Next Up Columbus 2021: Neethi Johnson
Interview by Derek Grosso
Name: Neethi Johnson
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Age: 33
Profession: Vice President, Digital Strategy at J.P. Morgan Chase
Neighborhood: Polaris
Education: B.S. and MBA from THE Ohio State University
Community Involvement: Student Success Stores (Board Treasurer)
Quote: “In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” — Buddha
Connect: LinkedIn | Facebook
Give us a snapshot of your path:
I was born in India and grew up in Dublin, Ireland, before moving to the US with my family. After double majoring in biology and entomology at The Ohio State University, I went on to work in business development and finance for my family’s healthcare businesses. Following business school at OSU, I began a post-MBA rotational program at JP Morgan Chase where I recently graduated and was promoted to Vice President. I currently work in Digital Strategy on a Connected Banking team. We manage the relationships between the bank and aggregators that connect to all your favorite apps like Venmo, Mint and more, all while making sure your banking data is safe and secure. It’s a very exciting time to be in digital as the landscape is constantly changing and new FinTechs come into the space every day.
What gets you up in the morning? What keeps you going through the workweek?
What gets me up in the morning is the possibility associated with making an impact; working in a capacity that allows me to give back, while creating something financially viable, innovative and sustainable. What gets me through the workweek is my incredible team and manager.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
My biggest hero will always be my dad. A selfless physician and talented businessman, he has inspired me to believe that no dream is too big, no aspiration un-worthy, and no problem without solution. He inspires me to work hard and to always carry myself with integrity, grit and unwavering confidence.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
I’m so fortunate to have a close set of best girlfriends from high school, from undergrad, and from grad school. I love spending time with them exploring new spots in Columbus, traveling, or just good old-fashioned girl time.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
I love the different pockets of neighborhoods throughout the city. I love Katalina’s in Clintonville, Barcelona and Lindey’s in German Village, The Pearl in the Short North, and so many more! Also love the food halls like North Market, Budd Dairy, and Bridge Park.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, my biggest goal was to work in a capacity that allowed me to help others. What I realized growing up was, there are a lot of different paths to do that, and I love living in a city that allows me to give back in so many ways.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
I just finished the book Think Again by Adam Grant and found it so refreshing. It’s the concept that true intelligence comes from being able to constantly add new data points to your formulated opinions to strengthen your stance or re-route your previous constructs.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
I am so grateful and so humbled to be selected among this year’s cohort. To me, this award is about potential—that we are the dreamers AND the doers that will impact Columbus with our work, commitment and passion.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
The pulse of Columbus is definitely its people. We all come from such unique backgrounds, perspectives, schools of thought, in a wide range of industries and sectors with so many different passions. Our strength is in our diversity.
The Next Up Columbus Awards highlight emerging leaders who are connectors and ambassadors in central Ohio and who are making a positive impact on the future of Columbus. The Columbus Young Professionals Club would like to offer special thanks to our 2021 co-presenters, Discover Financial, Future Possibilities and Zipline Logistics for their support of this awards program. Meet the entire “Class of 2021” »