414: Making Waves: The Art of Leading Change - An interview with bestselling author and entrepreneur Patti B. Johnson

Today we’re talking with Patti B. Johnson… a renowned expert in change management and strategic communications. 

Patti is the founder and former CEO of PeopleResults, a consulting firm she launched and led for over 18 years… culminating in a successful private equity acquisition last year.

She's also the author of the bestseller… 

“Make Waves: Be the One to Start Change at Work and in Life!”

In the book… Patti offers actionable strategies for initiating meaningful change in both your professional life and in your life… life.

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors and her writing… Patti also hosts the podcast Be a Wave Maker: Conversations on Change.

Her insights have been featured in major publications like 

The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Fast Company. 

She’s inspiring and equipping people to lead change wherever it’s needed…  and I’m excited for this conversation.

ENCOURAGING THE ENCOURAGERS:

Remember… you can now check out Mitch’s OTHER podcast called “ENCOURAGING THE ENCOURAGERS” anywhere you listen to podcasts.  

It’s specifically designed for Coaches, Speakers and Content Creators and provides a quick dose of inspiration, strategy AND… of course… encouragement!

 

Find it on Apple Podcasts:  Click here

 Find it on Spotify: Click here

 Find it on Anchor: Click here

 Find it on Google: Click here

Episode Summary:

Change can be daunting, exciting, and messy all at once, but it's also where innovation and growth begin. In this episode of DREAM THINK DO, Mitch Matthews dives into a conversation with Patti B Johnson, change expert, entrepreneur, and best-selling author of Make Waves: Be the One to Start Change at Work and in Life. 

Together, they explore actionable strategies for navigating and initiating meaningful change in your work and personal life. Whether you're facing change that chose you or seeking to create waves intentionally, this episode has the insights you need.

What You'll Learn:

• How to Identify Your Wave: Discover how to focus your energy on changes that truly matter—whether it's a dream you've chosen or a wave that found you.

• Overcoming Fear: Learn Patti's tips for tackling imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and self-doubt so you can move forward with confidence.

• The Power of Think, Know, Do: Understand Patti's unique framework to ensure you're prepared, informed, and ready to act with impact.

• Momentum Builders: Find out how to maintain momentum and celebrate progress to avoid burnout during big changes.

• Surrounding Yourself with Wave Makers: Hear inspiring strategies for creating an "idea circle" and leveraging collaboration to amplify your efforts.

Why You’ll Love It:

Patti brings decades of experience as a change strategist, entrepreneur, and leader, sharing wisdom and practical examples that will inspire you to embrace change as a force for good. Plus, Mitch and Patti’s conversation is filled with humor, humility, and actionable advice—making it a must-listen for dreamers, doers, and wave makers alike.

Links & Resources:

• Get Patti’s book: Make Waves: Be the One to Start Change at Work and in Life → [Click here]

• Check out Patti’s podcast: Be a Wave Maker: Conversations on Change

• Learn more about Patti and her work → [PattiBJohnson.com]

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Bestselling Author and Successful Entrepreneur - Jamie Kern Lima on Dumping The Doubt!  (Click Here)

The Biggest Loser’s Jillian Michaels: “This Might Surprise You!” (Click Here)

Poet, Author and Emmy-Award Winning TV Producer - Dr. Donny Jackson: “Bet On Yourself!” (Click Here)

Join the Conversation:

What’s the wave you want to create? Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on social media with #DreamThinkDo and #BeAWaveMaker.

And… hey… I’m curious (as always!).  

What’s something that stood out to you?  What’s something that clicked?

More importantly… what’s something you’re going to experiment with as a result of hearing from Patti?

Leave a comment and let’s hear from YOU!

And hey… keep bringing YOUR awesome!!!

Episode Minute By Minute: 

• 0:00 Mitch introduces Episode 414 with a focus on navigating change and making waves in life and work.
• 1:00 Introduction of Patti B. Johnson, author of Make Waves and founder of People Results.
• 2:00 Patti shares her journey from corporate consulting to launching and selling her successful business.
• 4:00 Discussion on identifying your "wave"—choosing meaningful changes to focus on.
• 7:00 Patti explains the balance between solving problems intentionally and avoiding chaos for chaos' sake.
• 10:00 Advice for leaders on narrowing focus and prioritizing impactful changes.
• 13:00 Strategies for navigating fears, including identifying specific fears and starting with manageable steps.
• 17:00 Mitch shares insights on creating a safe environment for progress and learning from mistakes.
• 19:00 Patti introduces her "Think, Know, Do" framework for achieving meaningful change.
• 22:00 Examples of how the framework works in practice, including Patti’s entrepreneurial journey.
• 28:00 Discussion on building and sustaining momentum through strategic milestones and celebrating progress.
• 32:00 Importance of acknowledging setbacks and staying adaptable while persisting toward goals.
• 35:00 Patti highlights the value of creating an "idea circle" and involving others early in the change process.
• 37:00 Example of a collaborative idea dinner that generated support and actionable insights for a new business.
• 40:00 Mitch's Minute: Reflections on Patti’s "Think, Know, Do" framework and its synergy with Dream Think Do. Encouragement to embrace intentional, meaningful change and celebrate progress.