Awake in the Network with Robert Johnson

We are delighted to introduce our next guest, Robert Johnson, on "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens." Robert is a social entrepreneur and self-described "lawpreneur" with a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in law, business management dispute resolution, and diversity equity and inclusion consulting at home and abroad. His expertise and experience have been instrumental in transforming organizations, communities, and individuals.

Robert currently serves as the Chief Equity Officer for Bezos Academy. He leads the equity strategy for the academy’s mission to establish free Montessori-inspired preschools nationwide in underserved communities. 

Before this role, he was Chief Economic Inclusion Officer and General Counsel for the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, where he successfully managed the organization's Economic Empowerment Institute. This institute encompassed several crucial programs, including the Financial Inclusion Institute, the Innovation and Technology Institute, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), StreetWise, and the Workforce Development Department.

In addition to his work with Bezos Academy and the YWCA, Robert also served as the Managing Partner of the Solomon Group LLC, a reputable Social Impact Management consulting firm. Through this venture, he provides valuable services in business management, leadership development, and access to capital for minority and women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, Robert holds the position of Counsel at the Chicago office of the esteemed law firm Greenspoon Marder LLP. His practice specializes in corporate law, social enterprise law, minority and women startup ventures, cannabis, diversity and inclusion issues, and fractional General Counsel services.

Before starting his lawpreneur journey, Robert held significant roles at McDonald's Corporation. As the Franchise Relations Officer and Ombudsman for the Central Division, he advocated for the McDonald’s system and fostered stronger relationships between McDonald's and its Owner/Operators. Additionally, he was responsible for mediating conflicts and representing the interests of Black McDonald's owner-operators.

Before his franchise relations role, Robert served as an intrapreneur, overseeing McDonald's $55 million per year Worker's Compensation program for all domestic corporately owned restaurants. Under his leadership, he established innovative programs that enhanced employees’ well-being and generated substantial cost savings of over $60 million for the corporation.

We are grateful to have Robert Johnson as our guest. Listen as we delve into his wealth of knowledge and experience in law, business, and social entrepreneurship on "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens." 

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/