Built for Impact: Kevin Johnson on Legacy, Launchpads, and Leadership | STRATA Originals

From the Streets to the C-Suite, Kevin Johnson, CEO of WPP Media Group, joins Leanne to unpack what it really takes to lead with bold inclusive leadership. In this episode, Kevin shares the personal story behind his leadership: how one teacher nearly broke him and another lit the fire that never went out. That fire led him to the C-Suite and to Launchpad, an internal WPP program that trains people from non-traditional backgrounds: single moms, crane operators, Uber drivers with PhDs and gives them opportunity to get hired. This isn’t theory. It’s lived experience. It’s legacy. It’s what happens when leadership stops gatekeeping and starts building real onramps. If you’re building anything that matters or trying to figure out how to lead with impact, this one’s for you! In this episode, we explore: ➡️ The power of safe spaces and storytelling that hits deep ➡️ From crane operator to team member - "Started from the bottom..." ➡️ How diverse lived experience fuels real innovation ➡️ Why we need more diversity at the top ➡️ AI as a creative ally - not a threat ➡️ Faster insights, better briefs, smarter work ➡️ Supporting Canadian media in a changing landscape ➡️ Advice Kevin wishes he heard at 18 Connect with Kevin Johnson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-johnson-8604423/