Ron Johnson
Businessman, Apple Store Creator
This episode will premiere Thursday, September 17 at 7:00pm ET
“Innovation is when you do something that truly has never been done before.”
Summary
What does it take to reinvent an industry while staying grounded in the human experiences that make it meaningful? For Ron Johnson, leadership has always been about challenging conventional wisdom and creating something people could not yet imagine. From transforming Target through design to working alongside Steve Jobs to build the Apple Store from the ground up, Ron has built a career around turning bold ideas into experiences that reshape how people connect with brands.
In this episode of Leadership Matters, Ron reflects on the lessons behind his most consequential decisions, from choosing retail over Wall Street to distinguishing true innovation from simple improvement. Our conversation explores how leaders can trust their instincts, build cultures around human connection, and create experiences that endure. Looking ahead to the age of AI, Ron argues that as technology makes information increasingly accessible, creativity, empathy, and lived experience will become even more important to how leaders innovate and connect with people.
Mentions & Resources in this Episode
Guest Bio
Apple Store creator Ron Johnson is a sought-after speaker, board member, and author of Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple’s Genius (September 22, 2026 / Harper Collins). He also founded Enjoy, the first mobile retail store, and served as the CEO of J.C. Penney. He is best known for creating the Apple Stores, working directly for Steve Jobs while serving as a member of Apple’s executive team. Prior to his time at Apple, Ron was highly regarded for the work he did with Michael Graves to bring good design to all as a merchant leader at Target; their collaboration set the stage for the brand’s hundreds of later design partnerships and cemented Target as America’s premier upscale discount retailer. Ron lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.