Getting Referred - Whitney Johnson

Y’all. Referred is finally here.

When I first imagined this series, it wasn’t about producing “content.” It was about honoring connections — the kind that don’t fade with time, title, or circumstance. Referred was born out of mentorship, but it’s really about legacy. It’s a space where I reconnect with people I’ve mentored, collaborated with, or simply admired along the way — and together, we unpack the lessons that shaped us.

Life, of course, had other plans for my timeline. Between preparing for my Black Week panel (which landed right at the start of my birthday week) and sneaking away to Aruba afterward — each time I reached for my laptop, I somehow reached for a margarita instead. 🌴

And honestly? I needed that pause. Because what we’re stepping into now deserves to be launched with clarity, not chaos.

Why Referred Matters Right Now

We’re living through an unpredictable time — job markets in flux, industries tightening, and leaders quietly rethinking what stability even means. But one thing remains constant: the power of mentorship, storytelling, and representation.

I’ve spent my career helping people, brands, and institutions find their voice. But what happens when the people you once mentored become leaders themselves? What does it look like to “refer” them forward — not just in opportunity, but in spirit?

That’s the heartbeat of Referred.

Each conversation is an excavation of growth — not the polished kind, but the real kind. The kind that happens in between layoffs and leaps of faith, between burnout and breakthrough.

Episode 1: Whitney Johnson

I couldn’t imagine a more powerful person to start with than Whitney Johnson — brand strategist, creative powerhouse, and cultural architect. Whitney leads brand partnerships at Essence Ventures, the home of ESSENCE, AFROPUNK, and Girls United. She’s also the founder of The StoryHouse, her own creative agency dedicated to helping brands and communities tell stories that matter.

In this episode, we talk about the evolution of career and identity — about leaving the safe path, redefining success, and showing up fully in spaces that weren’t built for us.

There’s a moment where Whitney says something that stopped me in my tracks:

“Every environment isn’t set up for me to thrive.”

That line hits different in 2025. It’s not just about corporate America — it’s about the larger systems that determine who gets to be visible, who gets to lead, and who gets to rest.

And then, as if to tie it all together, she adds:

“One thing I’ve always kept in the back of my mind is this — I want people to know that Whitney Johnson took up space in this world.”

That’s the energy we all need right now.

A Season of Legacy

Referred is a love letter to the women I’ve worked with, learned from, and watched evolve. It’s about taking up space unapologetically — not because the world gives permission, but because we built the table ourselves.

This season will run through the end of the year, with stories from women who’ve navigated change with grace, courage, and humor.

Whitney’s story is first — and it’s a reminder that even when timelines shift, purpose doesn’t.

🎥 Watch Episode 1: Whitney Johnson — On Growth, Grit, and Taking Up Space