Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
Leadership positions constantly face massive demands, and the need to prioritize well-being has never been more pronounced. Austin Johnson, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and therapist, has made it his mission to redefine the way people approach work-life stability and the cultural underpinnings of workplace issues with his executive coaching and consultation.
Johnson is setting new benchmarks in his field with a diverse client list spanning multi-million-dollar companies, entrepreneurs, small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, and major medical centres.
“I’ve been engaged with Dr. Johnson for nearly a year, and in that time, he has helped me to recognize growth and leadership opportunities that I didn’t even realize were there,” says Eugene T., a client who credits Johnson with helping him improve his ability to communicate his value and gain the confidence to pursue passion projects that have led to monetization opportunities and recognition as a thought leader.
A much-needed holistic perspective
His extensive interdisciplinary background sets Johnson apart in the coaching and consulting industry. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, a master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology, and a master’s degree in Theology, he brings a fresh perspective to his work, focusing on bridging empathy gaps and fostering work-life stability rather than the traditional work-life balance concept.
“Instead of work-life balance, which elicits the picture of a 50-50 split balanced on a spectrum and can often lead to creating unhelpful partitions between parts of a person’s life, I talk about work-life stability and building bridges on solid foundations between different parts of life,” Johnson explains.
This bridge-building metaphor is connected to the crucial process of closing gaps, which Johnson identifies as the number one driver of burnout. Burnout affects C-suite executives at a higher rate than middle management or front-line employees, and his strategy emphasizes improving job satisfaction for his clients by providing high-level support for their teams and peer-level support for the leaders.
Addressing the root cause of workplace issues
Johnson’s work stands out for its focus on addressing the cultural foundation of workplace issues, particularly in the context of burnout. Drawing on his background in cultural anthropology, he helps clients understand and change the corporate work culture around them.
“Lack of empathy and connection with others is often cited as the number one driver of burnout,” Johnson notes.
To help accomplish these goals, Johnson draws on his cache of intellectual property, shared for free through his newsletter. He leverages often-overlooked psychological principles, concepts from cultural anthropology, and existential psychotherapy perspectives to help clients and readers rethink old paradigms.
Making a tangible difference In people’s lives
Companies are increasingly looking for alternatives to traditional management consulting firms, which have faced negative press and criticism in recent years. Johnson’s Executive Counselling offers a more collaborative and empowering approach that focuses on supporting clients in finding their answers rather than telling them what to do.
“All of this leads to one of the biggest pain points for my coaching and consulting clients,” Johnson explains. “When people experience burnout, they quit their jobs. The cost of turnover is astronomical – approximately one trillion dollars annually in the U.S. That’s a ‘one’ with twelve ‘zeros’ behind it. That’s how miserable people are in their jobs.”
With his unique background, incredible approach, and commitment to addressing the cultural and psychological aspects of work, Austin Johnson is not only a thought leader but also a market leader in the coaching and consulting sector. His methods are poised to inspire truly fulfilling and sustainable work environments.
