Media Executive & Publishing Industry Leader; Former Chairman & CEO at Johnson Publishing Company; Co-Founder & CEO of Ebony Media Holdings
Linda Johnson Rice Biography
Linda Johnson Rice is a media executive known for her leadership in African American publishing and media. Johnson Publishing Company, founded by John H. Johnson and Eunice W. Johnson, became the largest African American-owned publishing firm in the United States. Johnson Rice began her involvement in the company at a young age, training in the fashion department and participating in business meetings. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and an MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.
Johnson Rice's career at Johnson Publishing advanced from fashion editor of "Ebony" to vice president, president and chief operating officer, and ultimately president and chief executive officer. As chairman and CEO, she became the first African American female CEO among the top five of the Black Enterprise 100s largest Black-owned companies. Under her leadership, Johnson Publishing reported more than $400 million in sales and was recognized as the leading Black-owned, privately held publishing company, employing more than 2,500 people. Johnson Rice oversaw the production of "Ebony" and "Jet" magazines and served as executive producer of the television show "Ebony/Jet Showcase."
As the media industry evolved, Johnson Rice guided the company's transition to digital and archival content. She is a former co-founder and CEO of Ebony Media Holdings LLC, which operates "Ebony" and "Jet" magazines. Johnson Rice contributed to the development of Johnson Publishing products such as Ebony Cosmetics, the "E-Style" Catalog, and the videotape series "Ebony/Jet Guide to Black Excellence."
Johnson Rice has been recognized by Chicago Sun-Times as one of Chicago's "100 Most Powerful Women" and among the "Top 10 Women in Media." Crain's Chicago Business named her one of "The 20 Most Powerful Women in Chicago Business." Her honors include the Women of Power Award from the National Urban League, the Trumpet Award from Turner Broadcasting, the Alumni Merit Award from the University of Southern California, and the Alumni of the Year Award from the Black Management Association at Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. WomenInc. Magazine named her among the "Most Influential Corporate Directors."
Johnson Rice serves as a trustee at the Art Institute of Chicago, a member of the board of directors of Northwestern Memorial Corporation, president of the Chicago Public Library Board of Directors, a founding member of the Council of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and a founding member of the Adweek Diversity & Inclusion Council. She is also a keynote speaker on business leadership and entrepreneurship.
Linda Johnson Rice Speaking Topics
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Progress in Pictures: How Ebony and Jet told the story of the African-American Journey, From the Great Migration to the Present
When Ms. Rice’s father founded Johnson Publishing Company in 1942 thanks to a $500 loan, he sought to create an equivalent magazine to Life that would tell the story of the black experience in America. Over the next 75 years, in both vivid prose as well as indelible pictures, the pages of Ebony and Jet captured the stories of African-Americans, from the famous to the family next door.
Ms. Rice will tell the story of how JPC helped shape the Civil Rights movement by informing and inspiring its audience, a mission which continues to reach millions of readers each month. Her speech will be punctuated by material from the company’s invaluable media archives – a treasure house of more than six decades worth of iconic cultural treasures, including feature interviews, photo profiles and performances from celebrities, newsmakers and famous Black Americans in the sciences, business, sports, politics, culture, civil rights, education, medicine, and more. Ms. Rice’s presentation tells a comprehensive and compelling story of America, its past and its present.
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Don’t Brace for Change; Embrace It: Adapting to Change In a Transformational Business Market
As Chairman of Johnson Publishing Company (JPC), the largest African-American owned publishing firm in the United States, Linda Johnson Rice will take us through the choices she made to implement bold changes at her iconic company during a pivotal moment in its history. Learn how Rice made the critical business decisions to transition from CEO to Chairman, hire female senior executive talent, and navigate the changing media landscape to maintain relevancy and market share. Leave the meeting inspired to embrace change in your professional life!
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How do I book Linda Johnson Rice to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Linda Johnson Rice for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Linda Johnson Rice, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Linda Johnson Rice or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Linda Johnson Rice
Speaking fees for Linda Johnson Rice, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Linda Johnson Rice are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $20,000 - $30,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Linda Johnson Rice, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Linda Johnson Rice speak about?
Linda Johnson Rice is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Black Heritage, Business, Business Leadership, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Education, Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership, Female Leadership, Influential Women, Women in Business -
Where does Linda Johnson Rice travel from?
Linda Johnson Rice generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Linda Johnson Rice’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Linda Johnson Rice for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Linda Johnson Rice for your next private or corporate function. -
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Linda Johnson Rice is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Progress in Pictures: How Ebony and Jet told the story of the African-American Journey, From the Great Migration to the Present, Don’t Brace for Change; Embrace It: Adapting to Change In a Transformational Business Market, Dream, but Don’t Fall Asleep: a Message for Young People on What it Takes to Dream Big and Dare to Try and Education and Social Elevation: The Story of Johnson Publishing Company and Expanding African American Educational Opportunities. The estimated speaking fee range to book Linda Johnson Rice for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Linda Johnson Rice generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Dr. Kimberly Harden, Jamira Burley, Kimberly Bryant, Kristie Kennedy and Alena Analeigh. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Linda Johnson Rice for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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