Meet Edwin Johnson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Edwin Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Edwin , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I’m optimistic because I’ve learned that the things we go through are often influenced by our choices. Growing up, my family faced tough situations, and we were often in survival mode due to financial struggles. In such an environment, emotions ran high, and as a kid, I picked up the prevailing feelings around me.

While there were happy moments, many were overshadowed by the challenges we faced. Back then, I didn’t know the word “optimism.” I only knew pain, poverty, and the constant fight for survival. However, as I grew older, I started noticing small things that gave me hope—like the friendships I had and the after-school programs I joined.

Even in tough times, these small moments brought me some joy. I didn’t see it as optimism then, but looking back, I realize I always had a hopeful outlook. I knew deep down that my life wouldn’t always be defined by the struggles. As a creative child, I found ways to stay engaged, making my toys when we couldn’t afford them.

Though I didn’t have the word for it back then, I’ve always had optimism. I believed that my situation wouldn’t determine the course of my life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Edwin Johnson, the CEO and Founder of Chords Academy of the Arts, also known as the Hip Hop Shop. I’m also an author and empowerment speaker. My work primarily involves engaging with various youth in the community, many of whom are considered at-risk. I provide them with an outlet for self-expression and encourage them to think differently through the creative arts.

For over 23 years, I’ve been working with youth, starting when I was around 13 years old. Even before that, I considered myself a leader among the youth I grew up with. At 13, I began working with youth in San Bernardino, expanding to kids in group homes, juvenile facilities, schools, and institutions. Drawing from my life experiences and the adversity I faced growing up, I feel that I was prepared for this role at a young age.

This passion led me to establish a company that now provides services to different school sites, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, the San Bernardino County Probation Department, and the Colton Joint Unified School Districts. I have a dedicated team of staff who share my commitment and empower youth in various settings.

This endeavor has always been a dream, driven by a profound purpose. From there, I started speaking to students in high school and middle school settings, expanding to adults through educational consulting. However, I realized that for adults to work better with youth, they first need to understand themselves. This realization prompted me to study influential figures like Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. Bruce Lipton, and Dr. Joseph Murphy.

In this transformative journey, the book “Thinking Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill played a pivotal role. It taught me how to elevate my vibration and understand the power of the subconscious mind. Two years of studying and deep meditation followed, delving into chakras and understanding the alignment.

As I interacted with adults and young adults, I observed why they often acted out emotionally or aggressively. This marked a significant turning point, and I now consider myself an alchemist. My daily studies focus on the power of the subconscious mind, allowing me to teach others how to deal with life-changing situations by reframing their perspectives. I coach them to see situations differently, reducing emotional stress.

In addition to mental well-being, I also gravitated towards health and underwent a remarkable transformation, losing 130 lbs in about 14 months. This change stemmed from altering my mindset, lifestyle, and diet, coupled with introspection and a deeper understanding of myself.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The most crucial part of my journey was the process itself. In adverse situations, we often question why we are there, panicking and resorting to negative behaviors. Looking back, I now appreciate the journey because it was instrumental in my growth. Overcoming adversity is pivotal, especially if you aim to be a world-changer or walk in your purpose. God allows us to go through these steps to learn and develop.

Being uncomfortable is a powerful tool for growth. It prevents complacency and pushes us to continually seek improvement. When you become comfortable, you risk becoming complacent, hindering any potential for change. Embracing discomfort leads to growth and progress.

Another valuable lesson is to appreciate where you are and those supporting you. Going through challenges alone is tough, and premature isolation can lead to loneliness. While there’s a time for solitude, it’s crucial to love and appreciate the people around you. When it’s time for personal growth, being alone feels different from burning bridges.

Emotional intelligence is also a key lesson. Reacting purely based on emotions can lead to difficulties along the way. Our emotions often stem from subconscious programming, and practicing emotional intelligence involves reprogramming our subconscious mind. Auto-suggestion and affirmations play a role in deflecting negative thoughts and increasing our vibration, aligning us with positive energy.

In business and personal relationships, practicing emotional intelligence is essential. Reprogramming our subconscious mind helps break the cycle of negative thought patterns and childhood traumas. By thinking positively and affirming positive outcomes, we increase our vibration, attracting positive energy. Refraining from excessive emotional reactions is vital for maintaining emotional intelligence.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The most impactful book in my life over the past two years has been “Think and Grow Rich.” Initially, I thought the book was solely about wealth, but it delves into cultivating a rich mindset and thought pattern. Through stories of individuals like Albert Einstein and Nikola Tesla, the book illustrates how changing one’s thinking can manifest incredible outcomes, especially during challenging times.

“Thinking Grow Rich” taught me a profound truth: thoughts become things. Our thoughts have the power to make or break us, yet many of us overlook their significance in our journey to success. It’s not just about the work of our hands or our skills; the real key to success lies in our discipline and mindset. Even if you possess incredible skills, lacking discipline renders those skills ineffective.

One story from the book that resonated with me involved a man digging for oil. He was incredibly close to striking oil but stopped prematurely. The land was rich with oil, and with a little more effort, he could have reached it. However, someone on his team continued the effort, hired a team, and successfully found the oil. The man who stopped was only two feet away from success. This story emphasizes the importance of mindset and perseverance.

“Thinking Grow Rich” conveys a powerful message: whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. It encourages a shift in mindset and belief systems. I highly recommend this book to everyone, as it has been instrumental in transforming my perspective on success and the role of our thoughts in shaping our reality.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Wilson Photos

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Are you walking a path—or wandering?

The answer to whether you are walking or wandering often changes from season to season

Highlighter Series
What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?

With so many high-achievers in our community it was super interesting to learn about the

Highlighter Series
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger