Ethan Johnson on Balancing Work, Family, & Fulfillment

Tina-Schuricht • May 28, 2025

Share this article

In this episode of Success Your Own Way , “Finding your Agency: Ethan Johnson on Balancing Work, Family, and Fulfillment”,  Yifat Rogers and I sit down with Ethan Johnson who recounts his career journey.  It started with formative experiences like carpentry and washing dishes, which instilled a strong work ethic and creativity. Next, he transitioned to the tech industry where he gained valuable experience in finance and project management as well as roles in payments, marketing, and sales, fostering curiosity and expanding his skill set. Most recently, Ethan pursued entrepreneurial ventures, focusing on advisory roles in startups, gaming studios, SaaS providers, and Athlea – a sports tech company combining AI and physical fitness.

Over the past five years, Ethan’s concept of success evolved from career titles and promotions to empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and creating impactful environments. Drawing on his experience as a rowing coach, he emphasizes understanding individual motivations and tailoring leadership approaches to inspire growth. Ethan advocates for mid-career self-assessment, aligning work with personal values, and prioritizing family dynamics. Ethan highlights the importance of helping others succeed and navigating life transitions with mentorship and coaching. Through deliberate reconnections and holistic exploration, Ethan embraces adaptability, curiosity, and continuous learning as keys to fulfillment.

 

 

About Ethan Johnson

Ethan has over 25 years of experience in the tech industry. He led teams in sales, marketing, finance, and operations across consumer and commercial businesses. He spent 18 years at Microsoft, most recently leading multi-channel Go-To-Market strategy and execution for the Surface line of hardware and services in multiple markets. Recently, Ethan took on advisory roles with small businesses and early-stage ventures supporting business development. Ethan lives in Seattle with his family and two huskies.  He is a sometimes-competitive rower and rowing coach, woodworker, record collector, and live music enthusiast.

Let me know what you are interested in hearing about in future episodes of Success Your Own Way !

Recent Posts

A graphic featuring Amy Joseph, text about success, podcast audio waves, and the Success Your Own Way logo.
By Tina Schuricht April 1, 2026
In this episode, Amy opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her mission-driven career—including personal stories that stretched her beyond her comfort zone.
Spring cleaning supplies arranged on a pink background, with text that reads
By Tina Schuricht March 27, 2026
Spring clean your mindset by letting go of limiting beliefs and making room for hope, growth, and achievement. Only then will you let your true potential shine.
Gold
By Tina Schuricht March 20, 2026
Gravitas is an essential attribute for effective leadership - commanding attention through authenticity, wisdom, and composure to guide your organization to success.
A podcast banner featuring Matan Lushkov, the title
By Tina Schuricht March 18, 2026
Matan Lushkov draws from his own journey and shares how aligning daily actions with personal values and non-negotiables can redefine our understanding of success.
March Madness logo sign with basketballs.
By Tina Schuricht March 13, 2026
Like during March Madness, instilling a championship mindset—grounded in teamwork, resilience, ambition, and growth—organizations can unlock their full potential.
Woman in red blazer smiles, seated in a gray chair. Hands clasped, white table in front.
By Tina Schuricht March 6, 2026
Empowering women in leadership is about helping to unlock her potential and create environments where all can benefit from her vision, resilience, and leadership.
Graphic with Tamanna Ramesh, promoting lessons in resilience and work-life harmony.
By Tina Schuricht March 4, 2026
We explore Tamanna's evolving definition of success, the challenges of impostor syndrome, the power of mentors and sponsors, and the realities of career setbacks.
Bald man flexing, wearing sunglasses and white shirt, with arms raised. Red and yellow background.
By Tina Schuricht February 27, 2026
By recognizing the ways ego can undermine effectiveness, leaders can take intentional steps to promote humility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Woman with arms raised, smiling broadly outdoors, wearing a denim jacket.
By Tina Schuricht February 20, 2026
Avoid mid-winter burnout by establishing routines, staying active, breaking tasks down, connecting with others, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support.
Rediscover Passion in Your Career
By Tina Schuricht February 13, 2026
Reconnect with your purpose, embrace learning, build relationships, celebrate wins, and be open to change, to rediscover passion in your career and love what you do.
Show More