Fixin’ Your Crown Boo! - A podcast to interview dope people in leadership who use the model of Servant Leadership and are driven by emotionally intelligent leadership & and are passionate about lifting others up!

Emma Asiedu-Akrofi | Chief Executive Officer | [she/her] Emma Asiedu-Akrofi is a dedicated advocate for women and girls, committed to addressing gender-based inequalities. She holds a degree in political science and sociology from the University of Toronto and has over 10 years of experience working in the charitable sector.

Currently, Emma serves as Chief Executive Officer of Fora: Network for Change. As a Black Canadian woman of Ghanaian descent, Emma’s work is deeply rooted in an intersectional, anti-oppressive, and inclusive framework. She recognizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination and oppression that individuals face.

Emma is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable society for all. Emma’s passion lies in creating opportunities for underserved groups to access the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Whether advocating for gender equality, empowering marginalized communities, or championing social justice,

Emma remains unwavering in her personal and professional commitment to this cause.

The Leader’s Leap: Navigating Imposter Syndrome, Burnout, and the Power of Community with Emma Asiedu-Akrofi

"The only way out is through."

This powerful mantra has guided Emma Asiedu-Akrofi through a remarkable career journey, from managing a grassroots charity of one to leading as the CEO of Fora: Network for Change. In this episode of Fixin' Your Crown, Boo, host JD Johnson sits down with Emma to discuss the realities of leadership that often go unspoken—the leaps of faith, the quiet battles with imposter syndrome, and the critical importance of having a "village" to hold you up.

In this conversation, Emma and JD dive deep into:

The Reality of "The Leader's Leap": Emma shares her inspiring transition from an established role at the YMCA to leading the Jean Augustine Centre, a small grassroots charity, and eventually becoming the CEO of Fora. She opens up about the steep learning curves, from reading financials to mastering the language of advocacy.

Navigating Burnout and Healing: Emma candidly discusses her experience leading a nonprofit during the pandemic, the toll of anxiety and burnout, and the radical act of taking a month off to heal, meditate, and reconnect with family.

Confronting Imposter Syndrome: Even as a CEO, Emma admits to battling the feeling of not belonging in certain rooms. She shares her strategy for positive self-talk: reminding herself, "You deserve to be there just as much as they do".

The Power of the "Village": Emma credits her success not just to her own efforts, but to her "board of directors"—the mentors, friends, and peers who provide honest feedback and unwavering support.

Operationalizing Empathy & Feedback: As a leader committed to growth, Emma shares her unique approach to a "360 review," inviting feedback from her entire staff and board to ensure she is serving her organization with integrity and transparency.

Why Listen? This episode is a masterclass in resilient, human-centered leadership. Whether you are a new manager, a nonprofit leader, or someone contemplating a major career pivot, Emma’s story offers a blueprint for leading with vulnerability, courage, and community.

Tune in to hear how you can fix your own crown while lifting others up along the way.

George White Jr - With over a decade of expertise in information technology and project management, he is a PMI Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) known for leading cross-functional teams, optimizing processes, and delivering successful outcomes across both technical and legal environments.

His career has centered on managing large-scale, data-driven projects, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and seamless technology integration. In his roles, he has developed strategic project plans aligned with organizational goals, always seeking opportunities to innovate and streamline processes.

As a PMO Project Manager, his passion for process improvement led him to design and implement impactful project management training programs. These initiatives have empowered teams, boosting productivity, enhancing project management capabilities, and elevating client satisfaction.

Leading with Heart & Hustle: Servant Leadership, Mentorship & Owning Your Career with George White Jr.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

This Maya Angelou quote is more than just a mantra for George White Jr.; it’s the foundation of his leadership philosophy. In this episode of Fixin’ Your Crown, Boo, host JD Johnson sits down with George, a seasoned project management leader with expertise in IT and legal tech, to explore the powerful intersection of technical precision and deep human connection.

In this conversation, George and JD dive deep into:

* The Power of “The Human Element”: George explains why building genuine rapport is his first move on any project. He shares how treating team members as whole people—not just resources—can inspire exceptional effort, even during crunch times.

* A Defining Moment in Mentorship: George recounts a pivotal career conversation where a manager selflessly advised him to leave the company for his own growth. This act of true servant leadership changed his trajectory and solidified his belief in prioritizing people over retention.

* Navigating Bias with Data: As a Black leader in corporate spaces, George opens up about facing microaggressions and bias. He shares his strategic advice for mentees: when emotions are weaponized against you, use data as your shield and your sword to advocate for your performance.

* Owning Your Career: George challenges listeners to take charge of their professional destiny. He discusses the importance of building a personal brand that transcends any single employer and why you must always have a plan—even if you have to deviate from it.

* Representation Matters: From his grandmother (his ultimate “Shero”) to his own role as a mentor, George discusses why being a visible, accessible leader is crucial for showing the next generation that their ambitions are achievable.

Why Listen? If you are an emerging leader, a project manager, or anyone navigating the complexities of the modern workplace, George’s insights offer a masterclass in leading with integrity, empathy, and strategic resilience.

Tune in to learn how to lead with heart, hustle, and the unwavering belief that there is room for everyone at the table.

**Annie Lyons**

Operations Leader | Change Maker | Collaboration Champion | Lover of Ambiguity

With over a decade of transformation management, Annie Lyons is a dynamic force in the industry. She has successfully led transformational projects for leading health insurers and Fortune 500 retail organizations. Her unique ability to embrace ambiguity and drive exceptional results has catapulted both clients and colleagues to new heights.

During this journey, Annie had the unique opportunity to go deep within the insurance industry while spending six years in management consulting. This combination has given her a unique perspective of both what success looks like from the outside-in and how success works from the inside-out.

