In this episode of The Leader U Podcast, host Angie Lion of Black River Performance Management speaks with Diane Johnson, the CEO and founder of Mmapeu Consulting, to explore the vital role culture plays in organizations and society. Diane emphasizes that culture is the “water we swim in,” profoundly shaping how we interact, behave, and approach our work. She discusses how culture is more powerful than strategy, as it influences a team or organization’s norms, expectations, and values.
Diane also highlights the importance of leaders actively embodying their values by operationalizing them—translating abstract concepts like “respect” into concrete actions and behaviors that resonate throughout the organization. She delves into the significance of building strong, collaborative teams by breaking down silos, fostering open communication, and creating a shared sense of purpose.
Additionally, Diane discusses the importance of investing in employees through professional development opportunities, such as staff retreats, climate surveys, and coaching. Finally, she advocates for heart-centered leadership, where leaders prioritize understanding and respecting the humanity of their team members, fostering a sense of belonging, and valuing diverse lived experiences. This conversation is a must-listen for leaders seeking to create a thriving and inclusive culture within their organizations.
Dr. Diane Johnson is CEO and Founder of Mmapeu Consulting, a National organizational and leadership transformation firm committed to aligning mission , vision, and values for social enterprises, Philanthropic institutions, the social sector, purpose-driven businesses, B Corps, tech companies and market leaders. She is deeply committed to creating dynamic, sustainable and equitable models of market, and community benefits.
Since 1992, Diane has consulted, facilitated, and trained on strategic development: cultural capacity, diversity, inclusion, and equity: organizational development and leadership development for over 12,000 organizations and leaders.
Clients have included the California Primary Care Association, The Kresge Foundation, the San Francisco Department of Public Health, the American Sustainable Business Network, SOCAP, Opportunity Collaboration, Habitat for Humanity International, NeighborWorks America, HUD, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation,. and Unitarian Universalists Association.
She has been fortunate enough to work in South Arica, Mexico, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Diane received her Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Studies (sociology, organizational behavior, management and non profit studies) from Tufts University. Her discretion focused on Cross-sectoral leadership and collaboration between business, government, social and community sectors. She hold a Master in Nonprofit Management from the New School and her undergraduate degree in Communications with a marketing minor is from the University of Pennsylvania The Annenberg School of Communications and The Wharton School.
Dr Johnson also received her masters in divinity from the Pacific School of Religion at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkley California, and is an ordained minister in the progressive Sacristan denomination of the United Church of Christ. Her Faith based work focuses on the intersection of spirituality, social change and equity, including working with numerous interfaith initiatives. She now lives in Massachusetts with her adorable Aussie, Basset hound and Corgi mix Jasper who loves chasing the cat, Sweet Pea.
Check out Our Links:
LinkedIn: brpm
Instagram: theleaderupodcast
Facebook: The Leader U Podcast
TikTok: theleaderupodcast
Website: https://blackriverpm.com
