This week’s theme: The Power of Connection.In a world obsessed with metrics and KPIs, we often forget the invisible engine that actually drives high performance: human connection.In this episode of Fixing Your Crown, Boo!, JD sits down with Julian Thomas, a leader whose career spans from high-pressure sales entrepreneurship to impactful non-profit management. Julian challenges the old adage that "people leave managers." Instead, he flips the script to reveal a powerful truth: People stay for (and follow) great leaders.Together, we explore how relational equity isn't just a "soft skill" but the safety net that keeps teams from crumbling under pressure. Whether you are a founder, a director, or an emerging leader, this conversation will change how you view retention, feedback, and your own career growth.In this episode, we discuss:The 3 Levers of Motivation: Julian breaks down the three things every employee needs to stay—Pay, Relationships, or Education.The Retention Reality: Why top talent will follow a trusted leader from company to company, and how to become that leader.Managing Up: Practical strategies for leading from behind and aligning with your manager’s vision without losing your own.Perception vs. Intention: A critical look at why "Perception is Reality" rules the workplace, while "Intention is Reality" must rule the home.The "Brag Board": How to protect your career during layoffs by maintaining an ongoing list of your wins, independent of your current manager.About the Guest:Julian Thomas is an Ivy League graduate (Dartmouth College) with an MBA and a diverse leadership background. He founded and managed a successful sales company for five years before transitioning into management consulting at Propeller. Currently, he serves as a leader in the non-profit sector at Ride Connection, managing Medicaid transportation programs for vulnerable populations in Portland. Julian is passionate about servant leadership, emotional intelligence, and building equitable communities.Connect with JD Johnson:Website: https://jsquaredelevateconsulting.holm.site/homeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsquared_elevate_consulting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaydejohnson/Quote of the Day:"You cannot withdraw from a bank account you haven't deposited into. Leadership is a relationship business. If you get the relationships right, the metrics follow.