My Brand Story
BECOMING A LEADER IN MY FIELD
I grew up in Claremont, a small rural village in St. Ann, Jamaica. Life there was simple, but my dreams were anything but. From an early age, I aspired to become a leader in the communication industry.
This goal seemed far out of reach. You see, I was born with a tumor on my top lip and a shortened lingual frenulum (a web of tissue under the tongue) which severely limited my ability to speak. Overcoming this wasn’t easy. It took surgery, countless hours of speech therapy, and sheer determination.
I refused to let those obstacles define me. Even as a child, I believed that my voice—however limited—had power. Instead, I seized every opportunity to strengthen my communication skills. I recited poems at church, represented my high school peers on the school board, led the debate team, and eventually delivered the valedictory address at my High School graduation.
In college, I faced lingering self-doubt about my speech head-on by enrolling in private voice and speech classes. Those lessons helped to free my voice and unleashed my belief in myself.
That confidence opened doors. My first job was hosting Jamaica Magazine on JIS TV, the Government of Jamaica’s flagship program. Soon after, I found my groove in radio, working as a specialist newscaster and announcer for FAME FM and Radio Jamaica. Over time, my career flourished, leading to other opportunities as a broadcast journalist, political consultant and speechwriter, professor of communication, professional speaker, and coach.
Today, a well-loved pair of headphones and microphone sit on my desk as reminders of the journey I’ve been on—one defined by resilience, courage, commitment, and finally, finding my voice.
But despite these successes, I hit a wall. After earning a Ph.D. in political science, I faced a significant identity crisis. I had all the qualifications, skills, and experience, but no clear direction. For years, I struggled to connect the dots between my work in journalism, politics, and communication. I struggled to answer questions like, “What’s next?” and “What’s my purpose?” I longed for clarity and purpose. I can tell you; it was a frustrating and humbling chapter of my life.
That’s when I discovered the transformative power of a strong personal brand—what I call “The Currency of YOU.” It was a game-changer. Building my personal brand helped me unlock my unique value, align my career with my core values, and understand how to communicate my value with clarity and confidence. It allowed me to take ownership of my progress and see my diverse experiences not as scattered pieces, but as strategic assets.
Today, my coaching and consulting practice is built on this brand-centered approach. My mission is to help others define their personal brand, embrace their authenticity, and leverage their strengths to establish themselves as trusted leaders in their field.
If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about your next steps, I’d love to help you uncover the “Currency of YOU.” Together, we can create a personal brand that reflects your unique value and propels you toward a fulfilling career, impactful leadership and the success you deserve.
Let’s start this journey of transformation together.
Sincerely,
Professional Biography
Dr. Hume Johnson is a brand-centered leadership coach and professor of communication. She works with individuals, organizations and teams to unlock their personal brand in order to enhance performance, leadership effectiveness, and be recognized as trusted experts and niche leaders.
With over 20 years of experience as a practitioner academic, and a background in journalism and political speechwriting, Hume brings strong expertise in leadership development, personal branding, strategic communication, and team effectiveness.
She is the author of 3 books, including the popular personal branding guide, Brand YOU: Reinvent Yourself and Redefine Your Future, now featured in two MBA programs.
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DR. HUME JOHNSON is a brand-centered leadership coach, personal branding consultant, and professor of communication at Roger Williams University.
Drawing on her proprietary personal branding framework, ‘The Currency of YOU’™ď¸Ź, she helps individuals and organizational leaders unlock their personal brand and stand out as trusted experts and industry leaders. center personal branding as a key component of effective leadership and leadership development.
At Roger Williams University, Dr. Johnson teaches a variety of communication courses, including personal branding, communication in organizations, communicating in crisis, media relations, introduction to the mass media and public speaking. At Hume Johnson.com. she offers an online course entitled: ‘OWN YOUR VALUE ™: A Personal Branding Masterclass’
Dr. Johnson is the author of three books: the personal branding guide, Brand YOU: Reinvent Yourself, Redefine Your Future, currently adopted by two college MBA programs; Brand Jamaica: Reimagining a National Image and Identity (University of Nebraska Press, 2019) and Challenges to Civil Society: Protest and Governance in Jamaica (Cambria Press, 2011).
