Stop Renting Your Reputation.
Start Minting Your
Currency.
Titles Are Temporary. Your Value is Permanent.
Dr. Hume Johnson guides leaders beyond the limits of the job title toward Professional Sovereignty. A Global Leadership Strategist and Scholar, she teaches high-performers how to Lead with Who YOU Are - building a brand that is portable, liquid, and undeniable.
Hi, I'm Dr. HUME
THE ARCHITECT OF PROFESSIONAL SOVEREIGNTY
Your value isn't found in your job tile or description; it is anchored in your identity - who you are at core.
Dr. Hume Johnson is a tenured Associate Professor of Communication, Global Leadership Strategist and an ICF-accredited Executive Coach who bridges the gap between academic research and real-world leadership.
In an era where leaders and professionals often define themselves by their titles and roles, Dr. Johnson provides a rigorous blueprint for Professional Sovereignty. Through her proprietary framework, The Currency of YOU™, she guides high-performers to define, evidence and convey their unique value - integrating their authentic identity and technical expertise into total professional portability.
Whether through her executive coaching, leadership development workshops, or high-performance team building, her methodology is centered on a single, transformative principle: Lead with Who YOU Are.
While others suggest you start with 'Why,' Dr. Johnson’s research proves that sustainable leadership requires you to start with WHO. Her strategy - Lead with Who YOU Are - is the catalyst for turning individual identity into a portable, liquid, professional asset.
By auditing your "Professional Vault" and closing what she calls the "Signal-Perception Gap", Dr. Johnson ensures that your leadership brand is an undeniable reflection of your true worth.
The transition from being "employed" to being
Sovereign starts with a single strategic move.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS + GLOBAL IMPACT
Trusted by the institutions and leaders shaping global excellence, leadership growth and human potential
City skyline
Photo By: John Doe
THE PILLARS OF SOVEREIGNTY
EXECUTIVE COACHING & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
A high-stakes strategic intervention for leaders at a crossroads. I combine ICF-accredited coaching with the deep expertise of a strategic consultant. Together, we audit your Professional Vault to provide the blueprint for you to Lead with Who YOU Are and achieve total Identity Sovereignty and professional portability.
KEYNOTES & MEDIA ENGAGEMENTS
A rigorous challenge to the leadership status quo: Start with WHO, Not Why. From global summits to expert media commentary, I provide the blueprint for audiences to reclaim their value in a commodified market. These talks are catalysts for professional transformation.
EXECUTIVE PRESENCE & STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
Master the "Signal" to close the Signal-Perception Gap. Through my signature program, Own The Room™, I help individuals and teams project authority using The HUME Method - my proprietary framework for high-impact communication. Learn to own the room, master high-stakes messaging, and convey your value with impact.
VOICES OF SOVEREIGNTY
Weayonnoh Nelson-Davis - Executive Director
Economic Progress Institute, Rhode Island.
“Dr. Hume Johnson is one of the best facilitators on leadership development and personal branding there is. She is such a natural at getting you to dig deeper. I have learned so much about who I am as a person, as a leader and how others see me. Through her sessions, I have developed more confidence in who I am as a person, as a leader and the unique value I bring. I highly recommend Dr. Johnson for anyone going through their leadership journey.”
THE CAREER ACCELERATION IMPACT:
Strategic Clarity + Strength Alignment to Organizational Goals
"Dr. Johnson clarified my whole approach to taking my career to the next level. Her coaching is absolutely amazing, Tailored to your needs and incorporates your strengths and weaknesses. I spent the day after our session in total silence. SPEECHLESS! Do yourself a favour and invest in yourself. Take the plunge."
THE STRATEGIC PURPOSE IMPACT:
Purpose Discovery + Value Contribution
"I have benefited in un-quantifiable measure from Dr. Hume Johnson's book, Brand YOU! and her online coaching and mentoring. Her targeted questions force you to look beyond brand and to find your purpose (how do you add value?). I've taken the lessons from Hume and applied them to my life and those lessons have catapulted me into new dimensions as a professional. Thank you Hume. You are the best life architect and personal branding expert in the game."
THE INSTITUTIONAL POSITIONING IMPACT:
Competency Mapping & Strategic Clarity
"I have been actively working in an industry for years but was always unsure of the space I occupy in it. My consultation with Dr Hume Johnson was soul searching and insightful. After only a few minutes into our session, I was able to rethink and recreate my personal brand, and online image presenting a clear picture of my skills and competencies and was able to honestly confront some of my weaknesses that were affecting my professional progress. I am still a work in progress and look forward to continuing my engagement with her as I continue to work on my brand."
THE PROFESSIONAL AGENCY IMPACT:
Decoupling Personal Value from Institutional Titles
"When you think of your brand, what comes to mind? For many years, I assumed it was my job, my place of employment - little did I know, my brand was much more than that. For many years I have stalked this woman. Dr. Hume Johnson. I admired her brand from afar. I wanted to develop my brand but I had no clue where to begin. After a one-on-one marathon personal branding session, needless to say I have to wonder no more .I am now empowered and inspired. Highly recommend spending some time with the Dr. of re-branding. Yes, she will pull it out of you."
MODES OF ENGAGEMENT
I offer brand-centered leadership development and strategic communication interventions tailored for high-performers and teams, delivered in-person, virtually, or via my digital academy.
1:1 INDIVIDUAL COACHING + STRATEGY
High-impact, brand-centered coaching for C-Suite executives, emerging leaders, and entrepreneurs. Using the Lead with Who YOU Are strategy, I partner with you to audit your Professional Vault to align your leadership identity with your highest professional value.
GROUP TRAINING + TEAM STRATEGY
Strategic, brand-centered training designed to boost performance and collective leadership. I partner with teams to align individual identities with organizational goals, equipping employees to navigate challenges and own their value within a high-impact professional community.
HUME ACADEMY (OWN YOUR VALUE™)
A premier digital hub for self-paced professional transformation. This is the home of the Own Your Value™ Masterclass—a rigorous digital intervention designed to help you audit your professional vault, mint your unique currency, and convey your worth with absolute authority.
EXECUTIVE PRESENCE + HUME METHOD
Master the art of the "Signal" to close the Signal-Perception Gap. Using my proprietary The HUME Method™, this intervention empowers you to Own The Room™—transforming how you clarify your message, project authority, and communicate your professional worth on any stage
MINT YOUR CURRENCY
Experience the
OWN YOUR VALUE™ Masterclass
Access Your First Lesson
- Complimentary
THE IMPACT IN PRACTICE
Evidence of brand-centered leadership interventions. Explore the transformative experiences created for global leaders and high-stakes environments.
THE SOVEREIGN PARTNERSHIP:
A Private Residency
This high-stakes residency is designed for leaders ready to move beyond traditional career management and into absolute Professional Sovereignty.
Through a rigorous 3 to 6-month partnership, we perform a deep-dive audit of your Professional Vault, aligning your internal value with your external authority to ensure total professional portability.
Reserved for executives and emerging leaders who seek to strengthen their influence and lead more effectively, this results-focused intervention provides the strategic blueprint to Own Your Value™ with absolute authority.
JOIN THE WORTH COLLECTIVE
A global community of Sovereigners dedicated to owning their value, building influence,
and minting their unique professional currency.
Heartbroken at the passing of my friend and colleague Faculty, Dr. Anjali Ram.
Professor of Communication at Roger Williams University. (@myrwu).
Graceful, brilliant, and profoundly human-centered, Anjali showed us what empathetic leadership and true collegiality look like.
For years, Anjali, Kamille, and I shared lunch twice a week. It was our bi-weekly pow wow —conversation, laughter, reflection.
Today, leaving campus without her, without stopping by her office felt deeply unsettling.
I felt untethered, like I had lost my center of gravity at work.
Anjali carried herself with grace, intellect, and a deeply human-centered way of being. She understood the emotional labor of this work, and was always ready to hold space during the challenging moments.
I will miss her more than I can put into words,
Yet, I am grateful beyond measure to have walked alongside her for these years.
Farewell my friend. RIP. 🤍
#Faculty
#friendship
#workplace.
Thank you, @iamandrestephens, for bringing this excerpt back to our attention.
This comment highlights the power of digital media to transform citizen activism and to facilitate the mobilization and empowerment of marginalized voices in #Jamaica.
Your efforts are commendable.
You assist Jamaicans by raising awareness of critical issues such corruption, and hold authorities accountable through information dissemination.
Your discussion of hyperlocal issues that matter to ordinaryJamaicans and that are often overlooked by traditional media is vital work.
Keep going.
#digitalactivism
#Jamaicans
? #ProfessionalSovereignty is different. It is the state of absolute agency over your value and your trajectory.
