Please introduce yourself to our audience.

My name is Karen KJ Johnson, simply known as KJ.  As a talented brand expert, gifted trainer and published author, I’m on a mission to help executives, leaders and individuals unlock their brilliance through development of their personal brand leadership.  I coach, educate and mentor by providing strategies to help build a brand of higher purpose.  Founder & CEO of KJ Strategy Design Studio, I have over 25 years of experience in educating, coaching and consulting organizations and professionals to become the best version of themselves.  I have received numerous awards, accolades and nominations, including being named among the “Top 25 Purpose Driven Women to Watch”, being among six Dallas women entrepreneurs honored at the annual “Making History in Heels” for outstanding contributions in areas of mentoring, educating & inspiring the community, voted “Best Corporate Trainer & Facilitator”, nominated for both “Influential Phenomenal Woman”& “You Inspire Me” awards.  I am featured in the 2020 Today’s Purpose Women Calendar (Ms. November) and featured in the 2019 holiday edition of Today’s Purpose Woman Magazine.  My proudest roles are being mother to my son, Chester and being glam-ma to my glam-daughter, Legacee.

Tell us about your business.

KJ Strategy Design Studio is a brand training & development company dedicated to elevating brands (executives, leaders, individuals & small businesses) to a higher business of purpose.  We unlock the essence of your core, align your purpose & why and showcase your brilliance through the power of the Brand I model (Inspire, Impact, Influence & Imprint)

What are you currently working on?

We are working on quite a few exciting initiatives for our clients.  The next major initiative to launch will be the Brand I Academy.  This will be an online school offering branding, marketing and leadership courses.  Our clients have been asking and we are expecting to launch Spring 2020.  Another major initiative, launching in 2020, will be the Brand I Collection.  It will be a collection of active wear, jewelry, accessories and much, much more, designed to be a reminder to help the consumer inspire, impact, influence and leave a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of those they encounter.

What does the word influence mean to you?

Influence is a powerful word and if misused can be damaging to others.  However, when effectively used it is about modeling a level of high standards of ethical behavior.  When you can demonstrate this level of discipline you have the capacity to affect the behavior, character and development of others for the better.  

How do you bounce back after a setback?

When you understand setbacks are part of the process it provides a different perspective. When I experience a setback, I make it a practice to conduct an analysis to determine what could have been done differently.  What areas were not properly prepared?  If I’m being totally transparent, conducting an analysis is not always my first reaction.  Sometimes I have a pity party, cry and ask, “Why me”?  My pity parties are only for 15 minutes. When that time has expired, I put my head back in the game and get back to work. 

Karen KJ Johnson

Karen KJ Johnson

Brand Expert, Gifted Trainer and Published Author

How can people stay connected with you?

You can connect and/or follow me on the following social media sites:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/kjsdstudio

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/kj_strategy_design_studio

Email: karen@kjsdstudio.com or kjsdstudio@gmail.com