S2 - June: "A Call to Public Service: A Leadership Journey" | Episode 33 - Our Guest: Marie C. Johns - CEO - PPC-Leftwich

Welcome to our focus and celebration of public service! I have tremendous fondness and appreciation for my time in public service and the invaluable lessons I learned about leadership, people, community, and giving back in a meaningful way!

Our theme for June-July: "A Call to Public Service: A Leadership Journey"

Today's guest is Marie C. Johns is CEO of PPC-Leftwich, a minority/woman-led firm with deep roots in Washington, D.C. She focuses on management consulting, business development, organizational effectiveness, and public policy consulting. She has been a leader in business, civic, and government service for more than 30 years. In 2009, Marie was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Following her Senate confirmation, she was responsible for management of the nearly $1 billion agency and development of SBA programs and policies, including leading the effort to implement the more than 60 provisions of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.

Marie is a member of the Greater Washington Business Hall of Fame and one of Washingtonian magazine’s “100 Most Powerful Women.” Marie is also a Howard University Board of Trustee member. In addition to being founding chair of the Washington DC Technology Council, she has served as a board member, president, or chair of the DC Chamber of Commerce, the Federal City Council, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the Economic Club of Washington, Leadership Greater Washington, and the International Women’s Forum of Washington, D.C.

Listen as Marie shares the value and importance of small businesses and being in service to others. You'll "lean in" for the captivating story of the phenomenal legacy of her paternal grandparents and the impact their determination and business savvy has had on her life. Tremendous life lessons for entrepreneurs and all professionals!