M. Woodrow Johnston II is a seasoned political strategist and the dynamic CEO of Revere Solutions LLC, a consultancy dedicated to steering Republicans and conservatives to electoral victories. With over a decade of experience in campaign management, Woodrow has built a reputation for turning underdogs into winners, achieving notable successes even when outspent significantly. His strategic acumen spans across a diverse array of campaign facets, including polling, digital advertising, and grassroots organizing. Woodrow’s leadership was pivotal in landmark campaigns such as the historic victories of Lt. Governor Winsome Sears and Congressman Will Hurd. A devoted husband and father, Woodrow also enjoys chess and martial arts in his spare time. His work ethic and innovative strategies underscore his commitment to not just participating in politics, but shaping it effectively.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days start early and end late, but the key is structure. I block out time for strategic planning, client meetings, and team updates, ensuring that every hour contributes to our goals at Revere Solutions. To stay productive, I focus on high-impact tasks and delegate effectively, leveraging my team’s strengths.
How do you bring ideas to life?
We use a mix of data analytics and creative thinking to ensure our strategies are both innovative and grounded in reality.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing integration of AI in campaign strategies excites me. AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data and predict voter behavior can significantly enhance our campaign strategies and give us a competitive edge.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily prioritization is my go-to habit. Each morning, I list my tasks by urgency and importance, focusing on those that will have the most significant impact. This keeps me aligned with our broader objectives.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to embrace every setback as a stepping stone. The political arena is unforgiving, and early failures are invaluable lessons that pave the way to later successes.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that in politics, being respected is more effective than being liked. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but in my experience, respect commands more immediate results.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Reflect on your actions and outcomes daily. This reflection not only helps in continuous improvement but also prepares you to face similar challenges more effectively in the future.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I go back to the basics: I focus on breathing and clearing my mind through meditation. It helps reset my focus and gives me clarity to prioritize tasks better.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Your network can open doors that no key can. I’ve made it a point to connect with people across the political spectrum, which has often turned into opportunities and partnerships.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I managed a campaign that lost by a narrow margin. It taught me the importance of every single vote and led me to refine targeting and messaging in subsequent campaigns. The lesson was clear: overlook no detail, no matter how small.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform that matches potential political candidates with campaign managers and consultants based on specific campaign needs and expertise could dramatically change the political consultancy landscape.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Asana is excellent for managing our projects. It helps keep track of all campaign elements, from initial planning stages to execution, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Prince” by Niccolò Machiavelli has been instrumental. Its insights into power dynamics and human behavior are incredibly applicable in political campaigning.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed “House of Cards” because it captures the ruthlessness and strategic depth of politics. While dramatized, it resonates with the complexities and challenges of my everyday work.