Insites & Articles
Kelly’s Corner
Leading with Reflection, Grounded in Clarity
Kelly Johnston, MSOD—Founder of Clarity Consulting Partners—is a deeply committed practitioner of leadership grounded in service, strategy, and systemic thinking. Her work spans more than two decades in public-sector, non-profit, and technology environments, helping state and local agencies navigate complexity, build resilience, and design sustainable change. Kelly’s voice reflects a unique blend of logical rigor and empathetic listening—an approach shaped by her experience as a single mother, civic leader, and organizational development expert serving communities across the region.
Each month, Kelly’s Corner highlights her reflections, frameworks, and stories—from real leadership dilemmas to moments of breakthrough. It is a space where ideas meet lived experience, where complex challenges are reframed into opportunity, and where readers are invited to imagine leadership that shapes community, builds clarity, and changes systems from the inside out.
Changing the Game
“Hey driver, I’m so tired of the ways of this old world. Just drive until the tires melt. We’ll come back when it’s healed.” Sitting at the table, listening to the city manager update me on the issues and challenges facing the City, Zach Bryan’s lyrics floated through...
Bright Spots
Over 400,000 cars pass through my community each day. They drive on the main interstate, sometimes stopping for a quick bite at the last Burgerville going north or to pick up the latest at the outlet mall. Centralia is seen as a pitstop and not much more. Even...
The Big Four
It was Sunday afternoon on the Puget Sound. Mt. Rainier graced the horizon. Between me and the mountain was all shimmering blue water and clear, clean air. We had pulled the little Boston Whaler up onto a pebble beach and just paused for a moment to take it all in....