Episode 71: Andi Johnson (Georgetown College Hall of Famer and Chief Policy Officer & Director of Regional Engagement for Commerce Lexington)
🎙 In this episode: I sit down with Andi Johnson, Georgetown College Hall of Famer and Chief Policy Officer & Director of Regional Engagement for Commerce Lexington. From dominating the court to dominating the boardroom, Andi embodies the long-term power of sports. We unpack how athletics shaped her leadership, confidence, and career…and why the habits athletes build early often become their greatest professional advantage.
🔹 From Playground to Policy Room
Andi can’t remember a time when sports weren’t part of her life. She had a childhood built on competition, teamwork, and communication.
🔹 Organized Chaos
We discuss the shift from kids joining sports organically to today’s ultra-organized youth systems.
🔹 Beyond the Scholarship Dream
Andi shares hard truths: if your only goal is a scholarship, there are easier ways to pay for college…and far greater reasons to play.
🔹 Athletes in the Boardroom
Roughly 94% of women in C-suite roles were former athletes. Andi explains why that stat doesn’t surprise her one bit.
🔹 The Small-College Advantage
A Georgetown president once told employers to hire small-college athletes — for their resilience, time management, and people skills.
🔹 Translating Sports to Life
Andi still flashes back to moments from her playing days when navigating workplace challenges. The lessons never fade.
🔹 Confidence in Every Room
Whether she’s the youngest, only woman, or least experienced voice at the table, sports taught Andi to stand tall and speak up.
🔹 The Post-Athlete Void
We dig into the emotional struggle of leaving sports behind: the loss of identity, the transition, and how society can do better.
🔹 Unlearning the Athlete Mindset
What athletes must let go of after their playing days and how to repurpose that drive for long-term success.
🔹 The Real Wins
When former athletes look back, it’s never about stats or awards. It’s the memories, friendships, and shared moments that last.
🔹 Hot Take: Digital Hoarders Unite
Our “hot take” spirals into self-reflection… and maybe the birth of a new generational label. Are we digital hoarders now?
