Meet Trailblazer Kelley Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley Johnson.

Kelley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
By day I spend my time running a consulting and executive coaching firm I started three years ago following a 20+ year career in corporate America. My background is a diverse blend of corporate communications and human resources experience for national and global companies. Before starting my firm, I was the chief diversity officer for JCPenney.

My journey has inspired me to pursue spiritual authenticity and encourage others to do the same. I don’t want women to feel as if they have to sacrifice their values or their soul to have a fulfilling life and career. In addition to running my consulting and coaching firm, I try to inspire women to thrive in life through spiritual authenticity on my podcast show, Cubicles & Christ. I’m also releasing my first book, “EMERGE! Rise-Up, Be Fearless and Take Possession of Your Purpose,” to help women learn to identify their life purpose.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not a smooth road, but I have been fortunate to have many wonderful opportunities. I have always tried to take something positive from even the most difficult situations. I came from very humble beginnings and did not have parents who were able to groom me for corporate success. As a woman of color who was often one of the youngest leaders at my level, my ideas and contributions were often marginalized and dismissed.

My advice to other women is to be authentic and endeavor to live your values every day. When you are faced with challenges, it’s important to go back to center and ensure that at the end of the day, you haven’t sacrificed your soul to get ahead. Be open to mentors and advice from unlikely sources. Try to earn certifications and other credentials early in your career, but remember that you are never too old to learn, shift and grow. Feed your soul as much as you feed your body and mind.

Tell us about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from others?
I am known for my work as a diversity and inclusion consultant, keynote speaker and certified executive coach. There are many great diversity practitioners who are doing meaningful and impactful work. What sets me apart is that I have operated at the officer level providing strategic oversight for a number of employee engagement and HR functions. I understand firsthand the challenges my clients face because I have walked in their shoes. I see my role as being a strategic thought partner to help them look around the corner.

One aspect of my work that is new and I’m very excited about is bringing a unique aspect of diversity and inclusion to the forefront, and that is religion in the workplace. I am an advocate for faith in the workplace and helping organizations cultivate an environment where people do not have to hide this aspect of who they are. I believe everyone should be respectful of different religious backgrounds of coworkers, and it takes a certain level of organizational maturity within the diversity and inclusion journey in order to do this, but I think it’s time to start the dialogue. I believe faith in the workplace is the next frontier for diversity and inclusion and have launched a study to understand better the business value of creating workplaces that are inclusive to religious beliefs.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
My grandmother and mother are both such strong women, each in a different way. They both demonstrate a ‘no excuses’ mindset, an unwavering commitment to their faith and are creative and resourceful in overcoming obstacles. I also had a wonderful mentor in my career, Linda Jimenez. She, unfortunately, is no longer with us, but she was a sharp, astute woman who had heart and soul. She was willing to take a risk on people others might overlook, and I appreciated that about her.

Contact Info:

• Website: kelleyjohnsonenterprises.com
• Email: support@kelleyjohnsonenterprises.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/iamkelleyjohnson
• Facebook: facebook.com/iamkelleyjohnson
• Other:  iamkelleyjohnson.com

Image Credit:
R. Louise Photography

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