Brooke Johnson manages Ivanti’s global legal department and advises the company on a wide range of legal and business affairs. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ivanti breaks down barriers between IT and security so that Everywhere Work can thrive. Ivanti has created the first purpose-built technology platform for CIOs and CISOs – giving IT and security teams comprehensive software solutions that scale with their organizations’ needs to enable, secure and elevate employees’ experiences. Over 40,000 customers, including 85 of the Fortune 100, have chosen Ivanti to meet challenges head-on with its end-to-end solutions. As Ivanti has grown and expanded globally through acquisitions, Brooke’s role has been critical, providing guidance with various countries’ regulations as well as negotiating contracts.
During March, the Salt Lake Chamber is highlighting influential women in Utah. To celebrate Women’s History Month, we asked Brooke to share her stories, thoughts and advice.
Who is a woman in your life who has impacted you?
I’ve had so many mentors in my personal life and career. The last several years, my close friends have been the most inspirational figures in my life – ambitious, successful women who juggle difficult careers, jobs, health, life and family. I am so lucky to have a group of women who inspire me to do more, be better, work harder and love life deeper.
What does success mean to you? Share your path to success and the challenges you’ve overcome to get there.
For me, success means career achievement, as well as making a positive impact in my personal and professional life, and continually growing.
My path to success has been taking on one challenge at a time. One of the (possibly annoying) things I say is that you eat an elephant one bite at a time. Set big goals, say them out loud, tell people, allow them to help you and break those goals into manageable targets. Keep your head down, but occasionally look up and appreciate how far you have come.
Share an experience of a past initiative or project that you’re proud of.
I’m proud of the legal and privacy teams that I have built at Ivanti. We have a great culture of support and respect. We know that there are priorities and respect them – first, family is the most important, then health (mental and physical) and then work. We respect vacation time, parental leave and just needing a break, but we work hard and have a customer support focus as a team.
How can others follow in your footsteps?
Work hard consistently. Say yes to challenges. Take on more responsibility. Push yourself outside your comfort zone. Build relationships with colleagues and mentors and be willing to mentor others. Ask for advice from trusted colleagues and take it.
How do you maintain work-life balance? Do you have any advice for other women?
Work-life balance is very important to me, but it doesn’t mean that every day is balanced. Some days I sit at my desk for 15 hours and other days I close my laptop halfway through the day and spend time with my son, family or friends. Having great people around me (in work and in my life) that I can lean on and who can lean on me helps me maintain balance.
For other women, my advice is to be kind to yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Some days are hard. Maybe we can have it all, but maybe not at the same time. Set your priorities based on where you are in your life.
Do you have a favorite daily routine or habit that keeps you centered and focused?
I meditate and do Wordle every day. These rituals ground me, even if it’s just for a few minutes. These are moments for myself to make sure I’m in touch with my body and mind.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
More than one – it is worth it. Keep working hard. Don’t take the expected path. You will find your place.
*Stay updated on more stories, events and information on Women’s History Month by visiting the Salt Lake Chamber’s website.
