Minnesota's First Woman Lieutenant Governor | Marlene Johnson on Leadership, Courage & Legacy

Marlene Johnson was Minnesota's first woman lieutenant governor, a founder of NAWBO, and a leader who believes the only time you can't move forward is when you stop listening. In this conversation, she shares what it really means to be the first—and why that responsibility is ultimately about creating opportunities for others.Drawing from her new memoir, Rise to the Challenge, Marlene reflects on a lifetime of leadership across public service, business, and international education. Together, she and Chanda Smith Baker explore mentorship, courage, intuition, the importance of quiet reflection, and why some of the most meaningful leadership happens when no one is watching.This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn't defined by a title—it's defined by how we show up for others. Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda