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Geri Johnson's avatarPerson

Geri Johnson

Chief Operating OfficerNext PR

Colorado Springs, CO

Member Since September 2022

Skills

Change Management
Strategic Planning
Leadership

About

I am a technology and operations expert with 25+ years of experience. I drive transformation for Next PR and its 80+ clients. I push boundaries every day, breaking through with innovative problem-solving – some call me the Olivia Pope of Next PR. I also lead the diversity, inclusion and belonging program, and I am a Prosci-certified change management expert. I have volunteered as a tutor at an abused women and children’s shelter, traveled to Romania to help orphaned teens learn computer skills, and currently serve as the board treasurer for Inside Out Youth Services, which supports LGBTQ youth.

Published content

14 ways to strengthen communication between hybrid and remote teams 

expert panel

Implement these best practices to help employees thrive in every type of work environment. To enhance remote and hybrid communication in the workplace, it's important for leaders to avoid a one-size-fits-all method and engage with employees on an individual basis. This type of approach helps them understand their individual staff members' workstyle personalities and comfort levels. Planning special events or fun activities to bring co-workers closer is one of the best ways to increase team morale and encourage long-term connections. However, most stakeholders will agree that overscheduling meetings that could really be wrapped up in an email or direct message, is often overrated and results in unnecessary fatigue on everyone's part. Here, 14 experts from Fast Company Executive Board each offer their best perspective on how to strengthen the lines of communication and collaboration across departments at their organizations, whether people are returning to the office or still choosing to work from home.

Balancing act: What brands need to know about navigating social activism

article

Here are important considerations if your company is deciding whether to participate in conversations on social issues.

To unplug or not unplug: Creating a culture of flexibility for your team’s well-being

article

Prioritizing self-care is crucial for companies concerned about team member well-being. That’s why leaders must allow the flexibility to unplug—or not unplug—in the way that works best for each employee.

Balancing AI and human ingenuity: 20 ways to avoid overreliance on ChatGPT

expert panel

Although ChatGPT is helpful, overreliance on AI tools in the workplace can stifle professional growth. ChatGPT and other generative AI (GenAI) tools have become integral aspects of many business operations, from sales and marketing to corporate communications. While GenAI offers efficiency and valuable insights, leaning too heavily on this technology can ultimately stifle creativity and innovation.  Leaders and teams that use these tools need to strike a balance between technology and human ingenuity. To help, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members discuss how organizations can avoid overreliance on ChatGPT and similar AI tools. Here's how to find a middle ground and encourage efficiency with a healthy dose of critical thinking and original ideas.

How to keep up with media trends without turning your back on loyal audiences

article

Here are five tips for shifting your media strategy to include new mediums without turning your back on tried-and-true strategies. 

14 ways to help teams reach their quarterly goals

expert panel

It takes team effort and accountability to cross the finish line together. Setting quarterly goals is necessary to get your company over the finish line year after year, but what's the point of setting goals if you lose track of those objectives? Developing a strategy and check-in process that holds everyone accountable is essential to keep your team on the same page and ensure they have the resources they need to perform their specific responsibilities. To help managers and their employees forge a better path for moving the business ahead, 14 Fast Company Executive Board members each offer a strategy that has helped them obtain the results they were looking for and why it can work for your team as well. 

Company details

Next PR

Company bio

We’re agile, we’re fresh and we always know what’s coming next. Formerly SSPR, Next PR is an award-winning PR firm with one major focus: results. Founded in 1978, we have offices in Philadelphia, San Francisco, Colorado Springs, Denver and Chicago. Next PR boasts the best and brightest in public relations from across the country, but more than that, we bring the fun – and the motivation – to our daily grind. Next PR offers medical and dental benefits and a generous 401K match. We enjoy paid time off and long weekends on major holidays. We soak in the sun with summer hours, champion success with employee recognition, give back with volunteer time off and stay current through professional development. We host an office exchange to visit family and friends in any of our cool locations without using vacation days and remain committed to work-life balance for all employees.

Industry

Media & entertainment

Area of focus

Public Relations
Marketing
PR

Company size

51 - 200