Meet the ceo of Joyous Leader

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 Ligondé, an award-winning principal, educational strategist, and transformational coach with over two decades of experience, was born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, until the age of nine. After migrating to Brooklyn, NY, Johane pursued her childhood dream of becoming a teacher and middle school principal. She firmly believes that joy is the birthright of every human being. She has spent over two decades helping young people, teachers, and leaders create joyous spaces in their lives that nurture the heart as well as the brain to accomplish the highest levels of success. She believes that internal change is the impetus to systemic change. Founder of the Joyous Leader International, Johane empowers thousands of people from all over the world through her audio, video, personal development 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 success in your personal and professional life. In addition to her formal education as a school principal with a Masters in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, she received coaching training from John Maxwell, Tony Robbins, and Lisa Nichols. She has presented to members of Congress on practical life skills and mindfulness tools to effectively combat trauma and stress in schools.  

Johane is a results-oriented leader who has extensive training and advising women in senior leadership. From self-development to organizational culture, Johane has a demonstrated track record of building trust and empowering conscious leaders to create sustainable joy, for personal and organizational success. Johane currently serves as the Founder and Principal Consultant for Joyous Leader International. In this position, she supports organizational culture, strategic planning, and strategy execution by aligning processes, policies, and procedures to vision and mission. She has authored a #1 Amazon International Best Seller, hosts a podcast, leads online courses, coaches, trains, and teaches master classes, all to support the creation of joyous spaces in each and every person's life. Prior to this role, she served in the education space as an Adjunct Instructor at Columbia University and as a school principal at several campuses across New York. She also has been active on the speaker circuit with highlights including serving as a panelist at the 84th Annual NAACP New York State Conference and presenting at the Global Mental Health Summit and the National School Boards Association Annual Conference.

In addition to her professional experiences, she holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Columbia University, a Master's degree in English Education from Union College, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the State University of New York. Additionally, she holds a number of certifications including the Principal Certification, Secondary English, Leadership Coach Certification from John Maxwell & Robbins Madanes, and Breathwork & Mindfulness Certification. Johane prides herself on being actively involved in the community and has earned awards including the New York State PTA Lifetime Award, the Mind, Body, Soul Queens Community Award, and the Breathing Life into Education International Association of Human Values Award. She is also a valued member of many professional organizations, including the Freeport Black Educators Association, the NAESP Professional Learning Council, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Committed to community empowerment, Johane actively serves on multiple organizational boards, including her role as a member of the SKY Schools Program Advisory Board, her local NAACP chapter, and the Board of Directors for Haitian American United for Progress (HAUP).

 Above all else, Johane shares the message, "Your joy matters. Your well-being matters." Her brilliance lies in teaching how self-management, joy, and excellence can ensure you lead a conscious life, business, or organization.

Johane was honored to participate in the 84th Annual NAACP New York State Conference