WaterWalker: Recent Episodes
Michelda Johnson
Welcome to WaterWalker where host Michelda Johnson provides practical and actionable strategies for business and career success, motivation, productivity, health and wealth.
Stepping out of the boat of comfort to pursue your passions is not for the faint of heart. That’s why Michelda is here to help you as you move from stuck to thriving and walk forward in life with purpose. From overcoming imposter syndrome and the fear of failure to advice on relationships and dating to cultivating a fulfilling lifestyle, we will tackle it all with love, faith and encouragement.
Michelda Johnson is a successful serial entrepreneur, a business strategist, franchise consultant, and best-selling author recently selected as the Forbes Next 1000. She will capsize everything that’s blocking your progress and get you the skills you need to move from start to success to significance. Tune in to be motivated, inspired, loved and nurtured. You will laugh, you will cry, you will grow stronger, and you will feel more confident to walk the waters of your life to follow and achieve your wildest dreams.
Have a question or topic you would like to see covered on the show? Go to micheldajohnson.com/waterwalkerpodcast to share it with us.
In today's episode, "More Money -- More Problems? A Deeper Look at Success and Wealth," we explore the personal meaning of success and wealth beyond the numbers, emphasizing that true success is about achieving freedom and peace. We challenge the notion that more money brings more problems, proposing instead that it presents different levels of challenges, urging listeners to define what wealth and success truly mean to them and what they're willing to sacrifice to attain it.
In the enlightening episode "The Power of Rest: Unlocking Creativity and Efficiency," we delve into the critical role of rest in boosting our creativity, efficiency, and overall well-being. By highlighting the science behind the brain's need for downtime, we uncover how strategic rest periods not only replenish our energy but also enhance our problem-solving and innovation capabilities. This discussion challenges the constant hustle mentality, offering a fresh perspective on how embracing rest can be a strategic tool for achieving greater success and maintaining health.
In the eye-opening episode titled "Multitasking is the Enemy!", we dive into the detrimental effects of multitasking on our ability to maintain focus, manage stress, and avoid burnout. Through a compelling discussion, we unravel how this prevalent practice not only compromises our productivity but also hinders our journey towards achieving our goals. This episode sheds light on the importance of single-tasking and presents a powerful case for reevaluating our work habits to foster a more efficient, fulfilling path to success.
In the strategic episode titled "Your Plan Should Drive the Work," we tackle the common pitfall of allowing day-to-day tasks to dictate our direction instead of adhering to a well-thought-out plan. Emphasizing that a solid plan should be the foundation guiding our work, we discuss the crucial role of metrics as the benchmark for assessing the plan's effectiveness. Without clear metrics, we're left in the dark, unable to identify necessary adjustments to stay on course toward our goals. This episode serves as a vital reminder to prioritize planning and measurement in our pursuit of success.
In the insightful episode titled "Know Your Rhythm of Work," we delve into the importance of recognizing and harnessing our individual peak productivity periods. Stressing the value of tackling the most challenging tasks during these windows of heightened creativity, we advocate for focused, single-tasking efforts over multitasking. Sharing a personal testimony, I reveal that my prime creative flow thrives between 4 am and 10 am, inspiring listeners to identify and leverage their own unique rhythms for maximum efficiency and creativity. This episode is a call to action for aligning work habits with our natural cycles of productivity, ensuring we operate at our absolute best.
In the thought-provoking episode titled "Are You Doing $20 an Hour Tasks With Multi-Million Dollar Ideas?", we dive into the trap of busyness versus strategic prioritization. We challenge listeners to sift through the clutter of 'should-dos' by listing them out and methodically organizing these tasks by their alignment with goals and revenue targets. This process is not just about to-do lists; it's a strategic approach to ensure that your daily actions resonate with your grandest visions. The episode is a call to action to focus on what truly moves the needle, empowering listeners to match their efforts with the scale of their ambitions.
Now that the door is open -- it is imperative that your take the step and cross the threshold! That's right -- step over the threshold into your new! Take the STEP!
If you have no joy, LEAP for it! Literally get on your feet and LEAP past every care & concern. LEAP!
