more to Life than money

Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D.

52 min · 23. juni 2026
episode Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D. cover

Description

An experienced leader and nonprofit executive, Dr. Karen D. Johnson has spent her career advancing organizations dedicated to education and to young people. She has expertise in all areas of external relations, focusing on communications and marketing, fundraising and development, and C-level leadership. She has served as Board President for two outstanding Phoenix nonprofits, as well as Chair for several large fundraising campaigns and events. For 27 years, Dr. Johnson served as Vice President of University Relations at Midwestern University, with campuses located in Glendale, AZ, and Downers Grove, IL. A member of the President's Executive Management Team, she led the offices of admissions, marketing & communications, development & alumni relations, and media resources for the growing healthcare university, which serves nearly 8,000 students in 23 graduate degree programs. In 2021, she took on a new leadership role as President & CEO of New Pathways for Youth in Phoenix, AZ. Serving more than 600 teens, the organization is focused on transforming the lives of youth by providing the support, skills, and stability they need to flourish. The program includes 1:1 mentoring for the youth with a dedicated adult and a proven program for personal growth and goal setting. In her tenure, she has overseen the rebranding of the program as "Level Up," has created the Level Up Academy (a school-based program featuring the organization's unique personal development curriculum), has worked with the Board of Directors to adopt and implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy, has established a Mentor Advisory Council, and has raised more than $3M annually to grow the organization. Dr. Johnson is also a mentor to an 18-year-old youth in the program. Dr. Johnson holds academic degrees from the College of Wooster (B.A.), Northwestern University (M.A.), and Loyola University Chicago (Ph.D.). She has lived in Arizona since 2000 and shares her Glendale home with two dogs and two cats. ----- more to Life than money - Real people, real stories, and real conversations about wealth and abundance with your host, JW Rayhons, Financial Advisor - jw@rayhonsfinancial.com [jw@rayhonsfinancial.com]. Guests are not affiliated with or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by guests is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives. Unless otherwise noted as a representative of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Wealth Services, LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance License #0M15552. 313 N Gilbert Rd, Ste 200, Gilbert, AZ 85234

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31 episodes

episode Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D. artwork

Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D.

An experienced leader and nonprofit executive, Dr. Karen D. Johnson has spent her career advancing organizations dedicated to education and to young people. She has expertise in all areas of external relations, focusing on communications and marketing, fundraising and development, and C-level leadership. She has served as Board President for two outstanding Phoenix nonprofits, as well as Chair for several large fundraising campaigns and events. For 27 years, Dr. Johnson served as Vice President of University Relations at Midwestern University, with campuses located in Glendale, AZ, and Downers Grove, IL. A member of the President's Executive Management Team, she led the offices of admissions, marketing & communications, development & alumni relations, and media resources for the growing healthcare university, which serves nearly 8,000 students in 23 graduate degree programs. In 2021, she took on a new leadership role as President & CEO of New Pathways for Youth in Phoenix, AZ. Serving more than 600 teens, the organization is focused on transforming the lives of youth by providing the support, skills, and stability they need to flourish. The program includes 1:1 mentoring for the youth with a dedicated adult and a proven program for personal growth and goal setting. In her tenure, she has overseen the rebranding of the program as "Level Up," has created the Level Up Academy (a school-based program featuring the organization's unique personal development curriculum), has worked with the Board of Directors to adopt and implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy, has established a Mentor Advisory Council, and has raised more than $3M annually to grow the organization. Dr. Johnson is also a mentor to an 18-year-old youth in the program. Dr. Johnson holds academic degrees from the College of Wooster (B.A.), Northwestern University (M.A.), and Loyola University Chicago (Ph.D.). She has lived in Arizona since 2000 and shares her Glendale home with two dogs and two cats. ----- more to Life than money - Real people, real stories, and real conversations about wealth and abundance with your host, JW Rayhons, Financial Advisor - jw@rayhonsfinancial.com [jw@rayhonsfinancial.com]. Guests are not affiliated with or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by guests is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives. Unless otherwise noted as a representative of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Wealth Services, LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance License #0M15552. 313 N Gilbert Rd, Ste 200, Gilbert, AZ 85234

