Mike Johansson is a distinguished Senior Lecturer in Communication at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), specializing in social media, public relations, and advertising. He has dedicated his career to educating students about the power of communication in the digital age, particularly in how social media can be harnessed for strategic business growth. As a passionate educator, Mike not only teaches but also learns from his students, engaging in the evolving landscape of communication technology and its impact on society. His innovative approach to teaching, along with his extensive professional background, has made him a respected figure in the field.
In addition to his academic work, Mike is the founder of the Rochester Social Media Speakers Bureau, which connects social media experts with audiences eager to understand the diverse applications of online platforms. His role in founding this bureau reflects his deep commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing and professional development in the Rochester area. Through this initiative, Mike has helped facilitate numerous successful conferences and workshops, contributing to the local community’s understanding of social media’s role in business and communication.
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Mike is also the founder and social media strategist at Fixitology, a consultancy that uses social media tools to address business challenges. Fixitology helps organizations connect with their customers more effectively, offering solutions that range from improving customer engagement to enhancing products and services through feedback and direct communication. By connecting businesses with service providers and offering coaching on best practices, Mike ensures that his clients can leverage social media to solve complex business problems and achieve stronger brand recognition and customer loyalty.
Before his academic and consultancy work, Mike built a successful career in journalism and media. He served as Editor and General Manager of “Insider” at the Democrat and Chronicle, overseeing both print and online editions. Mike played a pivotal role in growing the publication’s reach to over 100,000 readers weekly, managing a team across editorial, marketing, and circulation. His leadership in digital news production was instrumental in the introduction of new web-writing styles and multimedia content, marking a significant shift in the way news was produced and consumed in the early 2000s. Mike’s contributions extended beyond the newsroom, as he also became involved in company-wide innovation and quality initiatives.
Mike’s extensive experience in both traditional and digital media stems from a career that began in the early 1980s as an agricultural reporter for The Daily Telegraph in New Zealand. His reporting covered the farming industry, where he earned the prestigious Agricultural Writer of the Year Award in 1983. Over the years, Mike has held various editorial roles at notable publications, including The Press in Christchurch and the Democrat and Chronicle, where his leadership and editorial skills were crucial in shaping content and staff development. Mike’s rich journalistic experience, coupled with his transition into social media strategy, gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of media, technology, and communication.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mike has pursued advanced studies in online marketing, earning a Master Certificate from the University of San Francisco in 2009. His educational background includes a Master’s degree in Newspaper Journalism from Syracuse University, further enhancing his understanding of both print and digital media. Beyond his professional work, Mike is an avid traveler, writer, and sailor, enjoying both personal and professional growth through new experiences and the exploration of global cultures. His interests reflect his dynamic approach to life and work, emphasizing continual learning and engagement with the world around him.