#Sovereignty means that whether you are leading inside your organization or building your own path, you own the "Currency" of your brilliance.
? It is the shift from "fitting in" to an organization to positioning yourself as a non-negotiable asset within your industry.
and by the way, it isn't about leaving your job. Not everyone will or even need to.
It’s about relocating the power back to yourself.
--------》 In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about how we claim this sovereignty and why it is the only true way to personal power as well as #career growth and success.
Let the shift begin." aria-labelledby="" onerror="handleImageLoadError(this)"/>For a long time, I’ve talked to you about building a #personalbrand.
And while that work is important, my own thinking has deepened.
I’ve realized that a vast majority of professionals still see a "brand" just a surface-level tool to increase visibility.
🔥But there is something much more fundamental at stake for the modern leader.👇
You don’t just need a personal brand. You need #ProfessionalSovereignty.
What is the difference?
A personal brand can still leave you feeling tethered to an institution.
You can have a "great brand" and still be a passenger in your own career—waiting for permission, seeking recognition from an organization, and feeling like your value is only as good as your current job title.
-----------> 👉 #ProfessionalSovereignty is different. It is the state of absolute agency over your value and your trajectory.
#Sovereignty means that whether you are leading inside your organization or building your own path, you own the "Currency" of your brilliance.
🔥 It is the shift from "fitting in" to an organization to positioning yourself as a non-negotiable asset within your industry.
and by the way, it isn't about leaving your job. Not everyone will or even need to.
It’s about relocating the power back to yourself.
--------》 In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about how we claim this sovereignty and why it is the only true way to personal power as well as #career growth and success.
Let the shift begin.
Just a reminder…
Faculty enjoying last few days of freedom before semester begins. 🙌
#professorlife
#blackfaculty
Just clearing things up.
#Personalbranding
Throwing it back to beautiful Australia circa 2009.
My friend Melanie, who hails from Luxembourg, surprised me with this blast from the past today.😎
We'd decided to take a weekend trip to Cairns, a lively tourist hub in far North Queensland - the gatewy to Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef - to experience its excellent hospitality.
And what an adventure this was ! 😆 Great night life. And a superb time overall.
This photo is a great reminder that time passes quickly and life is brief, so it's important to live each moment to the fullest, and with absolute joy.
#throwback
#photooftheday
#friendshipgoals❤️
The first book on my 2026 Reading List.
I started a week ago, and I am all in.
There's something incredibly calming and peaceful about getting lost in a good book.
It’s like a mini-vacation for my mind, allowing me to truly connect with myself.
I swear, this quiet time really helps to settle my nervous system before I start my day.
Highly recommend carving out some reading time if you need a moment of calm. 📚✨
#ReadingIsMagic #SelfCareSunday #Mindfulness #BookLover
Taking in Coach Vern’s feedback yesterday on my #executivecoaching performance.
He’s a generous mentor—clear, thoughtful, empathetic and always focused on growth.
I got really positive feedback, thankfully as the ICF- International Coaching Federation Code of Ethics and coaching structure is pretty exacting.
While that always feels good, the real value is in hearing where you can stretch and strengthen your style and methodology.
Growth asks for openness, curiosity, and a willingness to listen without getting defensive.
This is where many people struggle, they can't handle feedback. They rebut or recoil.
A #growthmindset isn’t about perfection though, it’s about being coachable.
Because if you can’t receive feedback, you can’t grow. And growth is/ought to be the goal.
#LeadershipDevelopment
#PersonalBranding
#ProfessionalSovereignty
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#professionalsovereignty
#ownyourvalue
#personalBranding
![The Roadmap to #ProfessionalSovereignty.
[Long post loading.... bear with me ]
For almost 20 years as a college professor and leadership coach, I’ve watched brilliant #leaders trade their potential for a job title, without ever truly owning their value.
They work hard, they deliver results, but they remain](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/610965397_1435569858010226_7547368235073480058_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=FGquDBucnT0Q7kNvwHItRa9&_nc_oc=Adk7afkaTrInXhMHAAqZODaK1zyxLSZ7I8VsIAoI8Fox4pzFV5cI2JES-D5oTxpZDrM&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=k9qox4D1UOdWqp86VeBqdg&oh=00_AftC2jcE-IHsmm-2TsZq4vX2Z676mefhHU9UHKwgntmOxw&oe=698471BC)
The Roadmap to #ProfessionalSovereignty.
[Long post loading.... bear with me ]
For almost 20 years as a college professor and leadership coach, I’ve watched brilliant #leaders trade their potential for a job title, without ever truly owning their value.
They work hard, they deliver results, but they remain "tenants" in their own careers.
Time to change that.
I’m currently "minting" the framework for my new book project: The Currency of YOU.
This is the 5-step Roadmap to Professional Sovereignty
✅ 1. THE GOLD STANDARD (The Mint): Leading with Who YOU Are to define your own value from the inside out. Strategic self-awareness is the base metal of your personal brand.
✅ 2. The VAULT (The Audit): Gathering the Receipts of your mastery so your brand is asset-backed and undeniable. You cannot back a currency without reserves.
✅ 3. THE SIGNAL (Strategic Resonance): Conveying your authority through linguistic and symbolic signals so the market hears your frequency. Wealth that stays in the vault is dead capital.
✅ 4. THE EXCHANGE (The Negotiation): Navigating the Bias Tax and the social interpretation of your worth. This is where we learn to negotiate value in high-stakes rooms and bypass systems that refuse to recognize our currency.
✅ 5. THE SOVEREIGN (Liquidity): Achieving the Portability to withdraw your brilliance and invest it wherever you choose. This is the ultimate goal: a brand that belongs to you, not an institution.
This is about the de-commodification of talent.
Over the next few months, I’ll be unpacking each of these stages right here. We are moving beyond "job descriptions" toward total value ownership.
Which of these stages feels like your biggest hurdle right now? Let’s discuss in the comments. Drop a number from 1-5 👇
Learn more about our Own Your Value Personal Branding Masterclass, visit www.humejohnson.com
#TheCurrencyOfYOU #Leadership #LeadershipCoach LeadershipDevelopment
For the last 20 years as a college professor and leadership coach, I’ve watched brilliant #leaders trade their potential for a job title without ever truly owning their value.
Time to change that.
Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on the 5-step roadmap for my new book, The Currency of YOU.
This is the path to Professional Sovereignty:
1️⃣ The Gold Standard (The Mint) – Defining Who YOU Are.
2️⃣ The Vault – Gathering your "Receipts" (Proof of mastery).
3️⃣ The Signal – Broadcasting your authority so it's recognized, and undeniable.
4️⃣The Exchange – Navigating bias and negotiating your worth in high-stakes moments.
5️⃣The Sovereign (Liquidity) - Achieving total portability to withdraw your brilliance and invest it wherever you choose.
This is more than a book. It's an exit strategy from the commodified hustle.
Over the next few months i'm road testing these stages right here. Before I head into the riding cave, this May!
Which stage do you need most right now? Drop a number 1-5 in the comments!
#leadershipcoach #personalbranding #thecurrencyofyou #ownyourvalue
New Year. Higher Standards.
If there's one thing professionals need to understand as they plan their next move, it’s this: your personal brand is not a performance; it is your currency.
It's not about visibility, it's not about posting more, it's not about being "seen".
It's about Leading with Who YOU Are.
True leadership is about how clearly you own your value, and how effectively you can mint it when it matters most - in career transitions, in leadership, and in negotiations.
When you lead with who you are (*think identity), you aren't just showing up - you're claiming your sovereignty.
You're moving from being a tenant in someone else's company to being the owner of your own career career trajectory.
As you move into this year, focus less on "renting" space on social media and more on owning your value.
Something new, is being minted tomorrow, stay tuned 🙌👇
Ready to stop chasing visibility and start owning your value book a complimentary consultation at at www.humejohnson.com
#PersonalBranding #CareerStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #OwnYourValue
Welcome, 2026.
New year. New perspectives. New beginnings.🌱
The end of one year, and the start of a new one is always a moment of deep reflection for me.
I challenge myself to acknowledge the most meaningful moments as well as the difficult times.
I look back on how I showed up in those times, and how I might grow and improve as a human being, and also as a trusted professional.
Life is not always cheerful but I've found it's how you respond to it that truly matters 👇
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” — Maya Angelou
Happiness is a choice, but resilience is a practice. As we step into the New Year, don’t just hope for clear skies; trust your ability to walk through the rain.
Whatever storms come, remember that you are built to weather them and arrive on the other side even stronger.
Let’s not just be happy; let’s strive for unwavering resilience, and to navigate challenges with grace.