Before there was a YOU, there was purpose! Realign with purpose and watch how you bloom. Purpose helps the lens by which you view relationships and opportunities.
Words are powerful …. Use them wisely. Sticks & stones may hurt my bones but words…. Can destroy my soul! Lead with love and light.
Be intentional about YOU and what you desire. Re-examine your YES and make sure it still serves your now!
Every entrepreneur must understand the psychology of their audience. You need to know WHO you serve, HOW you want to serve them, and the problems they have
Welcome to The Tipping Point! The season of your life where opportunity meets your preparation and you are able to walk confidently into your greatest moments. Welcome!
In the electrifying episode titled "Take the Leap," we tackle the paralyzing grip of indecision and celebrate the liberating force of making bold choices. Highlighting the clarity and empowerment that come from stepping decisively into our futures, we share the inspiring story of Erica, who chased her dreams by applying to film school—and got accepted! This episode serves as a powerful testament to the courage it takes to live boldly out loud, encouraging listeners to break free from hesitation and leap toward their aspirations.
In the empowering episode titled "Work Life Freedom, Not Balance," we challenge the conventional notion of work-life balance, drawing inspiration from Jack Welch's insightful perspective that life is about making choices, not balancing acts. We delve into the idea that it's the choices we make that shape our lives, leading us to embrace the consequences—good or bad. This episode encourages listeners to prioritize their values and make conscious decisions that lead to a sense of freedom and fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives, advocating for a life lived on your own terms.
In the lively episode "How Ya Vibrating," we dive into the electrifying world of personal vibes, revealing how our inner energy acts like a magnet—drawing people in or pushing them away. Think of it as your own personal forcefield! Especially aimed at single CEOs, we wrap up with five affirmations to boost your frequency to stellar heights. Get ready to amp up your vibe and light up the room wherever you go!
In the vibrant episode titled "Show Up Mami," we celebrate the phenomenal way our sisters show up, bringing with them an inspiring blend of encouragement, motivation, and challenge. This heartfelt tribute shines a light on the profound impact of their presence, expressing deep gratitude and love for the energy, wisdom, and strength they bring into our lives, reminding us of the beauty and power in sisterhood.
In the powerfully liberating episode titled "Forget the *ISH from the Past!", we urge listeners to boldly let go of every fragment of their past—free from bitterness—to embrace the boundless, brighter future that lies ahead. This call to action promises that what awaits is infinitely more magnificent than even the best moments left behind, inspiring a seismic shift towards a future filled with unmatched greatness.
In today's episode, we delve into the critical habit of conducting weekly financial reviews, underscoring the importance of being intimately familiar with your financials, whether you're a solo entrepreneur or leading a 7-figure enterprise.
Highlighting the necessity of safeguarding cash flow and maintaining healthy margins, we discuss the value of having regular financial check-ins with yourself or through key figures like a CFO or COO. Additionally, we recommend businesses transitioning into the 7-figure range to consider switching from cash to accrual accounting, to better reflect their financial health and operations.
This advice is aimed at empowering business owners to make informed decisions and ensure the financial stability of their ventures.
Today's episode delves into the story of Peter stepping out of the boat onto the water, highlighting his unique response to the call to "come." We explore why the others hesitated, emphasizing the importance of tuning into the voice that guides us and recognizing that, in doing so, we set a blueprint for others to follow. This discussion serves as a powerful reminder to embrace our role as trailblazers, daring to step into the unknown while leading by example.
In this nostalgic episode, we reminisce about the joy of carefree Saturday mornings watching the Super Friends, using this as a metaphor to encourage finding a balance between building our futures and living in the moment. Highlighting that constant busyness does not equate to a productive life, we urge listeners to embrace the beauty of unplanned time, reminding them of the importance of savoring life's simple pleasures and the moments that truly allow us to just be.
In the empowering episode "Give it a Yes," we explore the dynamic power of embracing risk and opportunity with a resounding 'yes,' highlighting how life's journey is shaped by a series of affirmative choices that propel us towards our dreams. We emphasize that saying 'yes' is the catalyst for progress, steering us away from stagnation and into the realm of possibility and growth.
