The Seismic Shift with Michelle K. Johnston

Mary Olson-Menzel, national bestselling author and executive coach, joins Michelle K. Johnston to explore how professionals at every stage of their career can reignite their passion, pivot successfully, and thrive in a changing workplace. They discuss Mary’s 10-step pivot program—developed to guide clients from uncertainty to clarity—and how to harness the power of storytelling, intentional networking, and self-awareness. From recent grads to seasoned executives, listeners are reminded that purpose, self-care, and meaningful connection are the cornerstones of sustainable success. This conversation is a roadmap for anyone asking: What’s next?

Whether you’re seeking your first...

Mark Thompson, the #1 CEO coach globally, joins Michelle Johnston to unpack what it truly means to be “CEO Ready” amid today’s relentless pace of seismic change. Recorded in the bustling backdrop of Amsterdam Airport, Mark shares real-world insights from coaching high-profile leaders across the world’s most transformative organizations, including Amazon, Virgin, Google, Schwab, and Zoox.

With charm, candor, and clarity, Mark dives into what makes great leaders stand out: emotional connection, relentless learning, and a clear sense of service. He unpacks the concept of driverless leadership—both metaphorically and literally—as he reflects on his work with Zo...

Leadership today demands more than command and control. In this powerful conversation between Michelle and bestselling author Selena Rezvani, the two explore what it takes to lead in a way that’s sustainable, human, and effective in the modern workplace. Selena shares the deeply personal story behind her passion for people-first leadership—losing her father at 13 due to work-induced stress—and how that moment shaped her mission to reduce suffering at work. Her new book, Quick Leadership, is a practical guide for leaders who want to build trust, empower teams, and lead with compassion, all without sacrificing performance. Michelle and Se...

Chief Heart Officer Claude Silver (VaynerMedia/VaynerX) joins Michelle to unpack why the real “seismic shift” at work is bringing our humanity back. From emotional intelligence and psychological safety to trust, belonging, and authentic leadership, Claude lays out a practical roadmap leaders can use today—especially with Gen Z and Gen Alpha demanding purpose, flexibility, and voice. Claude shares her non-linear journey to becoming a Chief Heart Officer, the three-part structure of her book Be Yourself at Work (you → team → culture), and tangible moves to show up with heart—starting with knowing your non-negotiables and strengths. If you’re trying to attr...

Season 4 of the Seismic Shift podcast is here—and it’s all about the seismic shifts in you. Host Michelle Johnston tees up a season packed with practical tips you can use right away to create more connection and drive better results at work and in life. Expect candid insights, actionable takeaways, and stories that challenge how you lead, communicate, and collaborate.

This season, she's joined by some incredible voices, including Marshall Goldsmith (co-author of her latest book, The Seismic Shift in You), Mita Mallick (author of The Devil Emails at Midnight), and Claude Silver, the first-ever Chie...

Season 4 begins with world-renowned executive coach Marshall Goldsmith joining Michelle Johnston to discuss the groundbreaking leadership insights behind their co-authored book, The Seismic Shift in You. Broadcasting from their experience at Thinkers50 in London, they share the seven critical shifts every leader must embrace to stay relevant in a world reshaped by AI, remote work, and cultural transformation. With stories from Alan Mulally, Frances Hesselbein, and Gary Ridge, the conversation dives into practical ways to foster connection, reshape meetings, manage calendars, and elevate energy. Goldsmith also reveals how AI, including his own MarshallBot, is redefining coaching and thought leadership...

Bestselling author and renowned communication strategist Sam Horn joins Michelle on this week’s episode of The Seismic Shift to share the transformative power of language in leadership and life. Drawing from her latest book Talking on Eggshells, Sam walks listeners through a series of seismic shifts in language that will help reduce tension, boost connection, and strengthen leadership presence.

From hospitals to boardrooms, Sam shares real world stories that highlight how common phrases like “you need to,” “should,” or “no, we can’t” often backfire, eroding relationships and escalating conflict. In their place she offers alternative language that fr...

Global connection strategist Andy Lopata joins Michelle for an eye-opening conversation about the true meaning of networking and why it's undergoing a seismic shift right now. Far from the outdated perception of awkward meet-and-greets and LinkedIn ads, Andy reframes networking as “professional relationship strategy,” a shift that has not only elevated his own career but is also transforming how leaders approach connection.

