Women’s Business Center Client Spotlight: Annette P. Johnson, MSOL, CPC
Founder of AJLEADS, LLC
www.thisisannettejohnson.com

Discovering the Heart of AJLEADS, LLC
AJLEADS, LLC is a boutique leadership and workplace culture consulting business. Services include the design of workplace culture enhancement strategies and action plans, as well as leadership development solutions for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve women in critical life transitions.
Program topics are rooted in self-awareness, leadership development, and strategies for cultivating inclusiveness. Although I have been doing this work for over 30 years, AJLEADS will be celebrating its five-year anniversary next year.
What I enjoy most about my work is guiding women on a self-discovery process that provides them with insight into who they want to be and how to evolve their leadership abilities.
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The Story Behind the Business
My business was born out of both lived experience and a lifelong calling to help others find their footing in times of change. Early in my career, I realized that leadership isn’t just about titles or authority — it’s about empathy, trust, and creating space where people feel seen and valued.
As I navigated my own professional and personal transitions, I leaned into education, coaching, and faith to ground myself. I was also blessed with a network of amazing mentors. Along the way, people began coming to me for guidance — whether it was advice on navigating workplace challenges, support through personal transitions, or simply encouragement to keep going.
Those conversations grew into a clear vision: to build something bigger than myself, a business dedicated to leadership, empowerment, awareness, and development strategies to help others realize their full potential. In essence, I wanted to pay it forward.
That’s how AJLEADS was born. What started as small acts of coaching and encouragement has grown into a boutique consultancy and wellness brand that helps leaders, organizations, and individuals find their own “good space” — where purpose, resilience, and compassion come together.
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Vision for the Future
My long-term goal is to build and implement a group coaching program for nonprofits that support women who are experiencing critical life transitions. The program, Living in the Good Space, is centered around eight anchors to help you stay steady during the stormy seas of life.
Women will be part of an eight-week cohort and will walk away with their personally designed life plan and manifesto to guide their way forward.
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A Partnership with the Women’s Business Center
I have had the pleasure of being connected to the Women’s Business Center for several years. Our connection began with me designing and delivering workshops for participants. Most recently, I was selected to join the 2025 Shore and Soar Pitch Competition.
Attending the weekly workshops and receiving one-on-one business coaching was a great experience. I placed second in the competition and won a $6,000 prize. These funds are helping me publish my book and design the Living in the Good Space program. I look forward to launching my first cohort and hosting my book tour.
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How to Connect with AJLEADS
For those interested in exploring how we might work together, please contact me at annettepjohnson@gmail.com.
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Words of Wisdom for New Entrepreneurs
The biggest lesson I have learned is the importance of clarity. Be clear on who your clients are and what problems you are helping them solve. The 2025 Shore and Soar Pitch Competition helped me become crystal clear about my business, my offerings, and who my clients are.