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Building a Career Network in Communications with Reggie Johnson
Episode Summary
Reggie Johnson shares how he built a resilient communications career through purpose-driven work and strong relationships. Reggie walks through his early days in digital media and web standards, the shift from hands-on execution to strategy, and how earning a master’s degree helped him grow into leadership. After losing a job in 2020, he joined PRSA and reframed career security around “trusting your own wings,” not the branch. He and Brian discuss giving versus taking, why reputation compounds over time, and how AI and technology are changing human connection. Reggie closes with what he is focused on at UNT Health and how he thinks professionals can prepare for what comes next.
Key Takeaways
Early lessons in web standards and accessibility shaped Reggie’s long-term approach to managing content and communication strategy.
A professional network can be the difference between feeling stuck on one “branch” and having the confidence to move forward on your own.
Giving to others builds durable trust and learning opportunities that often create mutually beneficial relationships over time.
Small interactions and everyday respect matter because reputation travels, and the world can be smaller than it feels.
Technology can reduce awkward moments but also remove the openings that lead to new conversations, friendships, and opportunities.
Instead of obsessing over specific AI tools, Reggie emphasizes broader expertise, stronger thinking skills, and staying curious as the foundation.
Timeline
Early
00:00 Introduction and Reggie’s role at UNT Health
01:05 Early career in digital media, web standards, and accessibility
03:30 Shifting from hand-coding to content strategy, and returning for a master’s degree
Middle
04:55 Job loss in 2020 and realizing the cost of having no professional network
06:10 Joining PRSA, the “own wings” quote, and building reputation through service
08:00 Brian on selling his agency and how losing a network changes everything
09:05 Give and Take, why giving creates long-run advantages, and learning from anyone
12:05 Treating people well, not burning bridges, and how it pays back over time
Late
15:55 Phones, missed conversations, and what Reggie is seeing with high schoolers
18:10 Concerns about tech leadership, incentives, and the harms that go unaddressed
20:05 Regulation, China comparisons, and why zero-sum thinking can make outcomes worse
28:05 Three skills more foundational than AI tools: broad expertise, thinking skills, curiosity
33:25 What Reggie is excited about at UNT Health, student stories and authentic connection
35:05 Reggie’s LinkedIn AI Innovation and Ethics chat and a course recommendation
36:00 Closing
Links and Resources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggiejohnson1/
Company: https://www.linkedin.com/school/unthealth/
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By StrategiqHQ.comEpisode Summary
Reggie Johnson shares how he built a resilient communications career through purpose-driven work and strong relationships. Reggie walks through his early days in digital media and web standards, the shift from hands-on execution to strategy, and how earning a master’s degree helped him grow into leadership. After losing a job in 2020, he joined PRSA and reframed career security around “trusting your own wings,” not the branch. He and Brian discuss giving versus taking, why reputation compounds over time, and how AI and technology are changing human connection. Reggie closes with what he is focused on at UNT Health and how he thinks professionals can prepare for what comes next.
Key Takeaways
Early lessons in web standards and accessibility shaped Reggie’s long-term approach to managing content and communication strategy.
A professional network can be the difference between feeling stuck on one “branch” and having the confidence to move forward on your own.
Giving to others builds durable trust and learning opportunities that often create mutually beneficial relationships over time.
Small interactions and everyday respect matter because reputation travels, and the world can be smaller than it feels.
Technology can reduce awkward moments but also remove the openings that lead to new conversations, friendships, and opportunities.
Instead of obsessing over specific AI tools, Reggie emphasizes broader expertise, stronger thinking skills, and staying curious as the foundation.
Timeline
Early
00:00 Introduction and Reggie’s role at UNT Health
01:05 Early career in digital media, web standards, and accessibility
03:30 Shifting from hand-coding to content strategy, and returning for a master’s degree
Middle
04:55 Job loss in 2020 and realizing the cost of having no professional network
06:10 Joining PRSA, the “own wings” quote, and building reputation through service
08:00 Brian on selling his agency and how losing a network changes everything
09:05 Give and Take, why giving creates long-run advantages, and learning from anyone
12:05 Treating people well, not burning bridges, and how it pays back over time
Late
15:55 Phones, missed conversations, and what Reggie is seeing with high schoolers
18:10 Concerns about tech leadership, incentives, and the harms that go unaddressed
20:05 Regulation, China comparisons, and why zero-sum thinking can make outcomes worse
28:05 Three skills more foundational than AI tools: broad expertise, thinking skills, curiosity
33:25 What Reggie is excited about at UNT Health, student stories and authentic connection
35:05 Reggie’s LinkedIn AI Innovation and Ethics chat and a course recommendation
36:00 Closing
Links and Resources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggiejohnson1/
Company: https://www.linkedin.com/school/unthealth/