Nettye Johnson, Warrior Woman, Faith-Inspired Self-care Strategist

Nettye Johnson is a confident, humble woman who knows who she is and where she belongs. She and I are both Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leaders.   I am in Cohort 2 and she is in Cohort 4.  Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from meeting in person at our national gatherings.  However, thanks to Zoom, we’ve met. 

Nettye and I met when she attended my “Moving Beyond #BlackGirlMagic” webinar hosted by the Culture of Health Leaders program.  We followed up a few weeks later for a “quick talk” that lasted almost an hour.  Well, that’s what happens when iron sharpens iron.  

In addition to being Culture of Health Leaders, we are entrepreneurs, bloggers, and authors.  And, we are passionate about empowering women on their health and wellness journeys.  Today, I introduce you to Nettye Johnson, Warrior Woman, and Founder of Education For Transformation.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a wife, mom, and child of God.  I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. My parents were from Mississippi and I’m thankful for their old-school, down-home, southern teachings, traditions, and values. Faith and family ground me, and I spread the message of faith, health, and wellness as an active speaker, podcaster, self-care strategist, and Bible teacher.

My husband, children and I live in Louisiana just outside of Baton Rouge where I operate Education for Transformation, a wellness organization that develops and delivers curated education and programming to reduce health disparities among African Americans.  For example, healthy, sustainable weight loss/management is one of our specialty areas. 

I also work to advance health and wellness on a national level as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leader, National Physical Fitness Coordinator for the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. H.O.P.E. HHS Partnership, and as an instructor for Single Mom University. I’m a certified health education specialist, and I hold multiple fitness and health coaching certifications.  And, I endeavor to walk the talk. I’m a fit foodie and have completed three marathons.

You have had an amazing career journey.  Tell us about your career path, and how you got to where you are now.

Well, it has definitely been a journey, and the journey continues.

My career started in technology as a software engineer for Eastman Kodak Company.  I selected engineering when I entered college at 16 because I was urged to do so. I had the mental aptitude for science and problem-solving and was attracted to the title ‘engineer,’ high employment rate, starting pay, and career security. Less than two years in that role, I was one of the thousands laid off due to corporate downsizing.  However, the abrupt loss of my first ‘real job’ was a blessing that allowed me to pause and consider my path.  What I eventually realized was that I did not enjoy or feel fulfilled in my work.  Moreover, coding all day was painful for me, it was too solitary and a stretch to see how my work impacted people’s lives.

My career changed course and I moved through self-employment writing custom software for small businesses, to contract IT employment at Exxon, and corporate employment for Jacobs Engineering. These positions shifted my focus from programs to people and helped me find my voice and passion in speaking and teaching.

Parallel to this professional journey was a journey to personal health and wellness.  I was overweight as a child and as an adult. And like many women, I lived in an unhealthy and frustrating weight loss-regain cycle. I was diagnosed with a heart condition and determined to find (and stay on) my path to personal wellness.  

For the next 10 years, I worked in corporate training and operations on regional and national levels with Weight Watchers International.  In this work, I was struck by the decline of wellness in our nation and the alarming health disparities among African Americans.  Thus, I was motivated to develop and deliver holistic programs and resources to effectively address these problems. After the birth of our second child, I left the corporate world, completed a health education degree, CHES credentialing, and intensive study on nutrition, exercise physiology, behavior modification, and program design. In 2012 I founded Nettye Johnson Faith and Fitness Services LLC, (dba Education For Transformation).

What are some of the professional accomplishments of which you are most proud? 

I am extremely grateful and proud every time someone I’ve trained, coached, or encouraged sends me a message about a workout, healthy recipe they tried and enjoyed, or a positive change in their health outcome.  Having someone tell me that I helped them to lose weight or lower their A1C warms my heart.  I am also proud of:

• Being in a management capacity to support my team of 113 to help rebuild business along the Louisiana/Mississippi Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.
• Writing and publishing two helpful and well-received resources: Put Your Faith Where Your Fork Is: Science-Based, Faith-Empowered Principles For Healthy Weight Management and The Veganish Cookbook.
• Being named a Louisiana Role Model for contributions in Health and Human Services.

As a female leader, what is one significant barrier that you faced in your career? How did you overcome it or are trying to overcome it?

A significant portion of my health education and outreach work is faith-based in Black churches.  And is often the case in our churches, men tend to hold most of the leadership roles and are the voices of influence.

Because my goal is to get important health messages heard and taken seriously, I work with pastors and convention leaders and leverage their position, voice, and reach to drive program engagement and efficacy. 

Tell us about a time you failed.

A significant failure was when I stayed too long in a position that no longer fit.

Promotions in my last corporate employment caused out-of-state travel to expand to 50-70%.  During that time, I also had small children who were born premature (both under 3 pounds) and required special care.

For two years, I struggled to juggle it all with long days, not enough sleep, and a lot of stress and tears.  My husband and I employed a nanny to try to make my long periods away from work, but the bottom line was that I was harming myself and shortchanging my family and the people and business I managed. Although the decision to quit was hard and agonizing, it brought peace, blessed my family, and put me on a greater, more fulfilling career and life path.

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your lifetime?

A central lesson I learned and unpacked in corporate leadership training is that to effectively lead people, you have to truly see people. And, when people know they are seen and valued, they are more committed and engaged.

Which woman has had the most significant impact on you as a Warrior Woman?  Why did you choose her?

My mother! Renee Maxwell was a force! She was beautiful, elegant, strong, and hard-working. Most important, she introduced me to Christ and fostered my relationship with God.  She also implanted the love of learning, encouraged me academically, and gave me the desire and support to explore, dream and create.