In today's inspiring episode, "See Well So You Can Seize Well," we delve into the transformative power of vision, emphasizing the importance of fully embracing and not diminishing our dreams.
We affirm that if you can see it in your mind, you're meant to occupy it in reality, underscoring the crucial link between clear vision and the ability to effectively seize the opportunities that align with our deepest aspirations.
In today's episode, we give ourselves the much-needed permission to unplug and simply exist in the moment—be it through a spontaneous laugh, a barefoot dance in the rain, or a serene drive through the mountains. It's a gentle reminder that amidst the hustle of business and impact-making, granting ourselves the liberty to experience life's simple joys is not just a luxury, but a necessity for our well-being and creativity.
In this enlightening episode, we confront the myth that perfection leads to success, revealing how it actually becomes a barrier to growth, teamwork, and achieving our desired results and revenue. By embracing excellence instead of perfection, we learn to value our mistakes as opportunities for growth, fostering a culture of freedom and progress that aligns with living a purpose-driven life, free from the paralysis that the pursuit of perfection often causes.
In the empowering episode titled "Build Your Wealth Story," we delve into the personal responsibility each individual holds in crafting their unique path to financial abundance. Highlighting the wealth of resources available to modern generations, this episode challenges listeners to shift their mindset from scarcity to proactive wealth creation, emphasizing that "not having enough" is a call to action, not a permanent state. Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Moses at the Red Sea, we are reminded that the power to generate wealth lies within us, using what we already possess as the foundation for building our desired financial future.
In the deeply moving episode titled "The Vulnerability of Trust," we explore the profound journey of trusting in the divine plan, embracing the freedom that comes from loving others without reservations, and the liberating realization that we can shape our destiny while releasing the need for control. Drawing from the affirmation, "I'm in charge of my own destiny but okay not being in control," this episode delves into the balance between pursuing our dreams and relinquishing control to a higher power, a process enriched by a history of unwavering divine support. This heartfelt discussion serves as a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the peace that accompanies true trust.
In the provocatively titled episode, "Listening is Overrated," we challenge the conventional understanding of listening, advocating instead for a deeper, more empathetic approach—listening to understand rather than to be understood. This episode underscores the significance of respecting diverse perspectives and honoring the unique lens through which each person views life, emphasizing the importance of finding common ground. Through this exploration, we reveal how embracing true listening can lead to building lasting relationships, fostering collaboration, and catalyzing personal growth.
In this insightful episode, we delve into the transformative power of setting boundaries and the liberating art of saying "no" as a vital boundary itself.
We explore Michelda's philosophy of actively changing what we can and releasing what we cannot to prayer, highlighting how frustration often stems from our fear of rejection, the desire to fit in, and people-pleasing tendencies.
This discussion serves as a powerful reminder that establishing clear boundaries is not just an act of self-care, but a crucial step towards personal empowerment and peace.
In today's empowering episode, "Go Hire Help!", we dive into the liberating decision to outsource household chores—from cleaning and cooking to laundry—freeing up precious time for what truly matters. Inspired by the iconic Enjoli commercial's portrayal of the do-it-all superwoman, we debunk the myth that you have to juggle everything on your own. This heartening talk is a call to release the guilt and embrace support, enabling you to focus on your passions, dreams, and cherished moments with loved ones. It's a reminder that hiring help isn't just about delegating tasks; it's about prioritizing your well-being and quality of life.
The art of the pivot and how to navigate it with grace will encourage you to move and not stay in places longer than their expiration date. This episode embraces you as you face the challenges of change and pushes you into challenging seas with a level of grace and humanity along with a belief that you can accomplish your wildest dreams.
You will WIN but it will require Big Faith, Big Actions, and Big Moves. Don't ponder too long and don't be afraid to take a risk.
Join Michelda Johnson in a transformative 5-minute journey, where every breath aligns you closer to your dreams. Discover how every moment, every challenge, is a stepping stone to your greatest achievements.
Are you an entrepreneur who is unsure of how to maximize your efforts? Do you study the metrics of your business practices?
