Crystal Johnson, Sonobi’s VP of People Operations, is a champion of diversity and inclusion. As an honoree in the 2024 Top Women in Media and Ad Tech Awards, Crystal is being recognized for her efforts on a global stage as a woman who has made an exceptional impact on diversity and inclusion in her team, her company, and the media industry as a whole.
Building a Diverse Team
Under her leadership, Sonobi’s team of hand-picked talent has flourished. Women make up 39% of the company’s workforce, well above the national average for the tech industry and a significantly higher percentage than Facebook, Apple, Google, or Microsoft according to data compiled by Women in Tech. The company’s leadership reflects her commitment to placing the right person in the right role, with women serving as VPs and managers, including the company’s CTO.
Thanks in large part to Crystal, the company excels as a people-first organization that emphasizes employee growth and success. She further promotes diversity and inclusion by hiring minority-owned businesses for external services and recognizing talents through promotions, with a focus on gender and remote work equality.
Growing Stronger Together
While many leaders claim to have an open-door policy, Crystal takes a more proactive approach. She encourages employees to have a voice in the company, empowering them to raise concerns, seek assistance, and share ideas. In addition to regular one-on-one check-ins, Crystal conducts employee satisfaction surveys to gain a greater understanding of the team through data-driven insights.
Crystal’s dedication to career advancement, organizational development, and employee satisfaction underscores her invaluable contributions to Sonobi’s success and distinguishes her as a leader in the HR domain. By prioritizing roles that align with each person’s abilities, she has boosted productivity and nurtured a culture of personal and professional advancement.
Rising to the Occasion
Crystal began her career in accounting and account management. She joined Sonobi in 2015 and became head of Human Resources in 2018. Her analytical prowess has served her well in HR, leveraging her financial and client relations skills to enrich her approach to people operations. She’s adept at negotiating beneficial contracts and ensuring compliance with employment laws, contributing significantly to policy development. With a keen eye toward long-term strategy, she balances employee strengths and career aspirations against the needs of the company to make informed decisions regarding role placements and promotions.
As the VP of People Operations at Sonobi, she enhances departmental efficiencies and productivity by implementing strategic process improvements. Crystal has negotiated cost-effective benefits contracts, ensuring employee well-being while effectively managing vendor relationships. She is also committed to compliance with employment laws and ensures that Sonobi’s policies and procedures are consistent across all departments.
Fostering a Better Culture
Crystal’s impact at Sonobi transcends traditional HR functions. She spearheaded the creation and implementation of the Sonobi Wellness program, underscoring her commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture. Her efforts in organizing team-building activities and social events further contribute to an environment where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated. Crystal’s holistic approach to employee wellness cultivates a vibrant workplace.
“I’ve seen her daily commitment to diversity and inclusion company-wide. She excels in fostering team growth and career advancement, always ensuring workplace equality.”
Ted Scott, Sonobi Chief of Staff
Her influence in shaping company culture and enhancing the lives of her team members extends well beyond her HR responsibilities, reflecting Sonobi’s core values. Because of her people-first leadership, strategic planning, and deep empathy, Sonobi is stronger than ever.