EPISODE · Feb 13, 2026 · 53 MIN
70: Standards Shape Futures with Ron Johnson (Ron Uncovers How Consistent Excellence Opens Doors to Reinvention, Impact, and Purpose)
from The Second Act with Michael and John · host Michael Newborn, John Ballenger
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
What this episode covers
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
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70: Standards Shape Futures with Ron Johnson (Ron Uncovers How Consistent Excellence Opens Doors to Reinvention, Impact, and Purpose)
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