This week’s theme: The Power of Connection.In a world obsessed with metrics and KPIs, we often forget the invisible engine that actually drives high performance: human connection.In this episode of Fixing Your Crown, Boo!, JD sits down with Julian Thomas, a leader whose career spans from high-pressure sales entrepreneurship to impactful non-profit management. Julian challenges the old adage that "people leave managers." Instead, he flips the script to reveal a powerful truth: People stay for (and follow) great leaders.Together, we explore how relational equity isn't just a "soft skill" but the safety net that keeps teams from crumbling under pressure. Whether you are a founder, a director, or an emerging leader, this conversation will change how you view retention, feedback, and your own career growth.In this episode, we discuss:The 3 Levers of Motivation: Julian breaks down the three things every employee needs to stay—Pay, Relationships, or Education.The Retention Reality: Why top talent will follow a trusted leader from company to company, and how to become that leader.Managing Up: Practical strategies for leading from behind and aligning with your manager’s vision without losing your own.Perception vs. Intention: A critical look at why "Perception is Reality" rules the workplace, while "Intention is Reality" must rule the home.The "Brag Board": How to protect your career during layoffs by maintaining an ongoing list of your wins, independent of your current manager.About the Guest:Julian Thomas is an Ivy League graduate (Dartmouth College) with an MBA and a diverse leadership background. He founded and managed a successful sales company for five years before transitioning into management consulting at Propeller. Currently, he serves as a leader in the non-profit sector at Ride Connection, managing Medicaid transportation programs for vulnerable populations in Portland. Julian is passionate about servant leadership, emotional intelligence, and building equitable communities.Connect with JD Johnson:Website: https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.holm.site/homeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsquared_elevate_consulting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaydejohnson/Quote of the Day:"You cannot withdraw from a bank account you haven't deposited into. Leadership is a relationship business. If you get the relationships right, the metrics follow.

Fixin’ Your Crown Boo! - A podcast to interview dope people in leadership who use the model of Servant Leadership and are driven by emotionally intelligent leadership & and are passionate about lifting others up!

Emma Asiedu-Akrofi | Chief Executive Officer | [she/her] Emma Asiedu-Akrofi is a dedicated advocate for women and girls, committed to addressing gender-based inequalities. She holds a degree in political science and sociology from the University of Toronto and has over 10 years of experience working in the charitable sector.

Currently, Emma serves as Chief Executive Officer of Fora: Network for Change. As a Black Canadian woman of Ghanaian descent, Emma’s work is deeply rooted in an intersectional, anti-oppressive, and inclusive framework. She recognizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination and oppression that individuals face.

Emma is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable society for all. Emma’s passion lies in creating opportunities for underserved groups to access the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Whether advocating for gender equality, empowering marginalized communities, or championing social justice,

Emma remains unwavering in her personal and professional commitment to this cause.

The Leader’s Leap: Navigating Imposter Syndrome, Burnout, and the Power of Community with Emma Asiedu-Akrofi

"The only way out is through."

This powerful mantra has guided Emma Asiedu-Akrofi through a remarkable career journey, from managing a grassroots charity of one to leading as the CEO of Fora: Network for Change. In this episode of Fixin' Your Crown, Boo, host JD Johnson sits down with Emma to discuss the realities of leadership that often go unspoken—the leaps of faith, the quiet battles with imposter syndrome, and the critical importance of having a "village" to hold you up.

In this conversation, Emma and JD dive deep into:

The Reality of "The Leader's Leap": Emma shares her inspiring transition from an established role at the YMCA to leading the Jean Augustine Centre, a small grassroots charity, and eventually becoming the CEO of Fora. She opens up about the steep learning curves, from reading financials to mastering the language of advocacy.

Navigating Burnout and Healing: Emma candidly discusses her experience leading a nonprofit during the pandemic, the toll of anxiety and burnout, and the radical act of taking a month off to heal, meditate, and reconnect with family.

Confronting Imposter Syndrome: Even as a CEO, Emma admits to battling the feeling of not belonging in certain rooms. She shares her strategy for positive self-talk: reminding herself, "You deserve to be there just as much as they do".

The Power of the "Village": Emma credits her success not just to her own efforts, but to her "board of directors"—the mentors, friends, and peers who provide honest feedback and unwavering support.

Operationalizing Empathy & Feedback: As a leader committed to growth, Emma shares her unique approach to a "360 review," inviting feedback from her entire staff and board to ensure she is serving her organization with integrity and transparency.

Why Listen? This episode is a masterclass in resilient, human-centered leadership. Whether you are a new manager, a nonprofit leader, or someone contemplating a major career pivot, Emma’s story offers a blueprint for leading with vulnerability, courage, and community.

Tune in to hear how you can fix your own crown while lifting others up along the way.

George White Jr - With over a decade of expertise in information technology and project management, he is a PMI Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) known for leading cross-functional teams, optimizing processes, and delivering successful outcomes across both technical and legal environments.

His career has centered on managing large-scale, data-driven projects, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and seamless technology integration. In his roles, he has developed strategic project plans aligned with organizational goals, always seeking opportunities to innovate and streamline processes.

As a PMO Project Manager, his passion for process improvement led him to design and implement impactful project management training programs. These initiatives have empowered teams, boosting productivity, enhancing project management capabilities, and elevating client satisfaction.

Leading with Heart & Hustle: Servant Leadership, Mentorship & Owning Your Career with George White Jr.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

This Maya Angelou quote is more than just a mantra for George White Jr.; it’s the foundation of his leadership philosophy. In this episode of Fixin’ Your Crown, Boo, host JD Johnson sits down with George, a seasoned project management leader with expertise in IT and legal tech, to explore the powerful intersection of technical precision and deep human connection.

In this conversation, George and JD dive deep into:

* The Power of “The Human Element”: George explains why building genuine rapport is his first move on any project. He shares how treating team members as whole people—not just resources—can inspire exceptional effort, even during crunch times.

* A Defining Moment in Mentorship: George recounts a pivotal career conversation where a manager selflessly advised him to leave the company for his own growth. This act of true servant leadership changed his trajectory and solidified his belief in prioritizing people over retention.

* Navigating Bias with Data: As a Black leader in corporate spaces, George opens up about facing microaggressions and bias. He shares his strategic advice for mentees: when emotions are weaponized against you, use data as your shield and your sword to advocate for your performance.

* Owning Your Career: George challenges listeners to take charge of their professional destiny. He discusses the importance of building a personal brand that transcends any single employer and why you must always have a plan—even if you have to deviate from it.

* Representation Matters: From his grandmother (his ultimate “Shero”) to his own role as a mentor, George discusses why being a visible, accessible leader is crucial for showing the next generation that their ambitions are achievable.

Why Listen? If you are an emerging leader, a project manager, or anyone navigating the complexities of the modern workplace, George’s insights offer a masterclass in leading with integrity, empathy, and strategic resilience.

Tune in to learn how to lead with heart, hustle, and the unwavering belief that there is room for everyone at the table.