Russell Johnson & Associates

At Russell Johnson & Associates, we support our clients in attaining their full potential for fulfillment and self-actualization. Our methodology, tools, one-to-one consulting, and coaching are designed to meet the complex needs of executives and entrepreneurs. 

Our clients develop the clarity, strategy, tactics, mindset, skills, and confidence necessary to achieve objectives ranging from accelerated advancement to major career change. And we provide ongoing long-term support for further career growth.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

We are dedicated to empowering the individual because our world needs the full contribution of us all, and we all benefit from maximizing the value we create. 

Because services such as recruitment and outplacement are funded by employers, they perpetuate a distortion of the balance of power between the employer and the individual. Superficial services focused on employers' objectives leave countless high-potential people disempowered, unfulfilled, and not knowing why. Yet with career paths becoming ever more complex, we all need to see our career as our business and operate with the attributes of a successful business. 

We aim to help make this the ‘new normal’ rather than the rare exception.

WHAT WE DO

We help our clients develop the empowered mindset, vision, clarity, strategy, tactics, self-marketing skills, and confidence to achieve their full potential for contribution and self-actualization.

Our clients become free from the artificial constraints of the advertised job market. Whether they continue on their current paths, change direction, leave their jobs for self-employment, or vice versa, there’s a lasting difference. Through deepened awareness, clarity, and the skills to capitalize on these, they are no longer trapped in unsuitable careers. 

They work for purposes they want to serve and in roles where they can make their full contribution and enjoy the lives they want.

Founder and CEO

Empowered Careers

Empowered Careers helps people in early professional careers who find themselves stuck in unsatisfying roles to create fulfilling futures. 

Our philosophy corresponds to that of Russell Johnson & Associates, the firm through which we provide the extensive one-to-one support that senior-level clients need.

EPR Careers

I founded EPR Careers after a long search for career fulfillment when the experiences of a takeover at Arby's led me to acknowledge that I needed a new and more fulfilling career path than the corporate one I had been on. 

I was attracted to the autonomy of self-employment; however, I committed to supporting the transition to new ownership at Arby's and stayed on for two more years. Then, I left to devote full time to the search for the transformation I wanted.

I sought high-quality career support but was unable to find it in either the US or my home country, Australia. Recognizing that many executives and professionals needed such support, I established EPR Careers, initially with a partner whose experience in owning a recruitment business added another perspective to mine.
  
Over the ensuing 22 years, I developed a team with offices in Melbourne and Sydney, and we provided services throughout Australia and internationally. I led the development of EPR's services, continually refined our methodology, and built the firm into a global leader in its field. 

I focused on developing and refining our unique approach and we helped many thousands of self-funded clients to achieve their objectives. However, the business model needed more work. 

Others saw opportunities in this and the business was acquired in 2014 by a consortium of staff and former clients. They ultimately closed the firm in 2016. Meanwhile, I reflected on the lessons of my 22 years at the helm of EPR and subsequently launched a new firm incorporating those lessons.

Founder and Managing Director

Arby's

Founded in 1964, Arby’s was an established quick-service restaurant chain, part of the Fortune 500 and New York Stock Exchange-listed Royal Crown group. I joined the company as Director of Franchising with a mandate to expand the franchise system after a decade of stagnation and failed attempts to restart it. 

Over the next six years, I built a high-performing team and transformed the attractiveness of the franchise system and the strength of the Arby's brand. 

Led all franchising activities including planning, marketing, sales, administration, site selection and acquisition, financing, construction, fit-out of restaurant premises, franchisee induction and training, ongoing operational support, and relationships between the company and its franchisees. 

The chain was transformed from a laggard in the restaurant industry into one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing franchise systems and experienced its golden era. I advanced to Chief Franchising Officer and Senior Vice President, reporting to the CEO as equal number two executive of the company. 

Major Achievements:
•	Developed rigorous systems for franchisee support 
•	Quadrupled the number of franchisees
•	Achieved growth of well over 200 new restaurants annually, making the company one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing restaurant chains, employing over 50,000 people, with over 1,850 restaurants and more than 200 under development
•	Despite the turmoil of a takeover in 1984 and over a year without a CEO, the company was independently and repeatedly ranked in the top ten of the approximately 3,000 franchise systems in the U.S. at the time
•	With a new restaurant opening every 39 hours on average, Arby’s became recognized as the most significant turnaround of the period in the American restaurant industry, and one of the greatest franchising success stories of the era.

Chief Franchising Officer and Senior Vice President

International Multifoods Corporation

Joined the Franchise Division of International Multifoods, a Minneapolis, MN-based Fortune 500 and New York Stock Exchange-listed company in a head office role. After gaining initial franchising experience, relocated to Atlanta GA, managing franchise development in the Southern region of the US. Subsequently declined promotion to Director of Franchising at head office and instead accepted a role at the same level but with greater potential at Arby’s Inc.

