Leading Ladies - Tenita Johnson

Summary

In this inspiring episode of Walsh College's Leading Ladies series, Tanisha Johnson, CEO and founder of So It Is Written, shares her journey from traditional journalism to entrepreneurship and her passion for helping authors refine their work. She discusses the importance of solving problems with excellence and using one's talents to make a significant impact. Johnson also talks about her transition to non-profit work with Monarch Circle, which supports survivors of sexual abuse, emphasizing the power of storytelling and community in the healing process.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The conversation is from the Walsh College Leading Ladies series, featuring Tanisha Johnson, an author, entrepreneur, and CEO of So It Is Written.
• 📚 Tanisha's journey began in traditional journalism but shifted to corporate communication after facing the reality of the newspaper industry's decline.
• 💼 Her experience as a contractor in various corporations, including DTE Energy and Mercedes-Benz, led her to utilize her Journalism degree in unexpected ways.
• 📈 After facing unemployment, Tanisha identified a gap in the market and started her own editing and proofreading business, which eventually evolved into a publishing company.
• 🎓 She emphasizes the importance of identifying a problem you can solve and aligning your talents and skills with that purpose to make a significant impact.
• 💡 Tanisha's business grew by responding to market demands, expanding from editing services to full publishing packages and coaching.
• 📖 The creation of her coaching cohort, Brand Book Bestseller, reflects her focus on helping clients achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.
• 🌱 Her work in the publishing industry led to the founding of a nonprofit, the Monarch Circle, which supports healing from sexual abuse through small group sessions.
• 🗣️ Tanisha's personal experiences with overcoming adversity have become a driving force behind her mission to help others heal and find their purpose.
• 🔗 The Monarch Circle's in-person approach to healing sessions ensures privacy and trust among participants, differing from virtual options.
• 🚀 Future plans for the Monarch Circle include expansion to every major city, reflecting a vision of widespread impact and support for survivors of abuse.

Q & A

What led Tanisha Johnson to start her own editing and proofreading company?

Tanisha Johnson started her own editing and proofreading company after realizing that many self-published authors' books looked like they were self-published, and she saw an opportunity to provide a service that could help these authors produce higher quality work.

How did Tanisha's business evolve over time?

Tanisha's business evolved from an editing and proofreading service into a full-fledged publishing company. This transition occurred as a result of market demand and the requests she received from clients for additional services such as marketing and publishing.

What is the main focus of the Monarch Circle non-profit organization?

The Monarch Circle non-profit organization focuses on helping both men and women heal from sexual abuse through small group sessions. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals to overcome their trauma and potentially share their stories to inspire others.

How did Tanisha's personal experiences influence her work with the Monarch Circle?

Tanisha's personal experience of overcoming sexual abuse greatly influenced her work with the Monarch Circle. It provided her with a deep understanding and empathy for the individuals the organization aims to help, allowing her to create a more effective and supportive program.

What is the significance of the book 'Hush' in Tanisha's journey?

The book 'Hush' is significant in Tanisha's journey as it represents a turning point where she realized the broader impact she could have beyond publishing. It led to the creation of the Monarch Circle non-profit and the 'Hush' series, which aims to share stories of overcoming sexual abuse and empower others.

What advice does Tanisha give to aspiring authors regarding the length of their books?

Tanisha advises aspiring authors to keep their books concise, as longer books may not be finished by readers and thus may not receive reviews. She suggests focusing on key points or tips that can provide value to the reader in a more digestible format.

How does Tanisha approach the storytelling aspect in non-fiction business books?

Tanisha emphasizes the importance of incorporating storytelling in non-fiction business books, even when the content is practical advice or tips. She believes that engaging storytelling is essential to keeping readers interested and invested in the material.

What is the main goal of the 'Brand Book Bestseller' coaching program?

The main goal of the 'Brand Book Bestseller' coaching program is to guide individuals through the process of writing their signature brand book within 60 days or less. The program aims to help business owners and entrepreneurs overcome procrastination and complete their books efficiently.

How does Tanisha view the relationship between personal growth and leadership?

Tanisha views personal growth as a crucial aspect of leadership development. She believes that unresolved personal issues can hinder one's ability to lead effectively, and by addressing these issues, individuals can become more resilient, innovative, and better equipped to lead and contribute to the world.

What is the vision for the future of the Monarch Circle?

The vision for the future of the Monarch Circle is to expand its reach and impact by potentially franchising the program throughout the country, with the aim of helping individuals in every major city to heal from sexual abuse.