Welcome back to On the Record! Every month, I feature an amazing woman who embodies the phrase, “We contain multitudes.“

This month, I’m talking with someone I’m a personal fan of, as well as someone I work with.

Greer Johnson is the founder of Carlisle + Co Digital Marketing Agency, a full-service marketing agency that helps brands discover and share their stories and offerings. I’ve worked with her team for years and just love the thoughtfulness they put behind everything they do.

Greer is also a mother, a wife, a Vanderbilt grad and a woman who always just seems to have it all together. I’m so excited to chat with her On the Record!

Hi Greer Johnson, and welcome to On the Record! Let’s start with… The Fun Stuff.

What’s one health and wellness trend you love and one you avoid? Why?

I’m all for anything that feels like an easy bonus add-on, or things that fit into real life. A walk outside while listening to a podcast (or listening in on a team call) checks every box: fresh air for Merritt (our pretty brand new little girl), a little movement, and a mental reset.

I also like to add electrolytes, creatine, and amino acids to my water daily. I drink water constantly, and it gets so boring, so adding these makes it taste good and do something beneficial for me (or so we think, right?). I’m also trying to sneak protein into everything these days.

In theory, I also love a quick 30-minute workout, but finding the time consistently is another story.

And one trend I absolutely cannot do? The full Korean 10-step skincare routine. I tried, really!, but it’s so overwhelming. I can never remember what goes where, and halfway through, I’m questioning whether any of it is even absorbing after ten layers!

What’s your most repurchased beauty item?

I’ll be honest, I could definitely stand to be more consistent with my beauty products. There are a few staples I keep coming back to, like the DiorShow volume mascara and Giorgio Armani luminous silk foundation (I bought it after hearing Jennifer Aniston uses it and haven’t looked back). 

But otherwise, I’m always trying new things, which is fun, though it does make it hard to see long-term results or know what’s actually working!

Lately, I’ve been loving the ISNTREE overnight hyaluronic acid water sleeping mask (one staple I did stick with from a recommended 10-step routine) and Apis Apotheca Dragon Balm (recommended by Frankie from Solful Holistic Skincare). With both of these products, I can actually see a difference in my skin the very next day, which feels like a miracle. They are both super moisturizing and the balm feels very luxurious. It is one of the only products I look forward to using at night.

And if there’s one thing I am loyal to, it’s my scent: Bond No. 9 Nuits de NoHo. I’ve worn it for years, and I just can’t quit it!

What one small habit has made a big difference in how you feel?

I actually have two (maybe three) habits that make a huge difference in my day. The first is getting up before anyone else in the house. It takes me a good 10–15 minutes to shake off that “why am I awake?” feeling, but once I do, I thrive in the early hours. Having time to get a little work done, or even just have coffee and organize, before our son Lane gets up (he’s an early riser!) helps me feel grounded instead of rushed. 

When I’ve had that small window to myself, I can actually enjoy the morning routine (read: delightful chaos) that comes next, playing mini basketball, making breakfast, all the morning things, instead of feeling like I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. It also helps me stay more present later in the day, because I’ve already had a chance to glance at my emails or mentally plan for what’s ahead. 

That ties into my second habit: putting my phone away and staying off of it as much as possible when I’m with my family and friends. Sometimes it makes me slower to respond, and I know that can frustrate people, but it’s made my life feel so much calmer. I’ve found I feel much more grounded and happy when I am fully immersing myself in the moment instead of leaning into distractions (aka anything on my phone!)

And since I’m already overachieving here, one more: getting dressed for the day. It sounds so simple, but it changes everything. I’m definitely guilty of diving into work in pajamas or athleisure (particularly on Mondays), but when I actually take the time to get ready, I show up differently. I feel more like myself and way more productive.

What’s the last book you read, podcast you listened to, or both?

I just finished the Ina Garten biography, and I’m going to be honest (probably an unpopular opinion) I didn’t love it. I’ve adored Ina for so long, but the book just felt a little flat to me. 

That said, in the OG influencer sphere, we recently watched the Martha Stewart MasterClass, and I was hooked. I need more Martha in my life now, she’s iconic. I’m not sure what resonated with me more in watching Martha, but I am very intrigued to gather other thoughts on the Ina biography!

Right now, I’m listening to The Wedding People, which is the perfect “fun audiobook you don’t have to think too hard about” kind of read. And podcast-wise, I just finished the Call Her Daddy episodes with Andy Cohen and Lisa Vanderpump, both so entertaining. I’m a total Bravo girl, so no surprise there.

If I’m pretending to be balanced and show that I actually consume real news, I also love Up First, The Daily, and Start Here every morning. *I typically do listen to these every morning, just not of late with a new baby and a slight shift in regular programming.

What fashion trend or piece of clothing or accessory will we always find in your closet?

I’m really not a very “trendy” person, if anything, I could probably stand to be a little more adventurous with my wardrobe. But the upside is that whatever I buy, I end up wearing for years. I’m a big believer in timeless staples which allows me to rationalize a purchase like the Jenni Kayne Cocoon Cardigan.

