Karen Johnson: “We Become What We Look For” – A Conversation on Optimism and Resilience
Dr Karen Johnson, a respected educator, researcher and thought leader in higher education, recently joined Victor Perton on That Optimism Man Podcast for a heartfelt conversation that continues to ripple through the Centre for Optimism community. Her wisdom, humility and clarity offered a masterclass in the lived experience of optimism and its role in shaping resilient people, workforces and communities.
Karen’s journey is remarkable. From her early years of marriage and family life to mentoring generations of doctoral students, she has lived a life grounded in purpose, compassion and service. She serves as a faculty member at the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies, where she mentors doctoral candidates in research design, dissertation writing and academic leadership. In addition, she consults across higher education institutions, including Governors State University and Keller Graduate School of Management, teaching education management, leadership and organisational behaviour. Her leadership in higher education and her research into workforce resilience reflect a philosophy steeped in action and integrity.
One of the most powerful messages Karen shared in the conversation was this:
“We become what we look for. If you look around you, there are so many opportunities for growth, for change, for helping others, for teaching others. The opportunities are endless—if you look for them.”
That simple yet profound idea echoed through every story she told—from her volunteer work in post-Katrina New Orleans to her nurturing support of first-generation college students to her reflections on life after grief.
Karen's life experiences—marked by extraordinary love and profound loss—have shaped her deeply optimistic worldview. As she reflected:
“Optimism is not about denying hardships. It’s not about denying that things will be bad. It’s about choosing to believe that no matter how dark it gets, it will be light again. But it also is incumbent on us as individuals to work to find that light.”
Drawing on her white paper The Resilience Factor: The American Workforce’s Adaptation to Ongoing Challenges, Karen noted that more than two-thirds of American workers report optimism about their career futures. She explored how resilience and optimism are intertwined, each strengthening the other.
“I think optimism is crucial for resilience,” she said, “but I’m reluctant to call it the sole key. Other factors like social support, problem-solving skills and emotional regulation also matter. In my opinion, there is a bidirectional relationship. Optimism fosters resilience, and resilience reinforces optimism. They are like two partners in a perfect marriage.”
Her insights highlighted the importance of modelling optimism in leadership and education—not just teaching the concept but living it, showing what it looks like in action, and creating a culture where it can thrive.
When Victor shared the foundational idea of The Centre for Optimism—
“The answer to life’s most pressing questions is optimism.”
Karen’s response was heartfelt and unequivocal:
“Absolutely it is. From every question—how do we adapt to change, how do we improve education, how do we keep going after loss — the answer is optimism. It’s the mindset that helps us believe in better and take the steps to get there.”
Her endorsement was not theoretical but grounded in life, leadership and learning.
As Robert Masters AM said, "Karen's thoughts were very insightful. She is correct when she says the optimism principle is grounded in life, leadership and learning. The principle puts into practice the underlying elements of strategic planning in setting objectives, which are always founded in optimism."
Throughout the conversation, Karen returned to simple, practical tools for optimism: practising gratitude, celebrating small wins, seeking joy and surrounding ourselves with positive influences.
“Just that life can be good. It won’t necessarily come to us. We have to find it. We live what we search for. I think we become what we talk about. We become what we read. We become the people we spend time with.”
Karen reminded listeners that optimism is a daily decision—one we each can make, regardless of circumstance.
The full conversation is available to listen and share. You can find it on:
This conversation is rich with warmth, practical wisdom, and heartfelt insight - a shining example of optimism. Karen Johnson’s message is clear: We can choose optimism, live it, and model it—and in doing so, we shape a better future for ourselves and those around us.