Introducing Presidential Conversations with President Bill Johnson: A new platform for thought leadership and campus engagement

In an exciting new initiative, President Bill Johnson is proud to launch the "Presidential Conversations" series, a platform designed to foster meaningful dialogue and thought leadership across campus. This series will feature a variety of initiatives, including the bringing of renowned Thought Leaders to campus, hosting campus-wide conversations on critical topics and a Presidential 5-Minute Series airing weekly on WYSU.

Kicking off the series is George Mumford, a globally recognized speaker, teacher, and coach, who will engage with the campus community as the first Thought Leader in this dynamic new endeavor.

Mumford, a performance and mindful expert will present to the YSU community about motivation, leadership and inspiration, 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 1 in the Chestnut Room in Kilcawley Center. Mumford’s presentation is free to attend and open to the public.

"With the launch of Presidential Conversations, I am excited to create a platform where our campus community can engage with some influential thought leaders,” stated YSU President Bill Johnson. “By bringing people like George Mumford to campus, I am committed to fostering an environment that inspires personal growth, challenges conventional thinking and equips our campus community with the tools to lead with purpose and excellence."

With a career spanning over three decades, Mumford has worked with some of the most accomplished athletes and organizations across the US, helping them unlock their full potential as performers and leaders. He has published two books, including “The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance” and “Unlocked: Embrace Your Greatness, Find the Flow, Discover Success.”

Michael Jordan credits Mumford with transforming his leadership skills, which ultimately contributed heavily to the Chicago Bulls’ six NBA championships. Having also worked with Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, the Miami Dolphins and the New York Knicks, Mumford holds deep influence in the world of sports. A former college athlete at the University of Massachusetts, his personal journey of overcoming addiction has shaped his mission to help others unlock their maximum potential.

Beyond sports, Mumford’s influence has extended to organizations like Nike, Google, YouTube and many more. He has been featured in interviews with “60 Minutes” and “ABC News,” as well as in dozens of podcasts. Today, he continues to teach through online courses, his “At Home with George” YouTube series, and speaking at various events.