Her Story
About Tara
Tara Johnson is an Integrated Marketing Communications leader whose career spans several decades across a wide range of industries, including CPG, power sports, e-commerce, and technology. Currently serving in a leadership role at Field Nation, she has built a reputation for developing integrated marketing systems and brand strategies that produce measurable business results, including driving over 300% growth in branded search performance. Throughout her career, she has carried forward lessons learned from each industry transition, applying that cross-sector perspective to strengthen the organizations she has worked with.
A graduate of Concordia College with a degree spanning business, communications, and English writing, Johnson further developed her leadership capabilities through the Polaris Leadership and Development Program at the Carlson School of Management Executive Education. During the program, she worked alongside a team to address customer experience challenges from a digital lens, ultimately presenting their recommendations to senior leadership. Beyond her formal credentials, she has balanced a demanding career with family life, including a period of part-time work at General Mills while raising her children, a choice that speaks to her ability to navigate competing priorities without losing momentum professionally.
Johnson credits much of her success to the mentors, managers, and colleagues who supported her along the way, along with a personal philosophy centered on saying yes to new opportunities and taking chances that spark growth. She places high value on building workplace cultures rooted in trust, psychological safety, and collective achievement, believing these elements empower people to take risks and do their best work. Outside of her professional life, she remains active in her community, managing her children's hockey team and teaching within her church organization, reflecting the same spirit of leadership and service that defines her career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people who have supported me throughout my career, especially my managers. I have been fortunate to work with so many great people, managers and colleagues alike, who gave me the chance to grow. Working closely with others, collaborating, and consistently showcasing results has allowed me to build a strong reputation and earn the support of many people within the organizations I've been part of.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to always say yes to the opportunity in front of me. I've carried that mindset with me throughout my career, even as I've moved across different industries. Saying yes, taking the chance, and being open to learning and growing has shaped the path I've taken.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to take advantage of every opportunity to lead, even starting in college, and to look for ways to lead beyond the traditional paths available to them. Take those chances, lead the organization, and lead your own path forward. Ultimately, it's up to you to go after what you want.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities I see in my field right now is AI in marketing communications. Human oversight will always be necessary, and the industry needs to think carefully about the skills required to review and guide AI-generated work. It's about harnessing the power of these tools to create efficiency while still representing the brand in the most authentic way possible.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Building a culture of trust and winning together are values I hold close in both my work and personal life. Psychological safety is essential, it's what allows people to feel comfortable taking risks. Having that sense of empowerment in place is critical to both individual and team success.
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