On this episode of One Step Beyond, we are joined by Matt Johnson, Senior Director, Strategy and Change.

In this conversation, Matt shares his journey from growing up in punk and hardcore music to working in the government and corporate world. He discusses the lessons he learned from the DIY ethos of punk and the challenges he faced transitioning into a bureaucratic environment. Matt emphasizes the importance of understanding social dynamics and the need for people with strong moral compasses to work within institutions. He also highlights the power of making a difference in small, localized contexts and the importance of focusing on personal relationships and self-improvement. Matt discusses his shift from trying to impact the world on a larger scale to focusing on personal growth and impact.

Matt and Aram discuss the power of writing. Matt shares his experience developing his writing skills while working at the State Department. While working for the Pentagon, Matt discovered the power of writing through disciplined, clear communication practices in a high-stakes environment. Distilling complex information into concise formats honed his writing skills, which he later applied in creative storytelling. Through an anonymous blog, styled like government memos, he explored quirky, humorous narratives before transitioning to writing a book, which marked a turning point in his life.

Matt also delves into his current role in organizational transformation, and how he helps facilitate change within companies. Matt explains how storytelling and a deep understanding of human psychology play a crucial role in motivating and mobilizing people. To facilitate meaningful change within companies, it's essential to create a sense of purpose and foster collaboration. The creative process often begins with identifying the main character, their goals, and the challenges they face. Discipline and consistency are key in remaining open to inspiration and the muse. Aram and Matt discuss how creativity can be found in all aspects of life, and it’s important to intentionally create opportunities for the creative process to flourish. Even when not widely recognized, the impact of creative work can be profound.