As an entrepreneur herself, host Michelda understands that the only way to optimize your company is by looking at the numbers. If you are unaware of where your money is coming from or where it is going, it will be difficult to find lasting success. Today, Michelda breaks down the necessary business levers to track to understand where you are and where you need to go to grow your business.
Tune into this week’s episode of WaterWalker for a frank conversation on the importance of metrics. Learn more about Michelda’s metric monitoring checklist “Got Metrics,” the difference between company overall gross and take-home profit, and how to ensure that you are getting a return on your investment.
Quotes
• “You can't maximize what you are not measuring.” (2:02 - 2:05)
• “Metrics reveal your business truths, metrics reveal the impact of the activity, and metrics allow team development by fact, and not by untruths.” (7:23 - 7:37)
• “You've got to run a tight ship on marketing strategies and good customer service to increase sales, make customers buy more, and buy more frequently so that the inflow will exceed the outflow.” (9:47 - 10:02)
• “If you want to understand the health of a business, then it is so important that you are measuring what is happening in your business. When you understand that, it helps you improve performance. It helps you improve your ability to make decisions. It helps you improve on how your business will grow.” (17:40 - 18:14)
• “Metrics provide focus, metrics will help you make decisions, metrics will drive performance, they will change and evolve in the organization.” (20:17 - 20:29)
Links
https://micheldajohnson.com/
FB: www.Facebook.com/MicheldaJohnson
IG: www.Instagram.com/MicheldaJohnson
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheldajohnson/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/micheldaj
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Are you a woman allowing your past trauma to cause you self-doubt? Do you not know how to break through the barriers you perceive are in your way?
In honor of Women’s History Month, host Michelda Johnson talks about the feelings and emotions that can hold women back. Past traumas and imposter syndrome can often trick us into thinking that we are not worthy of success. However, if we recognize that these are feelings instead of truth, we can move forward to get to where we want to be. By celebrating the many African American women who shaped our history, from Harriet Tubman to Angela Davis, Michelda reminds women that we can be trailblazers and the blueprint to our future.
Tune into this week’s episode of WaterWalker to remind you that women are the roadmaps to their success. Learn more about how we are our own blueprints, the great African American women who shaped history, and how we need to push through our obstacles to get to the next level.
Quotes
• “There's no blueprint. You are the blueprint.” (5:41 - 5:45)
• “Here is the key to you being the blueprint. The number one key is recognition. It's recognizing where you are, understanding what you are feeling, and experiencing the myriad of emotions and thoughts and feelings you are having. Because when you recognize it, you can expose it.” (8:38 - 9:07)
• “When you are the blueprint, you will experience obstacles and emotions and moments of feelings of despair and depression. You will even experience loneliness, but don't you dare move out of this place.” (12:18 - 12:42)
• “Go be the blueprint. Go bust through every barrier that has been put in place to keep you from experiencing the fullness of who you were created to be.” (17:05 - 17:21)
• "I'm passionate about entrepreneurs, especially black American entrepreneurs, African American entrepreneurs, and black and brown businesses. I work with all, but I'm especially passionate about the opportunity that black and brown businesses have to change communities and to change lives. And to create men and women that are the blueprint for history.” (17:56 - 18:23)
Links
The S.C.A.L.E. conference: bit.ly/scaleconference
Website: https://micheldajohnson.com/
FB: www.Facebook.com/MicheldaJohnson
IG: www.Instagram.com/MicheldaJohnson
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheldajohnson/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/micheldaj
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Are you an entrepreneur intimidated by the word “systems?” Are you struggling to expand your enterprise to its fullest potential? Today, host Michelda Johnson explains the four systems needed to build your business and sustain growth.
To run a functioning business, you must create and maintain effective systems. Although mapping these out may seem stressful, having clear procedures for you, your employees and customers are essential for success. From identifying customer attraction tactics to building a transparent onboarding process, Michelda understands what it takes to advance your company to the next level.
Tune into this week’s episode of WaterWalker for Michelda’s breakdown of the most critical systems for growing your business. Learn more about building your company’s credibility, planning a strategic marketing plan, and how to work past your “systems” anxiety.
