Meet Kelly Johnson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelly Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose by aligning my professional strengths, personal values, and lived experiences, and by using my voice to champion others, especially when they doubt their own.
There’s something deeply fulfilling about helping someone recognize their potential and then walk alongside them as they pursue it. That’s where I come alive, whether I’m coaching emerging leaders, helping solopreneurs grow their businesses, or guiding early-mid-career professionals to build a career that aligns with who they are.
My journey into this work wasn’t accidental. I spent years in a corporate career, working hard and climbing the ladder, but it wasn’t until I stepped away, intentionally choosing to start my own business so I could be more present for my family, that I discovered the kind of impact I was truly meant to make. I didn’t want to sacrifice either presence or purpose, and building something of my own gave me both.
At the same time, my own growth journey has shaped how I show up for others. I was promoted into leadership before I had the tools to lead well. I floundered—and for a while, I thought maybe I just wasn’t cut out for it. It took me years and a lot of inner work to realize that I did have what it takes—I just needed someone to walk alongside me and help me grow. Now, I get to be that person for others.
Coaching, strategy, leadership development, it all flows from that same place: a desire to help people step into their full potential with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the founder of Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching, where I blend 25+ years of experience in healthcare marketing, strategy, and leadership with a deep passion for helping others grow, both professionally and personally. My work sits at the intersection of business growth and human development. I partner with healthcare organizations and leaders to drive results through smart go-to-market strategy, scalable systems, and most importantly, people.
What lights me up most is seeing the transformation that happens when someone realizes they do have what it takes to lead, to speak up, to grow into that next-level version of themselves. That’s where real business momentum comes from.
While I’ve long supported executive and emerging leaders through coaching, my latest expansion is focused on empowering healthcare professionals across marketing, strategy, operations, physician relations, and communications. These are often the hidden growth drivers in a healthcare organization, but they’re frequently left without the mentorship or leadership development needed to step into their full potential.
Through individual coaching, group programs, and team development, I help these professionals build the confidence, strategic thinking, and executive presence required to lead more effectively and support their organization’s growth goals.
I’m also thrilled to be joining the University of Georgia’s Master of Health Administration program as a professional development instructor. This opportunity allows me to pour into the next generation of healthcare leaders, helping them build the foundational skills and mindset to navigate their careers with clarity, purpose, and resilience.
My brand is built on a few simple beliefs: that kindness and accountability can coexist, that marketing should drive measurable impact, and that when people grow, businesses grow. I’ve lived that in my own journey, from corporate leader to business owner, teacher, coach, and speaker, and I love walking alongside others as they do the same.
Up next: I’m launching a new group coaching cohort for emerging leaders in healthcare focused on stepping into strategic leadership and contributing to growth in a more visible, confident way. I’m also expanding my speaking and training offerings to bring this work to more healthcare teams across the country.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three things have made the biggest impact in my journey: resilience, relationship-building, and a willingness to learn, especially from others.
Resilience has carried me through seasons of uncertainty, transitions, and the pressures of building a business while raising a family. It’s not about pushing through everything perfectly; it’s about showing up, adjusting when needed, and continuing forward with purpose. I’ve learned that resilience doesn’t mean going it alone; it often means asking for help and trusting yourself enough to take the next right step.
Relationship-building has been one of the most powerful drivers of growth in both my business and life. Early on, I didn’t fully realize how impactful genuine connections could be. But over time, I saw that doors opened; new clients, collaborations, speaking opportunities; not because I had the fanciest pitch, but because I had built trust with the right people. Relationships are everything. They’re not just good for business; they’re good for your soul.
And the willingness to learn what I didn’t know, and to learn from everyone around me, has been transformative. Especially when I first stepped into leadership roles, I had to let go of the idea that I needed to be the smartest person in the room. True growth came when I approached every situation with curiosity instead of ego. I believe some of the best leaders are the ones who listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and never stop learning—from peers, clients, students, or even their own kids.
For those early in their journey, here’s what I’d offer:
*Build relationships before you need them. Don’t underestimate the power of a coffee chat, a thank-you note, or showing up consistently in your community.
*Get comfortable not knowing. Ask questions. Stay curious. Surround yourself with people who stretch you.
*Invest in your growth early. Whether it’s a coach, a mentor, or a professional development course—start building your toolkit now, not later.
Your career will likely not follow a straight path, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Stay open, stay connected, and keep showing up for what matters.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

If I knew I only had a decade left, I would spend it exactly how I hope I’m already living, making an intentional impact every day, with my family at the center of it all.
My first priority is my husband and kids. I tell my children often: my number one goal in raising you is to raise kind, respectful people who leave the world better than they found it. And the best way I can teach that is by showing them, through how I show up for others, how I lead, and how I serve.
I’d keep pouring into the people around me, as a coach, a mentor, a cheerleader, a role model. I want to be remembered as someone who helped others believe in themselves, grow into their purpose, and lead with courage and kindness. Not because I had it all figured out, but because I never stopped trying to be better, for myself and for others.
To me, the most meaningful legacy isn’t about accolades or accomplishments. It’s about the everyday choices to encourage someone, to uplift them, to listen, to love.
We make the world a better place by showing up with intention and making a positive impact on the people in front of us. That’s how I’d spend every day of the next ten years, and beyond, if I’m lucky.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crystallakemarketing.org/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-johnson-coaching/

Image Credits

These were taken by my family