Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way we work, interact, and innovate and AI in workplace tech is a key driver for this. Few understand this evolution better than Johan Dowdy, a seasoned IT and security leader currently driving technology initiatives at Asana. 

With a career spanning over two decades at major tech players like Workday, Lyft, and Twitter, Dowdy has witnessed firsthand the rapid technological shifts that continue redefining business operations.

In this conversation, part of the AI Innovators series, Dowdy shares his journey through the tech industry, his passion for music, and his perspective on AI’s role in the workplace. 

From the challenges of AI adoption to its security implications and the essential skills needed to thrive in this new era, his insights offer a roadmap for IT leaders navigating the evolving digital landscape.

Join us as we explore Dowdy’s experiences, expertise, and vision for a future where AI seamlessly integrates into our workflows, enhancing—not replacing—human productivity.

Q&A with Johan Dowdy

Background and Career Path

Question: Tell me a little bit about yourself and your background.

Johan Dowdy: I’ve spent over 20 years in IT and security, and I’m currently leading technology efforts at Asana. My journey has taken me through some really interesting companies like Workday, Lyft, and Twitter. Looking back, I feel like I’ve lived through an epoch in tech time, where massive transformations have redefined how businesses operate and collaborate. One thing that’s remained constant is the need to keep learning and adapting because technology never stands still.

Personal Passions

Question: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Johan Dowdy: Music has always been a huge part of my life. I’m a serious record collector, and there’s something about vinyl that digital formats just can’t replicate. One of my prized records is a first edition of Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures. Music was a constant growing up in my house, so it’s always been a way for me to disconnect from work and tap into something creative. It’s funny—people talk about the tech industry moving fast, but music evolves in its own way, too.

AI Advancements

Question: What is the most exciting AI advancement you foresee impacting the industry?

Johan Dowdy: I think AI will become so integrated into our daily interactions that we won’t even think about it—kind of like how word processing changed office work. AI won’t replace us; it will enhance how we work. The real shift is in AI, which is helping people focus on higher-value tasks by automating repetitive tasks. Imagine AI working like predictive text or spell check—always in the background, making things smoother and faster without being intrusive. That’s where I see AI making a significant impact.

“AI isn’t here to replace human productivity—it’s here to enhance it. AI will seamlessly integrate into our workflows, making us more efficient without overshadowing the human element.”

— Johan Dowdy, Global Head of IT and IT Security @ Asana

Security and AI

Question: How do you approach AI IT security?

Johan Dowdy: Security is always top of mind when introducing any new technology, and AI is no different. At Asana, we treat AI like any other enterprise tool—it goes through rigorous vetting, contracting, and risk assessment. Honestly, these conversations remind me of when cloud computing first emerged. People worried about data being outside their control, but now we have regulatory frameworks addressing those concerns. The same thing is happening with AI.

Security isn’t just about the technology, though—it’s also about educating people on using AI safely. Employees need to understand what’s okay to share and what’s not. Trust is a big part of security, so we ensure our AI vendors meet strict security and compliance standards before integrating their technology.

Integrating AI at Asana

Question: How do you envision integrating AI into your current technology stack at Asana?

Johan Dowdy: AI isn’t just a trend—it’s something users expect now. At Asana, we’re integrating AI workflows in ways that actually improve productivity and efficiency. The key is making sure AI adds value without disrupting how people work. The emergence of AI reminds me of the transition to cloud computing—it’s not just about the technology itself but about how it fits into a broader ecosystem. We’re laser-focused on making AI feel natural within our platform, so it’s a seamless extension and enhancement of how users are already operating.

Overcoming AI Challenges

Question: What challenges do you anticipate with AI adoption, and how do you overcome them?

Johan Dowdy: One of the biggest challenges is managing expectations. When ChatGPT came out, there was this huge wave of excitement—and a lot of hype. People expected AI to change everything overnight. But as we’ve learned more, we realize that AI’s impact is more incremental than immediately revolutionary.

To address this, we focus on education. The more people understand what AI can and can’t do, the more effectively they can use it. I liken it to the way spell check or built-in grammar tools have evolved—it took time for people to trust and rely on them, but now we don’t even think about it. AI adoption will follow a similar path, becoming something ever present that  just works.

“The biggest challenge with AI adoption isn’t the technology itself—it’s managing expectations. The real value of AI comes when the hype fades, and we start using it as naturally as spell check or predictive text.”

— Johan Dowdy, Global Head of IT and IT Security @ Asana

Essential Skills for AI and IT

Question: What skills are essential for IT and security teams to stay ahead?

Johan Dowdy: The ability to interact with AI effectively is becoming critical. Things like prompt engineering—knowing how to frame questions so you get the best AI responses—are becoming valuable skills. But beyond that, critical thinking is still key. AI isn’t perfect, and we need people who can analyze its outputs and make informed decisions.

Technology is evolving fast, so IT and security teams must stay adaptable. Continuous learning is part of the job now, whether it’s staying up to date on new AI models or understanding how regulations around AI are shaping up. The more we engage with AI now, the better prepared we’ll be for its future iterations.

Vision for Digital Workplaces

Question: How do you view digital workplace solutions for your organization?

Johan Dowdy: I see digital workplace solutions as interconnected systems rather than standalone tools. It’s like how video conferencing evolved—it went from being a ‘nice-to-have’ to an absolute necessity. The same thing is happening with AI and automation.

The goal is to create a seamless experience where tools interact, instead of existing in silos. When that happens, you get a more fluid, efficient work environment. 

Honestly, we’re heading toward a future that feels like something out of our sci-fi imaginations—where information, automation, and collaboration are all deeply connected. The key is ensuring that these tools enhance productivity rather than complicate it.

Unique Perspective on GoLinks

Question: As a GoLinks customer, how do you see GoLinks and GoSearch solving organizations’ knowledge management and discovery problems?

Johan Dowdy: 

GoLinks is the connective tissue that simplifies access to knowledge across an organization. At Asana, it streamlines navigation, saving time and reducing friction. Adding GoSearch into your environment would take this one step further (maybe two)—turning search into a discovery and summary tool that uncovers insights beyond what users initially expect. Together, they create a more connected, efficient digital workplace.

“GoLinks connects. GoSearch uncovers. Together, they transform how teams access and discover knowledge.”

— Johan Dowdy, Global Head of IT and IT Security @ Asana

Closing Thoughts

Johan Dowdy’s insights offer a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities present in the evolving landscape of IT and AI. His emphasis on thoughtful integration, user education, and the strategic use of AI provides a valuable framework for organizations looking to navigate the complexities of the modern digital workplace. Dowdy’s vision for technology, adaptive management of security, and dedication to continuous learning serve as a guiding ethos for leaders in the field as they embrace the future of work technology.

Workplace tech is here to stay, and AI will play a major part in it. If you are looking for workplace tech and digital workplace solutions, I’d encourage you to check out GoLinks suite of work tech solutions:

• GoLinks: An AI-driven platform that makes it easy to access and share resources in seconds with internal short links, called Go Links®. Empowering teams to move faster and remain focused.
• GoSearch: An AI enterprise search solution that takes team knowledge management to a new level of efficiency with custom AI agents, AI-generated answers, summaries, and information discovery.
• GoProfiles: A modern AI employee directory and profile platform that fosters connection, recognition, and achievement across your organization.

Schedule time with us to explore the GoLinks suite of work tech solutions further.