Remember who you are, and lead from within.
We are ready for whatever follows.
Stepping into the light. Cheers to 2026.
#Photography by @sailawayinc
#motivation
#personalgrowth
#personalbranding
Thank you 2025🙏.
We are grateful for the opportunities and successes of 2025.
Let's walk into 2026 with grace, and hope for health, vitality and optimism to keep living a life of purpose.
#personalbranding
Thank you, 2025. 🙏
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities, lessons, and subtle triumphs that this year has afforded me.
The year 2025 served as a reminder that #personalleadership truly begins with how we show up for ourselves.
You have to literally get into the driver's seat of your own life and lead from within.
When you commit to #personalgrowth and uphold your values, opportunities not only emerge but also align with your objectives.
This year, I was grateful to serve so many leaders as they clarified their #personalbrand and learned to communicate their value with clarity, confidence, and credibility.
I’m thankful for the new networks and relationships built, and for the wisdom to release those no longer aligned with my values or purpose.
That, too, is personal leadership.
I’m especially grateful for health, vitality, and focus because nothing meaningful is possible without #wellbeing.
One of my most meaningful personal commitments this year was intentionally stepping away from the constant digital noise.
I managed to stop the scroll, hiding social media apps for weeks at a time, and creating space to quiet my mind, and read for leisure to restore my sense of balance.
As we step into 2026, I’m carrying forward gratitude, grace, optimism, and intention.
Remember, we are here to grow —intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.
#Personalbranding transcends mere visibility; it involves self-discovery, cultivating expertise, and leveraging one's talents to serve others.
And personal leadership is the daily practice of owning your value.
So as the new year begins, I hope you give yourself permission to define and live your purpose.
PersonalBranding PersonalLeadership Purpose Growth Gratitude
This "holiday look" is totally temporary. Don't get used to it. 😎
Lady at the grocery store says I look like the rapper Eve.
Could be worse, so I said thanks.😊
#newyear
#lookoftheday
Year in Review ✔️💪 | Human skills are your greatest ROI.
It was such an honor to connect with South African podcaster @thando_mzb of the @alarawomennetwork to talk about a shift we all need to make in 2026:
Positioning your human skills as your biggest asset. 💎
We often hide our 'soft skills' at the bottom of a resume, but in an automated world, your ability to lead, empathize, and communicate is exactly what makes you irreplaceable.
Watch this fun clip to hear how I suggest positioning yourself to stand out in your industry.
Are you putting your 'human' skills front and center?
Thanks for the space to share my voice and perspectives with my fellow #africans !
#personalbranding #leadershipdevelopment #personalgrowth careertips
Merry Christmas one and all..
May you have a peaceful and safe holiday season.
❤️💚💛
Year in Review ✔️💪 | I said what I said 😎 on the @bosswomenetwork podcast hosted by the amazing @leilaniandersonmonroe!
Your social media is NOT your personal brand. 🎤
Your brand is who you are, the unique value you provide, the problems you solve, and how you make people feel when they encounter you, work with, do business with you or enter into any kind of relationship with you.
Social media is just the megaphone. 📣
In this clip, we dive into why you need to stop obsessing over the 'aesthetic' and start building a foundation that lasts beyond an algorithm.
Which one are you focusing on more right now: the brand or the feed? Let’s be honest in the comments! 👇"
To learn more about our personal branding programs, visit www.humejohnson.com
#personalbranding
#leadershipdevelopment
#Career
Who are you, and what value can you deliver in your field or industry?
That is really what a solid personal brand is about.
#personalbranding
2025 Year in Review ✔️| If I had to name the standout moment of my year, without hesitation, this is it.
A powerful two-day event that combined a keynote and a hands-on workshop with MAPFRE insurance leaders and agents (Northeast regionn), centered on one core idea: as AI accelerates, human skills become the true competitive advantage.
I opened with a keynote on “Why the Future of Business Is Personal,” exploring why trust, relationships, and judgment, as well as your presence matter more than ever in an AI-driven business environment.
Day two went deeper with a Human Skills Workshop, where agents defined, owned, and applied their human skills in practical ways to build relationships, win business, and show up more intentionally with clients.
What most people never see are the weeks of behind-the-scenes work—the planning, conversations and collaboration that made both days impactful.
Grateful for the partnership with MAPFRE, the engaged leaders and agents, and my mentor and co-trainer @maggie__werner 🙌 for helping bring this work to life and the tremendous success it was!
#personalBranding
#keynotespeaker
#businessstrategy
#leadershipcoach
2025 Highlights | I challenged myself to rediscover #reading for leisure in 2025.
What a joy it has been. As a Professor, I read all the time. My work requires reading textbooks, journal pieces and media text, not to mention reading students' work.
But I found myself scrolling way too much when I'm not at work, and I slowly began to resent the noise of social media; my mind felt cluttered with information that was not deeply meaningful. Just fragmented bits of people's opinion.
I bought several #books and novels from esteemed authors such as Isabel Allende, Salman Rushdie, Claire Keegan, and David Brooks, whose work I appreciate for its exploration of self-discovery.
Throughout 2025, I dedicated an hour every other morning to quiet reading, and the aforementioned titles represent my selections for the year. "Foster" by Claire Keegan is also among the books I read, though it is not depicted.
It has been the most internally transformative and rewarding experience.I've given myself in years. I still scroll some but I largely have let go of the noise, and freed up space in my mind to think, imagine and produce.
The quiet has been tremendously helpful to my sense of #wellbeing.
I tried to suggest this to my intelligent friends, but some of them wish to listen to audiobooks. This is not equivalent to reading.
Try it. You'll find it utterly liberating.
Sneak peek: Behind the scenes of our #executivecoaching practice today.
We record a coaching conversation and then walk back through it together.
Svetlana and I have a natural coaching rhythm, but today we mixed things up.
Instead of just coaching each other, we also stepped into the mentor role- reflecting, and gently unpacking how we each showed up in the conversation.
Especially when you’re coaching senior leaders and executives, this kind of self-reflection matters.
Nothing beats constant practice.
I learn so much about my approach and where I can improve.
#leadership
#leadershipDevelopment
#traininganddevelopment
Help me wish #happybirthday to my favorite human, Pauly 😍...
So grateful to be doing life with such a wonderful man.
Academic life has me convinced that if I could physically chain myself to this desk, the work would finally finish itself.
#ProfessorLife
#Faculty
#academia
Carlene Fonseca (@healwithcarlene) - former city councilwoman, a respected college professor, and a powerhouse entrepreneur - was my first public speaking client of 2025.
She was invited to deliver a TEDx talk, and although she had a lot of experience on stage, she knew she needed more than just experience.
Smart woman.
Because even top-tier professionals understand that great #speaking isn’t just about saying the right words; it’s about making people feel something.
First, we worked together on crafting a message that reflected Carlene’s values, vision, and the full depth of her voice as a child of immigrants; of pain and loss.
Then we worked on how to #speak to connect with her audience.
She delivered a memorable Tedx talk; so proud of you Missy.
👉🏾 Public speaking is not just a career or leadership skill, it is a life skill l whether you’re stepping on stage, leading a. team or building relationships.
Learn how my speaker training program help professionals like you speak with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
LINK IN BIO | Follow @drhumejohnson
#TedxSpeaker #ProfessionalDevelopment #PersonalBranding #leadershipdevelopment #speakertraining #leadership
I've lived in #RhodeIsland for the last 15 years, (less than 10 minutes from Downtown Providence).
Yesterday’s tragedy at Brown University weighs heavily on me. Two students are now dead, and 9 injuried.
They should be finishing their exams so that they can go home for Christmas. But Christmas is destroyed for those families. So profoundly sad.
As a Faculty member at Roger Williams University, it feels deeply personal. Too close for comfort, to be honest.
For years, I’ve been aware that #violence on campuses is always a possibility.
I show up to lectures each semester with that awareness; yet I've always felt a bit "#safer" in Rhode Island - in a sense, spared.
That quiet sense of innocence is now shattered.
I’m still finding the words.
What I feel most is exposure — a loss of the safety I’ve long associated with being here in Rhode Island.
My heart goes out to the families of the lives lost, and those injured.
Let us hold the Brown community and our entire state in prayer today.
#brownuniversity
The end.
#personalbranding
I am blessed to have met some really great people in 2025. Especially grateful for this gem of a woman, Svetlana ! 😍
She’s my coaching partner in our Executive Coach training program, and working with her has been such a gift.
She’s smart, kind, enthusiastic, and refreshingly genuine, the kind of person who makes the work feel easy and human.
Let me say this: #Coaching requires really connecting with the person you're coaching.
