The Leadership Initiative

Stop the cycle of burnout and lead with purpose. In this episode, Michell Bartlein shares the secrets of Leadership Development and scaling a small business without losing your soul. 🚀✨ Are you struggling with the 'busyness' trap? Michell Bartlein, owner of Savoy Salon and Spa, joins InitiativeOne CEO, Tracy Johnson, to discuss her journey from dissolving a business at 17 to building an elite 'W...

Ever had a boss's boss undo your work? Dr. Shawnrece Butler shares the raw truth about ethical leadership and why she chose to walk away to protect her values. 🚀 In this episode of the Leadership Initiative, we sit down with Northern Michigan University's Assistant VP, Dr. Shawnrece Butler, to discuss her incredible journey from a voracious reader to a leader in higher education.

Master essential Leadership Lessons with Sheriff Matt Joski. Discover why Trust in Leadership is the ultimate foundation for longevity and success in high-pressure roles. 🚀 In this episode of the Leadership Initiative, Dr. Fred Johnson sits down with Sheriff Matt Joski to uncover the secrets behind a successful 20-year career in law enforcement and public service. We explore how Emotional Intelli...

Master these essential Leadership Lessons to drive Healthcare Innovation and transform your organization with Dr. Alan Roga and Dr. Fred Johnson.  In this episode of the Leadership Initiative, Dr. Fred Johnson sits down with Dr. Alan Roga, a 'unicorn' in the field of medicine who pioneered virtual ER care. They dive deep into the mechanics of Change Management and how to maintain 100% Accountabili...

In this episode of the Leadership Initiative, Dr. Fred Johnson sits down with Aaron Sadoff, President of Marian University, to dismantle the myth that happiness is 'fufu' and reveal why it is a high-stakes competitive advantage. Discover how positive psychology can revolutionize organizational culture and why the most effective leaders focus on building authority through trust rather than relying...

Join our leadership roundtable as they discuss why 30 years of "classroom management" training fails without personal transformation. Discover why being a "better human" is the prerequisite for being a better leader.

In this exclusive InitiativeOne interview, Dr. Fred Johnson sits down with Andrea Billups—a veteran national reporter and editor whose expertise spans from the First Lady and political policy to fashion and celebrity news. They talk about stopping pre-judging yourself and starting to show up as your authentic self. Andrea and Fred discuss why honesty—even when it's uncomfortable or "sassy"—is the...

Wrestling with Imposter Syndrome and feeling uncomfortable as a leader? Mike Ferreira, CEO of Meetings Made Easy, and leadership expert and InitiativeOne founder Dr. Fred Johnson reveal why even the most successful leaders feel it every day.

In this episode of the Leadership Initiative, Dr. Fred Johnson interviews Nick Suss, a veteran NFL beat reporter for The Tennessean. Nick shares his unique journey, from being known as the "ESPN kid" at age ten to covering the Tennessee Titans and the complexities of the NFL. They discuss leadership and success within the league, highlighting Nick's fair, candid approach to journalism that priorit...

In this powerful episode of the Leadership Initiative, Dr. Fred Johnson sits down with Justin Goodbread, founder of The Deca Millionaire Way, author, and expert in business valuation. Justin shares the three essential criteria for success that he has observed in elite leaders worldwide: Crystal Clear Vision, Deep Wounding (Hardship), and Repurposed Channeling.  

Can you be a great leader without being a terrific teammate? Join Dr. Fred Johnson and former professional baseball player turned Private Equity Managing Partner, Bobby Kingsbury, as they explore the visceral connection between sports and high-stakes business leadership. From representing Team Greece in the 2004 Olympics to leading MCM Capital Partners, Bobby shares the "Quentin Tarantino" version...

Join Dr. Fred Johnson for a captivating interview with former NFL player and entrepreneur Brennan Scarlett (Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins), founder of Scarlett Creative. Brennan's story is a masterclass in successful career transition, a journey where many athletes fail. In this powerful conversation, Brennan shares the universal principles for creating a great team, whether in an NFL locker room...