A former news anchor, and political speechwriter with the Government of Jamaica, Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Waikato, New Zealand. Her research focuses on nation branding, popular protest and governance and personal branding in the digital knowledge economy.
Her work has been published in top academic journals such as Political Studies, Journal of Nation Branding and Public Diplomacy and International Journal of Media and Culture. Her political commentary has been covered in media outlets such as the BBC World news, O’Globo (Brazil), CBC (Montreal), Jamaica Gleaner, Television Jamaica and Radio Jamaica.
Dr. Johnson speaks locally and internationally for leading corporations, NGOs, and at academic conferences. She also makes appearances as a TV guest to talk about personal branding on various media outlets, including The Rhode Show (WPRI12/CBS Providence), Television Jamaica, CVM TV, and Business Access TV. Dr. Johnson writes for the popular business publication Entrepreneur.com
My Core Values
01
EXCELLENCE
I believe in the relentless pursuit of personal and professional excellence. I set high standards for myself and my clients, insist on quality and achieve tangible results. I foster a culture where I give and receive feedback as a catalyst for growth and success.
02
PERSONAL GROWTH
I believe in the transformative power of growth and continuous learning. I empower my clients to embrace challenges, expand their skills, push beyond their comfort zone and unlock their full potential to achieve personal and professional success.
03
CLARITY
I believe in the power of clarity to navigate your career journey. Instead of drifting aimlessly, I empower you to define your goals, envision a fulfilling future, and create a strategic roadmap for success. With intentional action and unwavering focus, you'll unlock your full potential and achieve meaningful results.
04
COLLABORATION
I believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork to achieve extraordinary results. Whether building your personal brand, refining your leadership skills, or pursuing shared goals. I foster a supportive environment where everyone's unique strengths are leveraged and valued. I champion collaboration not just as a method, but as a mindset to empowers us to win together.
Approved Photographs
Please contact us if you require any of the approved photos for promotional purposes.
All photos must be credited @HumeJohnson
My Academic Career
Associate Professor of Communication, RWU
I'm dedicated to teaching and promoting the value of personal branding, identity, and leadership development. I believe these skills are crucial for success in today's competitive job market, navigating a post-pandemic workplace, and engaging in a multicultural society. As a Faculty member at Roger Williams University, I design and teach courses that help students understand the role of brand identity and leadership in effective communication, self-actualization, and civic engagement. I encourage students to develop their own personal brand, recognize their unique value and use it to solve problems, build community, and create more inclusive workplaces. I believe that developing these skills helps students build confidence, achieve their goals, and become more engaged citizens.
What Students Say
I teach the following courses: Personal Branding, Public Speaking, Communication in Organizations, Communicating in Crisis, Introduction to the Mass Media + Media Relations.
Professor Hume Johnson, you could make me nervous but in the best way possible. Your class was one of the most interesting in my life, and your teaching style made it easy to remember the information. Making us do group work was effective and prepares us for our jobs in the future. You were a good mix of being light and funny but also vocal when we could improve. I learned a lot.
Kate
Introduction to the Mass Media
Professor Hume Johnson has been my best professor at RWU. She made public speaking interesting to learn. She created a positive atmosphere; the class was a tight knit community. She pushed me out of my comfort zone and I rose to the challenge. Everyone should take at least one class with Dr. Johnson during their time at RWU.
Aidan
Introduction to Public Speaking
Your courses taught me how to prepare and execute effective speeches, create an appealing presentation, and to define my personal brand. Enrolling in your Introduction to Mass Media helped me outgrow my shyness! I enjoyed finishing my college career taking your Communicating in Crisis course and found the curriculum incredibly helpful and important.