23. juni 202652 min
episode Susan Connelly-Wright artwork

Susan Connelly-Wright

Susan Connelly-Wright is the CEO of Chrysalis, a transformational leader, speaker, and advocate whose life is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and purpose. At just 20 years old, Susan made the courageous decision to leave an abusive relationship, taking her children with her to a shelter in search of safety and a second chance. With no roadmap and every obstacle in front of her, she began rebuilding from the ground up—starting with earning her GED, proving one thing: she would not quit on her future. Susan came to believe that education was a vehicle out of poverty—and she drove it with everything she had. She earned her associate degree, then a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and pushed even further, obtaining her master's degree in management and leadership in her 40s. Each step forward was a declaration that her past would not define her. But her journey was not without devastating setbacks. In 2016, Susan lost everything and had to start over—again, with no idea where to begin. Determined to stand back up, she went door to door painting addresses on curbs just to survive. That season of humility and grit became another turning point. When she needed help, she turned to St. Joseph the Worker—an organization that helped her get back on her feet. Today, in a full-circle moment that speaks to the power of perseverance, Susan now serves on their Board of Directors. From that reset, Susan rebuilt not only her life, but her career. She went on to spend eight years in higher education, rising from admissions to Regional Student Services Manager, where she oversaw retention efforts across five campuses. She became known for strengthening culture, improving both employee and student experiences, and driving meaningful outcomes. Her ability to connect people and drive results led her into business-to-business sales development, and later into a Sales Manager role within HVAC distribution. There, she focused on realigning culture, improving sales performance, and upskilling teams to support organizational growth—bringing people together to execute on a shared vision. Her path has been shaped by both failure and triumph, and she no longer separates the two. What once tried to break her has become the catalyst for her passion and purpose. Throughout her journey, Susan has remained deeply committed to serving others—through recovery work, church leadership, board service, and volunteering. For years, she intentionally kept this passion separate from her professional career, ensuring her motives remained clear. In hindsight, that separation became one of her greatest strengths, equipping her with the leadership and experience she now uses to serve at a greater level. Today, those two worlds have powerfully converged. While leading in the distribution industry, Susan was approached in late 2025 to step into the role of CEO at Chrysalis—a moment where her professional expertise and personal mission aligned in a way she never imagined. Today, she leads Chrysalis with both executive strength and lived experience, committed to creating real, lasting impact for those facing domestic violence. Because she knows firsthand what it means to need help—and is determined to ensure others not only find it, but rise because of it. ----- more to Life than money - Real people, real stories, and real conversations about wealth and abundance with your host, JW Rayhons, Financial Advisor - jw@rayhonsfinancial.com [jw@rayhonsfinancial.com]. Guests are not affiliated with or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by guests is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives. Unless otherwise noted as a representative of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Wealth Services, LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance License #0M15552. 313 N Gilbert Rd, Ste 200, Gilbert, AZ 85234

9. juni 202648 min
episode Carrie Masters artwork

Carrie Masters

Carrie Masters was on her way to becoming a statistic. Raised by parents who struggled with drug addiction, in an environment where abuse was rampant, Carrie lived a childhood filled with setbacks, heartbreak and challenges. At 14, her parents left her and her three siblings to live alone. Carrie started working as a teenager to ensure her survival and to help support her remaining family. At the young age of 20, she became a single mother to a beautiful daughter. It would have been easy for her to follow in her parent's footsteps, to succumb to the pressures of drugs and poverty, to end up in prison or dead as many of her family members did. But Carrie's path would be different and would lead her to a successful life filled with an exciting career and a loving family. There wasn't one moment when she had some sort of epiphany — she just kept moving forward, kept surviving. She eventually found a job as an administrative assistant with LGE Design Build. She kept climbing over the course of 19 years – to office manager, to director of HR, to Chief Operating Officer, to the head of a charitable foundation, to a partner in multiple business ventures. Carrie Masters could have been a statistic. Instead, she became a leading force for one of the Valley's top commercial design build firms — and a proud mother as well. After almost 20 years at LGE, Carrie has taken a leap of faith and decided to depart LGE without any real plan other than focusing on what brings her joy, peace and fulfillment. Her combination of perseverance, empathy, life experience and professional experience differentiate her and make her an ideal woman to connect with in the Valley business and philanthropic community. Carrie is now the CEO of St. Joseph the Worker, a nonprofit in Phoenix and Mesa that empowers unhoused and low-income individuals with pathways to stability through quality employment. Since becoming CEO in March 2023, Masters has led the organization to its most successful fiscal year, expanding client services and strengthening programs like Workforce Development and the 90-day Workforce Housing initiative. Her career began at LGE Design Build, where she rose from receptionist to chief operating officer and she helped start and lead The David R. Sellers Foundation, supporting local nonprofits. Outside of work, Masters is a mentor with New Pathways for Youth and a Homeless ID Project Board Member. ----- more to Life than money - Real people, real stories, and real conversations about wealth and abundance with your host, JW Rayhons, Financial Advisor - jw@rayhonsfinancial.com [jw@rayhonsfinancial.com]. Guests are not affiliated with or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by guests is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives. Unless otherwise noted as a representative of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Wealth Services, LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance License #0M15552. 313 N Gilbert Rd, Ste 200, Gilbert, AZ 85234

