On the heels of being awarded a Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security’s Web-based Development contract win and a CMS Medicaid Data Strategy contract, we caught up with newly minted 8(a) and Elev8 GovCon Honoree For People CEO Johanna Yi, a Digital WOSB Alliance (DWA) Founding Member and Vice President of the Board, to learn more about how this team is founded in purpose, why relationships are an investment that matters, and what this team is manifesting for the future.
Founded in Purpose
Johanna, having experienced firsthand the complexities of navigating government services, established For People with the aim of spearheading improvements for those who need them most. She firmly believes that “People are at the heart of every data challenge,” and this principle is embedded in the organization’s ethos. For People places a strong emphasis on fostering a supportive culture and understanding the unique stories of its employees. “Everyone has a story, a family, challenges, talents, and hopes. This organization is dedicated to making a positive impact through our work for government and citizens, as well as the lives of our team members.”
Two of the company’s core values are passion and the ability to have fun. “I’ve encountered many individuals who are exceptionally skilled in their fields, but without the right heart, they can’t truly represent our values. Working in this sector can be demanding, and it’s easy to become disillusioned. Humor helps to alleviate the pressure. When you combine passion and humor, you can truly drive progress, navigate bureaucracy, and achieve tangible results.”
Prioritizing Relationship and Trust, then Technology
In the realm of government agencies, numerous emerging technologies and capabilities hold the potential to advance their missions. However, Johanna emphasizes that trust is the true catalyst for progress. “When you engage with individuals on a personal level, understand their families, and take the time to connect, you break down the ‘us versus them’ barrier and establish a genuine relationship and trust.”
Navigating institutional processes entrenched in decades-old policies and organizational structures requires stakeholder buy-in to effect change. Trust is pivotal in instilling confidence to move forward. “By delivering on promises and consistently presenting innovative ideas, new opportunities arise.”
An Investment that Matters
Whether it’s making the effort to meet an employee or client for coffee, setting aside an extra 15 minutes for personal conversations during a call, or simply showing genuine interest in the person you’re speaking with, these small investments and commitments carry significant weight and forge meaningful bonds.
“I once heard that people often won’t remember what you said to them, but they will remember how you made them feel,” Johanna reflects. “I’ve always kept that in mind; it’s about the experience someone has when engaging with me. It’s a valuable perspective that keeps what’s truly important at the forefront.”
In addition to fostering personal connections, For People organizes monthly Town Halls that focus on civic education, reinforcing the team’s collective purpose and enhancing their Emotional Intelligence. “We discuss topics like Medicaid Expansion and Unwinding, and how they impact our work. This broadens our perspective beyond the day-to-day and strengthens our understanding of the bigger picture.”
Manifesting the Future
Given For People’s data strategy and its collaboration with CMS to enhance the Medicare and Medicaid experiences, it’s not unreasonable to anticipate the organization’s further integration with the agency.
For People is always receptive to partners who share its mission and are interested in contributing to its initiatives. The team is open to new opportunities and welcomes individuals who align with its values.
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