InitiativeOne Leadership Podcast

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 teacher of humility and balance, offering a unique perspective on masculine and feminine leadership energies. She shares honest insights about overcoming self-doubt, navigating challenging situations, and the importance of finding your voice as a leader. Get ready for powerful lessons about: • Building trust through authentic leadership • Overcoming leadership challenges and self-doubt • Finding balance in high-pressure environments • Leading with integrity and purpose • Creating inclusive team environments Perfect for military leaders, business executives, and anyone looking to develop their leadership skills. Commander Dixon's story proves that great leadership requires both strength and vulnerability, decisiveness and empathy, confidence and humility. Watch Pt 1 with Commander Dixon for the complete leadership journey. https://youtu.be/wmr2eV-ZJzc #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipskills #leadershiplessons CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 00:29 - Dance Techniques and Styles 03:26 - Future Plans and Aspirations 07:15 - Leadership Experience Insights 12:31 - Essential Qualities of Leadership 16:11 - Key Leadership Lessons Learned 20:07 - Learning More from InitiativeOne

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 educational environment. Betty emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in leadership and how a unified approach can drive student success. Key takeaways include: Leadership Transformation: Learn how Betty's strategic planning and executive coaching experience have enhanced her leadership foundations. Practical Applications: Gain real-world examples of fostering collaboration and consensus in educational settings. Purpose-Driven Leadership: Understand the significance of leading with purpose and how it can reignite passion and commitment in your professional life. Tune in to uncover these valuable insights and explore how you can apply them in your leadership journey. #professionaldevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #leadership #leadershiplessons CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction to Leadership Podcast 01:16 - Inspiration for Education Career 03:26 - Leading with Purpose Insights 06:34 - Navigating Unclear Work Environments 08:41 - Strategies for Improving Student Outcomes 13:22 - Factors Driving Student Achievement 17:05 - Utilizing Conflict for Better Decisions 20:30 - Leadership Transformation Advice

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 and vulnerability in leadership. Key takeaways include:  The importance of maintaining trust and relationships in leadership teams. The balance between vulnerability and authority for effective leadership. Strategies for implementing sideways accountability and leadership foundations within organizations. Tanya's real-world examples and strategic insights offer valuable lessons in executive coaching and leadership transformation. Tune in to gain expert knowledge from Tanya and Dr. Phil Ertl, and see how their leadership foundations can inspire your own journey. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from thought leaders in the field—watch now! #leadership #leadershipskills #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching  CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction 00:38 - Tanya Jones Introduction 01:41 - Challenges of Career Advancement in Leadership 03:57 - Importance of Leadership 05:03 - Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership 07:41 - Building Trust as a Leader 09:18 - Surprises of Being a Superintendent 11:08 - Pivotal Moments in Leadership Journey 14:13 - Trust Accelerators in Organizations 15:54 - Concept of Sideways Accountability 17:23 - Advice for Aspiring Leaders 19:50 - Quality Leadership's Impact on Student Learning 22:19 - Outro

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 leadership presence across different environments • Transforming challenges into opportunities for growth • Creating a culture of continuous learning and development • Breaking down barriers as a female leader in the military Commanding Officer Dixon reveals her three core leadership tenets - stewardship, leadership, and readiness - while sharing candid stories about commanding a naval base far from traditional coastal locations. Her unique approach combines military precision with genuine curiosity about people and possibilities. Perfect for leaders looking to enhance their leadership toolkit, build stronger teams, and create lasting impact through authentic connection. This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in developing their leadership capabilities, whether in military, business, or community settings. Don't miss part two of this insightful conversation, coming soon.

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: Vulnerability in leadership fosters transparency and collective growth. Strategic planning aligns with leadership foundations for high student achievement. Executive coaching enhances trust-building and decision-making. Real-world examples of leadership transformation at Chegwin Elementary. Gain practical applications for your leadership journey and understand the power of vulnerability to drive team success. Tune in for thought-provoking insights from leading experts in strategic planning and personal development. Don’t miss out—register for upcoming think tanks and conferences for deeper insights into leadership excellence. leadershipqualities #leadershipskills #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro 00:39 Welcome Melanie 01:17 Melanie’s Journey to Leadership 03:35 Turning Chegwin Elementary Around 09:37 Influence of Personal Training on Leadership 13:29 Building a Strong Team 19:10 Leadership Advice for Beginners 21:55 Join Us at the 2025 Annual Leadership Conference

