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

Kindness is never neutral.

Even the smallest gesture can shift a mood, open a door, or start a ripple you’ll never fully see. What feels ordinary to you might be unforgettable to someone else.

Every moment is a chance to leave someone better than you found them.

~~ 
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

Society promotes conventional paths to career success.   
 
But with accelerating change, conventional paths are becoming ever less reliable.   
 
Courage is key to unlocking your true potential. Consider the following effects:  
 
𝟭. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁  
 
We’re encouraged to pursue external validation in our careers – promotions, raises, accolades.   
 
But true fulfillment requires the courage to align our work with our own values, instead.   
 
𝟮. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆  
 
Conformity is encouraged. It takes courage to embrace your uniqueness and let your true self shine through.   
 
Only through courage can you inspire others and attract opportunities aligned with your essence.  
 
𝟯. 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 (𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀)  
 
Trust is the foundation of meaningful relationships and collaboration. It takes courage to trust yourself, to believe in your capabilities, and to follow your instincts.   
 
Equally important is the courage to trust others, delegate, and rely on them.   
 
𝟰. 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱  
 
We tend to equate progress with action. However, true progress often requires us to step back, reflect, reassess, and prioritize long-term growth over short-term gains.   
 
This takes courage. But it allows us to gain clarity and move forward more effectively.  
 
𝟱. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲  
 
Success requires continual learning, personal growth, and building meaningful connections.  
 
Courage underpins all of these. And it’s strengthened by being used.   
 
Step into your courage and experience the exhilaration of soaring to new heights.   
 
What are some courageous steps you've taken in your career? Share your experiences in the comments below and let's inspire each other to be bold and fearless!  
 
~~  
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.  

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

What happens if we dare to define success solely on our own terms? If we commit ourselves to systematically becoming the person we want to be, by aligning our life with what holds meaning for us? 
 
One likely outcome is that we become inspirational leaders. For we’re not totally alone on our journeys. We’re just at different stages of journeys with varying and overlapping degrees of similarity. And those at earlier stages of similar journeys are naturally attracted to those who are further along on them. 
 
Traditional measures of success are increasingly being acknowledged as invalid – misaligned with true success and harmful to the individual and to humanity’s future. So don’t let yourself get away with excuses to delay taking the time to define what true success looks like for you. 
 
The process begins with shifting our focus away from outwardly focused metrics and toward fulfillment through personally meaningful work instead. This single shift could well be the most rewarding change you could make in the remaining years of your career journey and of your life. 
 
Don’t let your potential decline through disuse; it can only be realised through action. 
 
~~ 
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

For many high-potential people, analysis paralysis is the greatest enemy of progress. Here’s a simple 7-step process to escape the web of overthinking and indecision.  
  
1. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: Define your major objective and focus on that. Leave the details for later.  
  
2. 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Take the leap when you’re stuck, learning from outcomes and embracing the power of iteration. Do it many times daily.  
  
3. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: Engage with mentors, colleagues, or industry experts to gain perspective and challenge your own assumptions.  
  
4. 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Create a sense of urgency by setting and meeting deadlines. Make the best choices you can within the given timeframe.  
  
5. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟴𝟬/𝟮𝟬 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲: Focus on what will yield the greatest results. Prioritize tasks based on their impact and the effort required. Shun trivial details.  
  
6. 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀. Scorch the ego. Accept that you’ll do better in future by making mistakes now.  
  
7. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: Stay present and cultivate mindfulness through techniques like meditation or journaling. This will help you make decisions with greater clarity.  
  
Overcoming analysis paralysis is a journey, but with the above sequence, you can make confident, decisive choices. Start implementing the above actions today and unlock your true potential.  
  
~~  
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.  

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

A breakthrough, of any kind, commonly begins with a ‘BFO’ – a Blinding Flash of the Obvious.   
 
For most of us, at certain points in our lives, our greatest need for a BFO lies in redefining what career success means for us. Because we’re built for growth, and few of us can live fully, or fully harness our potential, on a totally linear career path over decades.  
 
Such a BFO is likely to occur only when:  
 
⦿ Our current situation is deeply unsatisfying, and we face and acknowledge this fact 
⦿ We decide that authenticity – being true to ourselves and our values – matters more to us than any advantages we are gaining or stand to gain from sacrificing it 
⦿ We bring a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude to the changes that are necessary.   
 
It takes courage to follow this path, for the world of jobs offers rewards for being a part of the crowd.   
 
But those rewards are shallow. And they grow ever shallower, and finally dry up entirely, as we avoid developing our potential.   
 
In today's world of ever-increasing complexity and need for vision and creativity, our vision of success should be as unique to us as our fingerprint.   
 
The rewards of such a career can include true leadership, deep fulfillment, and the vibrant good health, abundant energy, great relationships, and the joy of living that authenticity generates. They grow ever greater over the years, and soon come to dwarf those of any other version of success. 
 
~~  
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.  

