Ron Johnson: Lessons from Steve Jobs, Apple and Starting Over (ep. 918)

Ron Johnson helped transform the way the world shops. As the creator of the Apple Store, he worked alongside Steve Jobs to build a welcoming retail experience centered on learning and human connection. Before Apple, he helped make good design accessible at Target, and he later served as CEO of J.C. Penney. In his new book, Shop Different, Ron shares the leadership lessons he gained through extraordinary successes and humbling setbacks.

Today, Ron shares how a childhood love of retail shaped his career, why the Apple Store was designed around relationships rather than transactions, and what his difficult experience at J.C. Penney taught him about listening, humility and moving forward. He also explains why kindness belongs in the boardroom and how focusing on the person in front of us can transform the way we lead, work and live.

My friends, you'll leave this conversation inspired to pursue what you love, strengthen the relationships that matter and measure success by the lives you enrich along the way. Whether you're leading a team, navigating a setback or searching for greater purpose, Ron's journey is a powerful reminder that success and failure are fleeting, but the way we treat others endures.