{"id":2,"date":"2025-08-01T18:11:56","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T18:11:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/chris\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2025-12-01T19:24:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T19:24:35","slug":"chris","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/chris\/","title":{"rendered":"The Leadership Pause"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"contribute\"id=\"video\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls poster=\"https:\/\/us-ord-1.linodeobjects.com\/q-4\/poster.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/us-ord-1.linodeobjects.com\/q-4\/cj_speaker-reel.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<div>\n\n<p><strong>Embodied Learning.<\/strong> A radical new way of learning that results in a pragmatic perspective shift.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>It\u2019s remarkable, revealing, and not to be over-the-top, it\u2019s revolutionary.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"more\"id=\"keynotes\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2009<strong>Most Requested Keynotes<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div>\n<div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/corporate-retreat-outside-1.png\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><h3>Breakthrough Conversations<\/h3><h4>Are You Willing to Go First?<\/h4><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p>Transform surface-level interactions into moments that unlock creative solutions, strengthen relationships, and elevate your leadership impact.<\/p>\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participants will be able to:<\/h5>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Initiate High-Stakes Conversations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Navigate Challenging Dialogue Skillfully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn Conflict into Breakthroughs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/chris\/breakthrough\">Download Abstract<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Telluride-mountains-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><h3>The Leadership Pause<\/h3><h4>Sharpen Your Attention, Deepen Your Presence, and Navigate the Future<\/h4><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p>Transform reactive leadership into conscious response to navigate uncertainty. Develop the capacity to transform pressure into opportunity and create sustainable change that lasts.<\/p>\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participants will be able to:<\/h5>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Build Your Leadership Pause Practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen Attention Under Pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convert Stress into Strategic Advantage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/chris\/pause\">Download Abstract<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/1495131494water1-e1495131548352.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><h3>Thrive In Uncertain Times<\/h3><h4>The Key to Resilient Leadership<\/h4><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p>Transform uncertainty into strategic advantage\u2014recognize triggers, regulate your nervous system, and lead authentically. Build resilience that explodes performance.<\/p>\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participants will be able to:<\/h5>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Regulate Under Pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create Strategic Pauses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build Conscious, Resilient Leadership Capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/chris\/thrive\">Download Abstract<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons altbuttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#contact\">Book Dr. Chris<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"workshops\"><strong>Interactive Workshops<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div>\n<div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Autumn-at-the-lake.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><h3>Cultivating Presence and Power<\/h3><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p>Replace sticky energy of busyness with centered effectiveness. Transform fragmented teams into unified forces to navigate complexity with wisdom and power.<\/p>\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participants will:<\/h5>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>See What Others Miss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Break the Busyness Trap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unlock the Wisdom in the Room<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/chris\/presence\">Download Abstract<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/navigating-whitewater-down-steep-incline.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><h3>You Are What You Say<\/h3><h4>Feedback Mastery<\/h4><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p>Effective feedback isn&#8217;t about being nice or harsh\u2014it&#8217;s about precision. Power lives in intentional, common language.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participants will:<\/h5>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Practice Precision Feedback<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reclaim Their Voice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create Trust &amp; Alignment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/chris\/feedback\">Download Abstract<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Whitewater-on-a-curve.png\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><h3>Transform Drama<h4>Skills for Success<\/h4><\/h3><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p>Trapped in reactive drama cycles that drain energy, we find ourselves stuck. Learn to consciously shift from reacting to choosing empowered responses to lead effectively.<\/p>\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participants will:<\/h5>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lead with Clarity in a World of Reactivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interrupt Reactive Cycles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead Themselves, Then Others<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/chris\/drama\">Download Abstract<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#contact\">Book Dr. Chris<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"statement\"id=\"statement\">\n<div>\n<div>\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/us-ord-1.linodeobjects.com\/q-4\/chris_cropped.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Chris Johnson, Psyd\">I\u2019m <strong>Dr. Chris Johnson<\/strong>, a speaker, psychologist, and leadership catalyst who helps professionals and executives upgrade their most powerful tool\u2014their own presence.