Earvin “Magic” Johnson Talks CEO Mindset & Business Success

NBA legend, two-time Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson has lived by the premise of over-delivery, having successfully built a business empire as chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, which provides products and services in ethnically diverse and under served urban communities.

His conglomerate includes Canyon Johnson, a US$1 billion real-estate fund, Yucaipa Johnson, a US$500 million private equity fund, ASPiRE TV, an African American TV network, SodexoMAGIC, Magic Airport Holdings, Best Buy, T.G.I.F. Friday’s Restaurant, Inner City Broadcasting Corp., Detroit Venture Partners and Vibe Holdings, L.L.C.

Johnson also serves as chairman of the media company that houses Vibe, Uptown, and Soul Train, and he is the mastermind behind a stellar Starbucks partnership, leading to redevelopment in urban communities. His business empire has also expanded into sports team ownership and licensing, and he has given back to support heath, community and economic causes via the Magic Johnson Foundation.

The savvy businessman was a keynote speaker during the National Black MBA Association Inc.’s 36th Annual Conference and Exposition in Atlanta on September 17 last year, where he shared insights on his career longevity, his drive to succeed, the CEO mindset and his advice for young leaders of the future.

Read more: Black Enterprise