Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford

039 | The Anatomy of Connection: Leading Through Trauma and Change w/ Lenora Johnson

Grief, anxiety, and unspoken transitions often sit quietly in the background, shaping how we live, work, and connect. These forces don’t only impact individuals—they ripple through teams, communities, and the systems we rely on every day. What does it take to recognize and address these hidden dynamics in a way that fosters true connection and change?
In this episode, Lenora Johnson brings nearly two decades of experience to unpack how human-centered care intersects with systemic challenges. From her perspective as a licensed clinical social worker, she explores what it means to notice the quiet moments that carry the greatest weight, and how those moments influence everything from personal growth to organizational well-being.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
Why small, often-overlooked experiences can have profound impacts on mental health.
The role of care and connection in building supportive environments.
Practical steps for addressing the unspoken challenges that affect individuals and systems alike.
This episode goes beyond leadership to examine how we navigate change, foster care, and build spaces that honor the complexities of the human experience.
Next Steps: 
Read Lenora's Story: media.feliciafordandco.com/powermoves
Get Resources: www.feliciafordandco.com/resources  
Connect with Felicia: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe 
 
 

038 | unDEfeated: When Purpose Has No Borders with Desange Kuenihira

The weight of constant struggles can feel suffocating. So many of us are constantly up against systems designed to keep us down. But what if the challenges you face could become the very reason you create change—both for yourself and others?
Desange Kuenihira is proof that even the toughest circumstances can ignite a movement. Her journey from a young girl in Uganda who was once labeled "meaningless" to the founder of Undefeated shows the power of resilience. Now, through Undefeated, she is helping single mothers and young people transform their futures by providing them with tools to break free from poverty and build sustainable livelihoods.
In this episode, Desange shares:
The pivotal moment that led her to challenge societal expectations.
How Undefeated goes beyond business training to shift mindsets.
Why her innovative partnerships are expanding the definition of "giving back."
Desange’s story isn’t just one of survival—it’s about creating possibilities where none existed. Tune in to hear how her mission is shaping the next generation of changemakers, and how you can be part of this movement.
Next Steps:
Read Desange's story: https://bit.ly/goldenhour2024 
Join us Fireside: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/events 
Connect with Felicia: https://threads.net/@friendscallmefe 
 

037 | Why Your Collaborations Fail - And What to Do Instead

Hey Change Maker,
What if the right partnerships could take your vision further? Too often, leaders pour time and energy into collaborations that go nowhere—misaligned efforts that drain resources and stall progress.
In Episode 37, the final installation of Design 2025: Lead | Build | Thrive, we’re breaking down what it really takes to make collaboration work. This episode shares what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it work for you.
You’ll hear:
The critical questions to ask before saying “yes” to any partnership.
How to structure collaborations that create momentum and avoid burnout.
Real examples of relationships that transformed missions—and the lessons behind them.
📅 Don’t miss the Fireside Chat next Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 2 PM EST, where we’ll take these insights further, answer your questions, and tackle the unique challenges you’re facing. Register now.
This episode is your guide to building partnerships that amplify your impact—with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
Next Steps:Register for the FREE Fireside Chat: media.feliciafordandco.com/events
Don’t Miss Golden Hour: bit.ly/goldenhourwaitlist
Connect with Felicia on Threads: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe

036 | Find Your Rhythm: How to Prioritize When Everything Feels Urgent

Hey Change Maker,
Does it ever feel like your day is running you? Back-to-back meetings, overflowing task lists, and endless demands make it hard to figure out what actually needs your attention.
In Episode 36 of Design 2025: Lead | Build | Thrive, we’re tackling a challenge every leader faces: how to prioritize when everything feels urgent.
This episode isn’t about creating a long-term plan or trying to “do it all.” It’s about the deliberate, immediate steps you can take to move forward today—even when your schedule feels overwhelming.
You’ll hear:
Why every task might feel like a fire drill—and how to stop spinning your wheels.
How to decide what matters most when your list is endless and time is tight.
Practical examples of how leaders have navigated similar challenges without burning out.
📅 Don’t miss the Fireside Chat this Thursday at 2 PM EST, where we’ll take these ideas even further and answer your real-time questions. Register now.
This episode is your guide to reclaiming control over your day—without adding more to your plate.
Next Steps: Register for the FREE Fireside Chat: media.feliciafordandco.com/events
Don't Miss Golden Hour: bit.ly/goldenhourwaitlist 
Connect with Felicia on Threads: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe

035 | Beyond Vision Boards: Master Goal-Setting for 2025 - M.T.O. and F.A.S.T

Hi Change Maker, 
When the stakes are high, and you're ready to make real moves, traditional goal-setting won't cut it. You might have ambitious plans, maybe even a vision board gathering dust in the corner—but are you set up for the kind of growth that actually inspires you and helps you see progress in your work?
SMART Goals may not be the framework you need with a fast-paced work environment and in the midst of crisis.
In this episode, you learn about MTO and FAST goals, two frameworks designed to drive you forward with purpose and momentum, not just talk.
Structured to bring measurable results, aligning with your big-picture vision, these frameworks help you consider what to do next and how to realign your work so you're equipped with small wins in your big work.
Join me in this episode of Design 2025, where I’ll guide you through the strategy of goal-setting built for the modern Change Maker, and set you on a path to thrive in the new year and beyond. 
 
