S4E7 - Tracy Tighe Johnston Leads with Empower

Tracy Tighe Johnston Leads with Empower Tracy is the Founder and Executive Director of Tighed Together - a non-profit that facilitates restorative and recreational outings for families experiencing trauma caused by a medical diagnosis, a tragedy, a loss, a chronic condition, or a disability. Tighed Together guides the families they serve from trauma and despair, through change, toward healing and rebuilding so that all members can have hope for a brighter future. "Stay strong, keep showing up, and when you need it, lean into those who love you." 00:32: Episode Intro and Roll Call - "Leadership and healing is about connecting to people" An out-of-the-blue phone call that I am so grateful to have picked up! I received a call from Tracy on a sunny afternoon back in March of 2020. Tracy called to re-connect and to introduce me to a non-profit she had just launched, Tighed Together. Tracy and I had met about 6 or 7 years prior as part of a new teacher team building adventure I was running for the school district she worked with. During our March 2020 call, Tracy asked if Empower would be interested in partnering with TIghed Together by offering adventure experiences for the families they would serve. Saying "YES" was a no-brainer, as Tracy's positivity, energy, and unrelenting drive to help others was in perfect alignment Empower's mission. It is with great honor that I introduce Tracy Tighe Johnson Leads with Empower - we hope you enjoy, and are inspired by, our conversation! 07:30: Tighed Together - Leadership in Action Tracy introduces Tighed Together: a non-profit that provides recreational and restorative outings for families experiencing trauma Tracy shares her and her family's experiences from advanced stage cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery and the founding Tighed Together. Additionally, Tracy credits her exceptional experience with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as an inspiration to "find treasure where there is ruin" Tracy shares a 2-year update about Tighed Together's offerings and services, as well as her long term vision as a "treasure hunter" 30:14: Leadership Journey - "See the Good, be the good, make the good happen" Tracy is an advocate for those in need; crediting her father for her drive to fight for the underdog We learn about Tracy's experiences as an Educator, Assistant Principal, and Special Education Director and how those experiences have helped her grow Tighed Together Tracy also shares an inspirational story about making good happen from challenge, "Buddy Activities", and the lasting impact of positive community leadership 44:07: Finish the Drill and Episode Closure - We close out our conversation learning about (1) Tracy's favorite "Smash Room" weaponry and object of destruction, (2) her family's favorite adventure activities, (3) the advice current Tracy would give to "pre-Tighed Together" Tracy, (4) what currently motivates Tracy, and (5) Tracy's words of inspiration for those experiencing trauma. Learn more about Tighed Together: Visit the Tighed Together website to learn about their services and donate Follow Tighed Together on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co