Quotes
• “Many people become overwhelmed when you talk about or say the word, “system.” In fact, most people lean toward the technology side of it, not realizing that every single component of life is a system.” (2:25 - 2:43)
• “When you have systems in place, you not only get to the money faster, but you also have a system that allows you to be able to maintain it and build credibility within your sphere of doing business and within your customer base.” (4:05 - 4:24)
• “To create an impactful and effective attraction system, the first thing that you have to do is know who you're looking for so you can laser focus in on what they need.” (13:21 - 13:37)
• “You want to make sure that you are creating the systems in place that give you the traction that you desire, so that you can keep it moving, rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat.” (22:09 - 22:21)
• “It is important that you understand the four primary systems in your business and that you are taking a deep dive from an internal and external view so that you are ready to push forward into your next.” (25:46 - 26:01)
Links
The S.C.A.L.E. Conference: https:bit.ly/scaleconference
Website: https://micheldajohnson.com/
FB: www.Facebook.com/MicheldaJohnson
IG: www.Instagram.com/MicheldaJohnson
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheldajohnson/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/micheldaj
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Are you an entrepreneur searching for financial freedom? Are you unsure of which steps will get you closer to your dreams? Today, host Michelda Johnson explains her S.C.A.L.E. Methodology, the roadmap to building a 7-figure business.
Typically people are attracted to entrepreneurship because they want control over their daily lives. An accomplished entrepreneur herself, Michelda is well aware that that kind of freedom has a price. With years of experience to reflect on, Michelda has created a system that enables business owners to develop scalable and profitable companies that will give them the autonomy they crave.
Tune into this week’s episode of WaterWalker for Michelda’s breakdown of the acronym behind the S.C.A.L.E. Methodology. Learn more about Michelda’s definition of freedom, how systems increase revenue, and the importance of tracking your company’s growth.
Quotes
• “When I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I realized that this was the way that I feed my family. This was the way that I became a responsible contributing citizen in society. This was the way that I built legacy wealth. This was the way that I broke generational curses. This was the way that I moved from success to significance.” (02:32-02:56)
• “I created the S.C.A.L.E. Methodology, so that you not only have freedom, but you have the freedom to live life on your terms, that you have the freedom to create scalable income and scalable revenue. The freedom to grow, help others, and be an extension in the community. The freedom to not only dream beyond your wildest dreams but to execute on a very high level.” (05:08-05:44)
• “It's important that you are mindful of the systems that you have in place, that you are allowing yourself the opportunity to grow, the opportunity to experience freedom.” (10:10-10:21)
• “What your customers feel is a result of the atmosphere that you're producing inside of your organization.” (18:00-18:08)
• “Leverage is more than just about partnerships. It's about collaboration. It's about joining forces with others so that your collective talent, your collective intelligence, allows your organization to grow.” (19:44-19:58)
• “You cannot build a scalable business where every decision rides on what you say and what you do.” (22:53-22:59)
Links
https://micheldajohnson.com/
FB: www.Facebook.com/MicheldaJohnson
IG: www.Instagram.com/MicheldaJohnson
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheldajohnson/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/micheldaj
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Are you a small business owner struggling to meet your revenue goals? Are you working hard every day, but unsure of how to cross that six-figure threshold? Today, host Michelda Johnson breaks down her must-haves for building a profitable and sustainable business for years to come.
As an entrepreneur, it is all too easy to get distracted by the motions of everyday life. You may feel more inclined to do the dishes, start a new side-hustle, or listen to a million outside voices than work on your goals. A business owner herself, Michelda understands that you have to cut out the mind trash to succeed. By narrowing in on your focus, along with Michelda’s other critical tips, it is possible to combat your destructive behaviors and build your business in remarkable ways.
Tune into this week’s episode of WaterWalker for Michelda’s shortlist on the top things that are keeping you from reaching your six-figure income. Learn more about Michelda’s definition of “Shiny Product Syndrome,” the importance of having metrics in place, and the necessity of staying true to your brand.