Next Steps: 
Join the Waitlist for Golden Hour: https://bit.ly/goldenhourwaitlist
Join the Free Design 2025 Fireside Chat: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/events
Submit for the Momentum Icon™ Grant: https://momentumicon.com 
Get free resources: www.feliciafordandco.com/resources
What MTO or F.A.S.T. Goal will you set today?
 
 

034 | Stop Wasting Time: Get Clear on What's Keeping You Stuck

Hi Friends, 
Feeling stuck in the urgency trap, constantly reacting but never making real progress? If your days are filled with meetings and tasks that barely show the results you're expecting, it’s a sign: you need operational clarity. Imagine how much smoother things could be if you had systems that worked for you, not against you.
In this episode, you'll learn how to identify the gaps and inefficiencies that are draining your resources and energy.
You receive a simple approach to streamline your operations and keep your organization mission-focused. Plus, don’t miss the announcement of the Momentum Icon™ Grant, created to give change makers like you the strategic support you deserve.
Get clear, intentional, and ready for a win. 
 
Next Steps: 
Try Typeform: https://bit.ly/typeformwithfelicia
Register for the free Design 2025 Workshop: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/events
Join the Felicia Ford & Co.® Launch Team: https://bit.ly/launchteam2024 
Apply for the Momentum Icon™ Grant: https://bit.ly/momentumicon
 
 

033 | Permission to Dream Bigger – Expanding Your Vision for What’s Possible

Change Maker, 
Have you ever felt like there’s more you could achieve, but something keeps holding you back? It’s that tug between where you are and where you know you could be—if only you gave yourself the space to imagine it.
But ambition sometimes feels heavy, like an indulgence you can’t afford, and the routine of good work can make it easy to forget that growth is still possible.
It’s okay if you’ve paused.
Every great leader does at some point.
What matters is recognizing the moment when it’s time to move again—and that moment is now. Because when you grow, your mission does too. 
In this episode, we explore how to expand your vision, embrace personal growth, and create room for what’s next.
 
Next Steps: 
Sponsor or Advertise with Us: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/sponsor 
Get on the Golden Hour Waitlist: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/powermoves
Join the Launch Team: https://bit.ly/launchteaminterest

032 | Podcast Your Way to Business Growth with Stefanie Gass

So many entrepreneurs are hearing that podcasting is the next step, but the question remains—will it really create growth, or will it just pile onto an already packed schedule? In today’s episode, I sit down with Stefanie Gass—Christian business and podcast coach, boundary boss, and seven-figure CEO.
Stefanie's podcast, Online Business for Christian Women, ranks among the top 20 business podcasts globally. She’s helped thousands of women turn meaningful conversations into consistent income streams—without sacrificing their priorities.
We’ll dig into how podcasting can create sustainable growth, offering a way to amplify your voice and connect with the right audience without spreading yourself thin. Whether you’ve thought about launching your own podcast or simply guesting on others, Stefanie shares actionable strategies that make podcasting an efficient tool—not an overwhelming task.
This episode will show you how just one recorded conversation can become the key to opportunities, visibility, and long-term business growth.
Next Steps:
Join the Golden Hour Waitlist: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/powermoves 
Connect with Felicia on Threads: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe 
Connect with Stefanie: www.stefaniegass.com 

031| The Success Mindset: How to Stay Ready for Every Opportunity

Hey Change Maker, 
 
Have you ever felt like success is just within reach, yet you’re not quite sure how to embrace it when it arrives? In this solo episode, I explore what it truly means to be ready for the opportunities you’ve been working toward—and prayed for.
It’s not about grinding harder; it's about celebrating your wins, being mentally prepared for the journey ahead, and knowing how to steward your blessings. I’ll share personal stories from my journey—from a two-stoplight town to international stages—and the lessons I’ve learned about building tables for others and knowing when some opportunities aren’t meant for everyone.
Tune in as I offer five practical ways to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the success you’ve earned. Let’s make sure you’re ready to answer when opportunity knocks.
Next Steps: Join the Golden Hour Waitlist at media.feliciafordandco.com/powermoves 
 

030 | When You're the Only One: How to Lead a Nonprofit with Tanya Barnes, Beulah's Safe Haven

Change Maker,
Have you been leading a nonprofit with a small team and wondering when your dream team is going to join you? Have you ever felt alone in your mission to create change?
Are you ready to discover how one woman's unwavering faith and boundless love can transform an entire community?
Meet Tanya Barnes, the executive director of Beulah's Safe Haven, who didn't just dream of making a difference—she moved out of her own home to make it happen. Tanya's story will show you the power of building a thriving community and how she's leading and inspiring the next generation. 
 
Next Steps: 
Connect with Tanya Barnes, Executive Director, Beulah's Safe Haven: www.beulahshaven.com
Donate to Beulah's Safe Haven: https://beulahssafehaven.givingfuel.com/beulahs-safe-haven
Connect with Felicia on Threads: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe 
Share this episode with other Change Makers!