Inspiration profile on Christie Johnson

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How Christie Finds Inspiration

In accordance with the Laurier motto "Inspiring Lives of Leadership and Purpose," who is someone that you aspire (either someone current or in the future) to inspire? 

I love this motto and have reflected on it over the years. It is my hope and wish that I inspire my staff, the student staff, colleagues and our external partners. I work diligently to have this wish become a reality by practicing and putting in place feedback loops to ensure that I continue to grow and learn as a person and a leader. More specifically, as I realize my age and position in the workplace, I also hope to inspire young women who are early in their careers.

Working at Laurier, what inspires you?

I am inspired by how human and personal we can keep things at Laurier, even though we have experienced large amounts of growth in the last couple of decades. Whether it is through the students and our ability to employ so many of them into our departments to ensure fresh perspectives and excellence in work, through the courses and opportunities offered by our human resource department or through the various opportunities for staff to meet with one another via work or social events. Life is about relationships and we live our brand in how we create and value community amongst our people.

How Christie Inspires Others

In what ways do you see yourself as a leader within the Laurier community?

Although very focused on the strategy and execution of plans and objectives within my specific unit, I make time to be involved in and support other aspects of Laurier. By prioritizing wider Laurier involvement, I’m able to meet others and create meaningful relationships, bring back relevant information to my staff and to the larger unit. I feel like I play my part in helping the community stay connected. I have also volunteered over the years for many university committees and events to lead by example and expand my knowledge and to learn more about people and the various priorities of different units at Laurier. I also donate to the Laurier campaigns and specify that I would like the funds to be directed to the mental wellness programs for students.

What is unique about your Laurier community?

My team of international recruiters typically travel the world and work with many valuable partners to recruit the best and brightest students to come to our Laurier campuses for their undergraduate studies. The uniqueness of what we do is that we are able to share the story of Laurierto bring the community feel to prospective students that we meet worldwide. The best part of that journey is when a student that we recruit comes to Laurier and experiences the community feel for themselves and then reaches out to us to see how they can share their story with other prospective students!

How Christie's Career is Inspiring

How does your career at Laurier exemplify your commitment to inspiring lives of leadership and purpose?

I am often inspired by the students, staff and faculty of Laurier and in my specific career, I’m able to pass on that inspiration to our external partners, alumni and futurestudents. Throughout my time at Laurier and the various roles I’ve held, I believe that the inspiration that I feel by others is something that I can not only share with others, but that I can also be an inspiration to others by sharing my story and journey. I’m proud to be able to authentically share with others the good, the bad and the ugly of the growth and progression that I’ve had as a leader at Laurier. My hope is that the younger leaders will find a nugget of inspiration or a tactic that can be helpful in their journey.