Sarah
Communicating in Crisis + Introduction to Mass Media
Research and Scholarship
I'm an interdisciplinary political scholar. I hold a Ph.D. in Political Science & Public Policy from The University of Waikato (New Zealand). I've written extensively on the brand of nations (nation branding), governance, transnational crime as well as popular protest and the challenges of building genuine civil society in Jamaica.
I'm the author of two volumes entitled Challenges to Civil Society: Popular Protest and Governance in Jamaica (Cambria Press) and co-editor of Brand Jamaica: Reimagining a National Image and Identity (University of Nebraska Press). I've also been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Political Studies, Journal of Media and Cultural Studies and Journal of Place Branding and Public Diplomacy.
DR. HUME'S INTELLECTUAL INSIGHTS
Selected Scholarly Publications
JAMAICA: A Famous, Strong but Damaged Brand
Journal of Place Branding + Public Diplomacy
In the modern global marketplace, a nation's image, brand, and reputation are critical assets. Countries compete for resources like tourism, investment, and talent. However, negative perceptions stemming from internal issues can overshadow a country's positive achievements. Jamaica, while celebrated for its music, sports, and tourism, faces challenges due to economic instability, crime, and human rights concerns. These issues create a complex and conflicting image, impacting investment, tourism, and overall progress. It's imperative for Jamaica to address these concerns and re-imagine its brand in the context of its evolving situation.
Performing Protest in Jamaica: The Mass Media as Stage
International Journal of Media + Cultural Politics
This study examines the close relationship between contemporary protests and the mass media, focusing on how media coverage, particularly television, shapes and is shaped by protest actions in Jamaica. It draws on empirical data and Kellner's work on media spectacle to analyze how protesters utilize spectacle to attract media attention and advance their cause. Additionally, it explores how media portrayal of protests and protesters can influence their actions and strategies.
Jamaican Dons, Italian Mafias and the Chances of a "Reversible Destiny"
Political Studies
For nearly half a century, Jamaican "dons" have held sway as community leaders in impoverished urban areas, garnering both local acceptance and a degree of unofficial political acknowledgment. Their systematic, coercive control and counter-hegemonic influence mirrors the "godfather"-led criminal structure and power of the Italian Mafia. However, recent years have seen the Mafia's power significantly diminished by increased state intervention and civil resistance, particularly from women within Italian communities. This article explores whether a similar decline in power is conceivable for Jamaica's "dons."
See and Blind, Hear and Deaf: 'Informerphobia in Jamaican Garrisons'
Journal of Crime Prevention and Community Safety
This article investigates the phenomenon of "informerphobia" in Jamaica, exploring the fear that prevents individuals from reporting violence and crime to authorities. Through interviews and research, it examines the causes and implications of this fear, highlighting the need for effective, trustworthy state agencies and a culture of citizen engagement. The concept of informerphobia itself, along with its application to the Jamaican context, offers a fresh perspective on addressing societal challenges.
WHAT FACULTY ARE SAYING
Nickesia Gordon, Ph.D. - Associate Professor of Communication,
Rochester Institute of Technology, RIT
Dr. Hume Johnson's recent Personal Branding and Pedagogy workshop at the Rochester Institute of Technology was a resounding success. Her tailored approach specifically addressed the needs of faculty in Higher Ed, providing them with actionable tools to enhance their personal brand and pedagogical skills. Participants raved about the workshop's usefulness, particularly highlighting Dr. Johnson's insightful presentation and the value of the customized workbook she provided. I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Johnson as a top-tier expert and trainer in the field of Personal Branding and Leadership.
Moments that Matter
A glimpse into the experiences and people that inspire and motivate me to empower leaders to unlock their full potential.
HUME JOHNSON, Ph.D.
DR. HUME is a leadership coach and professor of communication. A former TV journalist and political speechwriter with the Government of Jamaica, she works with individuals, organizational teams and entrepreneurs across multiple industries to unlock their personal brand and leverage it to distinguish themselves as trusted experts and niche leaders.
TRAINING SOLUTIONS
Brand-centered leadership training
Keynote presentations
Communication and media training