

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Deborah “Dr. DJ” Johnson-Blake.
Hi Dr. Deborah “Dr. DJ”, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Nearly 25 years ago, I was a very different individual. Life, with all its vibrant and chaotic brilliance, was a mystery to me. My days were filled with routine and monotony, but a persistent question arose amidst this: “What is my purpose?”
During this period, I discovered my true calling. My life’s mission is to serve others and be an effective servant leader, drawing on my life’s lessons and experiences. Reflecting on my purpose, I realized I had been a resource for many people in the most humble ways. Whether it was providing the correct spelling of a word or the address of a friend, people relied on me for information. This was in the early days of the Internet, yet the information I provided couldn’t be found online. The journey to discovering my purpose came through a simple divine message that transformed my perspective: to be a resource to others and serve. My acts of service, often unnoticed, range from small to significant tasks. I am driven by the desire to serve.
At that time, I worked as a waitress at Pizza Hut. An epiphany occurred as I observed the appreciative expressions of my customers, colleagues, and managers, and reflected on the people in my life who sought my assistance. A profound sense of purpose emerged, centered on compassion and service to others. Ironically, a few years ago, I participated in a personal development program called Woman University, hosted by Kathy Hood, Gift Coach and CEO of Marvelous Light Empowerment Association. This program confirmed my spiritual gifts: serving, compassion, and giving.
I realized that service to others is not just about actions but an underlying principle guiding my decisions, interactions, and life. Understanding my purpose was only the beginning; the real challenge was to become an effective servant leader, using my life’s lessons and experiences as a foundation for meaningful contributions.
This realization required me to rethink leadership. I adopted a new approach: walking alongside others rather than leading from the front. The concept was simple yet transformative: to lead by serving instead of serving to lead.
My purpose became my compass, constantly directing me toward giving, compassion, and service. It guided me to build deep relationships, enriching both my life and the lives of others. I reached out to people not as a distant figure of authority but as a fellow traveler, equally invested in their journey.
I have held this purpose in my heart for nearly 25 years. It has been my guiding light through life’s ups and downs. Yet, even after all this time, my purpose continues to evolve. Each day brings new lessons, experiences, and opportunities to refine my commitment to service. My purpose has taught me that to serve others effectively, I must remain a lifelong learner, always open to growth, change, and self-improvement.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of my previous challenges was overcoming the fear of public speaking, a hurdle that significantly impacted my leadership development and business success as a mid-level leader and entrepreneur. My confidence began to grow as I immersed myself in strategies for public speaking by attending workshops and working with coaches. The key to my progress was straightforward: speak more, even when fear looms large. I understood that I was the only one who knew my message, so it was imperative to take ownership of it. I refused to make excuses and kept communicating. One of my guiding principles became, “Keep calm and keep talking!”
I transformed into a more self-assured leader and speaker through personal and professional development. Many of your readers in leadership roles may resonate with this experience. By continuing to speak, I have significantly increased the visibility of my brand and business. This journey has led to opportunities ranging from leadership roles in local, regional, national, and international organizations to active involvement in chambers of commerce, higher education, and other groups. My perseverance and desire for growth have turned my fear of public speaking into a cornerstone of my success, enabling me to become a best-selling author, award-winning professor, business owner, and the 2021 American Business Woman of the American Business Women’s Association.
Today, my fear has made me a better servant leader, and I am both proud and humbled to serve.
We’ve been impressed with The Writing Pad, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others? Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know? What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
The Writing Pad, LLC is a professional writing, editing, training, consulting, and coaching services company dedicated to providing customized solutions to help clients achieve their goals. Our offerings include a wide range of services such as writing blog posts, articles, website copy, marketing materials, for those who wish to publish their work without the time or expertise to do so themselves. We also offer comprehensive editing services for all types of content, from LinkedIn updates and academic papers to business proposals, ensuring that our clients’ writing is clear, concise, and polished.
In addition to writing and editing, we provide corporate training workshops on various topics, including time management and leadership, which can be tailored to meet specific needs. Our consulting and coaching services, available in groups, are designed to enhance time efficiency and help organizations achieve their goals. We also specialize in community outreach and engagement consulting.
Our mission is to deliver excellent customer service and help our clients communicate effectively. We believe clear and concise writing is crucial for success in today’s world. We pride ourselves on our team of experienced and passionate writers, editors, trainers, and consultants who are committed to providing the highest quality service.
At The Writing Pad, LLC, we are most proud of our dedication to client satisfaction and personalized approach to meeting each client’s unique needs. Please contact us today if you require assistance with writing, editing, training, or community outreach and engagement. We look forward to discussing your specific requirements and developing a customized solution tailored to your needs.
What sets us apart from others?
What sets The Writing Pad, LLC apart from others is our comprehensive and customized approach to professional writing, editing, training, consulting, and coaching services. Unlike many other companies, we offer a broad spectrum of services that cater to the specific needs of our clients, from crafting engaging content and providing meticulous editing to delivering tailored corporate training workshops and personalized consulting and coaching sessions. Our commitment to excellence and personalized service ensures that each client receives solutions that are uniquely designed to help them achieve their goals. Additionally, our team of experienced and passionate professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality service, making us a trusted partner for effective communication and organizational success.