You have to gel, trust each other, and meet in the same space emotionally. With Svetlana, it just clicked. Thank goodness! 😆
Feeling thankful for our continuued shared learning, thoughtful conversations, and mutual support.
Thanks so much Sveta ! 😍
#friendship
#accountabilitypartner
#leadershipcoach
#executivecoaching
One of the highlights of this semester teaching Introduction to Mass Media was our Newscast Simulation.
A few weeks ago, my students stepped beyond the textbook and into a working newsroom environment — anchoring, reporting, producing, and making the same editorial choices journalists make every day.
We spent a lot of time this semester studying how the media shapes public perception, how bias influences reporting, and how misinformation spreads… but this assignment let them experience it firsthand.
Each team created a full #newscast with stories they felt mattered — from Rhode Island headlines and campus stories to national news, international affairs, sports, entertainment, and weather.
They had to decide what leads, what gets airtime, and how to tell each story responsibly.
Watching them take the process seriously, collaborate, write and film stories, problem-solve, and present the news with confidence was truly impressive.
They didn’t just analyze media this semester, they stepped into the role, and hopefully now understand the responsibility behind it.
👏✨ Very proud of them.
#teaching
#highereducation
#journalism
Wise people don't simply possess information.
Generative AI can make anybody appear knowledgeable and informed.
The wisest people possess a compassionate understanding of other people.
They know about life.
Build a brand around who you are, not just what you know, or what you can do.
#personalbranding #leadership #Leadershipdevelopment
Throwback | #KeynotePresentation at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
I had the pleasure of speaking about #personalbranding in Medicine — a topic that isn't always front-of-mind for healthcare professionals, but absolutely should be.
So much respect for Dr. Katherine Sharkey for the invitation and for trusting that my work would support the incredible physicians and scientists at Brown as they shape their careers, build their medical practices, and strengthen their professional reputation.
In healthcare, trust is everything.
And when it comes to personal branding, trust becomes the foundation physicians must build on.
Beyond credentials, years of training, and clinical expertise, we explored one powerful question:
👉🏽 How else can doctors differentiate themselves in a crowded and competitive field?
Such an important and necessary conversation.
Videography: @calli.ruggles ✔️
Researcher : @camryn.macedo17✔️
#KeynoteSpeaker #LeadershipDevelopment PersonalBrand
No rest .... for the misbehaved.
Exhausted but so much grading to do! 😭
#professorlife
So excited for your next chapter David. (@dprendy).
Most people don’t truly know what their personal assets are, let alone how to own them or communicate their value effectively.
Whether you want to lead, speak with confidence, grow your business, or move up in your career, your #personalbrand is the foundation.
Mow, when we say personal brand, we are not talking about social media.
Your social platform is merely one tool of many you can use to convey your brand, once you get clarity on who you are and what you can deliver.
Ready to own your value and elevate your voice?
✨ Let’s get back to the foundation of your personal brand.
Enroll in the Own Your Value™ Masterclass at www.humejohnson.com
# Leadership #LeadershipTraining #Leadershipcoach #CareerDevelopment
The end of semester is my favorite season.
A few more days.
We got this 👍💪🙌.
#professorlife
One of my clients just picked up my book, #BrandYOU! to spend the holiday season doing the deep, foundational work of self-awareness.
That is, answering the questions that help you discover who you are and the value you bring to the table.
And honestly, I’m grateful. I absolutely love it 👏🙌🙏♥️
I can guide you, but I can’t do the inner work for you.
So, when a client takes the initiative, gets the resource, and actually starts… that’s when real transformation begins.
This is why personal branding matters: the work you do with yourself is what strengthens the work you can do in your career.
Proud of her. And excited for what she’ll build next.
Brand YOU! Reinvent Yourself and Redefine Your Future is available where books are sold.
#personalbranding #personaldevelopment
#Leadershiptraining #leadershipcoach
personalgrowth
#Jamaica has lost a giant in #JimmyCliff.
Jimmy Cliff wasn’t just a #reggae artist, he was one of the architects of the genre itself.
A foundational figure who didn’t only define reggae, but carried it across the world long before many understood its power.
Yes, Bob Marley and so many others expanded the global movement, but Jimmy Cliff was one of the first to carve the road, open the doors, and show the world the soul of #Jamaican music.
Today we honor his life, his brilliance, and the legacy he gifted us.
His voice, his message, his impact forever woven into the story of reggae and the story of Jamaica.
We are grateful for his talent, and for his light.
Jamaicans are mourning his passing, but celebrating the indelible mark he leaves behind.
Rest in power, Jimmy Cliff.
#Reggae
personalbrand
BrandJamaica
#Interpersonalcommunication is really a #lifeskill.
How we greet people and show up in small everyday moments matters more than we think.
Calling people by their name is powerful.
It signals respect, recognition, and warmth. It tells someone, “I see you,” and that simple affirmation can deepen connection in an instant.
A simple hello, a smile, a moment of genuine acknowledgement; these tiny acts can strengthen relationships.
And when we overlook them, even unintentionally, or do it in an uncaring detached way, it can create distance or hurt feelings.
People remember how you make them feel.
Good human connection is built in the tiny moments. So be mindful how they are carried out.
These are the foundation of meaningful relationships.
How we treat people in the small moments says more than grand gestures.
#interpersonalcommunication
#personalbrand #kindness
Throwback | Shared space last week (November 12) with Tourism, Hospitality + Event Management majors at Stockton University, NJ.
I explored how destinations, nations, and people build brands.
Case Study: #HurricaneMelissa and #BrandJamaica.
I specifically discussed why Jamaica must move past the one-dimensional “sun, sand, and sea” model to tell a fuller story of who we are.
We also talked about their own #personalbrand and how to leverage it for careers in tourism, hospitality and event management.
Such an energizing session. Thanks Stockton!
#tourismrelience #Jamaica #Jamaicans #personalbranding #keynotespeaker
This week, I spent time with students in the Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management program at Stockton University.
Our discussion centered on #branding — not just for destinations, but for individuals entering this industry.
For decades, Jamaica has been promoted as a postcard-perfect escape: sun, sand, and sea. That image has been powerful, but also limiting.
When #HurricaneMelissa struck, it disrupted the narrative. It reminded us that a destination cannot rely solely on its prettiest features to define who it is.
What truly shapes Jamaica’s identity is deeper and far more enduring:
our resilience, creativity, innovativeness, vibrant culture, communal spirit, and the energy and character of a people who rebuild even when everything has been stripped away.
Those qualities don’t always make it into the travel brochures, but they are the heartbeat of the nation.
I invited the students to consider that same idea for themselves.
#Personalbranding isn't a highlight reel or a curated image, or their LinkedIn or Instagram profile.
It’s the fuller, more honest story of who you are — your values, your strengths, your lived experiences, and the unique value and ethic that you bring into your work.
Whether we are examining the image of a nation or reflecting on our own, the lesson is the same:
A meaningful brand is never one-dimensional. It must reflect the whole story — not just the surface.
#Jamaicans #BrandJamaica #personalbranding #nationalidentity #nationbranding
As I prepare for tomorrow’s guest lecture at Stockton University with students majoring in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management, I find myself reflecting on the connection between personal branding and nation branding.
Coming from Jamaica, a country showing its resilience after Hurricane Melissa, it’s hard not to think about what truly defines a #brand.
For island nations like #Jamaica, it cannot be just about the sun, sand and the sea; it’s the people, their strength, sense of community, and their capacity to recover and rebuild that is the true essence of #BrandJamaica.
The same is true for personal branding. It’s not about social media but about who you are, what you value, and how you show up when things don’t go as planned.
The real foundation for a successful career in tourism, hospitality has to be trusted and credibility over anything else.
#PlaceBranding
#nationalbranding
#Jamaicans
I’m thrilled to join Stockton University’s Department of #Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management on Wednesday, November 12 to talk about personal branding for #careerdevelopment.
As someone from #Jamaica, a nation recently affected by #HurricaneMelissa, I’ve studied how people and places rebuild and reimagine themselves.
#Personalbranding works the same way: it’s not about social media, but knowing who you are, your values, and how you build trust and credibility over time.
For students entering tourism and hospitality, this matters deeply.
Your #personalbrand shapes the experiences and events you create and is the foundation of a successful career.
#LeadershipDevelopment #hospitalitymanagement
#TourismDevelopment
#careersuccesstips
#branding
In moments of #crisis, you learn quickly who carries #character.
The ones who pause to reach out, and simply say,
🔥“How are you? How is your family?”🔥
To those who checked in through text, phone calls, offered support, or simply held space to listen as #Jamaica faces devastation...👇
thank you.🙏
Your kindness reminded me that personal leadership is not about status or title.
