Podcast Summary: When It Clicked – Larry Miller: From the Streets to the Boardroom

Date: February 5, 2025
Host: Ana Zamora (Founder & CEO, The Just Trust)
Guest: Larry Miller (Chairman, Jordan Brand at Nike; Author, My Secret Journey from the Streets to the Boardroom)

Episode Overview

This episode of When It Clicked delves into the personal and professional journey of Larry Miller, whose story illustrates the transformative power of second chances and the critical importance of redemption within the justice system. From his early life in West Philadelphia, through incarceration for second-degree murder at age 16, to his meteoric rise as an executive at Nike, Larry’s life challenges prevailing narratives about crime, punishment, and opportunity in America. Host Ana Zamora leverages Larry’s experience to explore what a more humane and effective justice system could look like, underlining the role of education, rehabilitation, and holistic accountability for safer, stronger communities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Larry’s Upbringing and Entry into the Justice System

Timestamps: 03:28 – 07:25

• Background: Larry grew up in West Philadelphia, excelling in school until the lure of the streets and gang involvement led him astray at age 12.

• Turning Point: At 16, while intoxicated and part of a gang, Larry shot and killed another youth, leading to a conviction for second-degree murder and a sentence of four and a half to 20 years.

• First Contact with Police:

  “The first time policeman ever pulled a gun on me, I was 12 years old...stop or I’ll blow your brains out.”
  (Larry Miller, 07:25)

• Cycle of Incarceration: After release, Larry cycled in and out of jail, revealing how normalized incarceration had become in his community.

  "Every time I went back to jail, it was the same people, and it became normal.”
  (Larry Miller, 08:17)

2. The Role of Education and Breaking the Cycle

Timestamps: 08:26 – 11:51

• Catalyst for Change: The birth of his daughter while incarcerated prompted Larry to seek a different path.

  "When I discovered education, that became my way out."
  (Larry Miller, 08:35)

• Programs in Prison: He leveraged in-prison educational programs—earning his GED, becoming valedictorian, getting an associate's degree, and ultimately a bachelor's from Temple University (in accounting).

• Barrier of Disclosure: After being denied a position at Arthur Anderson due to his criminal record, Larry opted not to volunteer information about his past in future professional settings to preserve job prospects—at significant personal cost.

  “I wasn’t going to lie about it...but I wasn’t going to volunteer the information, of course.”
  (Larry Miller, 10:56)

• Burden of Secrecy:

  “It was challenging...I had migraines so bad I ended up in the ER a few times...always anxious and nervous that somehow this would come out...for close to 40 years.”
  (Larry Miller, 11:00–11:51)

3. Breaking Through: Nike, the Jordan Brand, and Professional Success

Timestamps: 12:52 – 14:24

• Nike Milestones: Larry became Nike's first Black vice president, tasked by Phil Knight with transforming Michael Jordan’s brand into a global powerhouse.
• The Jordan Brand:

  “At the time we started, the business was about $150 million. This year will be about $8 billion. So we did something okay.”
  (Larry Miller, 13:54)

4. Coming Clean: Telling the Truth About His Past

Timestamps: 14:24 – 16:57

• Decision to Share: Encouraged by his daughter, Larry spent a decade working up to and finally sharing his story with Nike founder Phil Knight and Michael Jordan.

• Notable Quotes:

  “When you said something personal, I didn’t know what to expect, but I can guarantee you it wasn’t this...not only inspirational, but aspirational.”
  (Phil Knight, as retold by Larry Miller, 15:55)
  “I agree with your daughter. You need to share this story, and anything I can do to help you, I will.”
  (Michael Jordan, as retold by Larry Miller, 16:07)

• Relief and Healing:

  “The migraines have stopped. The dreams have stopped. I feel so much freer now...since the book has come out, it's allowed me to do that.”
  (Larry Miller, 16:57)

• Restorative Justice: Larry was able to meet and offer remorse to the family of the victim he killed, describing it as “really powerful” and “the most special thing that could have come out of this.” (18:02)

