It is with mixed emotions that we announce that Michael Johnny, Manager, Knowledge Mobilization Unit at York University, will be leaving his current role and moving to a new position elsewhere (but will still be close by – wait for the reveal below to find out where!). Michael has made a lasting impact at York University and Research Impact Canada through his commitment to knowledge mobilization and he’s not only seen the Network grow from the beginning, but helped foster its growth and steered its path. His professionalism, integrity, and collaborative spirit have made him a valued colleague and partner and his contributions to the Network, York U institution, and the broader community will be greatly missed. We are grateful for all that Michael has brought to his work over the years and wish him every success and happiness in this exciting next chapter! Please read below for his heartful thank-you letter.
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After over 20 years in my role at York, managing the knowledge mobilization unit and actively supporting the development of our network, I am moving on to a new role. I will be Director of Operations for RIC-member CPCoE (Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence). So while I won’t be directly involved in the network, given the active engagement CPCoE has in RIC, I won’t be too far away!
Applying for a job I truly didn’t understand. Getting hired to do that job. And then starting to learn what the heck it is. Participate in a listening tour to get feedback. The feedback? This investment makes no sense and is wasteful. Meet my colleagues at U Victoria. One is a particle physicist, and the other is a rocket scientist (for real). We decide to call ourselves a national network, ResearchImpact. I loved the audacity of that. Annual exhibiting at scholarly conferences. Erasmus scholars were not impressed.
But we persevered. Found our way. Our language. A value proposition. Our people. They liked what we could do for them. Others joined us. The network grew. Matured. Found increased comfort and confidence. Belief that this work matters.
Impact started to genuinely mean something. Scholarship. Meaningful engagement. Community partnership. An expanding collegial network. International engagement. Awards. Recognition. Reflective work to articulate the impact of research. Teaching. Learning. Supervising PhD candidates who have chosen this work to base their own scholarship.
And while I’m sunsetting this chapter of my career, the memories flooding back are consistently positive and bring me pride and joy. I’m leaving content and with gratitude in my heart. For a community that cares. And who are committed to doing good work for our communities and our campuses.
Reflections? It’s ok to not know everything. Work from a place of strong and consistent values. Find some love for what you do. Stay connected. Ask questions. It’s a privilege to serve – our communities and campuses.
Thank you. For everything. Today, I understand a little more than I did then. But I know there’s more to learn for me, and you. We’re all mobilizers. And this network, our network, makes us better. And while I never thought I’d leave, we’re all custodians, care takers.
To you all, colleagues, friends. Take care and thank you. I will acknowledge my bias but you are involved in some of the most important work within your institution.
Michael Johnny