Meet Johane of Joyous Leader
Johane Ligondé | Author, Self-Mastery Coach, Executive Strategist, Speaker, Trainer
Learn Her Story
"For what will you be remembered?" is a question that echoed in my soul when I sat in my car in the FedEx parking lot alone and immobile with an ear-splitting headache and numbness in my left side, blurred vision, and a brief loss of consciousness. I remember opening my eyes and looking at the bright blue sky, the white snow on top of my windshield, and I knew something was gravely wrong.
A few minutes later, I found myself in the local hospital emergency room, holding my head in my hands, crying uncontrollably, and desperately trying to use the breathing techniques that I had taught to so many people over the years to center themselves. Unfortunately, with each breath I took, my cries turned into sobs. I was consumed with feelings of guilt, shame, and helplessness.
"I am better than this," I said to myself.
I prided myself on having an impeccable appearance because it symbolized my attention to detail and my commitment to always being prepared. When you saw me, you felt my passion for life and felt energized by it. However, internally, I felt alone, tired, and stressed. I was sad and stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction.
On that day, my mascara painted black streaks on my face, and I knew that I had to recommit to my own self-care. My body demonstrated stroke-like symptoms because of undue stress. It was hard for me to accept that I had become part of the 78% of Americans who reported feeling physical ailments due to stress. After all, I taught meditation and mindfulness, but I did not create the space for my own personal practice. What I did not take into account was the importance of all sources of energy, such as sleep, healthy foods, and exercise, and the need for consistency with my self-care routine. Yes, I was successful and led an envious external life, but internally I was missing me – my joy. Have you ever felt lost? Have you felt that your accolades, financial success, and recognitions are just not enough? I understand that completely because that was me!
With the guidance of my mentors and coaches, I reconnected with myself and committed to helping other leaders to do just that using the Sacred Seven Daily Practice program that I have created!
So, I am here today to tell you that your joy matters; your well-being matters. You do not have to hit rock bottom to place yourself on your priority list.
Johane’s Biography
Johane Ligondé is an internationally renowned author, speaker, and trainer in the fields of self-development, organizational culture, and spiritual growth. Her first book, 40 Day Joyous Challenge (2020), is a #1 Amazon International Best Seller. Johane is the founder of Joyous Leader International and an award-winning principal, educational strategist, author, yoga and meditation teacher, and executive coach. She has spent nearly two decades helping young people, teachers, and leaders create joyous spaces in their lives. Spaces that nurture the heart as well as the brain to accomplish the highest levels of success. She believes that internal change is the impetus for systemic change. Johane empowers thousands of people from all over the world through her audio, video, personal development, book, and leadership training programs.
A woman with a calling to integrate compassion and joy in our daily lives, Johane embodies a clear message that wellness of mind, body, and soul will create greater self-satisfaction and move organizations to greatness. Whether you are at the top of your game or you are experiencing distress, Johane’s proven strategies will compel you to achieve greater joy, peace, and radical success in your personal and professional life.
During Johane’s tenure as an educational leader, schools have been recognized for their academic excellence and positive school culture, receiving various nominations and awards, such as the National Blue Ribbon of Excellence Award and the Invitational School Award. She has trained hundreds of aspiring leaders in curriculum and supervision as an adjunct instructor in the Summer Principal Academy at Teachers College, Columbia University. She presented to members of Congress on practical life skills and mindfulness tools to effectively combat trauma and stress suffered by students. Johane speaks at conferences, such as the New York NAACP Convention, the New York State School Board Association, the International Alliance for Invitational Education, the Nassau County Special Education Association, and others. She is a member of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Association of Middle Level Education, and the National Association of Professional Women. She conducts training workshops for school administrators, not for profit leaders, and business owners on long term planning, data analysis, social-emotional wellness, mindfulness practices, and organizational culture.
Johane received a B.A. in English from the State University of New York at Albany, a Master in the Arts of Teaching (M.A.T.) in English Education from Union College, and an Ed.M degree in Educational Leadership from the Summer Principals Academy, Teachers College, Columbia University.
In addition to her formal education as an educational leader, Johane has received coaching training from John Maxwell, Tony Robbins, and Lisa Nichols. She is a certified yoga, reiki, and meditation teacher.
You Matter
My vision is to empower one million leaders to know the power, value, and impact of their own joy! Are you one of those leaders? You work so hard and deserve to live a JOYOUS life while you are achieving professional and financial success. JOY is possible with a refocus on our internal wellness. We have to care for our physical bodies, our emotional and mental health, and our intellectual and spiritual growth. When we ignore our own well-being, we are unable to be the best that we can be.
If you are looking for some inspiration to get you into action, contact me.