The Leadership Initiative

Discover powerful NFL leadership lessons to transform your team and elevate your organization. In this insightful episode of the Leadership Initiative Podcast, Dr. Fred Johnson shares transformative experiences from his time working with NFL teams, revealing strategies for leadership decision-making, self-dialogue, trust-building, and fostering vulnerability in leadership. Dr. Fred and Tracy Johns...

Discover how purpose-driven leadership can create lasting impact in this insightful conversation between Dr. Fred Johnson, founder of Initiative One, and wealth management expert Jared Bowers. Through a unique blend of leadership principles and investment strategies, they explore the power of intentional decision-making and aligning values with long-term success. Key takeaways from this episode: L...

In this insightful episode of the Leadership Initiative Podcast. Join Dr. Fred Johnson as he shares his transformative experiences as a leadership coach for the Miami Dolphins, offering practical strategies for building trust, fostering vulnerability in leadership, and navigating organizational culture. From overcoming workplace drama to enhancing leadership decision-making, this conversation is p...

In this episode of the Leadership Initiative Podcast, Tracy Johnson and Gina Marchionda discuss the transformative power of authentic leadership as an educator and leader with over 32 years of experience. Discover how Gina's journey in public education and leadership transformation has driven remarkable outcomes in student engagement and achievement across her district. Key insights include: - The...

Discover the power of authentic leadership and the lessons that can transform your approach to leading others. In this episode of the Leadership Initiative podcast, Dr. Fred Johnson sits down with Parks Frazier, an offensive assistant for the Miami Dolphins, to explore critical leadership foundations, including vulnerability in leadership, trust-building, and leadership decision-making. Learn how...

Discover how Jamison Buxton transformed a healthcare organization into a national leader in breakthrough treatments. In this powerful conversation, Jamison Buxton shares his journey of leading the Hemophilia Outreach Center to become the first facility in the US to offer commercial gene therapy treatments. Learn essential leadership strategies that drove this remarkable transformation: • Building...

Join Tracy Johnson and Navy Commander Erica Reid-Dixon as they share powerful insights from Erica's military career and personal journey. Discover how a Navy commanding officer balances leadership responsibilities with personal growth, and learn why embracing vulnerability is crucial for authentic leadership. In this candid conversation, Commander Dixon reveals how dance became her unexpected teac...

Join Tracy Johnson and Betty Vasquez as they dive into a transformative discussion about leadership. In this insightful episode, Betty shares her journey in public education and her impactful role as Supervisor of English Language and Bilingual Education in Fond du Lac School District. Discover how leadership decision-making, self-talk, and trust-building are pivotal in creating a positive educati...

Join the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast as Tanya Jones shares her remarkable journey From Teacher to Superintendent. Tanya, now the superintendent of Tahlequah Public Schools offers profound insights into leadership transformation and strategic planning. Discover how her experiences in education have shaped her approach to leadership decision-making and self-dialogue, emphasizing trust-building...

Discover how curiosity became the hidden power behind one Navy Commanding Officer's remarkable leadership journey. In this engaging conversation, Erica Reid-Dixon shares her fascinating path from Naval Academy graduate to commanding a base in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dive into powerful leadership insights including: • How curiosity drives meaningful connections and team building • Building authentic...

Discover why vulnerability is a leadership game-changer in this episode of the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast. Join Tracy Johnson as he delves into leadership decision-making, self-dialogue, and trust-building with Melanie Steinbarth, principal at Fond du Lac Schools. Learn how her journey through leadership transformation has turned challenges into strategic planning successes. Key Insights: Vu...

In this episode, InitiativeOne Founder, Dr. Fred Johnson, sits down with an incredible leader who shares his journey of leading bold change and building belief in a community. Hear about celebrating small victories and how those moments can create unstoppable momentum. Key Takeaways: Belief in the Vision: Sometimes others believe in your vision before you do. Embrace those who see potential, and l...

In part two, Dr. Fred Johnson and Colonel Bob Mitchell dive into the critical aspects of leadership decision-making and how world-class leaders distinguish themselves. They explore two defining traits:  1. The ability to confront personal issues  2. Consistently making better decisions than the competition  Dr. Fred and Colonel Mitchell also discuss examples of corporate leaders who make critical...