It’s about seeing beyond yourself and extending #empathy, even when you have nothing to gain, and it's outside your frame of referemce.
I make note of those gestures, and everyone who reached out because it's in crisis that people's true character is revealed.
These are the moments that reveal who people really are..
when humanity is required, not applause.
#HurricaneMelissa
#PersonalLeadership
#personalbrand
#Jamaicans
So often, who we are as people is overlooked the but it shapes everything: 👇
🔥how we do business, how we lead, how we behave, how we show up in the world. 🔥
Your #corevalues, your decisions and your impact all start with you.
That’s why I focus on #personalbranding that begins with the self.
Most approaches start with stories or messaging, but I believe it starts with you, and then everything else flows from there.
#leadershipdevelopment
#personalbranding
No matter where I live in the world, my heart, spirit and identity is deeply rooted in #Jamaica.
My geography has changed over the years - New Zealand, Australia, United States but my sense of #belonging does not.
As the island braces for #HurricaneMelissa, I am reminded that when Jamaica is under threat, every one of us in the Diaspora feels it.
Our history has made us a people of endurance. The meaning of our national flag captures it so well:
“Hardships there are, but the land is green and the sun shineth.”
We are the Black survivors as Bob Marley said — strong, proud, and deeply resilient.
We have weathered storms before — literal and figurative — and we will weather this one.
Today, I stand in solidarity with home.
Let us keep #Jamaica in prayer, support however we can, and continue to trust in the strength of our people.
Stay safe, #Jamaicans. We will prevail
🖤💚💛
#hurricanemelissa
#jamaicans
Everywhere I turn, people are talking about AI taking over jobs.
I sympathize.
Yes, #technology is advancing fast. But your humanity is what makes us irreplaceable.
AI can write and send messages at scale,, crunch numbers, organize data, but it can’t connect or care.
It can’t feel #empathy, read a room, or inspire trust.
That’s what you bring - your human skills: communication, leadership, creativity, understanding.
Research from Stanford, Harvard and the Carnegie foundation suggests that 85% of job success comes from.human skills (#softskills) and only 15% comes from #technicalskills.
This means that technical skills are no longer your competitive edge.That's just the baseline.
In other words, as automation increases, being human is your biggest differentiator.
Which #humanskill do you rely on most in your business or at work?
______________________________________
👉 My #personalbranding coaching helps you lead with your humanity, and use it to grow your influence and impact. Learn more at 👇
www.humejohnson.com
#AI #personalbranding #leadership #entrepreneur #businessgrowth
This is why clients choose me.
Most #leadershipcoaching focuses on skills and behaviors. I focus first on identity - who you are.
I help organizations develop leaders who know themselves, trust their voice, and show up with confidence and integrity. My work focuses on the inner foundation of leadership; helping people become clearer about who they are when they lead, so their presence, communication, and decisions feel grounded and authentic.
I support #leaders during the moments that matter most — promotion, expanded responsibility, visibility shifts, or stepping into higher-stakes roles. By clarifying their leadership brand and aligning their strengths with the needs of the organization, they grow more confident, more trusted, and more effective.
The impact is not just better communication; it’s stronger relationships, deeper trust, and leaders who are ready to be seen and followed.
Learn more at www.humejohnson.com
My very first #entrepreneur client was #Jamaican reggae icon Tony Rebel, way back in 1995.
At the time, he was only in the second year of staging his now legendary festival, Rebel Salute — which, incredibly, is now 31 years old.
What struck me most, even then, was his mindset.
Tony never just focused on keeping the same loyal crowd coming back each year. He was always asking:
🔥“How do we grow?
🔥 How do we reach new audiences?
🔥 How do we keep this experience fresh?”
That’s the difference between brand loyalty and growth.
#Loyalty is the foundation of your business as this is what keeps people coming back, but growth is the fuel.
This is about exploring new opportunities, expanding your presence and attracting new audience.
Too many entrepreneurs spend all their energy maintaining what they’ve already built.
But true success lies in reinventing, expanding, and evolving so your #brand stays alive and relevant.
What’s one new #audience or opportunity you could explore this year?
_________________________________________
I help entrepreneurs and leaders build brands that grow. Let’s talk about how you can expand your reach. Hit link below and book a FREE CONSULTATION 👇
www.humejohnson.com
#businessgrowth #branding #personalbranding #leadership #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness
Gentle reminder
Back in the day, we used to call people on the home phone.
Now we have tons of ways to connect, right?
If your clients are on #socialmedia, that's where your business needs to be, not where you feel best.
A lot of #entrepreneurs build their business strategy around what they like, not what their audience does.
If your future clients are on Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok, your brand needs to be there.
You grow when you meet people where they are, not when you wait for them to find you.
Your #personalbrand is about more than just your product, service, or price; it's how and where you show up.
Visibility drives opportunity.
____________________________ 👇
If you’re ready to position your #personalbrand to meet your ideal clients where they are, let’s talk.
We all have an emergency contact but do we have the right one?
Not just someone who can answer the phone but someone with the temperament, clarity, and care to show up for you in a moment of crisis.
The right emergency contact isn’t just a name on a form; it’s a person who can stay calm under pressure, make sound decisions, advocate for you when you can’t speak, and actually knows what you value.
It’s really about having the right person equipped to carry your wellbeing.
Take a moment today, and ask yourself
Is your emergency contact truly prepared for that responsibility?
#emergency #emergencycontact #emptionalintelligence #crisis
Ended the week strong 💪
Finish the week with a sense of accomplishment.
Reflect on your successes and use them as motivation to propel you into the next.
Have a superb weekend lovelies ❤️
#motivation.
I recently had the pleasure of delivering a keynote address to the business leaders of Mapre Insurance.
My presentation focused on the theme, "The Future of Business is Personal."
I offered insights into the significance of a robust #personalbrand, particularly the importance of #humanskills, for achieving success within the insurance industry.
I emphasized that as automation and #artificialintelligence continue to advance, genuine human connection, trust, and authenticity will become the primary catalysts for #businessgrowth.
In essence, the message was to lead with one's authentic self and deepen trust in order to differentiate themselves in a very competitive insurance marketplace.
#personalbranding #entrepreneurs #insuranceagents #keynote #speaker #leadership
So grateful for another opportunity to use my voice and talent to serve others.
Opportunity is everywhere. The key is to develop the vision to see it, and be courageous enough to pursue it.
#personalbranding
#keynotespeaker
Just concluded another keynote this week, and it reminded me of something I’ve learned after 20+ years of teaching and coaching #publicspeaking:👇
Confidence isn’t about memorizing your speech; it’s about knowing who you are when you speak.
Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of professionals and leaders find their voice, own their message, and connect with audiences in a way that feels real.
So, I pulled together a few of my favorite tips in this carousel — insights I share with my coaching clients to help them feel grounded, clear, and confident every time they speak.
If you’re ready to strengthen your communication presence and speak with greater confidence and connection, I’d love to help you get there.
Explore public speaking coaching at http://www.humejohnson.com
#PublicSpeaking #Leadership #Confidence #CommunicationCoach #PersonalBrand #OwnTheRoom
Just wrapped a powerful session with the Mapfre Insurance team!
We talked about The Future of Business is Personal - how trust, human connection, and authenticity are not just #softskills, but strategic advantages in today’s changing business environment.
It was inspiring to see so many professionals ready to redefine what it means to be an insurance agent — not just sellers of policies, but trusted partners who lead with empathy and credibility.
Thank you, Mapfre, for inviting me to be part of this important conversation. The energy, openness, and insight in the room reminded me why this work matters.
#businessdevelopment #personalBrand #Trust #PublicSpeaking #Insuranceprofessionals #entrepreneurs
Heading to Mapfre Insurance this week to talk #personalbranding in business.
Excited to explore The Currency of YOU™️: Why the Future of Business is Personal.
I am so pleased this giant global organization understands that who you are is as important as what you sell.
It's always powerful for me to help professionals
rediscover the human side of business.
#entrepreneurs
#personalbrand #businessdevelopment
#businessgrowth
I used to dread #September; back to teaching, back to routine, back to someone else’s clock.
Even my birthday started to feel heavy this year.
This year, my pal Vicky reminded me that I had the whole month to celebrate.
Since my life is my choice. I said why not make it about joy? Why not make every day feel like Sunday? 🌞
One adventure took us to the Gilded Age mansions in Newport (someone’s first time!).
Now he’s gone down a rabbit hole of Gilded Age research, it'’s hilarious and so fitting. I love history.