My closet is full of neutral pieces that can be mixed and matched, think jeans or linen pants, a classic blouse, and a layered sweater—definitely not ideal for Florida weather most of the year, but I’m thriving right now while it lasts. 

I always wear simple gold hoops or diamond studs, and I’ve been meaning to get my second and third piercings redone, the “ear party” trend is calling my name again, I just haven’t fully committed. That feels like a slight lean into a trend!

Now for The Serious Stuff.

What does balance look like for you these days?

Balance is an interesting question right now. I have a one-month-old who’s currently asleep on me as I dictate these answers and prep for a team member’s end-of-year review…but I also have a massage scheduled later, so we’re calling that balance!

I’ve learned that if I don’t schedule self-care, it simply doesn’t happen. So I prioritize therapy sessions, massages, a visit to Perspire sauna, anything that noticeably calms my nervous system. I try to walk every day, which is easier to fit in since I can multitask, even if that multitask is just getting the baby outside for some fresh air.

I used to love recharging by sitting on the couch or watching a bad show, but lately I find it hard to fully turn off. I’ll end up checking emails or responding to team chats, so I’ve realized I need activities that actually force me to disconnect, things that require my full attention or make it impossible to use my phone (like a massage!).

On busier days, I rely on time batching, setting a timer for 15–20 minutes helps me knock out small tasks, like laundry, in between website builds or calls. It makes everything feel more manageable and keeps me from getting overwhelmed.

It’s definitely a work in progress, especially trying to balance work, family, friends, and, ideally, sleep, but I’m learning to prioritize time with loved ones and real self-care just as much as business responsibilities.

What’s something you’ve learned to say no to?

Saying no is not my strong suit, in work or in life. I’m definitely a people pleaser at heart and really don’t love confrontation. We’re working on this in therapy on reframing what “no” actually means. It doesn’t have to be harsh or disappointing, it can simply mean you’re showing up for yourself so that you can ultimately show up better for everyone else.

That said, as I’m saying this, I’m also realizing we took on four or five new clients when we had technically said we’d be starting a waitlist during my maternity leave… so clearly, it’s still a work in progress! But acknowledging it is half the battle, right? Lol.

One area I have gotten better about saying no is with my phone, constantly being available, responding right away, or feeling like I have to be “on” 24/7. I’ve made it a priority not to use my phone in the mornings and evenings and to put it away when I’m spending time with anyone in person. I’ve also tried to keep it out of reach when I’m deep in work, because otherwise I’ll respond all day and get nothing done.

So I guess instead of just “saying no,” I’m leaning more into being present, and that naturally means saying no to everything else that isn’t right in front of me.

What’s a recent headline that you made you think?

This question really shows how out of the loop I’ve been lately, as I mentioned I haven’t exactly been keeping up with my usual morning news podcasts this past month! But I do still keep an eye on News for Normies (wink), and in general, I’ve been struck by how disconnected everyone feels lately.

It’s wild how often people seem to land on opposing sides just for the sake of being on opposing sides. I’m not trying to get political (and I know politics has never been the picture of collaboration), but the current climate feels so focused on being right instead of being curious. There’s such a lack of genuine dialogue.

Of course, I understand that many topics touch deeply held beliefs and values, things people should feel strongly about, so open conversation can be hard. But I really believe we’d all be better off if we listened more and talked less… says the person writing a very long-winded answer right now.

What serious conversation are you having with your friend group right now?

I just had a really great conversation with a friend about balance, not just in the general “work-life” sense, but in the very real way it shows up when you’re running a business, raising kids, and trying to be present for both. We talked about how this stage of life and career comes with so much pressure to do it all, to be successful, accomplished, and at the top of your game, while also wanting to spend real, quality time with your family and actually enjoy life.

We also got into the reality of being Type A personalities and the constant tension between wanting to delegate and wanting to micromanage. There are things that should be delegated and others that shouldn’t, and finding that line is tricky.

It was refreshing just knowing everyone’s in the same boat, juggling a million things, trying to grow, excel, and be present all at once. I think it’s a conversation so many people are having quietly—trying to balance personal goals, relationships, and careers. It’s reassuring to talk it through with friends and realize you’re not alone, and it’s grounding to share ideas on how to make it all feel a little more manageable.

Tell me why you think age is just a number.

I truly think age is just a number and wish I had fully realized that earlier (said with a tinge of regret). It feels like there is a lot of criticism about younger generations right now (isn’t there always criticism about the current younger generations?), but one thing I really admire is how confidently they ask for what they want and how unapologetically they believe they deserve to go after it.

For me, that’s something I’ve had to consciously work on. Even now, approaching 40, I still catch myself questioning my abilities and having to remind myself that I do know what I’m doing. I look back at my twenties and thirties and remember constantly feeling like I was “too young” to have the answers or the experience and always deferring to people I thought were older or more expert.

There’s definitely something to be said for respecting experience, but I don’t think age, in either direction, should dictate your confidence or limit what you think you can do. Whether you’re 25 or 85, you can still evolve, grow, and build something meaningful.

I just loved these thoughtful responses. Thank you, Greer, for going On the Record!

If you’d like to connect with Greer and her company, Carlisle + Co, check out their website here.