Ep.15 Jhumar Johnson | Navigating 2021 as a Professional Woman.

In this episode, I’m talking with Jhumar Johnson, Director of the Vice Chancellor's Office at The Open University. As Director of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office Jhumar’s focus at the University is two-fold, acting as aide, adviser and problem-solver to the Vice-Chancellor to assist with achieving his objectives and responsibilities towards the success of the University; and ensuring alumni, donors and partners are at the heart of the OU family along with our staff and students.

Jhumar was responsible for delivering the University’s first-ever fundraising campaign, raising £60m against a target of £50m and running a year-long integrated celebratory campaign to celebrate the Open University’s 50th anniversary in 2019 across the four UK nations and internationally. She has a background in major gifts consulting and practice in the not-for-profit sector, advising individuals and families on shaping their philanthropy and mentoring and coaching.

Jhumar has a fascinating history, having moved from India to the UK on her own at the relatively tender age of 20. We talk about a variety of topics as she expands upon many of the issues facing people during the pandemic.

In this episode, we also talk about her current mentoring challenge; the ways in which mislabelling for example, "Imposter Syndrome" can lead to a negative spiral; the challenges that women face in the virtual workplace; how to cope with rejection in fundraising; and how to give gracefully through mentoring.