Alissa Johnson

Background

About Alissa Johnson

Who I am: A visionary thinker, empathetic leader and communications expert driven to make a meaningful impact during a time of uncertainty. My superpowers: Making people feel heard and understood. Reading between the lines to understand what’s most important. Transforming learning into ideas. Writing and storytelling to create something new. I am driven by: Learning. Creating. Making life meaningful. People have told me I: • Take things on with courage, determination and perseverance. • Am not afraid of projects others might see as too challenging or daring. • Listen to what people mean, not just what they say, and reflect it back in a way that is respectful and encouraging. • Have an uncanny ability to point out the one thing they haven’t thought of yet. • Maintain perspective and don’t let the present moment overwhelm the big picture. • Make sound and logical conclusions based on the available information. • Have changed the way they think about a topic or idea. I am most proud of: Choosing a graduate degree based on what I wanted to learn, not just what I wanted to do. Listening to my gut and doing hard things with uncertain outcomes, like moving to Colorado with a single carload of belongings (and, of course, my dog) and only a part time job awaiting me.(Best choice I ever made.) Writing stories that meant something to me only to have other people like them too. Creating work environments and teams where people feel seen, heard, valued and empowered. Working with those kick-a$$ people to make bold, courageous things happen. Throughout my career that has meant paddling to the Arctic Circle, developing a national magazine for college students, helping a national retailer tell their community giving story, developing direct mail and digital ad campaigns, launching a direct-to-consumer sales platform, and growing a global rum brand. I can’t wait to see what project comes next!