https://drdonjohnson.com/On a recent edition of The Wake Up With Dee Morning Show on News & Talk WAOK, Dr. Don Johnson sat down with Dee to share the heart, history, and hard-earned wisdom behind his latest book, And Then Some! Going Beyond Expectations. What unfolded was more than an author interview—it was a masterclass in purpose, integrity, service, and legacy.
The story behind “And Then Some”
The phrase “and then some” has echoed in Dr. Johnson’s spirit since childhood. Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, he constantly heard his father, Hezekiah “HK” Johnson, challenge him with a simple question: “Boy, and then some. Is that the best you can do?”
HK, a deacon, janitor, and problem-solver with little formal education but enormous wisdom, modeled a life of quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering integrity. Those words—do your best, and then some—became the standard Dr. Johnson carried into every part of his life: as an educator, principal, business owner, community leader, and mentor to countless young people.
In the interview, Dr. Johnson shared that he’s the eighth of nine children, known in the neighborhood simply as “HK Boy.” His father’s insistence on excellence, service, and keeping your word shaped not only his journey, but the framework of this book.
A manual for values, relationships, and integrity
Dr. Johnson describes And Then Some not just as a book, but as “a manual about life” built on proven principles he has used for more than 50 years in business, education, church, and community work. He highlights four key pillars that run throughout the book:
- Values and purpose – What is my contribution? What am I going to do—and not do—with the time I have? Dr. Johnson shares how getting clear on his purpose as an educator and leader guided his decisions, from leaving corporate life to starting his own business and pouring into high school students and their families.
- Relationships and service – HK taught him, “Boy, you’ve got to build relationships.” For Dr. Johnson, the best way to build those relationships is to serve others without focusing on what you’ll get in return. That philosophy shows up in his mentoring work, his church involvement, and his leadership in civic and educational institutions.
- Integrity and truth-telling – One of his most urgent messages is simple: Tell the truth. In an era when dishonesty often dominates headlines and public discourse, Dr. Johnson insists that integrity still matters—and that keeping your word is non‑negotiable, even when it isn’t convenient.
- Going beyond expectations – The “and then some” principle is about doing a little more than what is required—giving more time, more effort, more care, and more love than anyone expects. It’s a mindset that has powered his success in business, community service, and family life, and he offers practical steps at the end of each chapter to help readers practice it in their own lives.
A legacy of mentorship, scholarships, and service
Beyond the pages of the book, Dr. Johnson’s life is evidence of the principles he teaches. During the conversation, he and Dee talked about his decades‑long commitment to mentoring young people, especially Black boys.
As a co‑founder of Blacks United for Youth Cobb, Inc., Dr. Johnson helped start a mentoring program with just nine young men in a school library. Over the years, that work has grown into a powerful community force, awarding nearly $400,000 in scholarships to help students pursue higher education and build stronger futures.
He also remains deeply rooted in his faith community at Zion Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia, where he serves and gives back, continuing the example of service he first saw in his father at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis.
Even at home, the “and then some” principle is alive. Dr. Johnson shared how he gathers his grandchildren for family prayer and study, using the book to talk about values like kindness, integrity, and standards—encouraging his granddaughter, for example, never to compromise on dating someone who is “nice and kind” to her.
Why you should read And Then Some
If you’re looking for more than motivational quotes—if you want a real, lived‑out roadmap for purpose, character, and impact—And Then Some! Going Beyond Expectations is for you.
In the book, Dr. Johnson blends personal stories, faith, practical wisdom, and clear action steps to help you:
- Clarify your personal values and purpose
- Build stronger, service‑driven relationships
- Strengthen your integrity and keep your word
- Learn how to consistently go beyond what’s expected in your work, your family, and your community.
Whether you’re a student trying to define your future, a professional or entrepreneur aiming to lead with character, or a community member who wants to make a difference, this book gives you “keys that unlock unlimited opportunities and a life beyond expectations.”
You can learn more about Dr. Don Johnson, his story, and And Then Some! by visiting his website at drdonjohnson.com. Copies of the book are also available for purchase online.
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Listen to the full interview, grab your copy of And Then Some! Going Beyond Expectations, and get inspired to live a life that goes beyond expectations—just like Dr. Don Johnson.