September has still been stressful but also about savoring life. And that feels like a gift. 💛
#WeekendMood🥳😁
#livingonpurpose
Friday, you are like that, cool breeze, after a long hot week, refreshing, necessary, and totally worth the wait.
Make it a great weekend, everybody.
Thanks for joining me for this 4 part. Series on how to ace your next job interview.
Here is a recap of what we have learned. So far, I hope it was helpful.
Want personalized support to nail your next interview?
I offer 1:1 Job Interview Coaching where we refine your story, skillse, and answer, so you walk in confident and walk out with an offer.
https://live.vcita.com/site/drhumejohnson/online-scheduling?category=qdqi77d6x6sgwah0
#personalbranding
#Jobinterview #careercoaching #jobinterviewcoaching
Eighteen years in the professoriate, both here and in Australia, have taught me that the work of teaching is as much emotional as it is intellectual.
The time in the classroom is the visible part.
The emotional labor is often invisible - the preparation, mentorship, listening, advising, and showing up and being "on" even on tough days.
Yet, we remain grateful for stability and an opportunity to use our talent to educate the next generation of leaders.
#faculty
What makes YOU stand out in a crowded job market? 👇
Your X-factor.
This is your unique combination of strengths and personality that no one else has.
In the final video of my job interview series, I teach you how to find and share your differentiation clearly so you’re memorable and magnetic in every interview.
______________________________________
Want personalized support to nail your next interview?
I offer 1:1 Job Interview Coaching where we refine your story, skillse, and answer, so you walk in confident and walk out with an offer.
https://live.vcita.com/site/drhumejohnson/online-scheduling?category=qdqi77d6x6sgwah0
#personalbranding
#Jobinterview #careercoaching #jobinterviewcoaching
"All the months are crude experiments, out of which the perfect #September is made."
— Virginia Woolf
I asked a coaching client last week, why should they hire you?”
She began with: "I have 20 years of experience in business ..."
Yet, that's not what I was asking. I was trying to see what skill set she possesses and what problems she could solve for the potential employer.
She could back that up with experience and the results achieved but experience alone doesn't communicate much about what you can deliver.
"Why should we hire you?" is one of the most direct and intimidating interview questions.
But with the right approach, it’s also a golden opportunity to showcase your skills and solve real problems.
In this video, I walk you through how to make a clear declaration of your skills, back it up with a real example, and tie it directly to the job you're applying for so you’re not just qualified, you're the obvious choice.
It's not just about what you’ve done; it’s about how you solve problems.
We do job interview simulations to get you ready to answer even the most challe ginger questions. Learn more at: https://live.vcita.com/site/drhumejohnson/online-scheduling?category=qdqi77d6x6sgwah0
#personalbranding #jobinterviews
#leadershipdevelopment
#jobinterviewcoaching
Your day off is not designed for work. It's yo give you a breather.
Stop and literally smell the roses.
All work and no play makes you ______________?
#dayoff
Why should we hire you?” is one of the most direct and intimidating interview questions.
But with the right approach, it’s also a golden opportunity to showcase your skills and solve real problems.
In this video, I walk you through how to make a clear declaration of your skills, back it up with a real example, and tie it directly to the job you're applying for so you’re not just qualified, you're the obvious choice.
It's not just about what you’ve done; it’s about how you solve problems.
#personalbranding #jobinterviews
#leadershipdevelopment
#jobinterviewcoaching
And that's a wrap on a delightful #birthday weekend.
Cheers 🍻
Whew! Replying to every single birthday message would be a full-time job, so let me just say a big, heartfelt THANK YOU to the beautiful communion of love, support, blessings, admiration, and respect that poured in yesterday. 💛
#Birthdays are always a moment of reflection for me.
Looking back at the year gone by, choosing what I want to carry forward and setting my intention to move with purpose, gratitude, and hope.
My goal is always to keep becoming better, to lift others as I climb, and to live in gratitude, abundance, and service.
I’m so grateful for all of you. 🙏✨
Today, September 12, I celebrate another journey around the sun. ☀️✨🥳
This #birthday feels different; deeper, somehow. When I look back, the word that has anchored my life is #expansion.
Life has stretched me in ways I never could have imagined.
There have been seasons of struggle that built up my resilience, moments of joy that reminded me to heed my mother’s usual advice to "stay open", and opportunities that I've seized or created that have shaped me into who I am today.
I’ve grown inwardly, learning, unlearning, and trusting myself more.
And I’ve grown outwardly through the ways I’ve been able to serve, give, and walk alongside others as they move through their own journeys.
None of it has been wasted. Nothing is ever lost. Every experience has carried deep meaning for me.
I believe my steps have been divinely ordered.
So, today, I feel deeply grateful for the lessons, the love, the hurdles, the growth, and your inspiration and support.
I am grateful for this significant milestone, this moment in time, and for the chance to keep moving forward with purpose and hope.
Here’s to continuing my life's journey with faith and an open heart. 💛💗
#happybirthday
#Photograph by @sailawayinc (Rhode Island)
Here’s the mistake most job seekers make in interviews ⬇️
They focus only on what they do—their tasks, responsibilities, or experience, and accomplishments.
Important, yes, but not enough.
#Employers hire people, not job descriptions.
What sets you apart is who you are.
In this video, I share how to communicate “who you are" in a way that makes interviewers lean in and remember you long after the conversation ends.
Want help prepping for your next chapter,
Learn more about our 1:1 job interview coaching.
Learn more at: https://live.vcita.com/site/drhumejohnson/online-scheduling?category=qdqi77d6x6sgwah0
#jobinterviewprep #careeradvice
Mama Bear was born as the second of twins on September 11, 1948.
Chapter 77. Happy birthday Ms Tucks 🎁🎉🎉🎂
Her life is truly remarkable, filled with selflessness, courage, faith, and determination.
Ma 's life is also marked by community service and a constant willingness to volunteer, visit the sick, and pray for others.
She is always ready to listen and offer support.
We are deeply grateful to you, Ma Tucks.
May the Lord grant you a long life, perfect health, and enduring happiness.
Selah. ♥️
If you're re-entering the job market this fall, this video series on job interviews is for you.
Here’s the mistake most job seekers make in interviews ⬇️
They focus only on what they do—their tasks, responsibilities, or experience.
it’s easy to lean heavily on your “what I do” list. Titles, duties, experience, and accomplishments.
Important, yes, but not enough.
Employers hire people, not job descriptions.
What truly sets you apart is your who - your values, character, and perspective.
That’s where trust and connection happen.
In this video, I share how to communicate “who you are" in a way that makes interviewers lean in and remember you long after the conversation ends.
We offer 1:1 job interview coaching. Learn more at: https://live.vcita.com/site/drhumejohnson/online-scheduling?category=qdqi77d6x6sgwah0
#jobinterviewprep #careeradvice
As a my pal, Svetlana says, "I am freedom seeker."
In our busy lives, we all must become seekers of freedom, wherever we can find it.
Sunday - for me - is my reminder that life isn’t about work-life balance.
It's’s about tipping the scales toward living.
Here’s a glimpse into my philosophy on why Sundays matter and what they reveal about the life we all truly want.
I hope you find some moments of "Sunday" in the week ahead.
#motivation
Most people get so nervous in a #jobinterview that they fumble the most basic question: 👇
“So, tell me about yourself”
This isn’t just about rattling off your résumé.
It’s your moment to connect, build rapport, and show the person behind the resume.
In the first of this 4-part video series
, I share how to build #rapport with your interviewer, and open up about yourself in a way that feels authentic, not rehearsed,
Believe me, this is what you do to instantly build trust with your interviewer.
________________
Want personalized support to nail your next interview? I offer 1:1 Job Interview Coaching where we refine your story, presence, and answers so you walk in confident, and walk out with an offer.
https://live.vcita.com/site/drhumejohnson/online-scheduling?category=qdqi77d6x6sgwah0
#jobinterviewprep #interviewprep #interviewcoaching #careercoach #leadershipdevelopment #personalbranding
That dreaded first question in a job interview: “So, tell me about yourself.”
Most candidates ramble. Others freeze.
Yet, this is your golden chance to set the tone of the whole interview.
In this multi-part video series, I show you how to answer this question with confidence.
Our first video will be how to build rapport and make a connection with your interviewers.
#jobinterview #personalbranding #leadershipdevelopment #Jobinterviewprep #careeradvice #careercoach #jobseeker
Who you are is just as important as what you do.
In my conversation with Thando Mazibuko / @thando_mzb on the Alara Women Network podcast, I shared why it’s not enough to list your skills, titles, or achievements
Those things matter, yes, but they don’t tell the full story.
What makes people trust you, connect with you, and remember you is who you are.