Are you squeezing 10 pounds of flour into a 5-pound bag? Today's leaders are desperate for life balance, but how do you achieve excellence professionally while being present at home? Tracy and Fred Johnson redefine balance, moving past the perpetual "teeter-totter" trade-off. Discover the transformational power of the Pareto (PTO) Principle applied to your schedule. By focusing on your 1s and 2s (...

Join Dr. Fred Johnson and Scott Snider, President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI), for a fascinating look at maximizing business value and leading through crisis. Scott shares the incredible story of EPI's growth from $3M to $16M in revenue and an explosive 40% year-over-year growth. He reveals the crucial pivot made during the pandemic when, despite booming success, his entire team was secre...

Join Dr. Fred Johnson and special guest Dr. Mike Alexander, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, for an insightful conversation on leadership, purpose, and unprecedented growth. While dozens of colleges are closing, UWGB has seen a 25% enrollment increase, becoming the fastest-growing campus in the UW system. Chancellor Alexander reveals the "nuggets" fueling this success. Discover...

Join InitiativeOne CEO, Tracy Johnson on the Leadership Initiative podcast for a powerful discussion with four incredible female leaders: Abbey Sutherland (Women's Head Volleyball Coach - UWGB), Erica Brock (Hemophilia Outreach Center ), Andrea Buxton, APNP (Hemophilia Outreach Center ), and Julie Gile (Business Owner, Julie Gile Photography). These leaders from diverse fields, healthcare, sports,...

Join Dr. Fred Johnson, Founder of InitiativeOne, for an inspiring conversation with Inky Johnson, a man who exemplifies the meaning of perseverance. From a life-altering injury on the football field to becoming one of the most respected motivational speakers in the nation, Inky shares his deeply personal journey and the lessons he's learned about humility, gratitude, and the power of believing in...

In this episode, Dr. Fred Johnson, Founder of InitiativeOne, dives into the second part of their two-part series on self-belief. He explores the practical "diet and exercise" you need to overcome self-doubt and impostor syndrome. Dr. Fred shares personal strategies and research-backed methods to help you move from a place of "I am not enough" to "I am enough." Learn how to identify your inner crit...

Leadership has changed! In this episode of the Leadership Initiative Podcast, Dr. Fred Johnson dives into what it takes to be a great leader in today's world. They tackle the tough questions about confidence, self-belief, and the toxic myth of "fake it 'til you make it." In this video, you'll learn: The difference between confidence and self-belief: Discover why one is shallow and the other is a d...

Ever wonder how top leaders make it? In this video, Dr. Fred Johnson chats with Kate Guerra, VP of Communications for the  T itans, about her journey and the two "not-so-secret" secrets to her success in her career in the NFL. Learn why authenticity and asking for help are the ultimate power moves in modern leadership.

Ready to make a big leap in your career or life? Dr. Fred Johnson and special guest Mike Ryan, former NFL trainer for the Jaguars and Giants, and now an NBC Sports injury analyst, discuss finding your purpose in life and career. Discover how Mike transitioned from peak NFL success to an even greater impact, sharing vital sports medicine and wellness insights with the world. If you're contemplating...

Discover the transformative power of embracing the human side of leadership. In this episode, Dr. Fred Johnson sits down with Coach Abbey Sutherland, head women's volleyball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, to explore how vulnerability, resilience, and authenticity shape impactful leaders. Learn actionable strategies for overcoming burnout, fostering trust, and balancing personal ch...

InitiativeOne CEO Tracy Johnson sits down with Louise Cornelius, Gaming General Manager at Oneida Casino, as she shares her transformational leadership journey. In this episode, you'll discover actionable strategies in leadership decision-making, fostering trust, and strategic planning that have propelled Louise to national recognition in the gaming industry. With over 40 years of experience, Loui...

Join us in this inspiring episode of the Leadership Initiative podcast as Dr. Fred Johnson sits down with Alec Ingold, Miami Dolphins fullback, to uncover powerful lessons on finding purpose and driving personal growth.

Join CEO Tracy Johnson and Joey Reader on the "Leadership Initiative Podcast" as they explore the art of building trust and leading through challenges. In this insightful episode, Joey reflects on 20 years of entrepreneurial growth with A-mazing Events, sharing hard-earned lessons in leadership decision-making, self-dialogue, and vulnerability in leadership. Discover how strategic planning, mainta...