Erica J. Johnson, BA, MBA, CSM
Erica J. Johnson, BA, MBA, CSM, is a systems‑driven AI Scrum Master at First Bank in St. Louis, Missouri, where she leads agile teams in implementing intelligent QA automation across web, mobile, and digital banking platforms. With more than 15 years in financial services, she blends business analysis, agile leadership, and artificial intelligence to streamline workflows, strengthen compliance, and elevate the customer experience. Her hybrid role allows her to translate business strategy into scalable, technology‑driven solutions — bringing clarity, structure, and discipline to complex environments.
Erica’s career began as a Senior Business Analyst supporting e‑banking upgrades and implementations for financial institutions and student loan servicing organizations. Her transition into AI‑enhanced QA leadership reflects her commitment to continuous evolution and mastery. She holds certifications including Certified Scrum Master (2023), AI Scrum Master (2025), and Advanced QA AI Mabl Certification (2026). She also earned an MBA with an emphasis in Finance and completed the Harvard Business Analytics Program, reinforcing her ability to integrate data, automation, and financial strategy into every initiative she leads.
Beyond her technical expertise, Erica is the Founder and Portfolio Architect of Common Sense Investments 23:34 (CSI 23:34) — a legacy‑driven financial institution she is actively building through disciplined investing, governance design, and documented wealth systems. She applies the CSI principles of Realistic Investing, Consistent Accountability, and Generational Continuity to her professional and personal life, using her own portfolio as a blueprint for long‑term institutional development.
Erica is a passionate advocate for AI‑driven innovation, operational efficiency, and team empowerment. She maintains active membership in organizations such as IIBA and Delta Mu Delta, staying engaged with emerging trends in analytics, agile practices, and intelligent automation. Recognized as an Influential Woman in 2026, she continues to mentor teams and communities in creating scalable, future‑ready solutions that redefine digital banking and generational wealth building.
• Mabl Advanced-Level Certification
• Mabl Skills Certification: Foundations
• Mabl Skills Certification: Non-functional Testing
• American InterContinental University - MBA
• IIBA (Business Analysis Society)
• Delta Mu Delta (Business Honor Society)
What do you attribute your success to?
First and foremost, I attribute my success to God — for His grace, His mercy, and His covering through some of the darkest seasons of my life. Scriptures like Luke 23:34 and Psalm 46:9 have carried me in ways that words can barely express, grounding me when everything around me felt unsteady.
I am guided by the wisdom of those who came before me. Erma Bombeck’s reminder to “use everything God gave me before my life ends” and Gandhi’s call to be the change you want to see in the world have shaped how I show up, lead, and build.
I honor my angels in heaven — my father, James Lewis Jr., and my grandmother, Isabella Green my Dear Friend, Kimberly Penton — whose love, lessons, and legacy continue to guide my steps. May they rest in peace.
I am strengthened every day by my living support system: my mother, Carolyn Jene Johnson, and my family, whose encouragement and belief in me have been a constant source of fuel. And to my best friend, Gregory W. Benefield, Jr., thank you for your unwavering support through some of the hardest moments of my life — for every tear, every conversation, and every time you held space for me when I needed it most.
My success is not mine alone. It is the product of faith, legacy, love, and the people God placed in my life to lift me, shape me, and walk beside me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple but powerful: start where you are. You don’t need perfect conditions, a perfect plan, or a perfect beginning — you just need the courage to take the first step. That first step creates momentum. Momentum creates growth. And growth creates the foundation for generational wealth, legacy, and purpose.
This advice has guided every chapter of my journey — from rebuilding my life after hardship to launching CSI 23:34. It reminds me that progress is built through discipline, consistency, and the willingness to move forward even when the path isn’t fully clear.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to stay curious, stay teachable, and stay committed to continuous learning. Technology evolves quickly — certifications, hands‑on practice, and ongoing education aren’t optional; they’re your competitive edge. But beyond the credentials, build discipline. Document your work. Strengthen your communication. Protect your integrity.
Most importantly, don’t wait for permission to grow. Take initiative, ask questions, and position yourself as a student of both the business and the technology. When you invest in your development consistently, you create opportunities that others can’t take away from you.
Your voice, your perspective, and your presence matter — so show up with confidence, stay grounded in your values, and never stop building the version of yourself you’ll need for the future you’re creating.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges — and greatest opportunities — in my field right now is helping people truly understand the value and impact of artificial intelligence. AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a shift in how we work, think, and deliver solutions. But adoption only happens when people feel informed, empowered, and confident.
The real opportunity lies in education and communication. When we break AI down in a way that is practical, transparent, and accessible, teams begin to see how it can streamline processes, reduce errors, enhance customer experiences, and free them to focus on higher‑value work. Once that understanding clicks, innovation accelerates.
The challenge is bridging the gap between fear and possibility — but that’s also where the transformation happens.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in my work and personal life are rooted in discipline, integrity, and continuous growth. Professionally, I believe in staying teachable — investing in ongoing education, certifications, and skill development to remain current in a rapidly evolving industry. My MBA in Finance and business analytics training reflect my commitment to mastering my craft and showing up with excellence. I also value responsibility and transparency, especially when integrating new technologies and ensuring compliance in environments where accuracy and trust matter.
In my personal life, I hold tightly to values that cannot be bought — only earned. Honesty, loyalty, and commitment are at the center of every meaningful relationship I have. I believe in “hurt me with the truth,” because truth brings clarity, and clarity brings peace. When someone shows up with consistency, integrity, and genuine care, the power of that presence is unmatched. These values ground me, guide my decisions, and shape the legacy I’m building through CSI 23:34.