It's back! Although this year tried to completely derail my Women Own Nashville 2020 project, I'm excited to bring you interviews with a few more amazing women you should know over the next two months. And Noelle is definitely a woman you should know! She understands what it takes to adapt and pivot when necessary and has even overcome a medical condition that left her struggling to speak and read. She does not sit back and let life happen to her - she is a problem solver and a true leader. Actually, she's a goddamn Cheetah (if you know, you know)!

Although we did our outdoor branding session during this pandemic and I wore a mask the entire time, we had such a great time connecting - especially over things we've overcome, things we're trying to overcome, our own insecurities and our own strengths. It's a beautiful thing when women can come together and support each other, straighten each other's crown, and learn from each other. That's really the heart of this series and why I wanted to do a project like this. It's also why I'm not throwing in the towel on this project! I'm planning on continuing it into 2021 as well because I think it's so important.

But enough about that (that's for another separate blog post), this is such a great interview. Please sit back with something delicious to drink (matcha latte, anyone?!) and get to know the phenomenal Noelle Johnson. 

 Noelle Johnson {My Interview Buddy & Johnson Squared Consulting}

•           Tell us a bit about yourself, in general.

I am the owner of My Interview Buddy, a career services company, and Johnson Squared Consulting, a Diversity Equity, and Inclusion company. I’m a mom of a sweet and funny little boy and a pursuer of truth, justice, and kindness. 

•          What made you go into career services and consulting? Did you always know you wanted to be a consultant?

 I used to be the person at my job, who’s favorite part of my job was complaining to my coworkers about work. In 2012 after months of not feeling well I saw a doctor and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Quickly my health declined and I struggled to speak and read. After healing from brain surgery I decided to stop being a “complainer” and seek a position that fills me up. I didn’t have a bad job, I was just not living my purpose, and that purpose was helping others. 

I started working in non-profits and I heard the statistic that 70% of people don’t like their job and don’t feel valued. I was obsessed with this number. We spend more time at work than we do with our families, shouldn’t everyone be doing something that lights them up in a safe and inclusive work environment. 

It took some trial and error to see how I could make an impact on changing that statistic and as a career services owner and diversity and inclusion agency owner I get the unique opportunity to make a difference in how people feel about their work internally and externally.  With My Interview Buddy we get to help people find jobs that light them up. With Johnson Squared we get to support companies to having the type of environment that all employees can thrive in. 

•          How do you try to stand out from the crowd in your field?

In my industries, because they are corporate-driven they tend to be a bit more buttoned up. And it makes sense. Job searching and confronting bias are serious issues. But with both of my businesses I take an approach of both kindness, color and boldness.  

It’s a kindness to ourselves to demand more out of our careers and work environment. Color is essential to brighten up spaces of self doubt and inequity and boldness is needed to stop walking on eggshells and start getting brave.

•          What is a typical day like for you?

 Right now it’s pretty ridiculous. I spend my days pretty split between working with clients, speaking with my sister who is also my partner with Johnson Squared and working the day to day operations to make sure everyone is taken care of. My day is typically 12-14 hours with nice big chunks to spend with my little boy.

•          Have you read any good books (any genre) or have you heard any good podcasts lately?

 Untamed by Glennon Doyle. Simply brilliant! (Side note from April: She's a goddamn Cheetah, y'all!)

•          Do you have any rituals or routines that help you stay as balanced and grounded as you can?

 Starting a skin routine and meditation practice has been a great way for me to honor myself, my body and start my day off right. I even meditate with my son! 

•          Do you have a focus word for 2020 or a favorite mantra that you live by?

 Delegate. This year I had to ask for help, a lot. I am realizing that “doing it all” is not sustainable and when I let other people work in their zone of genius the results are pretty incredible.

•          What do you think are the three top personality traits that a successful entrepreneur should have?

 Be curious. Be kind. Be courageous.

•          What’s one challenge that you face as a woman and business person? How do you overcome it?

Bandwidth. While delegating has been amazing, I ALWAYS have some new idea that will help my businesses but not always the time to follow it through. 

•          What three things do you want most in life?

 Freedom, growth, and peace.

•          What are your top 3 strengths?

 I am incredibly resilient. I don’t stay married to any one idea, if we need to pivot, we will pivot. I am self aware, this allows me to be transparent and helps me build trust.

•          What are 3 things you want to work on (or are currently working on) in your life?

 More digital products, getting more time with my son and with myself, and definitely saying no more. 

•          Do you enjoy networking? If so why? If not, what do you do about it?

 Just about every success I’ve had in my life is due to networking. I love connecting with people, learning their stories and giving to them what I can. 

•          Who has been the biggest role model or source of inspiration in your life? Why?

 My faith. I am constantly reminded of what is possible for me and how I can help impact others.

•          What advice would you have for someone just starting out in business or entrepreneurship?

 Don’t wait until everything is perfect. You can shift your business however often you want to. Making a misstep is just a lesson that can lead to new discoveries and sometimes, great content. 

•          What do you love about being located in Nashville? What are the biggest challenges?

 I love Nashville because the people here are so freaking kind! People here are easy to get to know, if I want to grab coffee with someone or get support, finding someone is pretty easy. The biggest challenge is being far away from family.

•          Define the word success:

 Freedom

•          What do you do when things just aren’t working according to plan?

 I love when I figure out that something isn’t working. It gives me time to shift and to learn. It’s like a little gift our brains and bodies give us to say “Oooh...maybe something else will be even better”.

•          What helps to make your day go by faster? What do you do when the day is dragging on?

 I love learning. Right now I’m learning Portuguese, and learning how to play the ukulele. When the day is really dragging I like to hang out with Tiktok until my scrolling fingers say “enough”.

•          What are a couple of your favorite places to go in Nashville to unwind?

I really like spending time in East Nashville, and I love all of the shops in the Black historic districts on Jefferson Street and Germantown.