5. Public Response and Redemption

Timestamps: 19:56 – 22:15

• Inspiration to Others:

  “I’ve gotten letters from people who were still incarcerated, from people who were formerly incarcerated...saying how much my story has encouraged them...there’s no shame in overcoming obstacles. Right? There shouldn’t be shame in that. As a matter of fact...it should be honored.”
  (Larry Miller, 20:09)

6. Pathways to Reform: Education, Opportunity, and Reducing Recidivism

Timestamps: 22:15 – 24:19

• Impact of Education:

  “National recidivism rate...77%. If folks are able to learn a skill...it drops to 30%. With a bachelor’s, 6%. With a master’s, zero.”
  (Larry Miller, 23:16)

• Core Insight: Opportunity and skills are central to reducing recidivism and improving community safety.

7. Rethinking Accountability and Prison Reform

Timestamps: 25:03 – 26:59

• Beyond Punishment:

  “There’s a limit to paying for your crime...doesn't mean your life should be over...or that you are no longer human.”
  (Larry Miller, 25:43)

• Scandinavian Models: Larry highlights “Little Scandinavia” in Pennsylvania, a prison pilot prioritizing dignity and rehabilitation.

8. Busting Myths & Hidden Talent Behind Bars

Timestamps: 27:21 – 28:49

• Myth: Incarcerated people lack talent.

  “Some of the smartest, most creative people I’ve ever met are people I met while I was incarcerated...In this world, talent is distributed equally, but opportunity is not.”
  (Larry Miller, 28:33)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On early normalization of incarceration:

  “Jail is almost expected… it became normal.” (Larry Miller, 08:17)

• On the transformative power of education:

  “Education… became my key to get out of that lifestyle.” (Larry Miller, 08:35)

• On the lifelong burden of secret-keeping:

  “It caused me to have recurring nightmares… migraines… all because I was always anxious and nervous that somehow this would come out.” (Larry Miller, 11:00–11:51)

• On public support from Nike leadership:

  “I think this story is not only inspirational, but it’s aspirational.” (Phil Knight, as relayed by Larry Miller, 15:55)

• On restorative justice:

  “I got an opportunity to sit down with the family of the young man that I shot and express my sorrow and remorse… that was really powerful for me.” (Larry Miller, 18:02)

• On the myth of wasted talent:

  “There’s so much talent that’s wasted inside of the prisons... if we can figure out a way to tap into that creativity, into that intellect, that can have a major impact on this country.” (Larry Miller, 27:21)

• On opportunity:

  “In this world, talent is distributed equally, but opportunity is not.” (Larry Miller, 28:33)

Key Segments & Timestamps

• Larry’s background and entry into crime: 03:28 – 07:25
• Impact of education; cycle of secrecy and barriers: 08:26 – 11:51
• Achievements at Nike and building the Jordan Brand: 12:52 – 14:24
• Opening up about his past; reactions from Phil Knight and Michael Jordan: 14:24 – 16:57
• Restorative justice and meeting victim’s family: 16:57 – 18:25
• Responses from formerly incarcerated people: 19:56 – 22:15
• Data on recidivism and impact of education: 22:15 – 24:19
• Reimagining accountability and criminal justice reform: 25:03 – 26:59
• Busting the myth about talent in prison: 27:21 – 28:49

Tone and Style

The tone is candid, emotional, and hopeful. Larry is reflective and humble, offering unvarnished truths about pain, growth, and redemption. Ana Zamora guides the discussion with empathy, pressing for actionable lessons and systemic change.

Final Takeaways

Larry Miller’s life is a testament to the possibility of transformation, the importance of first (not just second) chances, and the need for a justice system centered on dignity, opportunity, and genuine accountability. His story makes a compelling case for investing in rehabilitation, education, and systems that see the humanity—and the potential—inside every person.

To learn more, consider reading Larry’s book:
My Secret Journey from the Streets to the Boardroom.

Memorable Quote to End:

“In this world, talent is distributed equally, but opportunity is not.”
(Larry Miller, 28:33)