions and bias. He shares his strategic advice for mentees: when emotions are weaponized against you, use data as your shield and your sword to advocate for your performance. * Owning Your Career: George challenges listeners to take charge of their professional destiny. He discusses the importance of building a personal brand that transcends any single employer and why you must always have a plan—even if you have to deviate from it. * Representation Matters: From his grandmother (his ultimate “Shero”) to his own role as a mentor, George discusses why being a visible, accessible leader is crucial for showing the next generation that their ambitions are achievable. Why Listen? If you are an emerging leader, a project manager, or anyone navigating the complexities of the modern workplace, George’s insights offer a masterclass in leading with integrity, empathy, and strategic resilience. Tune in to learn how to lead with heart, hustle, and the unwavering belief that there is room for everyone at the table. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

13. 

    20 Oct 2025

    S1E3 - Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - Annie Lyons

    **Annie Lyons** Operations Leader | Change Maker | Collaboration Champion | Lover of Ambiguity With over a decade of transformation management, Annie Lyons is a dynamic force in the industry. She has successfully led transformational projects for leading health insurers and Fortune 500 retail organizations. Her unique ability to embrace ambiguity and drive exceptional results has catapulted both clients and colleagues to new heights. During this journey, Annie had the unique opportunity to go deep within the insurance industry while spending six years in management consulting. This combination has given her a unique perspective of both what success looks like from the outside-in and how success works from the inside-out. When she’s not looking for the next thing to make her uncomfortable, Annie enjoys seeking insights on trends shaping the retail and insurance industries (with a strong belief these industries should be learning from each other) and mentoring the next generation of leaders. An avid believer in the growth mindset, Annie is forever in pursuit of that next humbling moment. Annie’s colleagues often say, “Annie makes ambiguity look easy.” Her secret? A relentless curiosity and a commitment to harnessing uncertainty to drive meaningful results. The Leader’s Guide to Doing Hard Things (and Why It’s the Only Way to Grow) with Annie Lyons “I want to help people do really hard things.” This simple yet profound statement is the core of Annie Lyons’ leadership philosophy. A seasoned operations leader, change-maker, and transformation expert, Annie has built a career on navigating ambiguity and leading teams through uncharted territory. In this episode of Fixin’ Your Crown, Boo, host JD Johnson sits down with Annie to discuss why embracing the “hard things” is the secret to unlocking growth, innovation, and resilience. In this conversation, Annie and JD explore: * The Myth of the All-Knowing Leader: Annie busts the myth that leaders need to have all the answers. Instead, she advocates for leading with curiosity and the courage to say, “I don’t know, but let’s figure it out together.” * Learning in Public: Why the most effective leaders are those who are willing to learn, stumble, and hone their craft in front of their teams. Annie shares how this vulnerability builds trust and gives permission for others to take risks. * Operationalizing Empathy: Annie breaks down how empathy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a strategic business tool. She discusses the importance of understanding individual motivations (”What’s in it for me?”) to align personal goals with organizational missions. * Navigating Ambiguity: From her eclectic journey through five different colleges to leading massive digital transformations, Annie shares her personal strategies for thriving in uncertain environments and helping teams find clarity in the chaos. * The “Village” of Leadership: Why leadership is never a solo act. Annie and JD discuss the critical role of mentors, “personal boards of directors,” and support systems in sustaining a long and impactful career. Why Listen? If you’ve ever felt unprepared for a new challenge or overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect, this episode is your permission slip to be human. Annie’s insights offer a practical, compassionate roadmap for leading with authenticity, resilience, and a growth mindset. Tune in to discover how doing the hard things can be the most rewarding part of your leadership journey. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

14. 

    20 Oct 2025

    S1E2 - Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - Victoria Houston

    Victoria “Vic” Houston is a consultant originally NYC who has an MBA from WGU with over 10 years of experience leading cross-functional teams across industries. She is known for being highly effective, technically current, and creative when it comes to developing and implementing scalable systems and procedures. Her leadership style focuses on increasing program efficiency, improving follow-through, and fostering collaboration—especially in complex or high-stakes environments. Thanks to her cross-cultural awareness and people-first mindset, She help teams cut through the noise and deliver real impact. At my core, Vic is mission-minded leader and transformation strategist with a heart for people and a bias for action. With roots in consulting and a track record of driving change across government and tech, Vic specializes in navigating ambiguity, building culture, and creating outcomes that actually stick. She believes emotionally intelligent leadership is the real flex—and She is all about building community, not just consensus. The Power of the Pivot: Embracing Change, Building Your Own Table, and Leading with a Strategic Heart with Vic Houston “If you are not given a seat at the table, take it or go make your own table.” This bold declaration perfectly encapsulates the leadership philosophy of Victoria “Vic” Beck Houston. A transformation strategist, entrepreneur, and consultant with roots in government and tech, Vic has built a career on navigating ambiguity, advocating for herself, and empowering others to do the same. In this episode of Fixin’ Your Crown, Boo, host JD Johnson sits down with Vic to discuss the art of the career pivot, the necessity of boundaries, and why effective leadership is always personal. In this conversation, Vic and JD dive deep into: * The Art of the Career Pivot: Vic shares her journey from an editor to a principal program manager and chief engineer in the government sector in just a year and a half. She reveals her strategy for “moseying your way in” to a company you admire and proving your value to land the role you truly want. * Leading with a “Strategic Heart”: Vic breaks down her leadership style as a “servant leader with a strategic edge,” balancing empathy with execution. She discusses how she builds trust by leading from behind to let her team shine, while always being ready to step to the front line when tough calls need to be made. * The Power of “No”: As a self-proclaimed “Queen of No,” Vic explains why setting boundaries is crucial for high performance. She shares practical advice on how to push back with care, ensuring that assertiveness and empathy are not mutually exclusive. * Creating Your Own Table: Vic discusses the importance of not waiting for permission to advocate for yourself or your community. She shares her experience launching her own business to serve demographics often overlooked by traditional career services, embodying the ethos of building the table you want to sit at. * The Human Side of Leadership: From “stalking” executives to get answers for her team to creating a culture where people feel safe to vent, Vic emphasizes that leadership is about relationships. She shares how understanding individual motivators (”the WIIFM”) is the key to unlocking a team’s potential. Why Listen? If you’ve ever felt stuck in a role, hesitated to advocate for yourself, or struggled to balance being a “nice” leader with being an effective one, this episode is for you. Vic’s no-nonsense, heart-centered advice offers a powerful playbook for taking control of your career and leading with authenticity. Tune in to learn how to pivot with purpose, lead with conviction, and build a career that brings you joy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

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    20 Oct 2025

    S1E1 - Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - Alex Barra

    Alex Barra, is a Senior Organizational Effectiveness Consultant at Delta Dental. Alex has held many HR roles in various capacities, from Labor Relations Representative and HR Business Partner to more advanced roles such as Talent & Organizational Development Consultant and HR Innovation & Change Program Manager. Beyond HR, Alex has also been a Management Consultant focusing on projects that drive technology transformation and providing guidance on change management strategy and execution. They hold a degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com (https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

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