Your authentic self should always be visible in the work you do because that’s where your credibility and influence come from.
Titles can change. Roles can shift. But when you know who you are and let that shine through, everything you do carries more meaning and impact.
#personalbranding #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoach #careeradvice
As I shared in my Optima 2022 presentation, building a culture of belonging requires centering belonging as a leadership ethos, not just a DEI initiative.
Research from Amy Edmondson and Detert & Burris (2007) supports this: when leaders create space for dissent and invite participation, belonging grows.
You can’t just say “everyone belongs here” and expect people to feel it.
Belonging is built in the structure (policies and practices) of the organization, and the tone they leaders take: who gets invited to speak, who gets heard, and who gets space to lead. It’s a daily leadership practice, not a tagline.
Try This: Pause in your next meeting and invite input from someone who rarely speaks. Don’t just say “Any thoughts?” Be specific: “Jada, how do you see this?”
Watch what shifts when people are seen and invited in.
#leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoach #leadershipskills #leadership #ledaershipbrand #personalbranding
I’m so proud to have connected with @thando_mzb/Thando Mazibuko, a dynamic South African entrepreneur and founder of the Alara Women Network podcast.
As a #Jamaican, I feel the mutual love between our peoples deeply, the way Jamaicans and #SouthAfricans recognize ourselves in each other’s fight, resilience, and brilliance. 🇯🇲❤️🇿🇦
Together, we spoke about something I hold close: owning your value.
Knowing who you are, and unapologetically bringing that truth into competitive spaces.
#personalbranding #ownyourvalue #podcastguest
What an absolute delight to be greeted - when we check in at our hotel in Cape Cod recently - by these two " yaadies" at the front desk.
These wonderful Jamaican women are part of the college summer work program in the United States
I am so proud of them. This is a superb opportunity to add international experience to their resume and life experience.
It will benefit them in ways that they may not immediately realize. They were pleasant, effective, professional, and just a delight to engage with.
I wish them every success for the rest of their college journey and for their future career.
#Jamaicans
To say it was a beautiful day would not begin to explain it.
These are the last days of summer ☀️
Make the most of them.
*SMALL COMMUNICATION HABITS THAT SIGNAL LEADERSHIP*
You might think #leadership is about big speeches, visionary ideas, or bold decisions, and yes, in many ways, it is.
But leadership also lives in the small things.
In how you listen.
In whether you follow through.
In how quickly and respectfully you respond.
In the way you make people feel seen and heard.
For example, a junior team member in a team I coached once told me how a leader remembered their name and asked a follow-up question about their idea from a previous meeting.
That small act made them feel recognized—and inspired loyalty.
These everyday #communicationhabits are quiet signals of leadership.
Why? Because people watch how you operate in the little moments.
Are you consistent? Are you kind under pressure? Do you acknowledge others’ time and presence?
These behaviors determine whether people feel safe trusting you, following you, or recommending you.
If you’re building a #personalbrand, a business, or a career, don’t just focus on being eloquent.
Focus on being responsive. Reliable. Attentive. Present.
That’s what turns communication into genuine connection and connection into lasting influence.
You can become a more effective communicator and leader.
Start with our FREE WORKBOOK, and explore individual or team communication coaching at www.humejohnson.com
#communicationskillstraining #leadership #leadershipcommunication #communicationskills #leadership #personalbranding
Are you ready to reinvent yourself and own your value?
Discover Brand YOU! Reinvent Yourself, Redefine Your Future by Dr. Hume Johnson—a self-guided 5‑step roadmap to build a personal brand rooted in authenticity, clarity, and purpose.
Here’s what you’ll get:
📌 Proven 5‑step framework to define your brand assets.
📌 Insight into how your unique value meets real-world needs.
📌 A 360° brand identity that connects powerfully across channels.
📌 Communication tools to speak with confidence and credibility.
📌 Exercises and story frameworks for immediate use
“Your brand is a pathway to true personal power and success.”
— Dr. Hume Johnson
Available at all major booksellers
#bookshelf #bestseller #personalbranding #personalgrowth #careerdevelolpment
#Jamaica, today, we celebrate you 🇯🇲🙌
Congratulations on our 63rd year of Independence.
Hardships there are, but we also recognize the remarkable accomplishments of our nation.
Though a tiny island in the Caribbean Sea, we are a proud nation and an extraordinary and exceptional people.
May we all move forward with courage, continuing to make a significant impact on the global stage.
With love and unity,
🖤💚💛
#Jamaicans
#Independence
* THE PROFESSIONAL COST OF BEING UNRESPONSIVE*
Let’s get real. One of the fastest ways to lose trust and opportunities is to be unresponsive.
People may not say it out loud, but they absolutely notice.
For example, I reached out to a colleague to explore a potential collaboration. I didn’t get a “no”. I got nothing. No reply.
That silence left an impression. I didn’t reach out again. And that’s how professional relationships quietly fade.
When you consistently don’t reply, don’t follow up, or leave others hanging, people take note.
Eventually, they stop asking. Stop inviting. Stop referring.
This is how reputations quietly erode.
You might never hear the feedback directly, but doors can close behind the scenes.
Now, no one expects perfection. We’re all busy. But consideration matters.
Responsiveness builds relational equity. Without it, your leadership effectiveness and your career momentumncan stall.
This is not about answering every message instantly.
It’s about showing up with enough intention to protect your name and your presence in people’s minds.
If you wish to build your #communicationbrand, DM me for a FREE E-BOOK to get started.
Or explore communication coaching at www.humejohnson.com
#communication #communicationtraining #workplacecommunication #interpersonalcommunication #branding #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipskills #leadershipcommunication
Happy Independence Day, Jamaica! 🇯🇲
Today, we mark 63 years since we claimed our independence from Great Britain- a bold declaration that we would chart our own course as a free and sovereign people.
As we reflect on this milestone, I’m reminded of the ideas I explored in my book, Brand Jamaica: Re-Imagining Jamaica's National Image and Identity.
Independence is not just a political event; or a symbolic and cultural moment. It's also an ongoing journey to define who we are, how we see ourselves, and how we wish to be seen in the world.
We have come a long way as a nation — in spirit, in global influence, and in our relentless pride. But there is still work to do.
#BrandJamaica challenges us to confront the gaps between how we are branded and the lived realities of many of our citizens.
It invites us to imagine a Jamaica that is not only vibrant and recognizable, but also fair, just, and truly prosperous for all.
Let this Independence Day be more than a celebration.
Let it be a recommitment — to the work of building a Jamaica that lives up to the promise of independence.
One nation, under God. Strong. Creative. Unstoppable.
#Jamaica #IndependenceDay #BrandJamaica #NationalIdentity #ReimaginingJamaica #Jamaicans #HumeJohnson #branding #nationbranding #country branding #placebranding
**HOW TO SHOW RESPECT WITHOUT SAYING A WORD**
Some of the most powerful forms of #communication are completely silent.
Think about it.
What does it feel like when someone gives you their full attention?
Looks you in the eye?
Puts their phone down while you speak?
That’s respect. And that’s communication.
For example, I once observed two team leaders during a meeting.
One leaned in, took notes, nodded.
The other scrolled through emails and didn’t make eye contact.
Guess which one the team trusted and confided in?
When we nod, smile, or lean in, we’re saying:
“I see you. I value you. I’m present.”
On the other hand, when we fidget, check our phones, or seem distracted, we send the opposite message.
And that message speaks louder than words.
It tells people who you are and what they can expect from you. And that expectation becomes your #leadershipbrand.
If you’re present and engaged, you’re seen as trustworthy, emotionally intelligent, and respectful.
If you’re distracted or dismissive, people may perceive you as arrogant or disconnected, regardless of your expertise.
Nonverbal presence isn’t just about good manners. It’s about emotional connection.
And that’s what makes people want to work with, hire, or follow you your leadership.
_________________
Want to improve your communication skills, work with me, See our coaching offerings at www.humejohnson
#leadershipdevelopment #communicationtraining #communicationcoach #leadershipskills #Leadership #personalbranding #executivepresence
We are halfway into 2025.
What were your 2025 goals?
What are you waiting for to begin?
#personalgrowth
Guess who's in NYC! 😍🙌✈️
So happy to see you in person, Mama Bear 🙌♥️
Family is everything. Good to see my big bro Curtis, my cousin Marline, and the always energetic Tivoli.
NYC with all its crazy energy. Love every second of the madness 😆
As a journalist, remember, you don’t just report facts. You shape what people understand, and especially what they believe.
If I were a journalist, I’d define myself as fair, fearless, and focused. I’d convey my core values: I value truth, depth, and responsibility.
