Ron Johnson’s journey is a powerful testament to reinvention, resilience, and purpose across every chapter of life. Raised on Chicago’s West Side by a single mother and grandparents, Ron learned early that excellence could be a way forward, earning his path to West Point and embarking on what he thought would be a short Army commitment that ultimately became a 32-year career of service. Rising to Major General and Deputy Chief of Engineers, he led complex global operations before being told it was time to retire, an ending that became the doorway to an unexpected second act. Recruited by NBA Commissioner David Stern, Ron became the league’s first-ever Senior Vice President of Referee Operations, restoring trust and integrity through data-driven leadership in one of the most scrutinized roles in professional sports. From there, his journey evolved again into higher education, where he found deep joy teaching, mentoring, earning his doctorate at age 69, and now serving as Chief of Staff at Georgia Tech. Across every transition, Ron redefined success not by titles or plans, but by courage, curiosity, service, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
Starring:
Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)
John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)
Guest:
Dr. Ron Johnson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rleejohnson/
https://www.isye.gatech.edu/users/ronald-johnson
Network/Produced by:
Seltzer Kings (@seltzerkings) (seltzerkings.com)
Theme Music by Saint Josh
Listen Here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/71Uji4fPLsnGEJjeAqomiJ?si=77e3d7bb636c422a
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john/id1707412739
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6b369bb-36a9-47ab-9f22-1bacfcff6166/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-second-act-with-michae-123242148/
Socials:
Website: secondactmovement.com
Instagram: @secondactmovement
LinkedIn: @secondactmovement
Facebook: @secondactmovement
YouTube: @secondactmovement
AI-powered coach-client matching platform: trysam.ai
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
