Johanna Johnson

Josie is the epitome of a smarty pants. She is an accomplished leader with more than 10 years of experience designing, executing and analyzing market research. She is the rare combination of numbers nerd and visual storyteller, both meticulous research practitioner and strategic consultant.

As an Analytics Ace at Smarty Pants, Josie is responsible for conceiving and managing quantitative and mixed-method research for many of Smarty Pants' top entertainment, media and technology clients. Her work includes segmentation studies, conjoint analysis, ad and concept testing, A&Us, brand trackers, and more.

Josie joined the organization in early 2019. Prior to Smarty Pants, she held the position of associate director of quantitative research at Kelton. She spent three years (and two promotions) leading custom quantitative research initiatives for entertainment, food & beverage, travel and technology giants.

Josie previously served as a brand strategy analyst at Leo Burnett in Chicago. During her tenure at the agency, she specialized in CRM strategy, database and digital analytics, and campaign planning and measurement. She was also a member of Chicago's Digital Analytics Association.

Josie began her research career at a litigation consulting firm designing, managing and analyzing mock trials and focus groups. She also performed SPSS analyses to support the strategic recommendations of law firms.

In her pre-market research life, Josie worked at a trading firm, analyzing fixed income, equities, currencies, and commodities markets. Her role was to help build capital by applying advanced analyses to live trading in the futures market. (Did we mention she's a smarty pants?)

Josie graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Colgate University, receiving both high honors in psychology and high distinction in the liberal arts core curriculum. She also holds a certification in Microeconomic Principles.

Leaving no doubts that she's an overachiever, Josie was a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society and co-captain of her Division 1 soccer team at Colgate. Her soccer skills led her to be named to ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-District First Team. She was also on the Colgate Academic Honor Roll and Patriot League Academic Honor Roll every year.

Born and raised in the Windy City, Josie and her husband recently moved back to Chicago after enjoying several years in Los Angeles.

jjohnson@asksmartypants.com

Fun Facts

  • Is a thrill seeker who has been sky diving in Australia, hang gliding in Brazil, bungee jumping in New Zealand (thrice) and gorilla tracking in Uganda
  • Is a wine tasting enthusiast who holds a WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) intermediate certification
  • Is the only Swedish member of the ISDA (Italian Sons and Daughters of America)