Today we’d like to introduce you to William Johnson.
Hi William, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born on the northeast side of Houston. My mother was addicted to crack, and it was in my system at birth, so I was raised by my aunt and uncle. Being reminded of that throughout my childhood gave me a heightened sense of insecurity — I often felt like I wasn’t good enough at anything.
On top of that, I had a hard time learning to read and comprehend what I saw on paper. But where reading was difficult, mathematics came naturally. Numbers made sense to me. I could see solutions and patterns that others didn’t, and that gave me a small spark of confidence I desperately needed.
That spark grew when I discovered electronics and auto collision repair. Working with my hands became my language — it’s how I learned to solve problems, express creativity, and build something I could be proud of. Eventually, I joined the U.S. Navy with the idea that I’d be painting airplanes, but funny enough, I never painted a single one. Instead, I learned hydraulics — and that completely changed my life. That unexpected twist became the doorway into engineering and, later, subsea robotics.
After the Navy, I built a career working with some of the top subsea companies across the U.S., U.K., and West Africa. Through those experiences, I realized there was a major gap — so many talented people from communities like mine never got the opportunity to learn trades that could lead to high-paying, high-demand careers like underwater robotics.
That realization led me to start W Johnson Consulting LLC (WJC) and, later, the Blue Workforce Academy. Our mission is to train and employ the next generation of ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) technicians while also teaching life skills — from safety and technology to financial literacy and mental health awareness. We’re creating a direct pathway from the classroom to the ocean floor.
Today, I’m proud to say we partner with organizations like SERJobs, TXRX Labs, PVAMU Wellness in Houston, the Houston Independent School District, and HUD Jobs Plus to give young people and returning citizens a real chance at success.
What started as a dream has grown into a movement — one that’s training students, creating jobs, and proving that no matter where you start, even if it’s on the northeast side of Houston, you can rise above your circumstances and make an impact on the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Trying to get my community interested in robotics — especially robotics that work underwater — has been a real challenge. Most people have never even seen an ROV before, so getting them to understand the opportunities in this field takes time and patience.
Even introducing basic technology tools like ChatGPT or other forms of AI has been a hurdle. A lot of people in our community are still catching up to what’s possible with these technologies, and sometimes there’s fear or hesitation to even try them. I get it — it’s something new, and if no one around you is using it, it can seem out of reach.
But that’s exactly why I keep pushing. My goal isn’t just to train people on how to use underwater robots; it’s to change the mindset — to show people that we belong in every part of the tech world, even 300 feet below the surface.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart is that I don’t just talk about opportunities — I build them. I come from the same communities that I’m trying to reach, so when I walk into a classroom or a neighborhood center, people see someone who looks like them and understands their struggles. I know what it’s like to grow up feeling overlooked or counted out, and that gives me a different kind of drive.
I’ve worked around the world — from offshore platforms in Nigeria to projects in the U.K. and the Gulf of Mexico — but I’ve never lost sight of where I came from. My focus is on using that experience to bridge the gap between high technology and underserved communities.
As we speak, I’m actually in Nigeria with one of my students from our very first training cohort, Andrew Willis. He’s a 20-year-old young man from the hood, and now he’s overseas working beside me, learning hands-on what it means to operate and maintain underwater robots on a live offshore campaign. Moments like that remind me exactly why I do this — to show that young people from our communities can go from Houston to international waters and succeed.
What really separates me is that I don’t just teach people how to operate ROVs — I teach them how to build confidence, discipline, and financial independence through this skill. I mix technical training with real-life lessons: how to manage money, how to start a business, how to build character. It’s not just workforce development; it’s whole-person development.
That’s what makes W Johnson Consulting and the Blue Workforce Academy different — we’re not just creating ROV operators; we’re creating leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who can compete anywhere in the world.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is simple — don’t wait until you feel ready. Start where you are, with what you have. When I started, I didn’t have much — no fancy equipment, no big investors, just a vision and the belief that God didn’t bring me this far to leave me here.
I wish I had known earlier that your gift will make room for you. You don’t have to chase every opportunity; the right ones will align when you stay consistent, keep learning, and surround yourself with the right people.
Also, don’t be afraid to fail — failure is part of the process. Every setback I’ve had became the blueprint for my comeback. What matters most is that you keep moving forward, even when nobody believes in your dream yet.
And finally, learn to embrace technology — whether it’s AI tools like ChatGPT or new forms of robotics. The world is changing fast, and the ones who win are the ones who learn how to adapt.
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: “You don’t have to have it all figured out — just have faith, stay disciplined, and take the first step.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Wjohnsonconsulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiij
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JH6PVHRdY/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-johnson-consulting-william-johnson-jr-32487425
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpWzkpCQABNxRMeI-Sqk1yn5jv04u7bWF&si=q4tZpRJpPZJAKmaj