26. maj 20261 h 4 min
episode The more to Life than money Anniversary Special - Season 1 artwork

The more to Life than money Anniversary Special - Season 1

One season. Countless stories. A lasting reminder that there's truly more to Life Than Money®. In this special anniversary episode of the more to Life Than Money® podcast, we reflect on the moments, conversations, and lessons that made Season 1 unforgettable. From stories of resilience and leadership to family, faith, generosity, purpose, and personal growth — this episode captures the heart behind the podcast and the people who made it meaningful. What started as simple conversations became something much greater: Authentic stories that inspired action, encouraged perspective, and reminded us all that real wealth is found in relationships, impact, gratitude, and living with intention. Throughout this special episode, you'll hear powerful reflections from guests across Season 1 as they share: * What wealth and abundance truly mean to them * Lessons learned through adversity and success * The importance of family, purpose, generosity, and integrity * Why authentic relationships matter most * The mindset shifts that changed their lives This episode is a celebration of every guest, listener, supporter, and conversation that helped shape the journey so far. If you've listened to one episode or every episode — thank you for being part of this community. Season 2 is just getting started. Subscribe for more real conversations about wealth, abundance, purpose, leadership, family, business, and the moments that matter most. #MoreToLifeThanMoney [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/moretolifethanmoney] #Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast] #WealthAndAbundance [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/wealthandabundance] #Leadership [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/leadership] #PersonalGrowth [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/personalgrowth] #Family [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/family] #Purpose [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/purpose] #Mindset [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mindset] #Authenticity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/authenticity] #JWrayhons [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/jwrayhons] ----- more to Life than money - Real people, real stories, and real conversations about wealth and abundance with your host, JW Rayhons, Financial Advisor - jw@rayhonsfinancial.com [jw@rayhonsfinancial.com]. Guests are not affiliated with or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by guests is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives. Unless otherwise noted as a representative of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Wealth Services, LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance License #0M15552. 313 N Gilbert Rd, Ste 200, Gilbert, AZ 85234

12. maj 202631 min
episode Dave Nelson and Tim Scaturro artwork

Dave Nelson and Tim Scaturro

David Nelson has 34 years in the financial service industry. Dave founded NFG Advisors in 1991 and took over ownership of NFG Brokerage in 2004. NFG Brokerage was founded in 1958 by Dave's father. As CEO of both companies, his main duties are mergers, acquisitions, recruiting, and retention. Dave has helped advisors facilitate numerous succession and continuation plans. Dave takes great pride and satisfaction in helping advisors grow their practices. Dave has been married for 34 years and has 3 children and is waiting on his first grandchild. Tim Scaturro began his career in the financial services industry after graduating from Colorado State University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In 1999, he joined the firm that eventually became Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and founded Premier Financial Benefits, LLC. Tim became a Certified Financial Planner professional in 2010 after completing his certification curriculum with the American College. Since the beginning, he has been dedicated to helping his clients achieve positive outcomes in their retirement and financial lives. Throughout the years, Tim has coordinated multiple acquisitions of other financial services practices, enabling the firm to grow and expand its presence throughout Colorado and many other states across the country. In addition to his professional achievements, Tim enjoys numerous hobbies and interests, including long trail runs, hiking and climbing Colorado's 14ers, snowboarding, fishing the rivers and lakes around Grand County, the occasional round of golf, private piloting, exploring faraway places, and spending quality time with his family and friends. ----- more to Life than money - Real people, real stories, and real conversations about wealth and abundance with your host, JW Rayhons, Financial Advisor - jw@rayhonsfinancial.com [jw@rayhonsfinancial.com]. Guests are not affiliated with or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by guests is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives. Unless otherwise noted as a representative of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Wealth Services, LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance License #0M15552. 313 N Gilbert Rd, Ste 200, Gilbert, AZ 85234

28. apr. 202631 min