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 let that belief fuel your journey. Authenticity Drives Trust: Vulnerability isn't a weakness—it's a strength that brings people closer. Real connections form when you openly share the challenges and tough decisions you're facing as a leader. Celebrating Small Wins: The impact of small victories can have a profound effect on belief and momentum. These moments bring people together and elevate the community's spirit. Leaders Need Support Too: Bold change can be isolating, but surrounding yourself with a supportive network and leaning on trusted individuals can help sustain your motivation.  Memorable Moments from this episode also include: How one person’s belief in a single game changed the trajectory of their commitment to the community. The importance of being real during difficult times—like changing a legendary coach—and how vulnerability can bring others on board. Reflections on how even those who've been in a community for years can have their passion ignited by strong, authentic leadership. Listen and learn how to lead with authenticity and celebrate the small wins that drive big change! ►►Register for our next Think Tank: https://www.initiativeone.com/events InitiativeOne: Leadership Institute Eliminate Drama, Improve Decision-Making, and Win as a Team. To learn more, visit https://www.initiativeone.com. Leadership Transformation | Leadership Foundations | Strategic Planning | Online Leadership Courses | Keynote Speaking | Executive Coaching Follow Us: Facebook: / initiativeone  Instagram: / initiativeone LinkedIn: / initiativeone X: / initiativeone

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 mistakes by not staying connected with their teams, offering relevant lessons for both business and military leadership.  ►►Register for our next Think Tank: https://www.initiativeone.com/events   InitiativeOne: Leadership Institute Eliminate Drama, Improve Decision-Making, and Win as a Team. To learn more, visit https://www.initiativeone.com   Leadership Transformation | Leadership Foundations | Strategic Planning | Online Leadership Courses | Keynote Speaking | Executive Coaching    Follow Us: Facebook: / initiativeone Instagram: / initiativeone  LinkedIn: / initiativeone  X: / initiativeone

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, including commanding medevac units in Iraq, where he led over 1,000 soldiers and managed complex, high-risk operations. Key takeaways from the conversation: Leadership Beyond Titles: Mitchell emphasizes that leadership isn't about rank or position. It’s about influence and helping others succeed, a principle he lived out in his career and continues to pursue, even while working toward his Ph.D. in Global Leadership. Building Trust: Successful leaders must empower their teams by establishing a clear vision, providing support, and letting go of control to allow their people to execute high-stakes missions effectively. Personal Sacrifice: Colonel Mitchell discusses the personal toll of leadership in combat, sharing how his focus on his troops often meant placing their needs above his own and his family’s. Loving Your People: Mitchell explains how elite leaders care deeply about their teams, visiting soldiers at forward operating bases to check on their well-being, not just their performance. This personal connection is crucial for enduring the relentless demands of leadership. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Bob delves deeper into the leadership lessons that transcend the battlefield and can be applied to any high-stakes environment!  ►►Register for our next Think Tank: https://www.initiativeone.com/events   InitiativeOne: Leadership Institute Eliminate Drama, Improve Decision-Making, and Win as a Team. To learn more, visit https://www.initiativeone.com   Leadership Transformation | Leadership Foundations | Strategic Planning | Online Leadership Courses | Keynote Speaking | Executive Coaching    Follow Us: Facebook: / initiativeone Instagram: / initiativeone  LinkedIn: / initiativeone  X: / initiativeone

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 create positive change. Tehassi shares his approach to deep listening, how to handle high-stress situations, the importance of maintaining balance in life, and what to do in the face of hurt or betrayal.  Tehassi shares his personal experiences with forgiveness, emphasizing that holding onto grudges only adds to the burdens of leadership. Forgiving and moving forward strengthens leadership and promotes unity. Tune in for this episode that is packed with insights from a leader who has mastered the art of listening, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Whether you're leading a team, organization, or community, the principles shared here will provide valuable guidance on how to navigate challenges and lead with integrity. Leadership Transformation | Leadership Foundations | Strategic Planning | Online Leadership Courses | Keynote Speaking | Executive Coaching Follow Us: Facebook:   / initiativeone   Instagram:   / initiativeone   LinkedIn:   / initiativeone   Twitter:   / initiativeone On behalf of the Oneida Nation, Chairman Hill serves on the Board of Directors for the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, which is a consortium of 11 Tribes in Wisconsin and Lac Vieau Desert of Michigan and is liaison for the National Congress of American Indians. For the State of Wisconsin, Chairman Hill serves on the Natural Resources Damage Trustee Council and is a designee to Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Tribal Operating Committee.

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 experiences he encountered during this significant transition. Greg reflects on the importance of trust-building and self-awareness and discusses his approach to handling crises, as well as walking the fine line between staying involved and giving his team the autonomy they need.  Tracy highlights the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership, while Greg provides practical advice on how to pivot when perfectionism and over-involvement threaten to undermine team trust and effectiveness. Listeners will gain valuable insights into leadership transitions, the significance of on-the-job learning, and the strategies Greg employs to ensure that both he and his team thrive in their new roles. Tune in to learn how to handle leadership transitions with grace, intentionality, and a focus on building strong, trusting relationships within your organization. InitiativeOne: Leadership Institute Eliminate Drama, Improve Decision-Making, and Win as a Team. To learn more, visit https://www.initiativeone.com. Leadership Transformation | Leadership Foundations | Strategic Planning | Online Leadership Courses | Keynote Speaking | Executive Coaching Follow Us: Facebook:   / initiativeone   Instagram:   / initiativeone   LinkedIn:   / initiativeone   Twitter:   / initiativeone