We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Vee Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Vee, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Treat others the way you want to be treated. I disagree with this because it centers the giver, not the receiver. Effective communication and connection require empathy, which means understanding and respecting the other person’s unique preferences, boundaries, and values. It’s not about how you would want to be treated—it’s about how they want to be treated. True emotional intelligence is rooted in this principle, and when we embrace it, we foster stronger, more authentic relationships both personally and professionally.

What should our readers know about your business?
Most people know me as Dr. Vee, The EQ Doctor. The EQ Doctor is more than a business; it’s a reflection of my personal journey and commitment to helping others harness the power of emotional intelligence. In 2014, a serious illness forced me to pause and reset my life—not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. This transformative experience led me to develop the CTRL ALT DEL framework, designed to help individuals and organizations reset their internal operating systems, shift perspectives, and let go of unproductive habits.

I specialize in Social and Emotional Intelligence, leadership, and organizational culture & climate design, offering holistic wellness modalities, including color and sound therapy. My mission is to guide individuals—including, leaders, medical practitioners, law enforcement officers, or municipal leaders, in unlocking their full potential by harnessing the power of emotions and social interactions.

Through personalized coaching, consulting, and strategic advisory services, I assist clients in:

• Building self-awareness and emotional agility to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively.

• Strengthening trust, communication, and empathy in both professional and personal relationships.

• Leading with clarity, connection, and purpose, even in the most demanding circumstances.

• Creating cultures where collaboration, equity, and innovation thrive.

What sets me apart is my ability to simplify the complexities of emotional intelligence, transforming introspection into innovation and overthinking into strategy. I don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions; instead, I provide tailored strategies that foster sustainable growth and meaningful change.

One of the things I’m most excited about is my HUEM∆N Deck—a unique tool I created to help people navigate personal growth, emotional intelligence, and connection through the lens of color theory. The deck offers an interactive way for individuals and teams to explore emotional states, reset perspectives, and strengthen communication. I designed it to make emotional intelligence accessible, engaging, and actionable—because real change happens when people can relate to the process in a way that feels authentic to them.

Building The EQ Doctor while balancing a leadership career and raising two kids hasn’t been easy. There were moments I felt stretched too thin, but my faith, resilience, and commitment to helping others kept me going. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that progress doesn’t require perfection. You don’t need all the answers to take the next step—you just need to stay curious, keep moving, and be willing to reset when necessary.

The EQ Doctor is about helping people—whether they’re navigating personal growth, resetting after a life challenge, or striving to create positive change in their world. The work I do isn’t just about workplaces or leadership; it’s about meeting people where they are and helping them get to where they want to be. Sometimes, before you can move forward, you have to CTRL + ALT + DEL—pause, reset, and take control of your next chapter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestie was visiting, we’d have an amazing week filled with great food, drinks, culture, and adventure. Here’s my perfect itinerary:

Day 1 –
We’d kick off the trip with coffee at Circle House Coffee before heading to Primark at Sawgrass Mills Mall for some fun shopping. In the evening, we’d catch a Broadway show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts—there’s nothing like live theater to start things off right!

Day 2 –
The morning would be spent relaxing at Hollywood Beach, walking the broadwalk or renting bikes. Later, we’d head to The Wilder in Fort Lauderdale for cocktails—it’s one of my favorite spots for its vibe and great drinks.

Day 3 –
We’d start the day with a hike at Tree Tops Park, enjoying the beautiful trails and greenery. Afterward, we’d visit Brewlihan Meadery to sample their amazing locally crafted meads—a unique and friendly experience.

Day 4 –
We’d explore Everglades National Park with an airboat tour, spotting wildlife and soaking in the natural beauty. Dinner would be at Kaluz, offering waterfront dining and a relaxing atmosphere after our day of adventure.

Day 5 –
After exploring downtown Fort Lauderdale’s museums, we’d wrap up the day with dinner at Hell’s Kitchen in Miami—a must for food lovers and fans of the show!

Day 6 –
We’d pack up and head to the Keys for camping—spending the day enjoying the scenery with local brews and making s’mores under the stars.

Day 7 –
On our final day, we’d take it easy with lunch and a stop at the Blond Giraffe for a slice of the best key lime pie. When back in town, we’d make one last stop at Brewlihan Meadery for a final toast to an incredible week.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly, I have to start with God. My faith is what keeps me grounded and gives me the strength to keep going, even when things get tough. Next, I want to recognize my village—the people who’ve been in my corner and encouraged me through different seasons of life. I have to give a special shoutout to my son and daughter. They inspire me daily, reminding me why I do what I do.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the organizations and individuals I’ve had the privilege to work with. Their trust has helped me grow, sharpen my skills, and continue building something meaningful.

Website: https://theeqdoctor.com

Instagram: @theeqdoctor

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/drveejohnson

Twitter: @theeqdoctor

Facebook: https://facebook.com/theeqdoctor

Youtube: @theeqdoc

Other: TikTok: @theeqdoctor

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