Building a Career Network in Communications with Reggie Johnson

Episode SummaryReggie 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 TakeawaysEarly 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.TimelineEarly00:00 Introduction and Reggie’s role at UNT Health01:05 Early career in digital media, web standards, and accessibility03:30 Shifting from hand-coding to content strategy, and returning for a master’s degreeMiddle04:55 Job loss in 2020 and realizing the cost of having no professional network06:10 Joining PRSA, the “own wings” quote, and building reputation through service08:00 Brian on selling his agency and how losing a network changes everything09:05 Give and Take, why giving creates long-run advantages, and learning from anyone12:05 Treating people well, not burning bridges, and how it pays back over timeLate15:55 Phones, missed conversations, and what Reggie is seeing with high schoolers18:10 Concerns about tech leadership, incentives, and the harms that go unaddressed20:05 Regulation, China comparisons, and why zero-sum thinking can make outcomes worse28:05 Three skills more foundational than AI tools: broad expertise, thinking skills, curiosity33:25 What Reggie is excited about at UNT Health, student stories and authentic connection35:05 Reggie’s LinkedIn AI Innovation and Ethics chat and a course recommendation36:00 ClosingLinks and ResourcesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggiejohnson1/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/school/unthealth/