Meet Tommie Jo Brode | Master Workplace Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tommie Jo Brode and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tommie Jo, how do you think about risk?
For the first 15 years of my career, I viewed risk primarily through a negative lens, as something to avoid. I thought of what could go wrong, which led me to stick with traditional jobs and a “keep your head down” mindset. I focused on minimizing potential problems, which meant staying within conventional paths.

But over time, my perspective shifted. I began to ask myself: What’s the risk of not leaping? What might I miss out on if I don’t step outside the box and design a life and career that truly aligns with my identity? That was a turning point. I realized no one would create my dream job; that responsibility was mine. So I looked inward at my skills and strengths and asked what real needs existed in the marketplace that I could help solve.

That change in mindset led me to start my own business. Ironically, I now advise others on risk, but risk in a broader sense. In the workplace, risk isn’t just financial; it also shows up in people and culture. When I counsel employers, I encourage them to think beyond the bottom line. Cultural risks or risks to employee well-being can be just as damaging as financial ones. Understanding and navigating all forms of risk has become central to my work.

What should our readers know about your business?
What truly sets me apart, especially coming from a legal background, is that my work is 100% focused on prevention. Most attorneys are trained to fix problems after they occur, and while that’s certainly important, my entire mission is to stop issues before they ever reach that point. I want to eliminate the need for legal intervention altogether because by the time you call a lawyer, it’s usually expensive, stressful, and adversarial.

This approach didn’t come quickly or easily. It’s the result of years spent in the trenches—learning the law, witnessing firsthand how damaging workplace conflicts and missteps can be, and understanding the emotional and financial toll of reactive problem-solving. I took all that knowledge and flipped it on its head to ask: How can we prevent this from happening in the first place?

That led me to develop a proactive, creative workplace support model that focuses on culture, communication, and thoughtful leadership. In many ways, it’s a new concept for some employers. When I say, “Let’s talk about your culture before there’s a crisis,” it can be met initially with hesitation. But the results speak for themselves, and I’ve been fortunate to see how powerful this preventive approach can be.

I’m most proud of building something that’s both effective and rooted in genuine care for people. What excites me is how much room there is to grow this idea and keep helping organizations create healthier, more resilient environments.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want them to experience the full charm and variety that northeast Ohio has to offer — and believe me, there’s more than most people expect!

We’d start with time on the boat on a local lake and then go up to Lake Erie. There’s something special about soaking up the sunshine and breeze with a view of the lake.

From there, I’d take them on a mini road trip through the region. One of the most unique areas is Ashtabula County, home to a remarkable collection of historic covered bridges and a growing number of charming wineries. These wineries are charming venues with a stunning rural backdrop — it’s unexpected and totally delightful.

We’d also spend time exploring some of Ohio’s cities. Cleveland, for example, has an incredible arts scene — from Broadway-quality theater productions to concerts that span every genre. It might surprise people, but major artists frequently stop here, and the venues are top-notch.

Of course, we’d enjoy some excellent dining along the way. There are hidden gems in every corner, from Amish bakeries to upscale urban spots. I’d make sure we blend it all — hearty comfort food, locally sourced menus, and maybe even a few quirky coffee shops.

One of the best parts? The lack of traffic. You can drive from place to place and enjoy the ride. On one trip, we could see Amish communities, covered bridges, historic architecture, and bustling city centers without the gridlock.

Nature lovers would be in heaven, too. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is just 15 minutes from my house and has stunning trails and a beautiful waterfall. The park is also part of the Western Reserve, so there’s deep history woven into the land here — you see it in the buildings, the layout of the towns, and even in the stories locals share.

So, while people might hear “Ohio” and picture flyover country, I see it as a place full of personality, beauty, and unexpected adventures, especially in the Northeast. It’s a fantastic place to show off to someone you love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have shaped my journey, but if I had to start somewhere, my daughter, Mattie, would be at the top of that list. Becoming a single parent was one of the most defining aspects of my life. I was constantly trying to figure out how to be present and fully engaged as a mother while also earning a living and building a meaningful career.

When Mattie was in early elementary school, I decided to run for public office and became a county commissioner. It wasn’t easy, but I chose that path partly because it gave me autonomy. I needed a schedule allowing me to drop her off and pick her up from school, bake cupcakes when needed, run a law office, and serve the public. It was a constant juggle, but it mattered that she saw what strength looked like in action, not just words.

It’s one thing to tell your daughter that women deserve equality in the workplace. It’s another to show her what a strong, independent woman can do — and I set out to do that.

That drive to lead with strength and integrity is rooted deeply in the influence of both my grandmothers. My mom’s mom and my dad’s mom were two of the strongest women I’ve ever known. They had this extraordinary blend of grit and grace — I call it “moxie and kindness.” They lived their entire lives in Appalachia, one in Kentucky and the other in West Virginia, and raised families in circumstances where failing simply wasn’t an option. They did what had to be done, always with a smile, resilience, and a deep well of faith. Spending summers with them was like getting a masterclass in perseverance and love.

So this shout-out goes to the three women who most profoundly shaped my path: Mattie, who inspires me to model strength and courage; and my grandmothers, who showed me exactly what that looks like.

Website: www.tommiejobrode.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommiejobrode/