David Johnson's Journey: From Culinary to Psychology to IT Leadership and Cybersecurity Expertise

The Cyber Business Podcast

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.