Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paul Johnson . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Paul, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My father hitch hiked across the USA when he was 7 with his 9 year old brother. My mother picked cabbage and became a waitress. They married and had 9 children. They did so much right. They worked hard, they believed you could accomplish anything in America, and we always felt as if they admired us.
It gave all of us an incredible sense of confidence, a belief in ourselves, and the willingness to try, to fail and to try again,
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?
I am the co founder and President of Redirect Health. We operate self directed healthcare plans for small and medium sized businesses. Our focus on helping employees navigate the healthcare system result in lower healthcare claims, high customer satisfaction and an all in rate half the traditional system.
My passion is helping entrepreneurs grow their business. I have served as Mayor of the city of Phoenix, and I saw first hand how important businesses are to our communities. All of the big things that will move human progress forward will come from entrepreneurs not government.
In this regard I started a podcast called the Optimistic American. Our goal is to help renew the American spirt, to give individuals agency, and tell the unique American story of hope and promise.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
I am a firm advocate of the principle that the cornerstone of effective leadership is self-awareness. The essence of engendering trust in any leadership role is rooted in authenticity. This authenticity cannot be cultivated through mere imitation of others; it must emanate from a profound understanding of one’s true self.
Personally, I am acutely aware of my driving forces: a deep-seated desire to effect global change, to challenge the conventional and dare to envision the unimagined. My ambition is not just to succeed, but to do so while experiencing profound joy and excitement not just for me but the people around me..
However, I recognize that this inclination comes with its inherent challenges. Therefore, in my leadership journey, I consciously choose partners and managers whose strengths complement rather than mirror my own. By embracing colleagues who possess the skills and attributes I lack, I strive to create a well-rounded, effective team that can achieve our shared goals with greater efficiency and impact.
No one, really makes it alone.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
In an era where technological evolution is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, it is insufficient to merely adapt to change; we must actively propel ourselves towards exponential progress.
The defining challenge for our generation lies in expanding accessibility to what was once unattainable for the average person. This encompasses a broad spectrum of essentials including housing, healthcare, education, legal services, transportation, and beyond. These domains offer immense opportunities for innovation and growth. The entrepreneurs who will rise to prominence as the billionaires of tomorrow are those who bravely tackle these substantial challenges.
More significantly, the advancement of human progress has been profoundly influenced by the principles of free enterprise, open markets, and the prioritization of the individual. These dynamic forces are the catalysts that will bring forth transformative innovations such as autonomous vehicles, the commercialization of space travel, and potentially even the extension of human lifespan. There has never been a more opportune moment or a better environment to be alive than in the present, right here on this thriving planet.
Contact Info:
- Website: Optamerican.com
- Instagram: Optimistic American
- Linkedin: Paul Johnson
- Youtube: The Optimistic American