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by Colleen Kowalski on January 31, 2022
The 2022 Exit Planning Summit is a conference where top advisors, their teams, and business owners come to share transformational experiences, build deeper relationships with both owners and advisors, and uncover innovative solutions for building their business value. We are proud to have speakers from a diverse range of specialties speaking on our main stage during the Summit on May 2 in Scottsdale, Arizona. One of which is the CEO and Founder of InitiativeOne, Dr. Fred Johnson.
Who is Dr. Fred Johnson?
You might recognize Dr. Fred Johnson from the 2019 Exit Planning Summit. His session was so inspirational, we had to have him back for our 2022 Exit Planning Summit this May!
Dr. Johnson is the results-driven Chief Executive Officer and Founder of InitiativeOne. He has developed and implemented proprietary processes that create cultural change within corporate and organizational environments by focusing on improving the behaviors of key leaders. Implementation of these processes results in a verifiable improvement in morale, productivity, profitability, and efficiency. In a world of fast-paced change, leaders need to internalize principles that enable nimble adaptation and effective response to multiple scenarios. EPI President, Scott Snider, shares, “CEPAs can utilize InitiativeOne for advanced leadership training for themselves and their teams, as keynote speakers for their high-end events, and should be recommending this transformation leadership training program to their business owners as it drives growth in Human and Social Capital.”
Transformational Leadership Expert
Dr. Johnson aids leaders in obtaining heightened knowledge and practical skills, such as decision-making and problem-solving, to elevate their leadership abilities in order to be effective as an individual and as a part of a team. Dr. Johnson is a nationally recognized expert in the implications of the interaction of different generations and their own unique needs as they relate to the corporate environment. He is co-author of the book Is Everyone On the Boat? and The Reality of Change and is a sought-after speaker for business conferences and corporate seminars. He has taught leadership and organizational principles to senior executives of Fortune 100 companies and is passionate about sharing his message with organizations throughout the United States.
Dr. Johnson is a catalyst for deep transformation that encompasses the whole person. What emerges is a heightened sense of identity coming from who you are rather than what you do. Clients consistently note the impact that Dr. Johnson has made on their personal and corporate leadership journeys. He is passionate about guiding change in the lives of those who play integral roles in the workplace.
We recently sat down with Dr. Fred to discuss how he came into the exit planning community, what makes for a successful leader, and what he is most looking forward to at the 2022 Exit Planning Summit.
What originally interested you about the exit planning industry?
Fred: When I first met the Exit Planning Institute team, I immediately loved their energy and the way they think. I view the exit planning industry as an opportunity for InitiativeOne to drive risk mitigation for both the seller and the buyer. The lower the risk, the higher the value in the business. The key driver is the health of the leadership team. Do they make focused and strategic decisions? Are they caught up in the drama? On the buyer’s side, they would like to know what they are getting. With a strong leadership team, the seller gets maximum value and the buyer gets a best practices leadership team that is ready to roll with the new ownership.
What do you think is the most defining quality of a leader?
Fred: I think the most defining quality of a leader is personal integrity. Unfortunately for decades, this was not as important as technical competence. The last three generations (over 80% of the workforce) have rejected the idea that technical competence is more important. Now it is not about what you know, but who you are that determines if you are a leader or not. There is no separation between business and personal. To be a strong leader, you must be both personally strong and have business savvy. I will not trust someone if I do not believe in their character.
Not everyone is outgoing, how can quiet people still effectively lead their teams?
Fred: The notion that you have to be extroverted to lead is a false narrative. Being introverted or extroverted is not a personality style but where you draw your energy from. For example, introverts can focus deeply and drown out the noise. They also have a calming presence on a team. Many of the strongest leaders I know are introverts. It is not how loud you are, but your actions that define your leadership style.
How will your session directly accelerate those in the exit planning industry?
Fred: My session will help advisors shift their attention, effort, and focus away from the things that do not positively impact their organization. I will help them become much more impactful and limit the drama in their business. As their decision-making improves, so too will their results. It is not about tips, easy formulas, or how-to’s. It is about teaching leaders to pivot their thinking for transformational results. No company will be able to maximize value if it is dependent on the owner to execute everything.
What is the benefit for CEPAs to join the CEPA Cohort with InitiativeOne?
Fred: InitiativeOne has experience with over 500 teams and has the data that correlates what they learn and internalizes it into their practice to drive significant results. One client mismanaged their money and business and the IntiativeOne process helped to eliminate their toxic leaders, allowed remaining leaders to be more efficient, and drove change into the business. The business was then more fluid and was able to adapt to the market. They have since won small business awards and increased their profitability by over 29 times! Our strategy made the company less dependent on the owner and transferred empowerment and operational authority to the leadership team.
Other than your session, what are you most looking forward to at the 2022 Exit Planning Summit?
Fred: I am excited to attend the Summit this May. This in-person conference gives me a chance to see and connect with the EPI team. It also allows me to meet some interesting people and begin relationships where we can assist other organizations and businesses.
For more information about Dr. Fred Johnson, please visit:
https://www.initiativeone.com/
Connect with Dr. Fred on LinkedIn
Follow InitiativeOne on LinkedIn and Twitter
Read his books: The Reality of Change and Is Everyone on the Boat?
Meet InitiativeOne at the Summit in the exhibit hall to meet their team and pick up literature to advance your practice.
The 2022 Exit Planning Summit
We are excited to welcome hundreds of Certified Exit Planning Advisors Sunday, May 1 – Tuesday, May 3, 2022, to Scottsdale, Arizona for a conference where top advisors, their teams, and business owners come to build deep relationships, share unique experiences, and uncover innovative solutions for their business.
The Exit Planning Summit is the coming together of the CEPA Community. The best CEPAs from around the world collaborate with their supporting partners and colleagues that are all helping business owners to create more significant companies. CEPAs will develop new or further current relationships, learn best practices, and advance themselves as advisors. Advisors will leave the Exit Planning Summit not only galvanized to accelerate their practice but with the tools and connections to do so.
Learn more about the Exit Planning Summit and register to reserve your spot today!
Register for the Exit Planning Summit!
