Catriese Johnson is a speaker, author, thought leader, businesswoman, foster care advocate, and positivity powerhouse. Her book, I Am the One I’m Waiting For, tells the poignant story of her early life spent in foster care homes. It wasn’t until she was 16 years old that she realized her biological mother's promise to return for her would never come true. The waiting was over. Catriese decided she was the one she was waiting for. You would think this realization would result in the claim that she is a self-made success. Catriese declares there is no such thing as a self-made person - we all have need of others. She describes the teachers in her life as as heroes. She had more than a few adults who helped her develop clarity and confidence in her mission and purpose. The there are always the naysayers who speak negative words into your life. It was one such broker in the real estate industry who declared she didn’t have the capability of being an excellent realtor. She used those words intended to break her for breakthrough and in 2021 was recognized as Realtor of the year in her area. She comments, "success in real estate is not about how much money you make and how many deals you close. It’s about how many lives you impact".

Catriese speaks with wisdom learned in hard places about leaning into discomfort. Uncomfortable places lead to new spaces, according to Catriese. She admonishes listeners to embrace the valley moments. All of us have to visit the valley and it’s in the valley we learn how to reign on the mountain tops. Pain is part of the process of growth and none of us can escape going through it. Resilience is about continuing to believe for the best and press in to lay hold of the beauty of your calling. Catriese is walking it out. You can learn more at Catrieselive.com. You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CatrieseLive.