David Johnson is the IT Manager for OTJ Architects, a role he stepped into after an unconventional journey that began in psychology and culinary arts. With a career that includes stints at tech giants like Apple and Amazon, David brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to IT management. Known for his emphasis on empathy and communication, he believes in repairing relationships as much as fixing technical issues. At OTJ, David has been instrumental in transitioning the company from an MSP to an in-house IT team, aligning IT operations closely with the company’s culture. His story is a testament to the power of adaptability and the importance of soft skills in the tech industry.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- David Johnson's unique journey from aspiring chef to psychologist to IT manager
- The challengers from transitioning from MSP to in-house IT amid rapid company growth
- Prioritizing relationship repair over product fixes, a key lesson from Apple
- Communicating IT needs and balancing cybersecurity investments
- The benefits of job hopping and being a generalist in IT
- How strong professional connections can advance your career
- Planning for turnover and supporting employee growth for better retention
In this episode…
In this episode of The Cyber Business Podcast, host Matthew Connor sits down with David Johnson, IT Manager for OTJ Architects. David shares his fascinating journey from aspiring psychologist and chef to a successful career in IT. He highlights how a series of unexpected decisions, including dropping out of college and choosing love over a culinary career, eventually led him to work at tech giants like Apple and Amazon before landing his current role at OTJ.
David discusses the challenges and triumphs of managing IT for a rapidly growing architecture firm with multiple locations across the U.S. He emphasizes the importance of soft skills, such as empathy and communication, which he honed during his time at Apple. These skills, he argues, are crucial in repairing relationships and building a strong IT culture within an organization. David also touches on the necessity and challenges of transitioning from an MSP to an in-house IT team to better align with the company's culture and provide more personalized support.
Throughout the conversation, David offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of IT management and cybersecurity. He talks about the importance of being a continual learner, the benefits of being a generalist versus a specialist, and the delicate balance of communicating IT needs to the C-Suite. David’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability and the unexpected paths that can lead to professional success in the tech industry.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Matthew Connor on LinkedIn
- CyberLynx
- David Johnson on LinkedIn | Website
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