Meet Johnny Bailey
Johnny is an entrepreneur, consultant, speaker, and influencer with a passion for economic empowerment. A Hall of Fame high school athlete and fourth generation HBCU alum, Johnny has taken his pursuit of excellence into the world of technology, entrepreneurship, and financial wellness with a mission to close the racial wealth gap.
↓
As Principal Consultant for Bailey Media Group, Johnny offers strategic consulting and special projects for big tech, corporate brands, and small businesses.
As Captain of Black Golf Club, Johnny uses the game of golf to drive skill building, relationship building, business building, and course confidence for diverse golfers.
As founder of ShineHard Network, Johnny’s leads online education subscription platform designed to help high achievers achieve leadership, legacy and self actualization.
Formerly at Nike, Google, and Amazon, Johnny has been featured by Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, and Fast Company for his work training entrepreneurs. Recognized by the Washington Wizards, Washington Commanders, United Negro College Fund and Afro Tech for outstanding community leadership. He was named Entrepreneur of the Year by DC Black MBA, Hampton University Forty under 40, Black Enterprise 40 under 40, Power 50 under 40 by US Black Chambers, and Power 40 by Essence Magazine.
Beginnings
I grew up as an only child mostly raised by my grandparents on a fixed income. I spent my childhood between Denver, Colorado and Petersburg, Virginia, probably what most people would call humble beginnings. When I was fourteen, I lost my mom to mental illness as my dad did his best to offer me guidance from afar. I didn’t really have a blueprint on how to succeed as a Black boy in America, however I never once thought that it wasn’t possible for me. During my teenage years, I often found myself thrust into leadership positions among friends and on sports teams which led me to a hall of fame high school career and earned me a scholarship to Hampton University.
early-Career
I kicked off my career working as an intern for NFL sports agency, Paramount Sports & Entertainment. Primarily focused on community initiatives, database management and prospect recruiting. I helped the firm acquire and retain clients like Kam Chancellor, Marcus McNeil, and Deangelo Hall. Following the agency, I worked as a tour manager for Nike Inc., leading the Nike ID hoops tour. A national campaign with the objective to foster grassroots relationships with top ranked programs around the country. I got to work hands on with blue chip athletes, many of which, went on to enter the NBA. Also spent time focused on consumer marketing during sport moments like Super Bowl, NBA All Star, and World Basketball Festival.
Mid-career
While at Nike, I took my first step toward entrepreneurship. I built a website and launched a video podcast brand called ‘ShineHard Conversations’ to shine a light on trailblazing leaders who personified Black Excellence. ShineHard went on to reach 1 millions site views and snowballed into a professional network and dynamic media platform. I soon left Nike with a leap of faith to pursue entrepreneurship full time. That risk opened a huge door for me to become Google’s DMV Digital Coach and eventually Amazon’s education consultant for the Black Business Accelerator. My journey into tech has been unconventional and far from easy, but it has certainly been worth it.
RECENT CAREER
I’ve always envisioned a world where Black Americans possess an equitable share of wealth in America. My work is designed to help you set world class goals, build a profitable business, design a sustainable legacy, and occupy a seat at decision making tables. My mission is to close the racial wealth gap and I believe technology, entrepreneurship, and financial wellness are the vehicles that will accelerate the Black economy. Today I am foolishly a serial entrepreneur. You can work with my companies or contract me individually, as a consultant, speaker, or influencer.
