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-b…

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-mak…

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 c…

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 i…

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 bef…

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 e…

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…

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…

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…

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 bre…

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.…

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 …

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 "…

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 discus…

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 g…

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 …

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 office…

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 LinkedI…

Welcome to today's podcast! Hosted by Dr. Fred Johnson, this episode features a conversation with special guest Dr. Bryan Schwebke founder of Paramount Performance. Together, they dive into the world of entrepreneurship, exploring its intricacies, and trials. Tune in as they share insights, experiences, and practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs…

In today's latest episode, Dr. Fred Johnson leads a profound exploration into the future landscape of leadership. Accompanying him is Austin Ertl, former Miami Redhawks Football Captain and the latest addition to InitiativeOne's dynamic team as an intern. Tune in as they delve into essential insights, uncovering the indispensable traits that define…

On today's episode, host Regina Woods is joined by Oconto Falls Superintendent Dr. Dean Hess. In this engaging conversation, they delve into various aspects of leadership, including stepping out of one's comfort zone, defining purpose, and effectively addressing conflict. Tune in as Regina and Dr. Hess explore the importance of embracing discomfort…

Do your emotions impact your leadership? How so? Maria Marshall Clarke joins Dr. Fred Johnson to discuss how fear and love profoundly impact how leaders live their day-to-day lives. If you want to lead at a world-class level, you must move away from fear-based decision-making and into a life of purpose. Fear of failure and imposter syndrome will bl…

Join us for a unique episode as Dr. Fred, our usual host, takes on a new role, fielding questions from Tracy Johnson, iOne's new CEO. Delve into the discussion on the essential anchors for team, company, and purpose growth, and explore strategies for continuity when dependable leaders transition. Click here to register for our next Think Tank! Init…

This week, your host, Dr. Paul Metler, engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Margaret Gilmore, delving into the dynamic intersection of education and leadership. In this episode, they explore the multifaceted world of education and leadership, unraveling the intricacies that come with these roles. Explore the critical role of purpose in edu…

In this week's episode, Dr. Phil Ertl sits down with host Dr. Fred Johnson. Join the conversation as Dr. Ertl shares the highs and lows of his remarkable journey to becoming the influential leader he is today. Discover the profound impact of effective leadership in education and how it intertwines with personal growth. Dr. Ertl's stories of struggl…

On this week's episode, Joel Mckeefry joins Dr. Fred Johnson. Together, they discuss being stuck and how to take the steps needed to put business into action. Joel talks about being stuck without knowing he was stuck. He was comfortable but would soon realize the necessary steps for positive change to take place in his life. With Dr. Fred and Initi…

Tracy Johnson, CEO of InitiativeOne, joins our Founder, Dr. Fred Johnson, to discuss the evolution of InitiativeOne. They dive into the ways change, communication, and conflict impact the business. Together, they also explore the narratives they fight to overcome in their day-to-day lives. Moving toward self-belief is a daily choice of effective se…

Dr. Fred Johnson is joined by Stormy Kromer CEO, Gina Thorsen on the latest episode of the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast. They discuss the challenges that arise when leading a family-owned business, leading change effectively, and learning to let go of perfectionism. They also dive into some key pivots that have helped Stormy Kromer thrive! Shop…

Fred Johnson and Adrià Passola deeply discuss what it takes to lead transformational change in organizations. Adrià leans on his experience of the InitativeOne Process to show that it takes high-performing leaders to create high-performing organizations. You can't do it on your own. They also discuss the launching of InitiativeOne's Global Team and…

Sit down with Dr. Paul Metler as he shares his inspiring leadership journey. Together with Dr. Fred, they explore: Paul's purpose to serve others by "encouraging transformation" The importance of stewardship Lessons learned through years of leading change Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Move out of the status quo and into a life of transformat…

In our latest episode, we sat down with Angela Peters, who shares her inspiring career journey. She dives into what motivated her to join InitiativeOne and how her drive to make a difference led her to establish "The Gentlemen and Ladies Club" with her husband, aiming to mentor and empower young minds. ►►Click here to learn more about the Gentlemen…

Dr. Stephen Peters returns to the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast to talk with Dr. Fred about their upcoming book! They dive into the book, what inspired it, along with its purpose. Dr. Peters also talks about the transformational power of the Gentlemen's and Ladies Leadership Clubs for schools across the country. Click here to preorder your copy …

Tony Reale, Founder and Director of Media Productions for Creative Edge Productions, joins Dr. Fred Johnson on the latest episode of the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast. Together, they discuss the importance of showing value to clients, learning from failure, and how to differentiate yourself in the crowded world of social media. Learn more about …

Ale Marroquín joins Dr. Fred Johnson on this week's episode to discuss her leadership journey. Together, they discuss Ale's shift from the financial industry into the world of leadership. Ale describes the importance of living in the present and not letting past failures or future worries get in the way of your present success. Fred and Ale also pr…

