John Burns is an entrepreneur, attorney, community activist, and co-founder of The Burns Brothers, a family of culturally-driven companies dedicated to creating a more inclusive world. 

At The Burns Brothers, John, along with his brother, Mike, helm an enterprise of eight different businesses that ignite, inspire, and support brown and Black people across several societal intersections and industries. Those intersections include marketing, communications, wellness, hospitality, talent management, VIP event planning, and inclusive learning.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky and raised in San Antonio, TX, John’s southern roots influence his business style and social acumen, which is notably personable, tailored, and results-driven. 

He has utilized these traits to strategically navigate through over 20 years of experience in cultural marketing and communications, event activations, multicultural engagement, and brand positioning. Stops along the way include 14 years at Krooth & Altman LLP where he eventually became partner and provided legal counsel to clients in the entertainment and publishing industries. 

In 2013 he co-founded Icon Talks, a traveling speaker series featuring “icons,” from activists to entertainment moguls like Cathy Hughes and Harry Belefonte, in intimate conversation about their life’s work.

The Burns Brothers is a collision of these worlds where the sibling founders bring together people, ideas, celebrities, and companies like AT&T, Porsche, and Ciroc to create unforgettable experiences and lasting cultural impact.