Today we’d like to introduce you to Jewel Johnson
Jewel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a native Houstonian and the proud daughter of two incredibly courageous people, my fearlessness stems from their strength in moving forward despite life’s challenges. Growing up in the inner city taught me to see the bigger picture and think holistically. A community of exceptional educational leaders, a caring family, prayer warriors, and supportive neighbors surrounded me and provided strength. My summers were filled with laughter, learning, cheer camp, church school, and field trips. All of which helped me embrace my uniqueness and develop leadership skills from an early age. I am forever indebted to my village! Upon graduation from high school, I obtained my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business.
In 1990, my professional path began in the Oil & Gas Industry and later evolved into an impactful career in BioTech. As a multiple award-winning leader in sales, I’m dedicated to improving patient outcomes. I attribute my success to having great mentors, continuous learning, a collaborative approach, and a willingness to take on diverse roles with increasing responsibility. One of the most outstanding achievements of my career was leading a National Peer-to-Peer Engagement Bureau of 100+ Key Opinion Leaders in Immunology. In this capacity, I played a pivotal role in launching new educational engagement platforms, leading a cross-functional team, and increasing HCP engagement by 30% during a major product launch. This opportunity taught me to effectively lead amid change and build talented teams that accomplished great things!
My faith, family, and friends inspire my passion for helping others live their best lives. I am also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and I enjoy supporting charitable initiatives. Over the next five years, I aim to establish an endowment for African American students pursuing careers in science and build a thriving consulting business dedicated to coaching future sales leaders. In my spare time, I love to travel the world and enjoy incredible cuisine!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have adapted and grown as a woman of color in a leadership role. Ageism, sexism, and racism have been part of the tapestry of my career. However, my ability to create a path forward when doors close has built my resilience and agility. These challenges have made me a better person and a more effective leader. Maturity has helped me recognize that I needed those experiences to make ethical decisions and remain strong in any situation. Emotional Intelligence as a leader is vital to the success of a team.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud of my role as an Executive Sales Consultant dedicated to delivering results and better health outcomes for patients with auto-immune disorders. With a visionary approach and collaborative leadership style, I have built a 24-year career with large and mid-size biotech companies. Connecting with people and building strong, high-performing teams are my greatest strengths. My experience includes sales training, HCP marketing, key opinion leader development, coaching, and launching blockbuster brands. I’ve led many successful projects in commercial sales operations, marketing, content creation/asset management, health congress planning/execution, speaker training, and market research.
What sets me apart is my adaptability to any environment and my ability to deliver results in challenging business situations. I am attentive to listening, assessing situations, and making sound decisions. My sense of humor has also helped me and my team navigate through some tough days!
What were you like growing up?
My beloved mother said I was funny, courageous, curious, and feisty as a child. Nothing scared me! I made lifelong friends, and my ability to communicate was amazing. Sometimes, I could be stubborn when I didn’t master a task as quickly. The occasional trip to Sears and Robuck was always my favorite because it meant getting a new dress, popcorn, and a pair of shoes. That sense of wonder, style, personality, courage, and thirst for knowledge has led to great accomplishments. And I still love shoes!
Image Credits
Professional Images by Gala Bethany Studio & Photography
