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

LinkedIn

📌Hi, I’m Khurshid 

I help founders & Coaches build their authority on LinkedIn.

1.5 years ago, when I started on LinkedIn. 

I had no knowledge of LinkedIn.

- After failing again and again
- After lots of trial and error

I've realized and potential. 

And since them, I'm getting the results I'm looking for!

You are missing a lot if you are still thinking, LinkedIn is a resume.

People same as you are 

- Winning Clients
- Building Audience
- Doing dream collaboration

And most important, building a brand that works for them while they sleep!

Want to build a personal brand on LinkedIn

- That speaks for you
- That bring opportunities
- And make an impact

DM me "LinkedIn11"

LinkedIn Ghostwriter 

Your profile isn’t just a placeholder

—it’s your first impression. And first impressions matter.

A strong profile can:

- Grab attention immediately.
- Build trust with your audience.
- Establish your credibility.

But here’s the hard truth:

If your profile doesn’t do these things, 
you’re not just losing leads—you’re losing trust.

So, what makes a LinkedIn profile effective?
It comes down to these 5 key elements:

1) Banner – Your personal billboard. 
2) Headline – The hook that grabs attention. 
3) Profile Photo – Your first visual impression.
4) About Section – Why should your ICP care?
5) Featured Section – The proof of your value.
 
When these elements work together, 
your profile becomes a magnet for opportunities.

But if they’re overlooked? Even the best content can go unnoticed.

If you’re ready to turn your profile into a tool that attracts and converts.

DM me “Optimization11”

LinkedIn Profile Optimizer

Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour 

-Welcome email
-Promotional email
-Relation building email

Copywriter

Ghostwriter for Founders & Coaches | Brand-Strategist | Building my own Community

You know LinkedIn can transform your business—but only if your profile works for you.
Most profiles fail to deliver because:

↳ They don’t stand out in a crowded space.
↳ They fail to attract inbound leads.
↳ They confuse visitors about your expertise.

Each day, potential clients land on your profile but leave uncertain, choosing competitors who seem more polished—even if they’re not.

Here’s the truth: an outdated, unclear LinkedIn profile costs you opportunities. But one decision can change that.

Are you ready to change your Profile?

I help busy founders and coaches:

↳ Build a profile that works 24/7 for them
↳ Showcase their expertise authentically.
↳ Craft clear, compelling personal brands.
↳ Attract ideal clients effortlessly—while they focus on scaling their businesses.

Here’s what a recent client said about working with me:

"Khurshid is a standout professional. Punctual, reliable, and creative, he combines attention to detail with flexibility and a collaborative spirit. Generous with his time and ideas, he delivers excellent service promptly and efficiently. I highly recommend him for his dedication and ability to produce outstanding results."

Let’s turn your profile into a 24/7 lead magnet.
 DM me “Profile” to get started!

Khurshid A.

The biggest lesson I learned after months of client work?

(Read this if you are new to client works)

I’ve been working with clients for months now. 

Earlier, I used to think client work is all about 

1. Discovery Call
2. Your Services 
3. And Payment

That’s all…

However, since I started working with them.

I understood.

It’s less about discovery calls.
It’s more about clarity in communication.

It’s less about your services.
It’s more about the value it offers.

It’s less about the payment.
It’s more about the win-win game.

Many times, a single miscommunication costs me hours of rework. That’s why clarity is so important.

If anything from the above has gone wrong.

I paid the price for it.

Your assumption completely changes when you actually start working with people.

Client work doesn’t just test your skills. 

It tests your mindset, your patience, and who you are as a person, not just a service provider.

And that’s where the real growth happens.

Khurshid Ansari 🌟

Helping Founders & Coaches build a strong LinkedIn Brand (Writing + Designing)

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The Battle

Russell Johnson

Khurshid A.

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreRussell Johnson's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreKhurshid A.'s LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Russell Johnson

Khurshid A.

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Russell Johnson's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreKhurshid A.'s LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreRussell Johnson's LinkedIn Performance