Managed development of fast food franchises in several regions of the U.S. and in Canada.
	Selected franchisees and sites
	Assisted franchisees in real estate, financing and construction negotiations

Regional Franchise Manager

Unfulfilling executive career? Transform it before it traps you.

At 14, I was pulled out of school to get my first full-time job by a family crisis.

That disruption sparked a long journey through many industries and layers of the working world.

From office work to construction and self-employment in Australia, study in the UK and ministry in Africa, then from sales to senior executive roles in the US.

At Arby’s, I advanced to Chief Franchising Officer and led its transformation to one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains globally. 

With a new location opening every 39 hours, we were rated in the Top 10 of over 3,000 franchise systems in the US. 

Then, a corporate takeover harmed the culture.

I resigned to find a meaningful new path, then stayed on for a nearly tripled income. 

Two years later, I resigned again, to buy or create a business aligned with my values.

A few months on, I realized I was lost. 

I sought high-level, values and vision-based career support, and couldn’t find that either.

But that experience led me to finally recognize my calling—to fill that market gap.

Since then, I have spent decades helping executives worldwide align their careers with their deeper values and awaken their dormant clarity, confidence, energy and impact.

My colleagues and I have guided thousands through critical transitions, enabling them to align their careers with who they truly are—and with what they most want to contribute. 

I do this work because I believe that society needs more leaders doing work they find personally meaningful. 

And that begins with taking charge of their careers, rather than surrendering them to systems that meet their lower needs but not their higher aspirations. 

If you’re ready to reimagine what your career can be, let’s explore what’s possible.

📅 Schedule a conversation: https://rjacareers.com/schedule-a-call-rj/

Russell Johnson

Stuck in career quicksand? 
 
It's not necessarily your fault. 
 
Consider this: Analysis paralysis is often seen as the villain, freezing us in our tracks. But what if it's actually your superpower? 
 
In a world obsessed with speed, taking your time to analyze might in fact be your edge. 
 
It’s a characteristic of thoughtful people who don’t settle too easily. 
 
Yet too much of a good thing can be harmful. The trick lies in finding the balance. 
 
Start by setting a 'decision deadline'. Give yourself the freedom to explore options, but with a clear end in sight. 
 
Next, embrace the 'good enough' principle. Perfection is an illusion. Aim for progress, not perfection. 
 
And recognize and implement the power of iteration. We are living in times of rapid change. We need to be nimble. 
 
Finally, tap into your support network. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all it takes to break the cycle of overthinking. 
 
Your analytical mind is a gift. Use it wisely. 
 
Ready to turn your analytical inclination into your career superpower? 
 
Let's break free from the quicksand, together. 
 
Engage below if you're ready for a shift. 
 
~~ 
 
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

Alyssa P.

Local First Arizona

As the Director of Coalition Resources at Local First Arizona, I lead with passion, focusing on expanding our reach and impact. My mission is to attract and retain local business owners in our Business Coalition, driving a diverse and inclusive Arizona economy.

Key Highlights:

Statewide Coalition Leadership:
I manage a coalition of over 1700 active members, creating strategies for impactful events, campaigns, and opportunities. Leading outreach efforts, I boost business participation in our coalition, programs, and events.

Engagement and Retention:
Redesigned messaging for renewal and retention, significantly improving engagement rates. I oversee the coalition’s budget, securing sponsorships, partnerships, and additional funding opportunities.

Digital and Social Media Promotion:
Enhance membership visibility through digital platforms, including the Local First Arizona Business Facebook group and other social media channels. Engage large businesses for strategic collaborations and funding.

Campaigns and Events:
Drive participation in Local First events and campaigns, facilitating business networking and community support. Collaborate with regional teams to streamline processes. Manage the development and execution of Small Wonders Maps throughout Arizona.

Change Management and CRM Update:
Lead initiatives to update our company-wide CRM, ensuring it supports coalition growth and engagement.

Team Leadership and Development:
Guide and mentor a team of five, fostering professional growth and ensuring top-tier community response.

Marketing and Storytelling:
Partner with the Marketing Team to promote coalition businesses and share their success stories. Develop creative marketing ideas to enhance the value for local businesses.

Strategic Support:
Engage in strategic planning and goal setting with the Local First team. Stay updated on economic trends, representing the coalition at community events and collaborations.

Director of Coalition Resources

Johnson Controls

Leading a $35MM business across the West U.S. and Canada, I drove record revenue growth with zero turnover. I created an atmosphere where the team was motivated and excited to excel. This chapter of my leadership journey was about guiding a team to achieve collective success and helping each member realize their full potential.