<\/p>\n\n<p>For more than two decades, I\u2019ve worked with leaders, teams, and organizations who are ready to step into a new kind of learning: <strong>embodied learning<\/strong>\u2014the integration of mind, body, and purpose that transforms how we lead, connect, and live.<\/p>\n\n<p>I\u2019ve facilitated profound growth for hundreds of leaders across industries, guiding them to move beyond limiting beliefs, burnout, and habitual patterns\u2014and into <strong>greater clarity, courage, and authentic impact.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Through <strong>powerful storytelling<\/strong>, <strong>straight talk and humor<\/strong>, and <strong>embodied practices<\/strong>, I create experiences that don\u2019t just inspire\u2014they <strong>shift how people show up<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p>My sessions invite professionals to:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Step out of overwhelm and old patterns, and into mindful, grounded leadership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Move out of conversational gridlock to communicate with authenticity and empathy, even in high-stakes moments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think clearly under pressure, transform stress into capacity, and create real change through conscious, embodied practice\u2014not just theory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build relationships of depth, meaning, and action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead and live with greater alignment, resilience, and purpose.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Audiences consistently describe my programs as <strong>transformative, energizing, and deeply human<\/strong>\u2014the kind of learning that doesn\u2019t end when they leave the room but continues to unfold in how they lead and live every day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"Gallery\"><div><input type=\"radio\" name=\"slides\" id=\"slide0\" checked=\"checked\" \/><figure tabindex=\"0\"><label class=\"lslide\" for=\"slide4\">Go to last slide<\/label><blockquote><p>Chris&#8217; approach isn&#8217;t traditional, but it&#8217;s grounded. Some on the leadership team members felt the discomfort of learning, yet it was through that shared experience that she helped us create a future rather than staying comfortable. Her dimension and depth are valuable to our company&#8217;s future growth.<\/p>\n<cite><b>Dave Mooney<\/b>, CEO, Alliant Credit Union<\/cite><\/blockquote><label class=\"rslide\" for=\"slide1\">Go to next slide<\/label><\/figure><input type=\"radio\" name=\"slides\" id=\"slide1\" \/><figure tabindex=\"0\"><label class=\"lslide\" for=\"slide0\">Go to previous slide<\/label><blockquote><p>During our office transition, as the leader, <i>I wanted to be sure I was giving my team all the skills and tools I could to help them be successful<\/i>. Chris led my team through practical, mindfulness based exercises for our Wellness and Safety Day. The benefits were so valuable that we brought her back to share her mindfulness-based approach with our entire corporate offices.<\/p>\n<cite><b>Betsey Nohe<\/b>,  CPIM VP Supply Chain, Morton Salt<\/cite><\/blockquote><label class=\"rslide\" for=\"slide2\">Go to next slide<\/label><\/figure><input type=\"radio\" name=\"slides\" id=\"slide2\" \/><figure tabindex=\"0\"><label class=\"lslide\" for=\"slide1\">Go to previous slide<\/label><blockquote><p>Dr. Chris delivered a powerful message on emotional agility and resilient leadership to our Executive Director Roundtable. Her Resilience Power Up framework gave leaders concrete tools to lead their teams with clarity, integrity and purpose during these uncertain times.<\/p>\n<cite><b>Emily Weber<\/b>, Senior Director of Programs &#038; Community Investment, Lake County Community Foundation<\/cite><\/blockquote><label class=\"rslide\" for=\"slide3\">Go to next slide<\/label><\/figure><input type=\"radio\" name=\"slides\" id=\"slide3\" \/><figure tabindex=\"0\"><label class=\"lslide\" for=\"slide2\">Go to previous slide<\/label><blockquote><p>Dr Chris\u2019 presentation, <i>Beyond Profits: How Conscious Engagement Transforms Business and Society<\/i> with a recent cohort of manufacturers was relevant, engaging, fact-based, and applicable. Everyone in the room stayed engaged with Dr. Chris from the first moment until the last. I appreciate her teaching the participants that they can really have it all&#8230; profit, engagement, and purpose<\/p>\n<cite><b>Melissa Basa<\/b>, Regional Manager, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center<\/cite><\/blockquote><label class=\"rslide\" for=\"slide4\">Go to next slide<\/label><\/figure><input type=\"radio\" name=\"slides\" id=\"slide4\" \/><figure tabindex=\"0\"><label class=\"lslide\" for=\"slide3\">Go to previous slide<\/label><blockquote><p>Chris&#8217; presentation on &#8220;Dealing with Life&#8217;s Uncertainty&#8221; at our Women&#8217;s Leadership Summit was excellent. Her tone, humor and engaging method made our business women feel they weren&#8217;t alone in facing tender concerns like loss, illness and family challenges. It\u2019s a tribute to Chris\u2019 presence, even in a large group.<\/p>\n<cite><b>Diane Middlebrooks<\/b>, Women&#8217;s Initiative Coordinator, Itasca Bank &#038; Trust<\/cite><\/blockquote><label class=\"rslide\" for=\"slide0\">Go to first slide<\/label><\/figure><\/div><\/section>\n\n<section class=\"about\"id=\"about\">\n<article>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More About Chris<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/us-ord-1.linodeobjects.com\/q-4\/CJ-board-room.jpg\" alt=\"Chris in the board room\" class=\"wp-image-69\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p><strong>Imagine leading and living with clarity, confidence, and calm<\/strong>\u2014your energy focused on what truly matters, your presence inspiring others to do the same.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>That&#8217;s what I help leaders do.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>I\u2019m <strong>Dr. Chris Johnson<\/strong>, <strong>and at heart, I\u2019m a <\/strong><em><strong>disruptor with purpose<\/strong><\/em>\u2014challenging outdated models of success and helping leaders redefine what power and performance really look like. My sweet spot is supporting professional women, executives, and teams to <strong>perform under pressure, make aligned decisions, and lead with grounded presence<\/strong>\u2014all by becoming more fully themselves.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CJ-with-cupped-hands-speaking-in-dojo.jpg\" alt=\"Chris in the board room\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p>As a <strong>speaker, leadership and business coach<\/strong>, I bring a rare combination of expertise and humanity. My background as a <strong>trauma psychologist<\/strong>, <strong>mindfulness educator<\/strong>, and <strong>aikidoka<\/strong> shapes everything I do. I\u2019m known for creating instant trust with audiences\u2014<strong>blending science, story, and humor<\/strong> to help people see themselves more clearly and lead more effectively.