Name
Tangela Johnson
Occupation
Organizational Development Consultant
College/University Attended
University of Georgia (Undergraduate) and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (Graduate)
Leadership
What is your favorite aspect of being a leader?
Helping people discover their greatness both as individuals and corporately.
What advice do you have for women aspiring to be leaders in their field?
Know and nurture your strengths, so you can grow and leverage those strengths in the marketplace and beyond. Likewise, understand and acknowledge your weaknesses, so they don’t undermine and derail your success.
Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life?
I’ve had a few wonderful mentors in my life, but none more important than my dad. He set the trajectory for my success. He taught me that it is perfectly fine to be a powerful woman who understands both her intrinsic and extrinsic value. My dad also taught me to have a vision for what I want my life to look like, and know that I have the power to create that life through my choices and my thoughts.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing female leaders today?
Women still struggle with their self-confidence, and they fear taking risks. The right risks allow you to expand your capacity, have greater impact, and grow exponentially as a leader. As women, we need to get more comfortable embracing how amazing we are as individual contributors, and we need to take risks that allow us to gain more experience, exposure, and opportunity.
CWLI
Approximately how many years have you been involved with CWLI and in what committees do you participate?
5+ years. I became a Board Member this year, but in the past I’ve enjoyed attending events and participating in Women Mentoring Women as a facilitator.
What changes do you hope to see in the organization as it grows?
What initiatives are you excited to tackle with CWLI?
CWLI is a trailblazer organization that empowers women. I want to see us hone our focus, and become more strategic in selecting initiatives that expand our impact.
What changes do you hope to see in the organization as it grows?
I want to see us spread the love! CWLI is an influential organization for women, and I think many cities across the nation would benefit from what CWLI has been able to accomplish. Our message and work are relevant and can help women be strong champions who can bring about change that strengthens their respective communities.
What strides do you think members can take to make more of a difference in women’s leadership issues in the local community?
I think women who are in current leadership positions should support and guide those women within their sphere of influence. It doesn’t have to be formal, but it needs to be intentional. Helping women navigate barriers and open doors is a way to touch individual lives in a meaningful and productive way.
How would you best describe the benefit found in joining this organization?
I LOVE being in the presence of such amazing women! I’m encouraged to be better, do better, and accomplish more that has a lasting impact. There is a beautiful, concentrated energy that makes you feel very proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization that can truly make a difference in the world.
Want to get to know Tangela? Read her feature here.