Key Highlights:

Sales Team Leadership and Success:
Managed a team of eight that operated like a supergroup – trust, respect, and humor were our secret weapons. Achieved significant business growth and maintained high team morale.

Strategic Sales Leadership:
Developed and executed successful sales strategies, ensuring the team was aligned and driven. Focused on creating an environment where everyone was encouraged to bring their best.

Relationship Building:
Excelled in building relationships from casual chats with frontline staff to strategic discussions with executives, turning connections into successful collaborations.

DEI Initiatives:
Played a key role in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, running workshops and sparking new ideas to ensure every voice was heard and valued.

Technology Utilization:
Leveraged tools like Salesforce and Microsoft Office Suite to highlight team accomplishments and strategically plan future steps.

Region Sales Manager

Goodman Manufacturing

Led a team of thirteen across Arizona and Utah, achieving $18M in new business growth and targeting $158M in sales for 2021.

Key Highlights:

Revenue Growth:
Drove an 18% revenue increase to $132M. Awarded "Area Sales Manager of the Year."

Sales Strategy:
Utilized data-driven strategies to boost sales, earning the "Region of the Year" title.

Leadership Development:
Developed training systems, transforming managers into leaders and boosting sales growth.

Market Expansion:
Expanded team from five to seven managers, redefining market presence.

Customer Satisfaction:
Maintained high customer satisfaction through regular visits and hands-on resolution.

Area Sales Manager

Spearheaded aftermarket parts sales, boosting revenue and enhancing vendor relationships.

Regional Parts Manager

Led branch operations, achieving consistent revenue growth and receiving multiple awards for performance and customer service.

Branch Manager

East Valley Children's Theatre

Taught musical theatre and improvisation, focusing on leadership and skill development.

Theatre Instructor

LEAPlab

Developed and managed digital marketing strategies, enhancing customer relationships and lead generation. Implemented SEO and PPC campaigns to boost online visibility and drive traffic.

Search Engine Optimization Manager | Pay-Per-Click Manager

Empirical Marketing

•	Created project schedule for a team of 20. Directed staff assignments to ensure quality and efficiency to complete projects meeting all deadlines.
•	Collaborated with 3-5 external clients simultaneously on project objectives, processes, and results for web design, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertisement management; maintained client relationship management that resulted in referrals for new business development.
•	Monitored, evaluated, and recorded website and project statistics to increase efficiency and lead generation using internal programs and Google Analytics.
•	Employed SEO techniques and principles to improve visibility on search engine results pages and achieve page 1 ranking on Google for company-owned websites.
•	Recruited, selected, and maintained relationships with online affiliate partners to increase brand awareness.

Areas of Expertise: 
•	Sales Support
•	Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
•	Direct Marketing
•	Business Operations Management
•	Product Knowledge
•	Business Growth Strategies
•	Vendor Management
•	Account Management
•	Social Media Marketing
•	Cross-Selling & Upselling
•	Customer Retention
•	Relationship Building
•	Digital Marketing Management
•	New Customer Acquisition & Business Development
•	Consulting Experience

Production Manager

PPC Program Manager
•	Designed and executed Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising campaigns through Google AdWords and MSN adCenter to generate leads for websites.
•	Created, executed, and managed digital advertising campaigns for retail and finance industry clients.
•	Managed customer relationships focused on rapport building for long-term customer retention, cross-selling, and new customer acquisition.
•	Provided consulting services to clients on digital sales and marketing strategies to enhance PPC campaign lead generation results.

Program Manager, Pay-Per-Click

SEO Manager
•	Planned, assigned, created, edited, and published original content for internal and external client websites and blogs. Cross-sell digital marketing services to clients.
•	Managed a team of 5 to 8 outsourced digital content creation staff; reviewed, edited, and approved all copy before publication.
•	Built website links, provided marketing consultation, and managed social media accounts with a focus on customer engagement and continuously increasing lead generation for a 100+ client portfolio of financial service organizations.

Search Engine Optimization Manager

I'm a relationship-driven business strategist who builds things that matter — teams, partnerships, communities, and ideas that last.

For 15+ years, I’ve helped businesses grow with heart and purpose, leading high-performing teams and developing multimillion-dollar partnerships across diverse industries. My sweet spot is where strategy meets connection — creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and set up to succeed.

Currently, I lead a statewide coalition of 1,700+ businesses at Local First Arizona, driving engagement, revenue growth, and community impact. I’m passionate about helping leaders and entrepreneurs cut through the noise, build meaningful relationships, and do business in a way that feels human.

Outside of work, I’m raising two wild and wonderful humans, running a side hustle bookstore that delivers surprise-wrapped, preloved reads (because books build community too), and showing up for the people and places I love.

Always here for good conversation, creative collaboration, and building what comes next.

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Alyssa D.

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