Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. ERICKA JOHNSON.
Hi Dr. ERICKA, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely. My journey is one of purpose, perseverance, and faith.
I started as a **substitute teacher—yes, a sub—**stepping into classrooms wherever I was needed, often without much notice or support. But even then, I knew I was called to do more than manage a classroom—I was called to transform them. Over time, I moved from substitute to teacher, from teacher to campus leader, and eventually into district leadership and beyond. My path wasn’t traditional, but it was intentional. Every role sharpened my perspective, deepened my resolve, and gave me firsthand insight into the systemic gaps that impact students—especially those from underrepresented communities.
Today, I bring over 20 years of experience across K–12 and higher education, with a focus on school design, turnaround leadership, and building strong partnerships between schools, families, and communities. I’m the founder of Imagine That Consulting, where I support districts, universities, and organizations through Leadership Therapy™, equity-centered strategy, strategic planning, and culture transformation work that actually sticks.
I’m also the author of From Substitute to Superintendent: The Journey of a Transformational Leader, and the creator of She Leads—a community designed to give women like myself a voice and the permission to be unapologetically who we are, while being supported by sisters who understand the journey.
At the center of it all is my belief that education is nation-building—and every day, I’m committed to helping leaders build better systems, stronger schools, and more courageous futures for our children.
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?
No—my road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been sacred. I’ve faced seasons where I had to lead without a blueprint, fight for students in systems that weren’t designed to see them, and make hard decisions that came with criticism, isolation, and real pressure. There were moments I was overlooked, underestimated, and expected to shrink—especially when I was the one bringing bold change to spaces that were comfortable with “business as usual.”
One of the biggest struggles was navigating dysfunctional environments—teams with low trust, unspoken conflict, misalignment, and fear-based leadership. I learned quickly that you can have a great strategy, but if the culture is broken, the work won’t last. I also had to learn how to protect my peace while still producing results—how to lead with empathy and accountability, how to set boundaries, and how to keep showing up even when the weight was heavy.
And then there’s the personal side—balancing ambition with wellness, carrying responsibility while still being human, and staying grounded in faith when the outcomes weren’t immediate. But every struggle sharpened me. It taught me courage, deepened my faith in God, and strengthened my emotional intelligence—the very things I now use to help other leaders rise.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the Founder and CEO of Imagine That Consulting, LLC, a transformational leadership and organizational culture firm. At our core, we help schools, districts, and mission-driven organizations move from dysfunction to alignment—so their people, systems, and results finally match the vision they say they have.
What we do: we design and deliver high-impact support in three phases—diagnose, build, and sustain. That means we don’t just “train” people and leave. We assess what’s really happening, build the leadership and systems needed for change, and then support implementation so improvement sticks.
What we’re known for:
Leadership Therapy™ — our signature approach for strengthening leadership teams, especially in environments where trust is low and conflict is avoided or mishandled. We help teams rebuild trust, embrace healthy conflict, commit to the mission, practice true accountability, and stay focused on results. It’s real, it’s honest, and it moves teams forward fast.
Culture and systems transformation — we help leaders fix root causes, not just symptoms: communication breakdowns, low morale, unclear roles, weak instructional systems, and disconnected strategy.
Equity-centered, results-driven work — we specialize in supporting underrepresented communities and leaders who want real outcomes, not performative initiatives.
What sets us apart is that we bring both heart and horsepower. We lead with emotional intelligence and faith, but we also bring clarity, structure, and measurable results. We are not a one-size-fits-all consulting company. We customize, we tell the truth, and we build capacity—so leaders don’t become dependent on us, they become empowered because of us.
I’m also building She Leads—a movement and community created to give women like myself a voice and the permission to be unapologetically who God created them to be. She Leads is a space where women can be seen, supported, and strengthened—where we share networks, uplift our sisters, and tell the truth about the journey without fear or shame. Too many women are leading in silence, carrying the weight alone, and performing strength while privately struggling. She Leads exists to change that.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is that my work is rooted in integrity and impact. People know when they hire Imagine That Consulting, they’re getting a partner who will stand in the fire with them—not just give them a PowerPoint. I’m proud that my brand represents bold leadership, healing, excellence, and transformation.
What I want readers to know is this: my brand exists for people who are ready to do the real work. If you’re tired of dysfunction, tired of shrinking, and tired of “almost” results—whether in your organization or in your personal leadership journey—my work is designed to help you rise, heal, and lead with power.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is purpose-driven impact—doing work that actually changes lives and prepares people for what’s next, not just what’s familiar.
I’m a mother, and motherhood has deepened everything I believe about leadership. It’s not just about titles or outcomes—it’s about legacy. I’m thinking about the world my children are inheriting, and I’m already preparing a future for my future grandchildren and for other people’s children too—because we are living in an unpredictable world, and our kids deserve adults who are brave enough to build something better.
I care most about people, especially those who are too often overlooked—students with brilliance the system doesn’t always recognize, educators who are carrying heavy loads, and women leaders who keep showing up for everyone else while silently needing space to be supported themselves.
Why does this matter to me? Because I’ve lived the pressure, the responsibility, and the fight it takes to create change. And I’ve also seen what happens when people are finally seen, supported, and equipped—confidence shifts, culture shifts, and outcomes shift.
At the end of the day, I want my life and my brand to stand for this: healing and transformation that leads to real results—so our children and grandchildren don’t just survive this world, they’re prepared to lead it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dr-ericka-johnson.com
- Instagram: @drerickajohnson
- Facebook: drerickajohnson
- LinkedIn: dr-erickajohnson
- Youtube: @drerickajohnson
- Other: https://imaginethatconsulting.org
