PRESS RELEASE [10-4-2025]

The Audacity to Lead by Michael Johnson, MBA A Groundbreaking Memoir on Leadership, Resilience, and Social Impact Madison, WI — Michael Johnson, an award-winning nonprofit CEO and social impact strategist, announces the release of his debut book, The Audacity to Lead: From the Projects to the C-Suite – 7 Mindset Lessons on Love, Family, and Turning Adversity into Impact. This powerful memoir chronicles Johnson’s journey from growing up in Chicago’s ABLA Homes to raising over $250 million for youth and families nationwide.

The book combines a raw personal narrative with transformational leadership insights.

Johnson offers a blueprint for emerging leaders, especially those navigating adversity, systemic barriers, and pursuing purpose. Inside the Book: Stories That Inspire: Surviving the Streets of Chicago Growing up in one of the most dangerous housing projects in America, Johnson witnessed violence, addiction, poverty, and found strength through community, mentorship, and faith. The Shooting That Changed Everything: Johnson narrowly escaped a fatal shooting outside the Boys & Girls Club. That moment became a spiritual wake-up call and deepened his commitment to youth development. The Club, a longtime safe haven, became the foundation for his future in nonprofit leadership.

The Hazing Incident That Sparked National Attention On Halloween night in 1993, Johnson was the target of a racially charged hazing incident involving his college wrestling team. The trauma led to national media coverage, legal action, and a transfer to a safer campus, fueling his lifelong commitment to justice and equity. Entrepreneurship and Failure Johnson shares the rise and fall of his first business, Boobaloo’s BBQ, and how losing over $100,000 taught him humility, strategic thinking, and the value of mentorship.

The Vel Phillips Statue Campaign Johnson led a four-year bipartisan effort to install the first statue of a Black woman on any U.S. state capitol grounds. The campaign raised over $700,000 and culminated in a historic unveiling in July 2024. The McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, Johnson spearheaded the creation of the largest youth workforce center in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s history. This first-of-its-kind national model focuses on skilled trades, career readiness, and economic mobility. The $35 million initiative is now being replicated in cities nationwide. Fundraising Breakthroughs: A single Zoom call with Pleasant Rowland, founder of American Girl, resulted in a $5 million donation, followed by $1 million from her husband, Jerry Frautschi, helping scale youth programs and workforce development initiatives.

 The Power of Love and Accountability Johnson’s relationship with Toya, a brilliant chemistry graduate and future wife, is woven throughout the book. She has unwavering standards, emotional support, and belief in his transformation. From challenging him to return to college to standing by him through grief and growth, Toya’s presence represents the kind of love that doesn’t just comfort, it calls you higher.

 If You Loved These Books, You’ll Be Moved by This One: The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Start With Why by Simon Sinek. Lead From the Outside by Stacey Abrams. Michael Johnson’s book doesn’t just belong on the shelf next to these; it belongs in the hands of every leader who’s ever questioned their path. It’s deeper, more personal, and more actionable than anything I’ve read in years.” — Denson Ewing, Consultant & Former Retail Director. “This is the first book I’ve read in a single day. Some leadership books are dry and theoretical, but The Audacity to Lead differs. The stories are breathtaking and compelling, and the adversity Michael overcame is humbling and inspiring. This is not just a memoir, it’s a masterclass in courage, leadership, and legacy.”

John McKenzie, Philanthropist & Business Owner Author Highlights Raised $250M+ for youth across WI, IL, OH, GA, PA, MO, IN Led the Vel Phillips statue campaign, a national first Directed $21.6M for Madison high schools in Dane County Spearheaded the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center Received the MLK Humanitarian Award from Dane County, WI Honored with Volunteer Service Awards from AmeriCorps, Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame Awardee Named 2022 Executive of the Year by InBus

iness Magazine 2022 Top Executive Fundraiser of the Year from (AFP) Named Hometown Hero by the Wisconsin State Legislature, Named to the 2025 In Business Power 100 list, which highlights leaders driving economic growth and shaping Wisconsin’s Capital Region into a thriving place to work, learn, and live.  

Available Now Visit mjohnsonceo.com for:  Bulk orders for schools, nonprofits, and leadership teams  , Speaking engagements and workshops  , Media inquiries and interviews  , Leadership curriculum and book club guides . Book Release: October 16th — Michael Johnson’s 50th Birthday, Madison, Wisconsin, at Spare Time Madison located at 7415 Mineral Point Road at 4 pm.