Who are some of your female mentors?  How have they contributed to your success?

Well, two women come immediately to mind.  The first is Debra Martin. I served with and observed Debra in church, state, and national convention ministry for over twenty years. Without a doubt, she has the gift of administration and implements visions in a manner that oozes heart and excellence.  Additionally, Debra has a unique ability to see gifts and strengths in people that are underutilized.  She inspires individuals to act and then positions and supports them to succeed.  Debra taught me how to recruit motivated volunteers, and how to navigate the challenges of faith-based, non-profit work.

The second woman is Dixie Lee Shaw who was my training manager at a pivotal point in my speaking/teaching career. Indeed, Dixie is an exceptional trainer, connector, and manager. For example, her direction and consistent feedback developed my training and curriculum development ability. Furthermore, working with and spending time with Dixie was a masterclass on people management and effective communication skills. Dixie also gave me exposure and opportunities in the corporation that advanced my career significantly.

Define a “Warrior Women.” What are some traits that you think a Warrior Woman should possess?

I believe a Warrior Woman is a woman who refuses to live beneath her God-given potential. She knows that she is a gift and she actively walks in and works out her giftedness.

Being a Warrior Woman requires a level of self-awareness, surety of personal and collective purpose, internal strength, and impactful connections to others.

How do you encourage and lead other women to be Warrior Women?

One of the most significant ways that I encourage and lead women is through my health coaching work.  Most of my clients are busy, high-performing women who struggle with self-care and personal wellness.   With this in mind, I focus on encouraging and coaching these Warrior Women to find the path back to their authentic selves.  And, I do this by using personalized strategies that help them get unstuck and increase their peace and productivity by living balanced and well. 

What career advice would you give to the next generation of Warrior Women?

I offer the next generation of Warrior Women three encouragements:

1. First, don’t despise small beginnings. And, I want to emphasize the importance of not rushing or getting frustrated when your current experience doesn’t match the vision in your head or desire in your heart. They should also remember that there is purpose in periods of preparation.
2. Second, challenge the I must have-it-all mentality. Life is multifaceted and women often fulfill many critical roles.  It is extremely hard to have or do it all at the same time.  So, the bottom line is that something has to give.  This may be difficult to hear but when we work so hard to have it all, our physical, mental, or emotional health suffers.  We also lose our peace or unintentionally sacrifice relationships that matter.  Instead of struggling to have it all or do it all, try to focus on what matters most for your current place and season of life.
3. Third, let iron sharpen iron. It is so important to cultivate a sister circle of influence with women ahead of you who can advise you and will call you out and up when you are being less than your best self.  You also need to include women coming up behind you and pay that mentoring forward. Black women need to see, celebrate, and support each other more.

What are some of your hobbies?  What do you do in your downtime?

In my downtime, I enjoy listening to audiobooks to learn something new or get lost in a great story.  I also like to create mind maps for new programs to get the ideas out of my brain and on paper.

Now, this is big.  Recently, I started private flute lessons. Thirty-five years ago, I played in my school band and Chicago’s All-City High School Orchestra.  So, this return to flute playing has been like reconnecting with a dear old friend.

If you could have dinner with one famous person—dead or alive—who would it be?

Maya Angelou. I’d sit at her feet and listen.

Tell us about your self-care routine.

I’m a firm believer that self-care makes us better and the primary focus is not to soothe but improve.

My self-care routine includes time with God, time with my husband and children, cooking and enjoying healthy food, and moving my body (running, weight training, and/or stretching).

In what areas do you struggle the most in your self-care?

I struggle with getting enough quality sleep.  And, I am not alone. Studies show that Black women have disproportionate rates of insufficient sleep duration.  I’m working to do better and bring others along this journey.  Many women underestimate the importance of sleep and its impact on health.

What book are you currently reading?

I’m reading “Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard” by Chip Heath and “Just as I Am” by Cicely Tyson with Michelle Burford.

Name one song on your playlist that keeps you motivated.

“I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross

Do you have a go-to comfort food?

Soup (virtually all vegetarian types). And, I love popcorn.  My favorite is Garrett’s Popcorn Shop Chicago Mix–it makes my toes curl.

What’s your biggest shopping vice?

I spend serious money on kitchen items. For example, I love to buy small appliances, gadgets, cast iron cookware, ceramic cookware, serve ware, storage items/systems, etc. I need help. LOL.

Tell us about your dream vacation

My dream vacation is three weeks on the road driving to and around Colorado, Utah, and Washington in a tricked-out RV with my family. Family road trips are some of my favorite childhood memories. I’d cherish extended, uninterrupted, unscheduled time on the road and in that beautiful area of the country with my husband, son, and daughter. And, I need to have a stack of good books on the trip.

What would you like to share about your family life?

My husband, son, and daughter are great people. Truly great people. They are my heart and they make this world a better place.

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you enjoyed this interview with Nettye Johnson. I think that you will also enjoy learning about our other warrior women such as Danielle Agyemang, Bettina Giles-Byrd, Denise Octavia Smith, and Leisha Mckinley-Beach. 

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Warrior Woman Playlist

Our Warrior Woman playlist is part of our music is healing project. The playlist features songs of liberation, freedom, empowerment, and resilience by female artists.  It was compiled by Brittney Drakeford, a fellow cohort 2 member of the RWJF COHL program.

It is available on Spotify and Apple Music.  Please follow and be inspired by our other playlists.  Just search under “Keep It Tight Sisters.”