Patti Johnson

Patti Johnson is a career and workplace expert and the CEO of PeopleResults, a change and human resources consulting firm she founded in 2004. Previously, she was a senior executive at Accenture and has been recently featured as an expert in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, NBC, Money Magazine and Working Mother. Patti is also an instructor for SMU Executive Education and a keynote speaker on “Leading Change.” Her first book, Make Waves: Be the One to Start Change at Work & in Life, hit shelves in May 2014. Visit her website at PattiBJohnson.com.

7 Questions to Answer Before Starting a New Business

So you’re interested in starting a business? Before you jump right in, you need to answer these questions to ensure you’ll be successful.

At a Loss for Words? 25 Ways to Master the Art of Small Talk

Whether you’re at a networking event or meeting a new group of friends, follow these 10 tips for how to make small talk that isn’t boring.

Rocking the Boat: 4 Traits of Wave Makers

Are you someone who makes waves? Are you constantly striving to make a a difference? You’re likely a changemaker—here’s how to know.

‘Nice to Meet You’: The Art of Being Introduced

There are etiquette rules to follow when someone offers to make an introduction to another who can help you. Here’s what you need to do.

5 Strategies for Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Work

If you’ve already given up on your resolutions, your goals might be too broad. Here’s how to set yourself up for success and reach your goals.

Change Is Hard—Here’s How to Influence People to Get on the Same Page

It can be difficult to get others to change behaviors at work and in life. Here’s what to consider when making a change.

Get Your Mind Right: 5 Tips for Untangling Your Can’t-Do Mindset

So how do you keep moving forward in a constructive way when your head is telling you no? A very important element of productive thought is staying focused on contributing rather than looking for the approval or acceptance of others.

10 Favors You Can Do for Yourself Every Day

We don’t control everything in life, and some days it may not feel like we control much of anything. Yet it’s the already-successful and content people who seem to be the ones asking, “What can I do?”

Do You Have a Good Idea? Avoid the 8 Things That Can Kill It

Change takes new ideas. Uncomfortable, audacious, unprecedented new ideas. Unfortunately, sometimes our big new ideas aren’t always welcome.

5 Steps to Get Others Interested In Your Ideas

People get on board when they can see a bigger ‘why’ – the broader impact in your team or organization. Sharing the financial goal isn’t enough. Make sure you know the bigger why and then share it often.

3 Steps to Make a Splash with Your Business Idea

Think of a “wave” as any change that begins with your decision to act and ripples outward, or the transfer of energy that creates momentum and ultimately a positive impact.

Starting a New Chapter in Life? Here Are 7 Ways to Make the Change Positive

New beginnings have the power to firmly put the past behind you. Positive change can occur after anything from taking your baby to college, surviving a divorce or making a big career change.