Earvin “Magic” Johnson, about his life and legacy
After two years of hosting the Philippine Digital Convention (PH Digicon) virtually, PLDT Enterprise held the event in-person at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on October 27-28, 2022, while also providing a simultaneous online broadcast.
The highlight of the two-day convention was a live interview with Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, the legendary basketball icon, who was interviewed by PLDT Group Corporate Communications Head Cathy Yap-Yang. During the interview, Johnson spoke about how he relates to the PH Digicon 2022 theme of ‘BOUNDLESS’, stating, ‘When I think about Boundless, I think that’s Magic Johnson!
Raising Awareness
In 1991, Magic Johnson announced that he was retiring from basketball due to his diagnosis with HIV. However, this didn’t stop him from continuing to do what he loved. That same year, he founded the Magic Johnson Foundation, a well-known philanthropic organization that raises funds for community-based organizations working on HIV/AIDS education and prevention.
Johnson remembers a time when there was a significant stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS and people would only discuss it in hushed tones. Nowadays, however, people are more open about discussing the disease and raising awareness about it.
Despite his official retirement, Johnson made a comeback in the 1992 All-Star Game and even won the All-Star MVP Award. He was also a part of the legendary “Dream Team” that won the Olympic gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
“Our team and our achievements truly changed the world, not just in terms of the NBA and basketball, but also in terms of acceptance and understanding,” Johnson reflects. “The impact we had on the game of basketball around the globe will never be forgotten, and I am honored to have been a part of it.”
Raising the next generation of entrepreneurs
Johnson is the founder and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, a diverse global company with a range of business ventures including sports ownership, food service, media, and entertainment. Despite his success, Johnson remains committed to his mission of creating jobs and opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses. When asked about retirement, Johnson chuckled and said, “I am not built to slow down. I am a worker; I love to work, [and I bring] passion to my job every day.”
As a NBA Hall of Famer, businessman, and philanthropist, Johnson offers advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, believing in oneself, and having mentors. Johnson himself continues to be a mentor to many businesses, athletes, and fans.
“My life is boundless,” Johnson reflects. “I did everything that was not supposed to be done. When I think of boundless, I think of Magic Johnson. I was the first to go through many doors as a man of color. Trust me, you can do it. Everyone out there, you can do it, you can have it, it’s all up to you.”
Now, 30 years after his many successful ventures, Johnson says, “Today, Magic’s court is the business world.”
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