Awaiting Publication
“In my opinion, there are two things that make for great non-fiction. First, you need a fresh idea - something intellectually satisfying, with plenty of depth and nuance. But just as important, you need a likable author. Like Brené Brown or Simon Sinek; I want the words to feel like my friend - someone I never see as often as I'd like.
For these two reasons – I adore Amber Johnson’s work. Whether it is her Better than Fine Substack newsletter, or her book, Good Question, her thoughts are clear and interesting – and reading Amber’s words always makes me feel cared for and cozy; like the angel in white sitting on my shoulder, giving me hints and advice as I go about my day – with the sole objective of making me my best version of myself.”
—Kate Mangino, author, Equal Partners
“Amber's writing gives me tools to ask better questions, so I get more meaningful answers. Her concise, thoughtful tips on how to communicate better as a leader give me ideas I can put into action (usually that day). I read her content, feel nudged to ask more reflective questions in my daily interactions and tada! I get better feedback, information, and connections with my colleagues. It's like magic in my inbox.”
—Laura Zumdahl, President & CEO, New Moms
“Amber's newsletter is the ONE newsletter I regularly read from start to finish...and I get a LOT of newsletters. Even if I'm short on time, her inviting and clear writing style jam-packed with relatable scenarios and applications all shared in a really efficient package keep me hooked and reading until the end. I often even resend the email to myself at a future date with the "delay send" feature so I can reread it before a relevant client session or meeting. In the world of leadership development and practices, the way she is able to pack so much punch in her writing is really valuable in such a fast-paced information overload media environment.”
—Stephanie L.
“Your newsletter and questions help me coach myself, my team, and nonprofit leaders more effectively. Thank you!”
—Kimberly T.
“This book hits hard.
There are books that inform, and then there are books that transform. Good Question falls squarely into the latter. Reading Good Question helped me understand that great conversations start not with charisma, but with curiosity. It taught me that asking good questions—genuine, engaged, and sometimes vulnerable ones—is the gateway to connection and influence.
The impact has been tangible. I’ve felt it in meetings, during hard conversations, and on trips with my husband, where we had rich, joyful dialogue that went far beyond small talk.
If you want to be a better leader, partner, or simply a more present human, read this book. And then read it again.”
—Rachel David, Talent Director, Windquest
“I read and re-read sections, pages and a few chapters. This is the sort of book you buy for your friends, so you can all have better conversations together.” – Laura Guilliam, Founder & CEO, The Relational Intelligence Lab
“Good Question is so timely, so needed right now.”—Bill H., Vice President
“Amber's fresh take on how to create better personal and work relationships through the power of asking better questions provides such a simple yet powerful framework. Her practical lens, rooted in sound research, makes this work accessible to all who choose to leverage it. And it has the power to change our world, one conversation and one relationship at a time.” —Patrick Farran, CEO, Ad Lucem Group
Praise for Amber’s Newsletter
“I look forward to each installment of Dr. Amber Johnson’s excellent weekly newsletter—Better Than Fine—because it provides me an unusually valuable tool to learn and improve. It’s filled with things that help me in my world every day. There are always new techniques that I’ve never seen before, and wonderful new perspectives on things I may have heard of but not employed as effectively as I could. Her expertise delivered through a blend of humility, compassion, and clarity helps me grow as a leader, colleague, employee, and person.” —Dan. O.
“[Through Amber’s newsletter], I have learned an important part of leadership, mentoring and being mentored is to incorporate the following. “Start small, be patient, ask for help, ask more questions, talk less, and stay flexible.” —Joseph M.
“The perspective Amber provides is incredibly impactful, and consistently helps me show up better both personally and professionally.” —Melissa N.