Quotes
• “You guys know that I love to execute. I tell my clients and I've coined this phrase, so if you use it, just give me credit for it. I can't coach ideas. I coach execution. And so many times we are stuck in ideation, we're stuck in what does this look like? What does this feel like? Will this work, and we never crossed that threshold into really executing on a high level. We've got so much that's hitting us in our brain; we are out of focus.” (06:51-07:23)
• “Be clear of who you are. Narrow in on your focus. Be focused on what you bring to the table. Know your brand story. Know your competitive edge.” (09:13-09:29)
• “What I want you to do is understand what makes them tick, understand what problems you resolve for them, understand what they need from you, and then go pour gasoline on it.” (14:13-14:27)
• “Build your story, share your story. And you'll find that that is what will differentiate you in the marketplace.” (21:48-21:57)
• “You've got to be willing to take the risk and move forward. You've got to be willing to say yes to something that feels out of the box for you. You've got to be a risk-taker.” (22:46-22:54)
• “You've got to put systems around these things, so that you are continually in growth mode and scaling. You don't do it at the sacrifice of your own personal self, your own self-care, your own personal habits, and your mental capacity. But you do it in a way that allows you to show up authentic to your customers and your clients and to serve them in a greater capacity.” (26:40-27:04)
Links
https://micheldajohnson.com/
FB: www.Facebook.com/MicheldaJohnson
IG: www.Instagram.com/MicheldaJohnson
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheldajohnson/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/micheldaj
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Welcome to WaterWalker, where host Michelda Johnson brings you practical and actionable tips for navigating your entrepreneurial journey. As a serial entrepreneur, franchise consultant, and best-selling author with a genuine personality, Michelda understands the strategies needed for success and the confidence it takes to make your dreams come true.
In today’s inaugural episode, Michelda spills the tea on the steps necessary to design your life. Whether you feel constantly distracted by things that don’t matter or are too comfortable with your current level of success, there are always barriers to building your desired life. By reminding listeners that our goals are worth committing to and reinforcing the “why” behind what we do, Michelda demonstrates that the power to lead a purpose-driven life is within our control. Ultimately, Michelda believes that each stage of life is uniquely designed, and if we allow ourselves to dream, anything is possible.
Tune into this week’s episode of WaterWalker for motivating tips on gaining personal freedom. Learn the five principles of creating a life by design, the importance of surrounding yourself with transparent people, and why if something doesn’t flow, you should let it go.
Quotes
• “I believe that every single process, every single phase, and stage of life has been uniquely designed. It's almost like a puzzle with pieces. And those pieces are fitting together to create this uniqueness, this person that y'all call Michelda, that the world calls Michelda. And so in that, how dare I leave bits and pieces out of a conversation that will truly help you step out of places of comfort and accomplish the things in your wildest imagination? You weren't sure, you felt inferior, you felt the impact of imposter syndrome. And you wondered, will I be able to do this? I'm here to tell you, not only will you be able to, but you can.” (04:36-05:22)
• “The biggest barrier between you and the life you desire is what's going on between your ears. It's the mind trash. It's the garbage that really needs to be taken out and never returned into a space that is near you. You need to ditch it.” (09:17-09:34)
• “You must have people around you that you can share your good, your bad, and your ugly with. You must surround yourself with people with whom you can be transparent, who you can share with when you're not feeling okay. And they get it, and they know how to walk you through those places. So that you can transition your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, and your emotions into a place of ready, set, go.” (10:55-11:20)
• “It means reestablishing your ‘why’ because it adds a greater level of conviction to who you are, to what you are, to what you were doing. It reestablishes your purpose and your purpose-driven life. And then once you reestablish your ‘why,’ I want you to go set goals according to that.” (16:28-16:49)
• “You are worth a full commitment, not a part-time commitment. You are worth the effort that it takes; you are worth whatever is being brought to the table that's being brought into your presence. You are worth it.” (24:23-24:34)
• “If it doesn't flow, let it go.” (26:21-26:25)
Links
https://micheldajohnson.com/
FB: www.Facebook.com/MicheldaJohnson
IG: www.Instagram.com/MicheldaJohnson
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheldajohnson/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/micheldaj
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm