Mecca Johnson is an incredible and heartfelt speaker, trainer, and founder of the professional development consulting company My Joy Speaks. Her long and very successful career in early childhood education with Primrose Schools plus corporate experience led her to develop The Five Guardians of Life, which she shares in this week’s episode. Mecca and Kris also talk about finding gratitude in times of stress, why a healthy body matters to a positive mindset, and a few of their favorite resources for sharpening your leadership skills.   Key Takeaways: [13:50] Mecca found her calling working with kids and, while doing so, recognized a strong need for leadership. Her passion for both education and leadership led her to develop training for educators and directors. [14:05] Mecca discusses the professional and personal gains she got from working with Primrose Schools for 19 years and from her mentor Dr. Mary Zurn. [18:03] Kris and Mecca are both Maxwell Certified, and that also had a big impact on both their leadership today. [18:33] Mecca’s mother is the wittiest and sharpest 97-year-old you will meet. Taking care of her has been a blessing for Mecca, showing her true compassion and patience. Although this pandemic has provided major setbacks for just about everyone, spending more time with her mother has been a blessing. [22:27] Respect the cook at your school! Take it from Mecca, who will be fine if she never cooks scrambled eggs for 400 kids at a time again. [26:38] We need to have just as much respect and dedication to customer service for the teachers as we ask them to have for the parents. [30:47] Tough love doesn’t always mean doing exactly what the people around us want. It means doing what will be best for them in the long run. [33:28] These are the Five Guardians of Life that Mecca developed from her extensive experience of developing and training top directors. Guard Your Mind First. Protect Your Mouth. Protect Your Heart. Choose Gratitude. Guard Your Spirit. [48:05] We can almost always find something to be grateful for. Mecca and Kris share the joy that comes from developing a consistent practice of writing in a gratitude journal. [50:14] Focus on hope.   Quotes: “I think I was born with teaching in the blood. I think that’s where I’m happiest and most fulfilled.” — M “When something unusual happens, it brings out the creativity in us.” — M “We either encourage or discourage either other with every word we speak.” — M “You can’t be offended and do everything you’re meant to do.” — M “In every circumstance, choose gratitude.” — M   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Kris Murray Challenge - starts December 28th!  Hope Rises: Make Your Life, Love & Leadership Soar, by Dr. Randy Ross John Maxwell Minute with Maxwell My Joy Speaks Dr. Mary Zurn Primrose Schools