Open Book Interview: Alencia Johnson
Named to EBONY Magazine’s “Power 100” list of influential African Americans and PRWeek’s “40 Under 40” list, Alencia Johnson sits at the intersection of social justice and culture change. She is a leading social impact strategist with corporate, political and non-profit experience and is a highly sought after cultural commentator and advisor. She is the Chief Impact Officer and Founder of 1063 West Broad—a social impact agency specializing in the intersection of culture, impact and purpose—and has been an advisor for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign and served as National Director of Public Engagement for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign. She is regularly seen on MSNBC, CNN, NewsOne, BET, Huffington Post Live, and has been featured in NPR, Washington Post, ESSENCE, Glamour and more.
Most of Flip the Tables was written on the road – particularly Mexico City! Here are some views of the fabulous food and writing spaces I created.
No One is Self-Made by Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (a re-read that I revisit often), and Wisdom of the Path by Yasmine Cheyenne.
The beach!
I’ve always been struck by the story of Jesus flipping over tables in the temple. In early 2020—while the world was grappling with a global pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and a tense U.S. election, and I was navigating my own personal challenges—that story kept coming to mind. I found myself asking: What made Jesus so angry that he flipped those tables? And, more importantly: What are the proverbial tables we need to flip in our own lives and in the world to create real change?
Before I could answer that for others, I had to first disrupt myself—step out of my own way, out of my comfort zone, and into my purpose. That healing journey became the foundation for having a bold vision and building truly connected communities. Ultimately, I realized that the change we are waiting for starts within us. When we tap into courage, we unlock the power to transform everything we touch.
Disruptive. Courageous. Freedom.
I’m a Virgo. In four houses. With a Leo rising. And goodness, do I fit the bill! I’m detail-oriented, laser-focused on my goals, and work relentlessly to make things happen. My perfectionism can be a superpower, but as I share in Flip The Tables, it’s taken a lot of work to also release the need for everything to be perfect. But hey, I’m in good company—Beyoncé is a Virgo too!
Discover the Book
INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER!
From cultural critic and social impact leader Alencia Johnson comes Flip the Tables—a guide for everyday disruptors ready to find their courage, shake up the status quo, and create a better world from exactly where they are.
We all crave lives of meaning and purpose but figuring out how to start can feel overwhelming. The truth? Your unique gifts and perspectives are needed—right now. It just takes a little courage to tap into them.
In Flip the Tables, Alencia guides readers through three key stages of disruption:
- Disruption of Self – Break down barriers and confront the fears that hold you back from stepping into your boldest, most authentic self.
- Disruption of Vision – Radically reimagine what’s possible for your life and the world around you.
- Disruption of Community – Use your courage and fresh vision to make an impact—becoming the light needed in a dark world.
Flip the Tables is the playbook for those who want to create change—right where they are. Full of personal stories, real-world examples, and actionable tools, this guide helps readers ignite transformation by starting with their own lives.
Alencia draws from her experiences—overcoming insecurities, fighting for women’s rights, and advising top leaders and four presidential campaigns. Through behind-the-scenes insights and inspiring movements, she shows readers how to live with purpose, joy, and the belief that greatness lies within.
Because the world doesn’t just need disruptors—it needs you.
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