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258: The Basketball Miracle No One Saw Coming | Coach Jim Johnson
Episode 258
Winning moments in life and leadership aren’t just about the scoreboard—they’re about resilience, trust, and lifting others up. In this unforgettable episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon sits down with legendary high school basketball coach Jim Johnson, the storyteller behind one of sports’ most inspiring viral moments: the “J-Mac Game.” Coach Johnson pulls back the curtain on the night a team manager on the autism spectrum, Jason “J-Mac” McElwain, became a national sensation after an incredible scoring spree—and the lessons about vulnerability, culture, and servant leadership that came from it. In a conversation packed with emotion, honesty, and actionable wisdom, Johnson reveals how leaders can make a lifelong difference by putting people first, clarifying values, and building teams on trust and example.
From candid stories about championship heartbreaks to practical tools every new leader can use, this episode will move you to tears and motivate you to grow.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How vulnerability and humility became the turning point in Coach Jim Johnson’s coaching journey—and why saying “I don’t have all the answers” inspired his teams.
- The behind-the-scenes story of the J-Mac miracle moment—and what it taught an entire community about inclusion, recognition, and hope.
- The 7 keys to effective leadership—including clarifying your mission, building trust with intention, and leading by example.
- Why aligning words and actions (and having non-negotiables) is essential to earning real credibility as a leader.
- How to catch people doing the right thing—and why specific, meaningful praise can reshape culture.
- The daily non-negotiable habits Coach Johnson uses to anchor his own leadership and energy, from meditation to morning routines.
- Practical strategies for serving others, building “we over me” cultures, and staying curious at every stage.
Timestamps:
00:00 – The night J-Mac’s mother brought Coach Johnson to tears
01:32 – Where the J-Mac story begins
03:38 – What made Jason “J-Mac” McElwain different
06:26 – How to lead tough conversations and give dignity
08:44 – Leadership vulnerability: Coaching without all the answers
11:04 – The transformation: From know-it-all to learn-it-all
12:54 – J-Mac’s senior night and the unforgettable game
15:12 – Six three-pointers, 20 points, and a crowd on their feet
18:00 – How the J-Mac video went viral (and you can watch it too!)
19:33 – Coach Johnson’s 7 leadership keys
21:14 – Why leading yourself comes first
23:26 – Building habits and daily non-negotiables
27:11 – Meditation, time blocking, and personal growth
27:47 – Intentional trust plans and aligning words with actions
30:20 – Earning trust with credibility and consistency
33:03 – “We” culture vs. “Me” culture (and when to cut talented players)
38:35 – Communication as kindness: Giving clear, honest feedback
43:08 – Chief Reminder Officer: Living and teaching the mission
45:07 – Current challenges leaders face (and why culture is the new currency)
47:08 – The importance of curiosity, humility, and lifelong learning
50:19 – Legacy, servant leadership, and how to make a difference
52:01 – Relationship-building tip: The personal video message challenge
About Jim Johnson
Coach Jim Johnson is a celebrated former high school varsity basketball coach from Greece Athena High School in Rochester, NY, best known for leading the team through one of the most memorable nights in sports with the “J-Mac Game.” Over decades, he transformed struggling programs, winning six championshipsand inspiring countless players and leaders along the way. Now a sought-after author, leadership presenter, and keynote speake
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