ABOUT THE FOUNDER
A Place 2 Be was founded by visionary, community organizer Dr. Byron Johns (DBJ), connecting lived experiences worldwide through the platform APlace2Be.org (AP2B) and its Global Urban Camp. DBJ has been part of cultivating vibrant creative communities across the U.S., Europe, and Africa, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., London, Amsterdam, Nairobi, Durban, and Cape Town.
DBJ launched his business with a mission to unleash individual creativity as a solution to today’s complex challenges. His work focuses on addressing the rapidly changing demands of the current technological revolution. As a coach and facilitator, he energizes and inspires individuals and organizations to navigate the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment with confidence and clarity.
From an early career working in performing arts organizations to his success as an educator and trainer during the dot-com boom, DBJ has been committed to bridging the gap between creativity and business. He empowers people to realize that, with the right plan, anything is possible—whether it’s solving business problems or achieving personal dreams.
DBJ’s extensive experience spans New York City schools, Fortune 500 companies, startups, non-profits, government agencies, and arts organizations. His global work across the U.S., Africa, and Europe has included training hundreds of community and corporate leaders, securing grants, and leveraging resources to achieve organizational goals. He has managed teams of 100+ to deliver performing arts productions, seminars, events both large and small.
One of his signature achievements is the 90-Day Enhancement Program—a transformative coaching framework designed to accelerate project development and achievement. This program serves as a virtual incubator, empowering entrepreneurs and leaders to see tangible results in just one business quarter.
Dr. Johns holds a doctorate in Psychology with a focus on Organizational Management and Consulting, as well as a Master’s in Performing Arts Management. His ultimate vision is the creation of an international franchise, A Place 2 Be, offering innovative, dialogue-driven programming that connects global communities through shared resources and transformative learning.