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Conference and event organizers describe my sessions as <\/strong><em><strong>\u201ctransformational yet practical\u201d<\/strong><\/em>\u2014experiences that challenge people to think differently, feel deeply, and walk away with real tools to use the next day.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CJ-and-BF-hiking-Mt-Etna-2024-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Chris in the board room\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p><strong>I\u2019m not afraid to surface the hard stuff<\/strong>\u2014the invisible patterns and stories that hold leaders back\u2014because that\u2019s where growth begins. My work helps people build an integrated life: where good decisions come from both body and mind, where purpose drives performance, and where leadership is felt, not forced..<\/p>\n\n<p>I hold a <strong>PsyD from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology<\/strong> and am certified as an <strong>Integral and Master Somatic Leadership Coach<\/strong>, drawing from ancient contemplative traditions and cutting-edge neuroscience to create practices that deliver measurable, lasting results.<\/p>\n\n<p>When I\u2019m not teaching or speaking, you\u2019ll find me <strong>gardening, reading, making art, or hiking<\/strong>\u2014all ways I practice what I teach: presence, connection, and joy in the moment.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Workshops &amp; Keynotes<br><\/h3>\n<section>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/us-ord-1.linodeobjects.com\/q-4\/snapshot_talk.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-197\"\/><\/figure>\n<div>\n\n<p>I partner with organizations to cultivate leaders who can think clearly under pressure, transform stress into capacity, and create real change through embodied practice\u2014not just theory.<\/p>\n\n<p>From 30-minute lunch-and-learns to full-day intensives to 10-month leadership journeys, every offering integrates mindful awareness and somatic intelligence. Leadership transformation doesn&#8217;t happen in your head alone\u2014it happens when your whole being aligns with what matters most.<\/p>\n\n<p>All programs are bespoke, tailored to your needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/us-ord-1.linodeobjects.com\/q-4\/snapshot_speaker.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Chris speaking\" class=\"wp-image-241\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Doing Power Differently\u2122 Workshops<\/h3>\n\n<p>An experiential learning lab for professional women who want to reclaim their energy, increase their impact, and lead without burning out.<\/p>\n\n<p>No quick fixes or manifesting tricks here. Instead, you&#8217;ll learn to tap into your body&#8217;s intelligence\u2014the nervous system wisdom most leadership training ignores\u2014to consciously cultivate your power in community.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"why\"id=\"book\">\n<div>\n<div>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Available Now<\/h4>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your future success depends upon your ability to pause.<\/h2>\n\n<p>We\u2019re all navigating new realities. <strong><em>The Leadership Pause&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong>is for anyone looking to deepen their impact on the lives around them, leave a profound mark on their organizations, and build a legacy of intentional focus, pragmatic ambition, grounded compassion, and empathy-in-action.<\/p>\n\n<p>In it, you\u2019ll find a step-by-step process to expand and amplify your influence as a conscious leader \u2013 mindful, embodied, generative \u2013 that will result in you skillfully navigating through the chaos and uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2023 National Indie Excellence Awards: Winner in Body\/Mind\/Spirit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2023 National Indie Excellence Awards: Finalist in Leadership<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"510\" height=\"607\" src=\"https:\/\/us-ord-1.linodeobjects.com\/q-4\/book.webp\" alt=\"The book\" class=\"wp-image-116\" style=\"object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Leadership-Pause-Attention-Presence-Navigate\/dp\/1956072047\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"926\" height=\"281\" data-id=\"124\" src=\"https:\/\/us-ord-1.linodeobjects.com\/q-4\/logo_amazon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-124\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barnesandnoble.com\/w\/the-leadership-pause-chris-l-johnson-psyd\/1140714213\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1804\" height=\"281\" data-id=\"127\" src=\"https:\/\/us-ord-1.linodeobjects.com\/q-4\/logo_bn.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-127\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booksamillion.com\/p\/Leadership-Pause\/Chris-L-Johnson\/9781956072044\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1049\" height=\"281\" data-id=\"126\" src=\"https:\/\/us-ord-1.linodeobjects.com\/q-4\/logo_bam.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-126\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-leadership-pause-sharpen-your-attention-deepen-your-presence-and-navigate-the-future-chris-l-johnson-psyd\/bb6f97b0788e1284?ean=9781956072044&amp;next=t\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"336\" height=\"62\" data-id=\"125\" src=\"https:\/\/us-ord-1.linodeobjects.com\/q-4\/logo_bookshop.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-125\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I\u2019m a speaker, psychologist, and leadership catalyst who helps professionals and executives upgrade their most powerful tool\u2014their own presence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":195,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/chris\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/chris\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/chris\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/chris\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/43"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/chris\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2"}],"version-history":[{"count":241,"href":"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/chris\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":414,"href":"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/chris\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions\/414"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/chris\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/q4-consulting.com\/chris\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}