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

𝗨𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 – 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀  
 
Collaboration is becoming ever more important to having a job. Yet standing out is essential to advancement. It can be hard to balance these two aspects of success. How can you achieve both?   
 
There’s an unglamorous but essential key. It’s 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮 in the things that matter most. The following five applications of it will benefit your career while enriching your life’s journey:  
 
𝟭. 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲: A powerful daily routine is the first step towards consistency. Add small actions that simplify your life while allowing you to achieve more. Make them habits. Then add more of them.  
 
𝟮. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: You’ll occasionally get knocked off course. Accept it as part of the journey and commit to bouncing back, promptly. That mindset supports a self-image of being unstoppable. In turn, that self-image underpins consistency.  
  
𝟯. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: Belief in integrity is nice, but only living it counts. Make your integrity unshakeable. And if you ever find it’s not practiced at the top of your organization, find a better place to work.  
 
𝟰. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Set time aside regularly to reflect on your progress, celebrate your victories, and especially, learn from your mistakes.  
 
𝟱. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Success is a journey, so strengthen your self-image as you build on your skills and knowledge, by setting motivating goals and patiently tracking your progress.  
 
Consistency isn't glamorous. It's about showing up, day in and day out. And when practiced in these ways, it will help you attain your true potential.   
 
~~  
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.  

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

Sometimes the plan is the very thing holding you back.

Growth asks us to release control. The life that fits you now might not be the one you imagined. Letting go creates space for alignment.

When you surrender the script, you discover the story you were meant to live.

~~  
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.  

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

Retirement is a compelling goal for many. But what if you’re a highly motivated achiever who finds deep fulfillment in achieving worthy goals?   
 
For such a person, disengagement from a part in meeting the needs of society may threaten rather than beckon. For it can diminish aspects of life ranging from relationships to health and wellbeing.   
 
It’s actually a serious social problem and a tragic waste of human potential. But our part in society does not need to end so suddenly.   
 
For highly motivated achievers, the emerging new world of work holds the potential for even more positive impact after retirement from a full-time job. Such paths can provide increased freedom while fully engaging one’s mind and capacity for contribution.   
 
However, they’re rarely available in the world of traditional jobs. To gain them, we must clarify what we want, and seize and maintain control of our identity.   
 
𝗔 𝗚𝗮𝗽 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱  
 
In a society struggling to cope with ever-accelerating change, the need for wise leadership has never been greater. And it’s the natural culmination of what’s known as the ‘hero’s journey’ to contribute to building a better future for society, through hard-earned wisdom and capacity for influence.  
 
Think of the influence that leaders such as Nelson Mandela have had. And remember that we don’t have to be political leaders to inspire and to lead. For leadership is most effective on a one-to-one or small-group basis.   
 
And the need for it exists in all areas of society.    
 
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲  
 
If you are a highly motivated achiever, it’s likely you’ll enjoy your best life by following a non-traditional path. One that allows, and even demands, the best you have to give. For this has always been the natural culmination of a life of commitment to the getting of wisdom, growth, and to contribution.  
 
If you are seeking such a future rather than retirement, feel free to reach out for a discussion.   
 
A life well lived should have a meaningful capstone.  
 
~~  
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.  

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

Unlock the door to new levels of success in your career with the trifecta of Clarity, Courage, and Consistency.   
 
𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 is your compass in the ever-expanding labyrinth of career paths. It illuminates your direction, defining what you truly want and the steps you need to get there.   
 
Without it, you're adrift.  
 
𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 is your fuel. It's the audacity to challenge the status quo, to step out of your comfort zone, explore new paths, and confront failures head-on.   
 
Courage isn't about being fearless, it's about moving forward despite the fear.  
 
Lastly, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 is the ‘secret sauce’ that makes you memorable. It's the result of unrelenting commitment to your goals, day in and day out.   
 
It's the fusion of these three elements that births genuine career success. Clarity gives you a compelling vision. Courage helps you to act on it despite its challenges. Consistency brings it to life.  
 
And these three interact with each other. Every advance in one strengthens the potential for advances in the other two.  
 
Remember, success isn't a destination, it's a journey. And on this journey, your Clarity, Courage, and Consistency will be your most trusty companions.  
 
Reflect on these three keys today. Are they driving your career choices? Consider how you can incorporate them more into your professional life.   
 
I'll aim to help over the coming weeks through a series of posts with more detail on each of the three.  
 
~~  
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.  

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

Most of us recognize that our species is on a slippery slope. Our fascination with the potential for disaster seems to be drawing us toward it.   
 
Is there anything we can each do to help turn the tide?  
 
There is, for necessity is the mother of invention. Evolution is using this principle, pushing and pulling us to replace conflict with cooperation, within our societies and between them.   
 
And we have reached a point where even our talent for denial is faltering. We all know that We can’t go on kicking own goals. Self-extinction would be an ironic fate for a species that has come so far.   
 
Co-operation works; conflict doesn’t. One hand washes the other. None of our problems, except perhaps that of death itself, will appear insoluble once we begin as a species to practice this principle wholeheartedly.   
 
