For Govcon Newbie, Success Lies in Seeing the End Goal, First

For over 15 years, every role Imani Pope-Johns has secured throughout her career has uniquely prepared her for the world of government consulting. From beautifying Washington, D.C., notables as a licensed cosmetologist to leading strategic communications and media relations for the White House’s U.S. Digital Service, Pope-Johns has worn many hats.

Among the most important skills Pope-Johns says she brings to Aptive in her new role as a senior manager are strategic communications, crisis planning, empathetic leadership and flexibility.

Being flexible and able to switch gears quickly and frequently are key to a successful career in government consulting. “The ability to learn something you haven’t done before is important — and something I do well,” said Pope-Johns, who also owned her own public relations consulting business and now oversees Aptive communications and customer experience contracts for several federal agencies.

“Early in my career, I had to identify multiple ways to make use of my cosmetology license and communications degree, simultaneously. In the salon world, clients have a goal in mind and you’re the expert at achieving it within a set time frame,” Pope-Johns said. “This is the basis for outstanding client relations, which easily translates to the consulting world. If a salon client can trust your work at every engagement, you have the formula to apply in other aspects of your career.”

For Pope-Johns, that career was in strategic communications. While working in salon management, as well as in public relations for Howard University, her alma mater, Pope-Johns honed her management skills over several years and developed a network of contacts and references that would later support her in securing permanent roles in her chosen profession. She would later gain experience across various industries, including education, research, lifestyle, hospitality, non-profit, entertainment, health and wellness, government, finance and technology.

Forging Internal and External Connections

Besides being able to adapt quickly to new work environments, Pope-Johns acknowledged the importance of strategic communications skills in her current position. “Strategic communications is what drives an organization. Having an informed, prepared and results-oriented workforce can do wonders for a company, internally and externally,” she said. “Without it, you miss the opportunity to boost morale, increase retention and be transparent without major criticism. I’m now on four government contracts and all include strategic communications in some form or fashion, with their workforce top of mind.”

While Pope-Johns is helping the government better engage with the public through her contract work at Aptive, she wants to use her leadership skills and experiences as a public servant to help Aptive team members connect internally and grow in their respective careers. “Simply having the answers to mutual issues and sharing them with others as a template for their day-to-day decreases costs, increases productivity and helps an organization build better,” she said.

In addition to maximizing her knowledge and skills in her new role — and being appreciated for doing so — what excites Pope-Johns most about joining Aptive are the possibilities. “I’m constantly learning every day. Seeing my career evolve the way it has from where I started 15 years ago is a blessing. I’m very thankful to be able to keep moving forward in my career and to continue as a public servant, within or outside of government.”