Johnny Austin

Visionary
DISC Type : Ds

Head of Agentic AI Program Management at eBay

Washington DC-Baltimore Area, United States

Overview

Johnny is an executive technology leader with 20 years of experience scaling products and teams, focusing on AI transformation and achieving commercial results. A graduate of Tuskegee University, he translates complex technical challenges into revenue growth and platform resilience. Colleagues describe him as strategic, inspiring, and a calm leader under pressure.

Outside of his executive roles, Johnny is deeply committed to expanding access to technology careers. He has taught web development at General Assembly, served as a curriculum lead for DCs Black Girls Code chapter, and is on the Computer Science Industry Alumni Board for his alma mater, Tuskegee University.

He hosts the "Executive Runtime" podcast, where he interviews other tech leaders about their career journeys.

Personality Overview

Risk Tolerant

Early Adopter

Big Vision Person

They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together.  They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time. They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.

Topics They Care About

AI Transformation
He focuses on the practical work of integrating AI into products to create real business value and has written about AI's impact on engineering interviews.
Engineering Leadership
With experience scaling teams from 5 to 200 people, he frequently speaks and writes about building high-performing engineering organizations and developing future leaders.
Mentorship in Tech
He actively works to expand access to tech careers by teaching and developing curricula for organizations like Black Girls Code and General Assembly.

Media Appearances

Johnny has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2026
Head of Agentic AI Program Management at eBay
12-2025
Founder at Recursive Funk
12-2025
Fractional CTO at SPILL
8-2025 - 12-2025
Strategic Technical Advisor at SPILL
2-2025 - 12-2025
Vice President of Engineering at Upwell

Education

B.S. from Tuskegee University
M.S. from University of Maryland Global Campus

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 20 Location : Washington DC-Baltimore Area, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Head of Agentic AI Program Management at eBay
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Insights For Selling To Johnny

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • You can spend time on BANT (or other qualification methodology) but keep it to the point
  • Use phrases like 'your team deserves', 'best in class' etc.
  • Stick to your standard pitch and qualifying script, don't try to wing it

DONT's

  • Don't go over them unless you are left with no other option
  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons
  • Don't shy away from asking hard questions, but be extra polite

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Johnny is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Johnny

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Johnny move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Johnny take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Johnny

Personality Compatibility


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