What are you most proud brand wise?
What I am most proud of at The Writing Pad, LLC is our unwavering commitment to helping others become their best selves. Our weekly time management tips, workshops, and books exemplify this mission, significantly impacting our clients’ personal and professional lives. Our weekly tips provide practical, actionable advice that helps individuals streamline their routines, increase productivity, and achieve a better work-life balance. Our workshops are designed to equip participants with essential skills and strategies for effective time management, leadership, and various other critical areas, all tailored to meet their needs and challenges.
Additionally, our books serve as valuable resources, offering in-depth guidance and insights that empower readers to control their time and enhance their overall efficiency. We address immediate challenges and foster long-term growth and development by providing these comprehensive tools and resources. Our clients consistently report increased confidence, improved performance, and a greater sense of accomplishment due to our support.
At The Writing Pad, LLC, we take great pride in being catalysts for positive change, helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. Our dedication to this mission sets us apart and reinforces our reputation as trusted personal and professional development partners.
The Writing Pad, LLC is a professional writing, editing, training, consulting, and coaching services company dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals through customized solutions. Our brand stands out for its comprehensive range of services designed to meet the unique needs of each client, all delivered with a commitment to excellence and personalized service.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
1. Writing Services:
– Content Creation: We produce a variety of content, including blog posts, articles, website copy, and marketing materials, tailored to your specific needs and audience.
2. Editing Services:
– Comprehensive Editing: Our editing services cover all types of content, from LinkedIn updates and academic papers to business proposals. We enhance grammar, punctuation, and style, ensuring clarity and conciseness in your writing.
3. Training Workshops:
– Corporate Training: We offer several workshops on various topics, including time management and leadership. These workshops can be customized to address the specific needs of your organization, providing practical strategies and skills.
4. Consulting and Coaching:
– One-on-One and Group Coaching: Our consulting and coaching services help you improve time efficiency and achieve your organizational goals. We also specialize in community outreach and engagement consulting, offering insights and strategies to enhance your impact.
5. Weekly Time Management Tips:
– Practical Advice: We provide weekly tips with actionable and practical advice to help individuals streamline their routines, increase productivity, and achieve a better work-life balance.
6. Books:
– In-Depth Guidance: My books offer valuable insights and strategies for effective time management and personal growth, empowering readers to take control of their time and enhance their efficiency.
At The Writing Pad, LLC, our mission is to deliver excellent customer service and help our clients communicate effectively. We believe that clear and concise writing is essential for success in today’s world, and we are committed to supporting our clients in achieving their personal and professional goals. Our experienced and passionate team of writers, editors, trainers, and consultants is dedicated to providing the highest quality service, ensuring that each client receives personalized solutions that meet their specific needs.
We take great pride in our ability to help others become their best selves through our time management tips, workshops, and books. This commitment to personal and professional development is at the heart of our brand, setting us apart as a trusted partner in helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. If you need help with writing, editing, training, or community outreach and engagement, please contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and develop a customized solution tailored to your needs.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
What might surprise most people who know me or are familiar with my work and brand is that I used to be a private investigator. This intriguing aspect of my past stems from my lifelong fascination with detective stories and mystery-solving. Growing up, I was an avid fan of shows like “Murder, She Wrote” and other detective series, which ignited a passion for uncovering the truth and solving complex puzzles. This passion eventually led me to pursue a career in private investigation.
As a private investigator, I honed my research, analysis, and keen observation skills—skills that have contributed significantly to my current role at The Writing Pad, LLC. The investigative work required attention to detail, persistence, and the ability to see beyond the surface, all invaluable writing, editing, consulting, and coaching qualities. My background in private investigation has provided me with a unique perspective and a set of tools that I utilize in helping clients achieve their goals.
Whether meticulously editing a business proposal, crafting compelling content, or providing insightful consulting and coaching, my investigative experience allows me to approach challenges with a thorough and analytical mindset. It has also instilled in me a deep appreciation for clear and effective communication and the importance of integrity and discretion.
This unexpected facet of my professional journey not only adds depth to my expertise but also underscores my commitment to excellence and the lengths I go to ensure the success of my clients. It is a testament to my diverse skill set and my ability to adapt and apply my experiences to serve others in the most effective way possible.
This unique background benefits The Writing Pad, LLC, enabling me to offer a distinctive approach to problem-solving and client service. My journey from private investigator to professional writer, editor, trainer, and consultant illustrates my dedication to continuous learning and growth, qualities I strive to impart to those I work with. This surprising aspect of my past enriches the narrative of my brand, adding an element of intrigue and demonstrating the breadth of experience that I bring to every project.
Pricing:
- $995 30-Day Coaching
- $450 Hourly workshops
- $250 Hourly Contracted Consulting
- $100 BIOs
- $20 Autographed Books
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deborahjohnsonblake.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djohnsonblake
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetimemanagementdiva
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djohnsonblake
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/djohnsonblake
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2CW5Arf5V9Tx4tj9nm1NAw
- Other: www.MeetDrDJ.com
Image Credits
Image Credits Deodrick Jackson, Precise Pix Photography & Videography, www.precisepix.net, deodrickjackson@yahoo.com