Forty Over 40

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Forty Over 40 Asks: 10 Qs with Dr. Alissa Johnson

alissajohnsonWelcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. Every week we spotlight one of our honorees and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.

This week’s Q & A is with Dr. Alissa Johnson, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Executive Office of the President/White House.

1.  What was a pivotal moment of reinvention for you?

The iPhone.  It changed the way I live, and how I manage data.

2.  Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?

Emma Garrison-Alexander, former Transportation Security Administration CIO.

3.  What is your biggest goal right now?

Continue to improve government technology and to work with transformational CIOs in order to embrace the next generation of government technology.  

4.  What time do you typically wake up?  What do you do every morning?

I set my alarm at 6:45 every morning, and snooze every 9 minutes until 7:03 am.  As I get ready, I skim the news highlights that are in my inbox and get on twitter to see what the 140 character snippets are for the day.

5.  What challenge / achievement are you most proud of?

Being responsible for the White House technology services, as Deputy CIO.

6.  What was the last business book you read?

Leading the Epic Revolution:  How CIOs Drive Innovation and Create Value Across the Enterprise by Hunter Muller

7.  What is the best piece of advice you ever received?  

I am a huge Judge Judy fan!  “Beauty fades, dumb is forever.”  Hence the PhD.

8.  What is your “keep me going” quote?

“The powerful play goes on and you must contribute a verse.  What will your verse be?” – Dead Poets’ Society

9.  What is your secret indulgence?

Starburst Crazy Beans

10.  Who on the list of 2013 Honorees would you like to meet?

Michelle McKenna-Doyle, CIO of the NFL

Whitney Johnson

Whitney Johnson

Whitney is the author of the acclaimed Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream. She has been named on numerous Smart Thinkers and People to Follow lists by major media such as Inc. Magazine, Business Insider and Huffington Post and is quoted in Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fast Company, Forbes and more.
Whitney Johnson