We were lucky to catch up with Sisc Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sisc , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Growing up in poverty and moving in and out of foster care has profoundly shaped my resilience. These experiences taught me how to adapt, endure, and persevere in the face of challenges that many might find overwhelming.
Leaving home and being on my own since the age of 15 pushed me to grow up quickly. It meant taking jobs that no one else wanted—work that was often tough, unglamorous, and undervalued. Yet, these experiences became a critical part of my journey. They taught me the value of hard work, humility, and persistence. They also gave me the opportunity to observe and learn from leadership, even in unexpected places. I paid close attention to the way managers handled problems, motivated their teams, and stayed composed under pressure. Over time, I took those lessons and began applying them to my own life, shaping my ability to lead myself through difficult times.
Living with uncertainty and scarcity forced me to develop problem-solving skills early on. I learned to be resourceful, finding creative ways to navigate situations when resources were scarce. Each obstacle became an opportunity to grow stronger, and I discovered how to keep going, even when the odds were against me.
The foster care system taught me about the value of inner strength and self-reliance. Changing homes and environments frequently meant learning to quickly adapt, build connections, and advocate for myself. These skills, while forged in difficult circumstances, became the foundation for my resilience today.
Despite the hardships, I’ve also learned the power of hope and determination. Every challenge I overcame reinforced my belief that I could face the next one. My background has instilled in me not just resilience, but also a deep empathy for others facing adversity. It drives me to succeed, not only for myself but as a way to prove that circumstances don’t have to define your future.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m currently balancing two exciting paths in graduate school: pursuing an Executive MBA and a Master of Fine Arts. These two fields may seem worlds apart, but they reflect my passion for blending creativity and strategy in everything I do. My journey as a photographer has been an incredibly fulfilling artistic outlet that allows me to capture moments, tell stories, and connect with people on a deeply personal level. At the same time, my business pursuits allow me to flex my analytical and leadership skills, making both areas of my life feel equally rewarding.
I’ve been married for 34 years, and my husband (Ben) and I have built not just a life together, but a small business we’re proud of. Together, we run Advanced Auto Tech, where I manage the administrative side of things. It’s been a unique learning experience to juggle entrepreneurship alongside my academic and creative endeavors, but it’s taught me the importance of adaptability and teamwork.
In addition to my work in our business, I manage the operations and business side of the School of Art. This role allows me to connect with budding artists and support their growth, which is particularly meaningful given my own artistic background. I’m inspired daily by the creativity and passion of the community I serve.
Outside of my professional life, I’m a grandmother to three amazing granddaughters. They’re a constant source of joy and motivation, reminding me why I strive to push boundaries and keep growing personally and professionally.
What’s exciting about my journey is the intersection of all these roles. Whether I’m strategizing in my EMBA program, creating in my MFA program, running a business, or supporting others in their artistic endeavors, I’m driven by a desire to balance the practical and the creative. I believe these diverse experiences give me a unique perspective and a versatile approach to problem-solving.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on continuing to grow as a leader, artist, and entrepreneur. I hope to inspire others to see the possibilities in blending different passions and to embrace the challenges that come with pursuing a multifaceted life.
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?
Looking back, three qualities and skills have been particularly impactful for me: creativity, individuality, and drive.
Creativity has been a cornerstone of everything I do, whether it’s in my work as a photographer, managing operations, or problem-solving in business. Creativity is not just about artistic expression—it’s about approaching challenges with an open mind, seeing possibilities where others see obstacles, and finding innovative solutions. For those starting out, I recommend nurturing your creativity by exploring new experiences, staying curious, and challenging yourself to think beyond the conventional. Creativity thrives when you step out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to take risks.
I’ve learned that individuality is a powerful asset. Taking the time to truly understand what makes us unique and embracing those differences is transformative. It’s not always easy to stand apart, especially in environments that encourage conformity, but individuality is where our greatest strengths lie. My advice is to invest in self-discovery—reflect on what sets you apart and value it. Whether it’s your perspective, skills, or experiences, celebrate what makes you different and use it to your advantage. The world needs diverse voices and ideas, and your individuality is your superpower.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that “work makes work.” By staying driven and consistently moving forward, even in small ways, you build momentum. Drive is about perseverance, showing up, and doing the work—even when it’s hard, inconvenient, or unglamorous. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple: keep moving. Set goals, take one step at a time, and don’t let fear or perfectionism hold you back. Progress is made through action, and sustained effort is what leads to growth.
These three qualities—creativity, individuality, and drive—have shaped my path and continue to fuel my journey. Embracing them has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined, and I believe they are essential for anyone striving to carve their own unique path.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m always looking for opportunities to collaborate! As someone who thrives on connection and enjoys working with others on creative projects, I’m eager to partner with individuals or organizations who share a passion for innovation and artistry. Whether it’s photography, artistic ventures, or even creative business solutions, I love the energy and ideas that come from working as a team.
If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear about your ideas, projects, or how we might work together to create something meaningful. Let’s connect and make something amazing happen!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.siscjo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siscjo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sisc/
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