Jeff Johnson

Jeff Johnson is a visionary impact strategist and a distinguished architect of social solutions, renowned for his innovative approach in leveraging culture to drive strategic growth and transformative impact across various sectors. As the Managing Director at Actum, LLC, a global strategy firm, Jeff crafts innovative solutions that bridge the gap between private, public, and entertainment sectors to foster organizational growth and social transformation. His extensive career, spanning over two decades, has been marked by his ability to merge his roles in media and strategic consulting, effectively using his expertise to foster organizational growth and societal transformation.

Throughout his career, Jeff has worked with an impressive array of corporate and institutional partners, such as American Airlines, Sherwin Williams, Sagamore Ventures, and The City of Cleveland, crafting strategies that have significantly increased market share and made a substantial impact on communities. His role at Actum is complemented by his active presence in the media as a respected voice and content creator. He provides insightful and thought-provoking analysis regularly as a commentator on the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show, engaging a vast audience every Monday and Thursday with his dynamic perspectives.

Jeff’s dedication to social change is deeply rooted in his early experiences as the National Director for the Youth & College Division of the NAACP and as Vice President of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network. His leadership in these roles demonstrated his lifelong commitment to advocacy and empowerment, particularly of young people and marginalized communities. He has also made significant strides in media, having been the consciousness-raising voice of Cousin Jeff on BET’s “Rap City” and the creator, host, and executive producer of MANCAVE, a late-night talk show that delves into the complexities of Black men’s lives, aiming to elevate their narratives in mainstream media.

Raised in Cleveland, Jeff is passionately committed to giving back to his community. His involvement with the historic Karamu House Theatre and various local institutions showcases his dedication to enriching the city that raised him. Beyond his community engagement, Jeff has initiated and led several projects aimed at empowering Black men. This includes hosting the Manhood Legacy Prayer call, creating Journacy—a company that develops products tailored for Black fathers, and founding Men Thrive, a community focused on helping Black men thrive rather than merely survive.

Jeff’s work is a testament to his belief that the current moment demands a collective effort from passionate, thoughtful servants of humanity committed to prioritizing impact over image. His multifaceted career as a strategist, media personality, and community advocate underscores his profound impact on fostering environments where individuals and communities can truly thrive.