Today we’d like to introduce you to Pierre LaMar Johnson.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
The place that I’ve reached in life thus far is one that I’m most proud of–a place of peace. Every dream has not yet been realized and every idea has not evolved completely, however, recognizing that who I was becoming while I was waiting was just as important as what I was waiting for. Self-reflection, identifying the “why” behind my “what” so that the “what” and the “how” could become better, and having tough conversations with myself, has catapulted me not only to a place of peace in life, but the visible reality of so many of the opportunities that I dreamed about for years. Before I could navigate from what I call my “divine authenticity,” I had to realize that I was one tough conversation away from my next level of growth, and that this communication had to first be between me, myself, and I. As I took time to simplify my schedule, lower my need for the validation and celebration of others, I started focusing less on being liked, but instead began being a light. Before being an illuminating force for others, I had to deal with the “why” behind what made up my thoughts, anxiety-triggers, and past decisions. Realizing that I had become complacent was a major breakthrough. Instead of lowering my bar to accommodate people or ideas of success, I decided to stretch my self-perception to reach my bar.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
My success has absolutely not come easily. In fact, the journey has included divorce, devastating loss, embarrassment, loneliness, and health issues caused by stress. Although these challenges were at times unfathomable to overcome, if reaching this place of amazing dreams manifesting did not occur without difficulty, I think I would have needed to go back and get different dreams. While still hoping and dreaming, whenever I would focus on or remind myself of the struggles of my journey, I would have to quickly remind myself that I was becoming and had become so much better because I had failed, learned, and bounced back wiser. It was difficult not letting what went wrong have a seat at my rebuilding table, and I even set a rule to only allow myself to flip out for three minutes. With that, I was able to spend quality time giving more space and energy to what was right, instead of what went wrong. I had to forget all of the reasons life would not get better and believe the one reason that it would–my passion. I had to overcome lying to myself about my troubles, because the fake me would never be able to experience real success. It was so necessary that I spend a significant amount of time with myself, for myself. Deliberately placing myself in a season of obscurity not only brought peace and light, but the love for simplicity and the power of productivity while there.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I am a builder, specializing in group redevelopment, building teams, training and positioning leaders for exceptionalism, and teaching excellence in group communication practices. What sets me apart from the competition is that my expertise was not just learned from books and training, but from personal experience of triumph and redefining my own vision, purpose, and culture of my own way of operating. Growing up with a horrible speech impediment, shy, and being afraid not only to talk to groups of people, but even one-on-one, was challenging. Special assistants were assigned by my local board of education to come to my class to help me. It was so bad that I would hide in the corners. Now, without speech therapy, but with rebuilding confidence, self-perception, and identity, I’ve not only led multiple organizations and thriving businesses, but I actually get paid to speak to audiences all over the world. Who would have thought this would be my story? I surely did not. Principles that include practicing the pause so that a door for critical thinking and healthy processing was what I did to write my own story, and it is also what I teach students on all levels, religious organizations, teachers and professors, and business owners. What I did for my own personal and professional life was set my resolve that breaking down while hoping and fighting for my breakthrough, was way too expensive. I specialize in intentionally working while hoping.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
My best piece of advice for readers desiring to find success in life is about being intentional and understanding the power of your words and decisions. It is my belief that when people wake in the morning or find themselves in a season of life where they say, “I’m just going with the flow,” that they will end up flowing to an undesirable end, if anywhere at all. Success is not something that we stumble upon, but something that we intentionally work towards. As you work to accomplish those things that will set you up for your goals being met, understand that building takes time. Don’t despise the small drops, as the small results that come from being intentional will set you up for even greater. Your accomplishments–whether they resemble pebbles or mountains–are cause for celebration. Also, your words and decisions carry so much weight. You are a few words or one decision away from your next level of success. Instead of being tossed by every random wind that life blows, make the decision that you will jump in the proper winds that will carry you to your next. As you make that daily decision, let your words regarding your endeavors be positive words of hope, life, and productivity. As you work hard, take a moment to notice the sunrise from time-to-time. It’s coming up with you, for you. Let it hug you. Accept the warmth and comfort, then make your day and season count.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
To me, success means understanding my personal wiring, likes, dislikes, purpose, and desires, and letting peace be my umpire as I make moves and decisions. In sports, the umpire is responsible for bringing finality and ending disputes based upon a specific call. When we take time to ask ourselves such questions like “what do I like” or “what do I want,” we typically base our immediate or future decisions upon the respective answers. These answers point to what we are wired for, or to do. Our personality, talents, and tastes serve as the deciding factors. Success then, is letting peace be the confirming factor. Success is making decisions not based upon the ideas of life that have been defined by society or blood relatives, but based upon your own character and interests, and letting peace confirm that you are on the right track.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently finishing up an audio version of my book, “Crap Lingers When You Don’t Wipe,” while preparing to release a new book in August 2022. In addition to ongoing work with organizations to assist in restructuring and building teams, I’m looking forward to recurring scheduled radio and television appearances aimed at inspiring the hearts and mind of listeners and viewers. Most importantly, what’s next for me is practicing the pause, catching the waves, jumping in the necessary winds, and figuring out the next best self-work that will help me continue to be the best father for my son, Aidan.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
If people would like to connect and/or learn more about me, I can be found on social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter) as PierreLaMarJ or on my website, PierreLaMar.com. To learn more of my detailed story, life principles, advice, and journey, “Crap Lingers When You Don’t Wipe” is available on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.
Facebook: Facebook.com/PierreLaMarJ
Instagram: @PierreLaMarJ
YouTube: YouTube.com/PierreLaMarJ
Twitter: @PierreLaMarJj