Marketing Associate, Marissa Lindsay of Seventh Sense Consulting sits down with Managing Member Jacquelyn M. Johnson of SSC for Women's History Month.
March 27, 2020
Seventh Sense Consulting (SSC) Celebrates Jacquelyn M. Johnson of SSC for Women's History Month in this Spotlight Interview
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background and what brought you to the SSC family. A: Three months after graduating from college, I was accepted into a US Army intern program for Acquisitions. After working as a government employee for 8 years and as a government contractor for 13 years, I had a desire to build an organization that focuses on its greatest asset – people. My passion for both people and acquisition lead me to Seventh Sense.
Q: What advice would you give to other women in such a male-dominated industry? A: You will face many, many hurdles. My advice follows: #1 – Don’t quit. You will face struggles, one after another. Know that the struggle is likely bigger than you. Your struggles may benefit many, many generations to come, so dig in. #2 – Invest in yourself. You cannot give away what you don’t have. Learn what inspires/recharges you and protect the time for those activities. #3 – Take chances and continually broaden your horizons. Go above and beyond and do what is uncomfortable. You will be surprised what you learn about yourself.
Q: What types of challenges have you faced as a professional woman and leader? How did you overcome it? A: The major challenges that I faced as a professional woman and leader is overcoming an introverted personality and public speaking.
I used to be an introvert. When participating in any conversations, I tend to be more deliberate in thinking through topics. Although I tend to take my time and think about all angles of a situation, I found that my general thoughts were conveyed by others. Then, I would ask myself, “Why didn’t you speak up and say the same thing?”. From those experiences, I knew that I had a lot to offer. I began to push myself to be more vocal. Now, you never have to ask for my thoughts or opinions – They are easily offered!
Q: Who is the most influential woman you know? How does she inspire you? A: My mom has been the most influential woman in my life. She was a woman of few words (until she got older! ) who did not hesitate to speak her truth, teaching me through example. She was a self-less woman – the matriarch of the family, who always took care of her family and others who needed assistance. She was very focused on community service, actively participating in several committees from church ministries to community policing to crocheting blankets for cancer patients. I strive to touch as many lives as she did and make a difference in this world.
Q: How do you support other women personally and professionally? A: My support comes in the form of my most precious commodity – time. I offer my time and attention whenever asked and, sometimes, when you don’t ask. That is a trait that I received honestly from my mother. I invest my time and attention by mentoring a young lady who is interested in the acquisition field and wants to learn more. During lunch time and on the weekends, I spend time introducing her to contract terms, explaining them from a real-world perspective.
Q: What does this year’s WHM Theme mean to you and how do you plan to honor and celebrate it? A: Valiant Women of the Vote esteems those who sacrifice for the sake of others. The struggle that these women had to endure has afforded me many opportunities, many of which I enjoy today. I celebrate their sacrifices every day and honor them through my support to others. I have made small strides to change the lives of various women in my life, but I know that there is more to be done, more that can be done. One of the quotes that I live by says, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle” (James Keller).
Q: Name 7 traits of a successful women. A: Patiently resilient, Passionate, Risk-taker, Confident, Curious, Self-disciplined and Positive attitude.