In this episode, Dr. Fred Johnson sits down with Colonel Bob Mitchell, a retired Army leader to discuss the leadership principles that have guided him. Colonel Mitchell reflects on how his leadership development began in high school under the mentorship of his football coach, who helped him realize his leadership potential early on. This foundation carried him through his 30-year military career,...

In this episode, Dr. Fred Johnson connects with Tehassi Hill, a seasoned leader from the Oneida Nation. They explore the challenges of leading a complex organization like a Native American tribe, particularly in the face of generational trauma. Through candid conversations, they detail key leadership skills that have helped Tehassi rise above chaos, maintain calm in the midst of tension, and creat...

In this episode of the Leadership Initiative Podcast Tracy Johnson, CEO of InitiativeOne, is joined by Greg Salmen, the newly appointed CEO and President of Stephenson National Bank, who stepped into his role in January 2024.  With 22 years of experience at the bank and a well-planned succession that was announced three years in advance, Greg shares the challenges, surprises, and learning experien...

In this episode of The Leadership Initiative Podcast, Dr. Fred Johnson and Tony Reale dive deep into one of the most pivotal topics in personal growth and leadership— The Most Important Conversation You Can Have is With Yourself. Powerful self-dialogue shapes your perspective and helps you tap into your true purpose in life. Join us as Dr. Fred breaks down: • The nature of self-worth and why most...

In this episode, Dr. Fred Johnson, founder of Initiative One, sits down with Julie Gile, owner and founder of a renowned photography company. Join us as they delve into the power of relationships and trust in business, Julie's unique approach to photography goes beyond taking pictures, and the importance of self-awareness and empathy in leadership. They also discuss strategies for building deep, m...

In this episode of the Leadership Initiative podcast, Dr. Fred Johnson interviews NFL fullback Alec Ingold about the key characteristics of elite coaches and teams. They discuss the importance of psychological safety, effective communication, and proactive problem-solving in building high-performing teams. Click here to register   for our next Think Tank! InitiativeOne: Leadership Institute Elimin...

Welcome to the Initiative One Podcast with Dr. Fred Johnson, featuring special guest Michael Perry, Principal of Greenville Middle School in Merriweather, Georgia. Michael discusses his journey transforming education amidst challenges like teacher retention and limited resources. He emphasizes fostering a culture of belief and opportunity for his "scholars," overcoming obstacles with creative solu...

Join us as we introduce Dr. Michael Gordon, Chief Medical Officer of the Honor Health Research Institute, highlighting his contributions to cancer research and clinical trials. Dr. Gordon shares his personal battle with pancreatic cancer, revealing how his journey as a patient has deepened his empathy and urgency in his professional work. He discusses the transformation in his leadership approach,...

Join Dr. Fred Johnson, founder of Initiative One, and Dr. Paul Mettler, a long-time partner based in Knoxville, Tennessee, as they delve into the evolution of their organization since 2002. In this candid conversation, they discuss the challenges and triumphs of scaling, changing, and growing Initiative One into a significant player in leadership growth. Click here to register   for our next Think...

Join Dr. Fred Johnson, founder of Initiative One, for an inspiring episode of "Transforming Education." This week, Dr. Johnson welcomes Dr. Jeff Fleig, the superintendent of the Fond du Lac School District in Wisconsin. Dr. Fleig shares his remarkable journey of leading profound change in a district that was once stagnant. Hear firsthand about the challenges, and strategies that have marked this t...

Join us as we venture into the heart of law enforcement, exploring the power of emotional intelligence in community trust and effective policing. Sheriff Matt and Dr. Fred talk about the critical intersection of tactical necessity and emotional intelligence, uncovering how empathy, respect, and self-awareness can reshape interactions between officers and the communities they serve. Click here to r...

Join Dr. Fred Johnson, founder of Initiative One, as he sits down with industry expert Lisa Flanary to explore the intersection of purpose-driven leadership and organizational success. Click here to register   for our next Think Tank! InitiativeOne: Leadership Institute Eliminate Drama, Improve Decision-Making, and Win as a Team.   Follow us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , & Twitter .   To le...