Andy shares how his years of building networking businesses evolved into a calling to help others understand the deep value of intentional relationships. He and Michelle then dive into the seven stages of professional relationships, the...

On today’s episode of The Seismic Shift, Michelle welcomes Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett, a leading organizational psychologist and authority on workplace wellness, for a candid conversation about toxic leadership and the damage it inflicts on individuals and companies alike. With decades of experience helping people and organizations flourish, Dr. Laura explains how innovation, productivity, and mental well-being all suffer under toxic leadership.

During their candid conversation listeners will learn how to distinguish between a "difficult" and a "toxic" boss—a crucial insight that determines whether a leader can be coached or must be removed. Dr. Laura intr...

From being cut in Spain to coaching in the NBA, and from writing cold letters to becoming a bestselling author and global speaker, David Nurse's path defies traditional success playbooks. In this episode, David Nurse, a former professional basketball player and NBA coach turned elite performance strategist, bestselling author, and one of the top 50 keynote speakers in the world, sits down with host Michelle Johnston to unpack the mindset tools and energetic strategies that elevate leaders beyond grind culture into a sustainable rhythm of achievement and joy.

David Nurse is known for his transformative approach to mindset...

After a seismic career and life shift, Todd Vande Hei reemerged with a revolutionary take on health. In this powerful conversation, Todd opens up about losing everything during the 2008 economic collapse and how that dark season became the unlikely foundation of his life’s work—building Stark, a human optimization company for elite professionals.

Todd discusses the health challenges that plagued him for decades: seizures, chronic migraines, joint pain, and a state of perpetual burnout fueled by overachievement and hyper-vigilance. These challenges prompted him to reject fragmented healthcare and build a team-based, metrics-driven model inspired by business stra...

Michael Bungay Stanier doesn’t just write books—he starts movements. In this energizing conversation with Michelle, the celebrated author of The Coaching Habit and How to Work with Almost Anyone shares the seismic shifts that changed how we lead, connect, and collaborate at work.

Together, they discuss how effective leadership is moving away from advice-giving toward deeper connection, and why asking the right questions upfront can make or break a relationship. Michael explains the origin of his latest book—sparked from a “failed” manuscript and refined into a transformative guide—and details the five questions that form what he...

What’s your next move? Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer joins this week’s episode of The Seismic Shift to help mid-career professionals, especially women, become more intentional about their career paths. In today’s conversation with Michelle, Cynthia shares her journey from corporate leadership to executive coaching, highlighting some key shifts in the modern workplace.

Drawing from over 30 years in corporate leadership, Cynthia walks us through her insights on overcoming workplace biases, advocating for oneself, and creating opportunities for advancement. Together Cynthia and Michelle emphasize the power of connection, energy management, and setting boundaries to ensure women actively shape their...

What if the key to success, happiness, and fulfillment lies in designing a life filled with connection? Dr. Ruth Gotian and Ayse Birsel bring their expertise in high performance and human-centered design to this episode of The Seismic Shift—exploring the shifts that redefine leadership, collaboration, and friendship.

Along with Michelle, Ruth and Ayse recount their journey of meeting through the 100 Coaches group, their mutual mentor Marshall Goldsmith, and how their shared passion for mentorship and collaboration led them to co-author insightful articles on connection-driven workplaces. Together they introduce the concept of “Friendship Factories” and explain how leader...

AI is transforming the workplace, and leaders must adapt—or risk becoming obsolete. In this episode, Ted Elliott, CEO of Capado, shares how AI is reshaping DevOps, business strategy, and workplace culture. He explains how Capado’s "AI-first" approach helped the company turn a financial deficit into growth, and why AI should be embraced rather than feared.

Ted discusses how AI can help leaders become better listeners by summarizing key insights from meetings, ensuring follow-ups, and fostering psychological safety. He shares how Capado’s AI-driven approach has helped teams work more efficiently while reducing burnout.

Ted al...

The Super Bowl is more than a game—it’s an opportunity to bring people together and showcase the culture, resilience, and vibrancy of an entire region. In our final Super Bowl episode of the week leading up to the game, Michelle is joined by some of Louisiana’s top leaders who are working behind the scenes to ensure that this event is a success for their entire state.