What do I solve? →bI clarify confusing news for everyday people. → I spotlight stories others overlook. → I build trust in a world full of misinformation.
How I’d communicate my value?:
Share “the story behind the story.”
Develop a recognizable voice or specialty (not just a beat, but by how I report on stories)
Position yourself as a bridge between media and the people.
👉🏽 Whether you are a journalist or not, your voice matters. Just make sure you define it clearly.
DM me for book a free consultation - www.humejohnson.com
*WHY IGNORING MESSAGES CAN DAMAGE YOUR REPUTATION*
Have you ever meant to respond to someone, but just didn’t get around to it?
We’ve all been there. Life happens.
But if this becomes a pattern, you could be unknowingly harming your professional #reputation.
Let me say this clearly: Responsiveness communicates reliability and respect.
For example, imagine reaching out to a colleague for a time-sensitive collaboration. You get silence. No reply. Days pass.
Eventually, you move on, and next time, you won’t ask. That’s how opportunities disappear.
When you ignore messages or delay responses too often, people begin to feel like they don’t matter.
They are not thinking you are busy, they might think you’re careless, or worse, disrespectful. Even if that’s far from the truth.
And over time, that message becomes your reputation.
People may start to label you as disorganized, unreliable, or even inconsiderate.
This can cost you key relationships, opportunities, or referrals especially in #leadership or client-facing roles where trust is everything.
A simple message like, “Thanks, I’ll circle back soon,” can preserve connection and protect your professional image.
Use that calendar app, and send yourself a reminder to reply.
With so many means of communication at our disposal, there is little excuse these days to be unresponsive.
Want to define your communication brand, DM me for a FREE ebook!
#communicationskills, #communicationstrategy #communicationtraining #leadershipcommunication #Leadership #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipskills #personalbranding
#Leadership is not about being visible.
It’s about being credible.
And your credibility is built not by what you post, but by how consistently your values show up in your work, your decisions, and your relationships with others.
This week, I challenges the idea that personal branding is all performance. It’s not. It’s a leadership tool.
In it, you’ll learn how to:
- Lead from identity
- Use your platform for good
- Turn presence into purpose
🌱 If you’re ready to lead with integrity, let’s build your brand-centered leadership strategy together.
DM me for coaching or explore options at the link in bio.
#LeadershipBranding #AuthenticLeadership #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TheCurrencyOfYou #Leaders #Leadershipdevelopment #PersonalBranding #OwnYourValue
You’re great at what you do…
But are others clear on your value?
I help professionals, executives, and mission-driven leaders clarify who they are, what they bring to the table, and how to communicate it with confidence.
Why? So they can stand out as leaders in their field and achieve the career outcomes they deeerve 🔥
With 15+ years in media, leadership, and communication, I bring a sharp eye for strategy—and a passion for helping people grow their influence through personal branding.
Here’s how I can support your next level: ⤵️
🌱 Define your personal brand
Uncover your unique traits, strengths, values, and voice to shape a clear, authentic identity.
🌱 Leverage your brand to serve + lead
Align your brand with your purpose so you can attract the right opportunities and make real impact.
🌱 Communicate your value with confidence
Nail interviews, panels, pitches—or any high-stakes moment with messaging that connects and actually persuades.
💫 *Ready to level up?*
Let’s do this → Book a FREE CONSULTATION at http://www.humejohnson.com
#OwnYourValue #PersonalBranding #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutivePresence #Communicationtraining #careertips
People don’t hire a law degree. They hire someone who can help them feel protected, clear, and confident.
Here’s how I’d brand myself as an #attorney.👇🏽
If I were an attorney, I wouldn’t just define myself by the type of law I practice.
I’d define myself by who I am, what I believe, and how I show up: composed, strategic, and relentless.
I value justice, fairness, and empowering my clients to navigate complexity with ease.
So what problems am I really solving?
This depends on the type of law you practice. For example:
→ I help small business owners protect what they’ve built.
→ I help families navigate sensitive issues with compassion.
→ I help people stand up for themselves — legally and emotionally.
I’d communicate my brand by:
Creating simple, helpful legal explainers in my voice.
Sharing values-based posts: “Why I became a lawyer — and why I stay one.”
Humanizing the law so people don’t feel so lost in it.
Being a good #lawyer isn’t just about the law.
It’s about humanity, advocacy, and trust. That’s the brand. Lean into it.
#personalbranding #lawyers #attorney #law #legalprofessionals
What Your Communication Says About YOU
#Communication is never neutral. You’re always communicating something - even when you’re silent.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that communication is not just about speaking well or writing clearly.
It’s also not just about being confident or articulate.
It’s about how we show up. How we treat people. I call this your #communicationbrand or your #communicationpresence
✅ Do we acknowledge them when they speak?
🦿Do we respond to messages in a timely way?
👂Do we listen actively and stay present?
These little habits communicate respect or the lack of it.
For example, when someone is speaking and you’re looking at your phone, it might seem like a small thing.
But to the speaker, it often feels like disregard.
They may walk away thinking you’re disinterested or even dismissive.
And here’s why that matters: when people experience you as inattentive or hard to reach, it begins to chip away at your credibility.
They may start to question your manners, professionalism, reliability, your emotional intelligence; even your leadership potential.
Respectful communication is good manners. It’s also a signal of respect and communicates much about your #personalbrand.
It tells people who you are and whether they want to trust, work with, or follow your #leadership.
If you’re serious about leading, growing, and earning trust, how you communicate is the best place to begin:
_____________________________
Want help to define your communication brand, and amplify your voice? Let’s work together.
Learn more at www.humejohnson.com
#Personalbranding #communicationtraining #communicationskills #leadershipdevelopment #Leadershipcommunication, #executivepresence
Throwback....
You wear the white coat. But what else do your patients see?
Your #personalbrand can and should humanize your care.
Here’s how I’d brand myself as a modern #doctor.👇🏽
If I were a doctor, I wouldn’t just lean on my board certification, where I did my residency and my white coat.
I’d define myself by my bedside manner, my calm under pressure, and my ability to explain complex health issues in a way people understand.
I’d lean into my core values: I value trust, dignity, and proactive health.
And I’d be clear about the problems I solve:
→ I help anxious patients feel seen and heard.
→ I simplify chronic care for families juggling too much.
→ I make preventive care approachable, not scary.
Then I’d communicate it all by:
Creating a clear, caring public voice (online - Substack, LinkedIn or YouTube or offline - speaking engagements, teaching, publications).
Sharing stories of how I empower my patients, not just treat them.
Publishing health explainers: “Here’s what your blood test really means”
Being a doctor isn’t just about medicine.
It’s about your presence, your ability to break down complex medical concepts, and connecting with those who rely on you for their #medicalcare.
That’s your #personalbrand in action.
#Personalbranding #branding #leadership #ownyourvalue #physicians #doctors #healthcareprofessionals #healthcareworkers #healthcarecareers
To shine like the sun....
you have to burn like the sun 🌞
The future of #business is personal. So, your brand is bigger than your business card or the service you offer.
Your brand is YOU.
If I were a service-based entrepreneur, I’d define myself based on who I am, what I believe (my core values) and the value I offer.
For example, I am people-focused, resilient and laser-clear. I value impact, personal leadership and transformation.
I’d define my business based on the problem I solve and the unique value I offer my clients and customers:
- I help people do something better, faster, or more confidently.
- I relieve overwhelm.
- I solve problems my audience didn’t even know they had.
How I’d communicate my value. I’d focus on:
- Clear messaging on who I serve and what I solve.
- Transformation-driven testimonials.
- A branded experience from inquiry to invoice.
👉🏽 Let’s refine your voice and make your business unforgettable.
DM me or book a consultation
#personalbranding #entrepreneur #branding #smallbusiness #soloentrepreneur
Sure, a #museum visit might not scream “summer fun”... 😆😎
but for me and my friend Nickesia, it was so us.🙌
We’re both former TV producers who used to tell stories about #culture and identity.
So when we found ourselves near the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, we had to stop.
And wow. The museum, run by the Pequot Tribal Nation, was moving; so rich in history and pride.
What really hit me was how much it reminded us of who we are.
We’ve always connected over a love of storytelling, our deep respect for heritage, and the joy of learning about people and cultures, wherever they are.
Check out the Pequot museum. They've done a great job at telling the story and culture of the pequot tribal nation of Mashantucket
A visit is well worth it.
#heritage #culture #pequotmuseum
#nativeamericanhistory
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MINT YOUR CURRENCY. ASSERT YOUR AUTHORITY. CLAIM SOVEREIGNTY.
Let’s explore the work ahead - together.