We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nekohl Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nekohl , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

At one point in my career, I was serving as the Laboratory Director at a hospital. I had a strong reputation, the education, and the experience to go wherever I wanted. But I was exhausted—not from the work itself, but from the constant weight of sexism, racism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination that wear down even the strongest professionals. I had made up my mind to leave and offer my talents to another hospital—one that would recognize and respect my value.

As I was sharing both my frustrations and future plans with a woman I trusted, she gently but firmly grabbed my wrist and said, “If you run, you’ll just keep running.” That moment hit me deep. It wasn’t just about switching jobs—it was about how I wanted to live.

That was my defining moment. I realized I didn’t just need a new environment—I needed to stand my ground and fight for my life, my peace, and my purpose. From that point on, I began building a different kind of career—one rooted in healing, advocacy, and community. I shifted from leading in hospitals to creating spaces where women veterans, mental health advocates, and community leaders could gather, grow, and thrive. I’m no longer running—I’m building what I once needed.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Nekohl Johnson—author of A Queen Was Born Again, founder of NCJ I AM the MAP, LLC (home of Be Whole with Nekohl), and collaborator on 3 Vets is a Charm. I am the 2025 VFW Illinois State Women’s Chairperson, a wartime veteran, mother, former healthcare executive, mental health advocate, and community leader who has transformed decades of professional experience and personal healing into purpose-driven work.

For over 35 years, I worked in hospital systems where I served as Director of Laboratory and Cardiopulmonary Services. While I didn’t treat patients directly, I played a vital role in helping physicians diagnose and manage care through laboratory medicine. I had the credentials and experience to go anywhere, but when my health began to shift and my psychological needs became more prominent, I experienced firsthand the stigma around mental health—even at the executive level. That’s when I decided to stop running and start building something different.

I created Be Whole with Nekohl under my company NCJ I AM the MAP, LLC, to offer others a space to journey toward wellness with me. Through this platform, I provide wellness workshops, retreats, leadership coaching, and personal development tools for women—especially women veterans and leaders. One of our signature initiatives is Female Veterans in Illinois, a statewide sisterhood focused on merging calendars, preventing burnout, and fostering connection, support, and empowerment.

I also founded Where We Meet, Inc., a nonprofit that uses theatre and storytelling as tools for mental health and recreational therapy. Through this organization, I lead the Southside Strong Coalition for Suicide Prevention and host Veterans Coffee Chats throughout Chicagoland—creating spaces for open conversation, community healing, and meaningful engagement among military-connected individuals.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge clinical insight, lived experience, and creative expression to build spaces that are both healing and transformative. I’m most proud of turning my pain into purpose—and creating systems and spaces where others can do the same.

Any advice for managing a team?

When it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale, I believe in the power of delegation and fairness. Every team member deserves to be treated with respect and given the tools they need to succeed. That means providing proper training, ongoing education, and ensuring everyone is competent and confident in their role.

A strong leader should be willing to step in and work alongside the team when necessary, leading by example—not just instruction. It’s important to recognize each person’s strengths and position them where they shine. At the same time, we must identify areas of growth and provide the right resources, support, and opportunities to help team members improve.

I believe leadership is rooted in fairness, experience, education, and resourcefulness. Leaders should have the integrity to admit mistakes, the humility to learn, and the commitment to serve their team with honesty and consistency. That’s more than enough to build trust—and trust is the foundation of any high-performing, high-morale team.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What helped me build my reputation in the marketplace was understanding that your name doesn’t speak for itself—you have to build it. When you first step out, people don’t know who you are. You have to show them through your actions.

I built trust by aligning myself with organizations that share my core values and goals, and by consistently showing up, being on time, and delivering on my promises. Reputation is built in the small, repeated actions—how you support others, how you follow through, and how you carry yourself in every space.

Support is key. It’s not just about asking people to show up for you—it’s about showing up for them, too. That mutual investment creates community, and within that community, your reputation takes root and grows.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.nekohl.com
• Instagram: Nekonhl.ncj.map
• Facebook: Nekohl Johnson
• Linkedin: Nekohl Johnson
• Other: www.Wherewemeetinc.org

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Image Credits

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