Guest: Christine G. Johnson, CHRO, Baptist Health Care

Theme: Compassionate Leadership, Centering Through Chaos, and Building a Culture of Care

In this ABOVE CENTER® episode, Christine Johnson—Chief Human Resources Officer at Baptist Health Care—shares what it takes to lead with heart in one of the most high-stakes, high-stress industries: healthcare.

With a team of 40 and influence across the entire hospital system, Christine has anchored her leadership in empathy, clarity, and presence.

Her leadership philosophy is shaped by years of experience—and by the quiet power of watching her own mother lead with grace. For Christine, being Above Center® means showing up with intention, even when the day starts in chaos. From greeting her team with genuine energy to making space for difficult emotions, she models a form of leadership that is both kind and unshakably clear.

Key Takeaways from Christine’s Leadership Mindset

🔑Culture Starts with the Baptist Way: Christine leads through a cultural framework that puts people first—patients and staff alike. She believes in meeting individuals where they are, especially in their most difficult moments.🔑Living ABOVE CENTER® Is a Choice: Christine starts each day with intention—centering herself before she centers others. She reminds her team that no two days are the same and creates space for resetting and asking for support when needed.🔑Transparency in Tough Decisions: When facing hard choices, Christine leads with empathy and clarity. She emphasizes the importance of explaining the “why,” speaking genuinely, and painting a hopeful path forward for her team.🔑Reframing Negativity with Empathy: When team members are stuck or below center, Christine meets them with breathwork, one-on-one honesty, and reframing. She encourages naming the feeling, creating space for it, and then finding the energy to rise again.🔑Deep Connections Drive Results: Christine uses intentional rounding, personal check-ins, and team-building days to foster a strong culture. Her secret? Remembering names, celebrating wins, and being present—without always leading with her title.Her Grounding Quote: “Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, and drink in the wild air.”To Christine, it’s a reminder to embrace light, energy, and breath—even amidst chaos. She brings that same spirit into her leadership, helping her team find joy in the moment and clarity in the chaos.