Meet Tammy Johnson

We recently connected with Tammy Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Tammy, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
During my career, I’ve come to realize that overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing journey for me. However, I actively employ various strategies to manage it effectively. One of the key steps I take is recognizing and acknowledging when imposter feelings arise. I understand that these feelings are common and that many successful individuals have faced similar challenges.

To normalize imperfections and combat self-doubt, I remind myself that nobody is perfect and that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Embracing this mindset allows me to see each experience as an opportunity for growth.

When imposter thoughts surface, I challenge them by reflecting on my accomplishments, skills, and qualifications. I keep a record of my successes and positive feedback, which serves as a powerful reminder of my capabilities.

Additionally, seeking support and talking about my feelings with trusted friends, family, or colleagues has been beneficial. These discussions often provide valuable perspective and reassurance, helping me regain confidence.

To maintain a healthy perspective, I set realistic goals for myself and celebrate my achievements along the way. Recognizing my progress boosts my confidence and helps counter feelings of inadequacy.

Practicing self-compassion is crucial in this journey. I treat myself with kindness and understanding, extending the same compassion I would offer to a friend facing similar challenges.

I’m dedicated to continuous learning and invest in my personal and professional development. Gaining new skills and knowledge not only enhances my confidence but also empowers me to take on new challenges with enthusiasm.

Visualizing success is another strategy I utilize. By imagining myself succeeding in my endeavors, I build confidence and reduce feelings of self-doubt, reinforcing a positive mindset.

Finally, I understand the importance of seeking guidance when needed. If imposter syndrome significantly impacts my well-being or professional life, I am open to talking to a professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can provide specialized support and guidance.

I believe that overcoming imposter syndrome is a process that requires self-awareness, perseverance, and self-compassion. By actively implementing these strategies, I continue to grow and develop as a professional, confidently embracing opportunities and challenges that come my way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My journey as the Founder and Executive Director of Empowering the Masses is deeply influenced by my personal experiences. With over 22 years of experience in the education and medical field, I have always been driven by a strong determination to create positive change, which stems from my upbringing in a disadvantaged environment. Growing up, I faced limited access to basic nutrition, education, and a positive atmosphere, and this inspired me to break the cycle of generational poverty.

Becoming a teenaged mother led me on a different path, facing financial hardships without access to health insurance. However, this experience became a turning point, propelling me back on track to make a difference in my community. During a visit to the Dallas County Health and Human Services waiting room, I saw familiar faces that reflected my past struggles. It was there, reading a sign questioning the perpetuation of generational poverty, that I made a firm decision to end this pattern for my own family. I vowed that my children would never have to experience hunger or unmet basic needs.

Aside from my role as the Founder and Executive Director of Empowering the Masses, I also serve as a devoted wife, mother, and Adjunct Professor at Dallas College’s Continuing Education Department. Through my teaching, I share my wealth of knowledge and personal experiences, instructing diverse courses and certifications such as Phlebotomy, EKG Tech, Community Health Worker, and Patient Care Technician. Encouraging my students to see beyond their current circumstances brings me immense joy, as I draw on my own life journey to connect with and inspire them.

My dedication and resilience have shaped me into a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and breaking the cycle of poverty. Embracing my roles as a leader, educator, and mentor, I am committed to transforming lives through the impactful mission of Empowering the Masses.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge have been especially impactful:

1. Resilience: Throughout my journey, resilience has been crucial in overcoming challenges and setbacks. The ability to bounce back from difficult situations, adapt to changes, and stay focused on my goals has been instrumental in my progress. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate resilience by embracing failures as learning opportunities, seeking support from mentors and peers, and maintaining a positive outlook even in the face of obstacles.

2. Continuous Learning: Embracing a mindset of continuous learning has been transformative. Acquiring new skills, knowledge, and staying updated on industry trends have allowed me to evolve professionally and adapt to a dynamic environment. To those starting their journey, I recommend staying curious and hungry for knowledge. Seek out formal education, attend workshops and seminars, read widely, and engage in networking to learn from others’ experiences.

3. Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions, both my own and others’, has been vital in building meaningful relationships and effective communication. Emotional intelligence has enabled me to connect with my team, stakeholders, and community on a deeper level. For those at the early stages of their journey, developing emotional intelligence involves self-awareness, empathy, and active listening. Practice empathetic communication, be open to feedback, and invest in building strong relationships with colleagues and collaborators.

My advice to individuals starting their journey is to remain open to growth and never stop seeking opportunities to develop these essential qualities, skills, and knowledge areas. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers who can provide guidance and encouragement. Embrace challenges as stepping stones to growth and stay committed to continuous improvement. By nurturing resilience, embracing lifelong learning, and developing emotional intelligence, aspiring leaders can create a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling journey.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I proactively employ several strategies to regain focus and manage the situation effectively. Firstly, I take a step back to assess the root causes of my overwhelm and prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps helps me approach them with a clear plan.

Additionally, I find it helpful to practice mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and bring myself back to the present moment. Taking short breaks throughout the day to engage in activities I enjoy, such as going for a walk, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones, helps recharge my energy and mindset.

Another valuable strategy is to delegate tasks whenever possible. Collaborating with team members and trusting their capabilities not only lightens my workload but also fosters a sense of teamwork and empowerment.

Furthermore, I prioritize self-care, ensuring I get enough rest, maintain a healthy diet, and engage in regular exercise. A well-nourished body and mind are better equipped to handle challenges and stress.

Lastly, seeking support from colleagues, mentors, or friends can be immensely beneficial. Talking about my feelings of overwhelm and discussing potential solutions with others often provides valuable perspectives and insights.

My advice for others facing overwhelm is to acknowledge their feelings and be compassionate with themselves. It’s essential to remember that it’s okay to ask for help and take breaks when needed. Developing a toolkit of coping strategies, including time management, self-care, and seeking support, can empower individuals to navigate overwhelming situations with resilience and success.

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Image Credits
Images provided by Empowering the Masses

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