In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hoy sit down with Ron Henry — music‑industry veteran, executive search pioneer, succession strategist, and a man who has spent more than five decades in what he calls “the people business.” From working alongside legends like Tom Petty, Leon Russell, David Bowie, and Elvis, to building one of Orange County’s top executive search firms, to guiding mission‑driven organizations through leadership transitions, Ron’s life is a masterclass in relationships, calling, and the art of helping people step into who they were created to be. Ron shares stories from the golden era of the music industry — including backstage moments with Ringo Starr and George Harrison, producing one of the first conceptual music videos ever made, and witnessing the brilliance of artists who could rearrange an entire song in minutes. He also opens up about his faith journey, the moment he met his wife in a Huntington Beach nightclub, and how discovering his identity reshaped the trajectory of his life and work. Today, as Chief Succession Officer at Ministry Transitions, Ron walks alongside boards, pastors, and nonprofit leaders during one of the most delicate and defining moments in organizational life: leadership succession. His approach blends wisdom, discernment, and a deep belief that every person has a unique calling worth uncovering. This conversation is rich with history, heart, and hard‑earned insight — spanning music, leadership, faith, identity, and the power of relationships to transform lives. Episode Highlights Growing Up, Breaking Boxes & Finding His Path Ron shares how a small‑town Connecticut upbringing, an engineering degree he didn’t want, and a last‑minute pivot to Wharton shaped his early worldview. Even then, he was challenging norms — creating political parties, hosting controversial speakers, and refusing to fit inside anyone’s box. “I never fit in a box… one foot in, one foot out.” Hosting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ron recounts the surreal experience of bringing MLK to campus in 1966 — and the moment an autograph fell out of his dresser drawer on the day King was assassinated. Inside the Golden Age of the Music Industry From RCA Records to Shelter Records, Ron takes us into the rooms where legends created magic. He shares stories of: Elvis at Madison Square Garden Ringo Starr walking into a session George Harrison handing over a cassette demo Leon Russell rearranging an entire song in ten minutes Producing one of the first conceptual music videos Selling 750,000 albums with a never‑before‑done tour strategy Faith, Identity & Meeting His Wife Ron opens up about hitting a low point in the late ’70s, rediscovering his faith, and walking into a club where — in his words — “God said, she’s the one.” Two weeks later they were dating. Five months later they were married. Forty‑seven years later, they still are. The People Business — Executive Search & Calling Ron explains how his music‑industry instincts translated into executive search: he could hear people, see potential, and understand what motivated them. He shares why so many leaders fail, why succession is often mishandled, and why identity matters more than résumés. Ministry Transitions & the Work of Finishing Well Ron walks through the heart behind his current work — helping churches and nonprofits navigate leadership succession with clarity, care, and mission continuity. “We were created for relationship… everything comes back to that.” Featured Guest: Ron Henry Chief Succession Officer, Ministry Transitions Ron has spent more than 50 years helping leaders discover their calling, navigate transition, and step into roles where they can thrive. His career spans the music industry, executive search, nonprofit leadership, and faith‑based succession consulting — all anchored in one belief: people matter most. Contact Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronhenrysterlinggroup/