When she’s not looking for the next thing to make her uncomfortable, Annie enjoys seeking insights on trends shaping the retail and insurance industries (with a strong belief these industries should be learning from each other) and mentoring the next generation of leaders. An avid believer in the growth mindset, Annie is forever in pursuit of that next humbling moment.

Annie’s colleagues often say, “Annie makes ambiguity look easy.” Her secret? A relentless curiosity and a commitment to harnessing uncertainty to drive meaningful results.

The Leader’s Guide to Doing Hard Things (and Why It’s the Only Way to Grow) with Annie Lyons

“I want to help people do really hard things.”

This simple yet profound statement is the core of Annie Lyons’ leadership philosophy. A seasoned operations leader, change-maker, and transformation expert, Annie has built a career on navigating ambiguity and leading teams through uncharted territory. In this episode of Fixin’ Your Crown, Boo, host JD Johnson sits down with Annie to discuss why embracing the “hard things” is the secret to unlocking growth, innovation, and resilience.

In this conversation, Annie and JD explore:

* The Myth of the All-Knowing Leader: Annie busts the myth that leaders need to have all the answers. Instead, she advocates for leading with curiosity and the courage to say, “I don’t know, but let’s figure it out together.”

* Learning in Public: Why the most effective leaders are those who are willing to learn, stumble, and hone their craft in front of their teams. Annie shares how this vulnerability builds trust and gives permission for others to take risks.

* Operationalizing Empathy: Annie breaks down how empathy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a strategic business tool. She discusses the importance of understanding individual motivations (”What’s in it for me?”) to align personal goals with organizational missions.

* Navigating Ambiguity: From her eclectic journey through five different colleges to leading massive digital transformations, Annie shares her personal strategies for thriving in uncertain environments and helping teams find clarity in the chaos.

* The “Village” of Leadership: Why leadership is never a solo act. Annie and JD discuss the critical role of mentors, “personal boards of directors,” and support systems in sustaining a long and impactful career.

Why Listen? If you’ve ever felt unprepared for a new challenge or overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect, this episode is your permission slip to be human. Annie’s insights offer a practical, compassionate roadmap for leading with authenticity, resilience, and a growth mindset.

Tune in to discover how doing the hard things can be the most rewarding part of your leadership journey.

Victoria “Vic” Houston is a consultant originally NYC who has an MBA from WGU with over 10 years of experience leading cross-functional teams across industries. She is known for being highly effective, technically current, and creative when it comes to developing and implementing scalable systems and procedures. Her leadership style focuses on increasing program efficiency, improving follow-through, and fostering collaboration—especially in complex or high-stakes environments. Thanks to her cross-cultural awareness and people-first mindset, She help teams cut through the noise and deliver real impact.

At my core, Vic is mission-minded leader and transformation strategist with a heart for people and a bias for action. With roots in consulting and a track record of driving change across government and tech, Vic specializes in navigating ambiguity, building culture, and creating outcomes that actually stick. She believes emotionally intelligent leadership is the real flex—and She is all about building community, not just consensus.

The Power of the Pivot: Embracing Change, Building Your Own Table, and Leading with a Strategic Heart with Vic Houston

“If you are not given a seat at the table, take it or go make your own table.”

This bold declaration perfectly encapsulates the leadership philosophy of Victoria “Vic” Beck Houston. A transformation strategist, entrepreneur, and consultant with roots in government and tech, Vic has built a career on navigating ambiguity, advocating for herself, and empowering others to do the same. In this episode of Fixin’ Your Crown, Boo, host JD Johnson sits down with Vic to discuss the art of the career pivot, the necessity of boundaries, and why effective leadership is always personal.

In this conversation, Vic and JD dive deep into:

* The Art of the Career Pivot: Vic shares her journey from an editor to a principal program manager and chief engineer in the government sector in just a year and a half. She reveals her strategy for “moseying your way in” to a company you admire and proving your value to land the role you truly want.

* Leading with a “Strategic Heart”: Vic breaks down her leadership style as a “servant leader with a strategic edge,” balancing empathy with execution. She discusses how she builds trust by leading from behind to let her team shine, while always being ready to step to the front line when tough calls need to be made.

* The Power of “No”: As a self-proclaimed “Queen of No,” Vic explains why setting boundaries is crucial for high performance. She shares practical advice on how to push back with care, ensuring that assertiveness and empathy are not mutually exclusive.

* Creating Your Own Table: Vic discusses the importance of not waiting for permission to advocate for yourself or your community. She shares her experience launching her own business to serve demographics often overlooked by traditional career services, embodying the ethos of building the table you want to sit at.

* The Human Side of Leadership: From “stalking” executives to get answers for her team to creating a culture where people feel safe to vent, Vic emphasizes that leadership is about relationships. She shares how understanding individual motivators (”the WIIFM”) is the key to unlocking a team’s potential.

Why Listen? If you’ve ever felt stuck in a role, hesitated to advocate for yourself, or struggled to balance being a “nice” leader with being an effective one, this episode is for you. Vic’s no-nonsense, heart-centered advice offers a powerful playbook for taking control of your career and leading with authenticity.

Tune in to learn how to pivot with purpose, lead with conviction, and build a career that brings you joy.

Alex Barra, is a Senior Organizational Effectiveness Consultant at Delta Dental. Alex has held many HR roles in various capacities, from Labor Relations Representative and HR Business Partner to more advanced roles such as Talent & Organizational Development Consultant and HR Innovation & Change Program Manager. Beyond HR, Alex has also been a Management Consultant focusing on projects that drive technology transformation and providing guidance on change management strategy and execution. They hold a degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.