Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Johnson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Our story really begins with termination—funny as that may sound.
It was post-COVID, and for the first time in a while, it felt like progress was being made in the world. But behind the scenes, I was running on fumes. At the job I was in, I was stretched thin, burned out, and completely overwhelmed. I was responsible for leading three departments and trying to keep everything successful… even though I barely felt like I knew what I was doing, let alone how to lead a team through constant pressure.
Then the plant announced a shutdown and mass layoff scheduled for December.
I was a wreck. And the hardest part? I was so deep in survival mode that I couldn’t even see how much I was falling apart.
That’s when I started working with a coach—and it changed everything. It gave me clarity, confidence, and a way forward. Ultimately, it was too little too late to save that job, and I became one of the early layoffs. But looking back, it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
Around that same time, my wife, Tish, was already doing this kind of work in Salt Lake City—supporting individuals and helping connect people to real opportunities. When we looked at Tooele, she immediately saw the gap: there weren’t resources here. There wasn’t support. There wasn’t a clear path for individuals with disabilities to access meaningful employment in the same way.
And that was the moment everything clicked.
My wife and I looked at the severance pay, and we read the note explaining how my acute disability impacted my ability to do my job. Between that experience and what Tish had already been seeing firsthand, we knew we wanted to create something bigger than a career change—we wanted to create impact.
So we built a plan, and we started coaching.
Today, our foundation is rooted in helping individuals with disabilities find long-term, meaningful employment and gain independence. We’ve seen firsthand what happens when people are given real support, real tools, and someone who truly believes in them. We’ve already made a meaningful impact—and we’re just getting started.
And while I’ve always known I wanted to be a coach and speaker, the truth is: Progression for Life wouldn’t exist without Tish. She helped identify the need, she brought the experience, and she helped shape the heart of what we do.
Now, we’re also stepping into the leadership coaching space, helping people grow into the kind of leaders who can navigate pressure, change, and uncertainty without losing themselves in the process.
This journey has been inspiring, eye-opening, and deeply personal—and we’re grateful every day that we chose to turn a hard ending into a powerful beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth road? Not even close.
One of the biggest challenges has been the lack of awareness among employers. Many businesses don’t realize they have access to an incredible talent pool—one that brings unique strengths, fresh perspectives, and real value. That means a big part of our work has been education: helping employers understand inclusive hiring isn’t charity, it’s smart business.
At the same time, we’ve been building this from the ground up. Becoming a Utah Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) required us to learn fast—sometimes in real time—while partnering closely with our local Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) office. We invested in training, took courses, and worked hard to strengthen our approach so we could support individuals in a way that was truly effective and community-centered.
Another major struggle has been funding and cash flow. Our operations have been funded primarily through VR contracts, and while that work is meaningful, it can make sustainability challenging. When funding is tied to contracts and timelines, you have to get really good at planning, adapting, and staying afloat while still delivering high-quality support.
The biggest lesson has been this: we’re in the business of building—and building takes time. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Every obstacle has sharpened our skills, strengthened our mission, and reinforced why this work matters.
As you know, we’re big fans of Progression For Life. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Progression for Life was built for people who are ready for real change—not surface-level motivation, but sustainable progress.
We specialize in empowerment through action, and our work lives at the intersection of inclusive employment, leadership development, and personal transformation. At our core, we help individuals—especially those with disabilities and diverse needs—gain meaningful, long-term employment and independence. At the same time, we work with employers and teams to build stronger workplaces through practical, inclusive strategies that improve retention, performance, and culture.
What sets us apart is that we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” support. We’re known for being human, direct, and deeply individualized. We meet people where they are, and we help them move forward with real tools, clear goals, and the confidence to keep going. We don’t just focus on getting someone hired—we focus on helping them thrive.
We’re also proud to be a business that is actively building something bigger than services. Our brand stands for resilience, independence, and forward momentum, especially for people who have been overlooked or underestimated. We believe employment can be life-changing when it’s aligned with a person’s strengths, dignity, and long-term success.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is this: Progression for Life is rooted in purpose and proof. We’ve taken lived experience, real-world challenges, and hard-earned lessons and turned them into a mission-driven organization that creates impact. We’re not here to “check a box.” We’re here to help people build lives they’re proud of—and help businesses realize inclusive hiring isn’t charity, it’s smart leadership.
What I want readers to know is simple:
Progression for Life exists to help people rise—personally, professionally, and powerfully. And we’re just getting started.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that real change starts with core beliefs—what we believe about ourselves, what we think we deserve, and what we’ve been conditioned to accept.
I’ve learned that people don’t shift because someone gives them a perfect speech. They shift when they experience consistency, safety, and someone who models what growth actually looks like. Influence isn’t just something you say—it’s what you do, what you embody, and what you make possible for others through your actions.
Sometimes the most impactful thing you can offer someone isn’t advice or a solution—it’s simply being present and saying, “I hear you, and I’m here for you.” That kind of support can be the beginning of everything changing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://progressionforlife.com/
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-johnson-progression-for-life and https://www.linkedin.com/in/leetice-la-tisha-clemans-4a899453/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/QoaU9ywXgQU
- Other: https://doitoutsidebook.com/