Have you made it your career purpose yet to be an agent of this transformation? If not, why delay? It’s a path that’s available to us all, and no other path can match its rewards.   
 
Because it’s ultimately the foundation of all the best ones.  
 
~~  
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.  

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

Many of us focus in our careers on meeting what Abraham Maslow termed 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 – those basic requirements like safety, belonging, and esteem. The pursuit of these needs can lead us to miss out on ever seeing the bigger picture.  
  
The real prize is the pursuit of Growth and Being needs. These encompass creativity and fulfilling one's potential, or self-actualization. This is where our true capacity for contribution and the impact that we are capable of achieving lie.  
  
We all experience the first set of needs but far too few ever embark on the journey towards the second set. Many achieve financial security, recognition, and status, but then miss out on the richer life that comes from self-actualization and making a meaningful difference in the world, because our roles never highlight its availability.  
  
So, as we navigate our careers and lives, let's remember that while the first prize may seem enticing, the real treasure lies in pursuing our growth and being needed. Let’s not accept sacrificing our true potential to short-term pressures.  
  
~~  
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.  

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

Your potential won’t come alive without your belief.

Before anyone else sees it, you have to expect more from yourself. Expectation creates direction. Belief fuels bold action.

You rise when you stop waiting for proof and start living with purpose.

~~ 
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, Russell Johnson 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 

#SelfActualizedLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment

Independent Consultant

Life Skills Group Australia

Technical, product and operational leadership at this EdTech start-up using technology to help classroom teachers bring emotional intelligence and other soft skills to their students.

- Improved CI/DevOps practices to increase release cadence from quarterly to fortnightly
- AWS / Node.js / React stack for web, mobile & desktop platforms

Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

datajuice.io

Datajuice looked to fill a gap in the market between Excel analysis and heavyweight analytics solutions. Responsible for product prototyping, pricing discovery, and financial modelling.

Co-Founder

Vocus Communications

Stepping back. Responsible for the digital experience of 2000 Vocus employees across ~20 offices and numerous acquired companies & collaboration platforms.

- Defined a new digital workplace strategy and gained complete buy-in for migration
- Replaced three Intranets with one and six knowledge management solutions with one
- Rolled out a Service Oriented Enterprise approach based on the Atlassian model, so that each team could set up a self-service portal for other staff, and search/browse for the expertise or information they needed

Digital Workplace Lead

Employee #11 of 2000. Responsible for technology infrastructure, application and product development, corporate IT, customer service delivery, billing and other business operations. 

- During my tenure, Vocus grew from < $10mn revenue to the fourth-largest telecommunications company in the Australia/NZ region with a market cap of $6bn. 
- Integrated eight acquisitions' worth of people, processes, products and systems into the IT department
- Developed strategy and architecture to support growth from 80 wholesale customers across six products to thousands of B2B customers buying complex modular products.
- Platform ownership of IAAS and security products; combined three cloud MSP technology stacks into one supported by a single team.

Chief Information Officer

Soul

Stepping up again to take extra responsibility for our Windows infrastructure. Plenty of project work integrating multiple infrastructure platforms into one with minimal downtime.

IT Operations Team Leader

Tech and Team Lead. Stepping up to take on extra responsibility for servers, storage, Solaris, Linux, Backup, monitoring, SRE.

Unix & Applications Team Leader

Team and Tech Lead for the BSS suite of applications. Java/J2EE, Weblogic, JBoss, Oracle.

- Architected and built a virtual ISP platform in my spare time, migrating hundreds of thousands of users from acquired ISPs.

Applications Team Leader

Stabilised the BSS suite of applications and optimised a lot of gnarly SQL. Oracle, Weblogic, Solaris.

Senior Application Engineer

Tech veteran with over twenty years experience. I started in Linux and Solaris systems administration with a side of network engineering and front-end and back-end software development. After a few years working in MSP & other consulting, I moved into managing complex tech stacks from platform engineering up to enterprise-class middleware. Think storage; Cisco and Dell hardware; optimising Oracle, Postgres and MySQL databases; Weblogic and JBoss; all running the entire back office suite for a major national telecommunications company. In my spare time, I architected and built a white-label ISP solution used by almost a hundred thousand customers. 

The I joined Vocus Group as Chief Information Officer, employee number 11. Fast forward eight years and Vocus had 2000 staff and a $6 billion market cap; and I'd had the ride of a lifetime. It's impossible to summarise how much I learned supporting the business through every stage of that growth. I've pitched, hired, coached, architected, program-managed, integrated M&A, built ITIL... you name it, I probably did it at some point.

Since then, I've provided technical and operational leadership in two early-stage startups in the data analytics and edu-tech spaces. 

I enjoy tech and I stay up to date, but I also enjoy the human element. As a leader, I work hard to provide a workplace where technical people can flourish. I believe everyone deserves fulfilling work, and I make sure that happens within my teams.

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