Chris Wendt, Vice President of Technology Services at Syscon, joins Dr. Fred Johnson on this week's episode. Together they talk about building a culture of trust, overcoming leadership challenges, and why embracing change is essential in today's workplace. Subscribe to stay up to date with new episodes! Learn more about Chris Wendt and Syscon: http…

Nick Metler, Marketing and Digital Content Director at InitiativeOne, joins Dr. Fred Johnson to discuss leading multiple generations in the workplace. Together, they discuss: What are the expectations of younger employees entering your organization? How can leaders set their teams up for greater success? Why is humility essential for effective lead…

The front lines of education reveal that education as we know it will dramatically change over the next 2-3 years. Dr. Stephen Peters explores what he sees as hopeful and frightening for schools nationwide. Dr. Peters and Dr. Johnson show that many of your greatest opportunities are disguised as challenges. Learning to lead through complexity is th…

Dr. Phil Ertl, VP of Educational Leadership, returns to the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast to discuss: The Importance of Vulnerability in Modern Leadership The Value of Sideways Accountability Understanding Failure Doesn’t Mean You’re a Failure You won't want to miss his conversation with Dr. Fred Johnson. Learn more about the deep work happening…

Paul Metler, Ph.D., joins Dr. Fred Johnson this week as they reflect on their history at InitiativeOne. They discuss: 1️⃣ Living a Life of Purpose 2️⃣ Key Moments of Failure 3️⃣ Lessons They’ve Learned from Each Other Dr. Metler explores his purpose of "Encouraging Transformation," stating: "We love to see positive change in people's lives. We're t…

Jeff Mirkes, Executive Director of Downtown Green Bay, joins Dr. Fred on the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast. Jeff explores the challenges he's faced in revitalizing downtown Green Bay, wins that have come along the way, and the meaning of his purpose statement: Ignite Confidence. ►►Learn more about Downtown Green Bay! ►►Register for our next Thin…

Howard-Suamico School District Superintendent Damian LaCroix joins Dr. Fred Johnson on the latest episode of the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast. Together they talk about rising to meet the call of leadership in public education, learning from failure, and keys to leading with purpose in 2023. Damian became the 5th superintendent in 6 years at How…

Dr. Fred Johnson returns to the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast to answer questions received from our monthly Think Tanks: How has the ideal workplace culture changed in the last couple of decades? Why is influence so important for leaders in today's environment? What do you think is the greatest challenge facing leaders today? Dr. Fred gives insi…

Dr. Phil Ertl returns to the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast this week to discuss healthy leaders and creating sustainable change in the evolving Education landscape! Creating a culture where people lead with purpose and self-belie to address issues in the open isn't easy. It requires persistence and a commitment to excellence. You may be ready to…

Nick Nighbor is joined by Jason Perkins, Founder of Vestura, LLC., which offers a comprehensive range of personalized financial planning and portfolio management services to high-net-worth individuals. They discuss the leadership lessons and challenges that come from starting your own business, taking care of clients, and the importance of earning …

We're flipping the script on this week's episode as Nick Nighbor enters the hot seat and Regina Woods returns to the podcast (this time as host)! Nick opens up about struggling with 2.7 thinking and reveals the importance of understanding your value doesn't come from what you do. It comes from who you are. Hustle culture is at odds with this way of…

►►Grab your copy of "Is Everyone on the Boat?" ►►Register for our next Think Tank Tracy Johnson returns to the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast to talk about Thoughtful Leaders. This is Part 3 of our dive into "Is Everyone on the Boat?" by Dr. Fred Johnson and Dr. Paul Metler. What makes thoughtful leaders so important in your organization? How do …

Click here to register for our next Think Tank! Mike Jeanquart joins the show to discuss his leadership journey moving from law enforcement to construction and now real estate investments! He outlines the sometimes painful journey of transforming your life. What lessons have been most helpful? How do you take the first step? Listen to the full conv…

►►Schedule a call with InitiativeOne Dr. Fred Johnson and Dr. Stephen Peters spoke to leaders gathered around the country on Leadership and Impact. Leadership today is NOT about authority, knowledge, or job title. Leadership today is about who you are. It's not what you know. It's who you are. Together, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Peters share stories of f…

Click here to register for our next Think Tank! "What story did I tell myself that created that reaction?" Nick Nighbor and Regina Woods speak about a recent conversation with a client. It is essential to take a step back and listen to the story you're telling yourself. You must ask yourself, "Is this true? Is this real?" People tend to react to th…

Click here to register for our next Think Tank! Host, Nick Nighbor, talks with Paper Transport’s VP of Business Development, Joe Shefchik, during the latest episode of the InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast. They talk about challenges within the transportation industry during the pandemic, sustaining a culture amid significant growth, and understandi…