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Gervais Johnson, AI Innovation and Neurodiversity Advocate
Product and Agile Leader
Professional Background
Gervais Johnson is a prominent Lean-Agile Innovator with over 35 years of extensive experience in guiding organizations through their transformation journeys. As an Associate Director at Eli Lilly and Company since December 2021, Gervais has been instrumental in supporting the Product Operating Model adoption and evolution. His innovative approach integrates vital areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps), and Cloud Data Analytics. With a focus on Domain Driven Design, he enables organizations to enhance their technological capabilities effectively.
Gervais has held strategic positions across a diverse range of high-profile companies, including IBM, NASA, and Apple, showcasing his versatility and expertise in Product Management and Lean-Agile initiatives. Beyond his work at Eli Lilly, he has notably led Agile Transformation Consulting projects at Wells Fargo and served as Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at MATRIX Resources.
Education and Achievements
Gervais's academic background reflects a commitment to innovation and technology. He studied Innovation and Design at the prestigious Stanford University, where he earned certificates in both Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, he holds a degree in Information Systems from San Diego State University and an Associate's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from San Diego City College. His pursuit of knowledge also includes studies in Psychology and Medical Nursing at Angelo State University, as well as Computer Science at Midland College.
Gervais’s illustrious career features numerous leadership roles, including:
- Senior Managing Consultant / Enterprise Architect at IBM: Here, he contributed to pioneering technology solutions and led significant projects.
- Co-Founder and CEO at the Institute of Engineering and Management: Through this organization, he fostered innovation and education in engineering and management.
- Senior Technical Manager at Levi Strauss & Co.: He played a crucial role in integrating Agile methodologies within the organization, promoting efficiency and innovation.
Achievements
In addition to his professional roles, Gervais is passionate about social issues and advocating for inclusivity in technology. He actively supports Neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ rights, representing a broader commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the corporate landscape. Gervais is the co-founder and co-chair of Lean-Agile Frontiers, a visionary platform fostering collaboration between academia and industry, to shape the future of Agile methodologies. His mission aligns perfectly with his personal values, aiming to bridge gaps and leverage technological advancements for social good.
Gervais's work demonstrates a unique blend of technical expertise and a deep understanding of human-centric design. He lets his mission guide his work, ensuring that while technology advances, the people using it are valued and included. As an influential figure in the Lean-Agile space, he continues to inspire teams and companies to embrace innovative strategies, ultimately leading to transformative change.