Jill Kidder of Visit Baton Rouge, along with Ben Berthelot (Lafayette Travel), Kyle Edmiston (Visit Lake Charles), and Alana Cooper (Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau), share insights on how th...

New Orleans isn’t just hosting the Super Bowl—it’s creating an experience like no other. In our second Super Bowl episode of the week, Michelle welcomes Sandra Lindquist, CEO of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, to talk about what makes New Orleans "built to host." The conversation touches on the city’s unique ability to bring people together, the impact of small businesses, and the spirit of resilience following recent challenges.

Sandra opens the conversation by sharing her journey to leading the Chamber, the explosive growth of the business community, and how the city is prepa...

Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, joins Michelle on one of this week’s special Super Bowl episodes of The Seismic Shift! As the King of the Super Bowl Host Committee Parade, Todd is embracing the opportunity to highlight Louisiana as a great place to live, work, and grow a business. During his conversation with Michelle, he discusses his leadership philosophy, the power of connection in business, and how he disrupted the fast-food industry. From launching Raising Cane’s to investing in entrepreneurs on Shark Tank, Todd’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and community impact.<...

For 25 years Bridgett Brown embodied what it meant to be beautiful according to society’s standards. A former Ford model, Bridgett appeared perfect, but in reality she was struggling with everything from eating disorders to suicidal ideation. On today’s powerful episode of The Seismic Shift, Michelle sits down with Bridgett to talk about how this former “it” girl went from the top of the beauty industry to redefining what it actually means to be beautiful through her organization The Beyond Beauty Project. 

As a model, Bridgett was told she had to be perfect, and it turned her life...

Welcome to a whole new year and another truly impactful episode of The Seismic Shift. We’re starting off 2025 strong, talking with serial healthcare entrepreneur, Chantell Preston, all about how to actually achieve that always-elusive work-life integration. Let’s dive in! 

Chantell has been starting her own companies since she was 27 years-old, and in that time she’s learned a thing or two about what it takes to find fulfillment both at work and at home through building connection with the entirety of your employee—not just their work identity or ability to produce results. During her candid co...

How do we find that fire in our belly to do something truly revolutionary with our lives? Silicon Valley disruptor and current CEO of Corent Technology, Feyzi Fatehi, knows a thing or two when it comes to answering that question. For today’s episode of The Seismic Shift, Michelle sits down with Feyzi to take a look at his meteoric rise through some of the world’s top technology companies—outlining the biggest lessons he’s learned along the way. 

From spearheading Hewlett-Packard’s global alliances in his 20s to getting his MBA from Stanford and going on to lead...

As leaders, it’s essential that we master the art of the delicate conversation to foster connection among the people we lead. But delicate conversations are just that … delicate, and it’s tempting to put them off. Today on The Seismic Shift, Michelle sits down with the world’s no. 1 startup coach, Alisa Cohn, to dive into how to have those delicate conversations we all dread, and how to have them well. 

To open the episode, Michelle invites Alisa to share her incredible story of reinventing her career at 27 years-old and becoming one of the world’s most sought...

For this week’s special, bonus episode of The Seismic Shift, Michelle has the privilege of sitting down with two of her colleagues at Loyola University New Orleans: the university’s new president—and first president of color—Dr. Xavier Cole, and Loyola’s interim dean of the College of Business, Dr. Bobby Savoie. It’s no secret that the value (and price tag) of higher education have come into question in recent years. So together these three dynamic leaders discuss some of the key seismic shifts happening in higher education right now, answering the question of if an advanced deg...

The city of New Orleans recently experienced “the Taylor Swift effect”—the whole city coming together culturally and economically for the singer’s Eras Tour weekend. Today on The Seismic Shift, Michelle sits down with GNO, Inc. President & CEO Michael Hecht to talk all about how the city can recreate that sense of joy and belonging during next year’s Super Bowl. 

As New Orleans natives, Michelle and Michael are both passionate about seeing their city thrive during big events like a Taylor Swift concert and the Super Bowl, and New Orleans undoubtedly does big events very well (just...

We all have those things that are most important to us, but do our calendars actually reflect those priorities? This week on The Seismic Shift, Michelle is joined by an individual who has personally helped her make some of the biggest shifts of her professional life over the past six months. That person is former NFL coach turned executive coach, Taylor Johnson. Taylor is an expert when it comes to helping others craft that winning formula that will set them on the path towards greater connection, clarity, and confidence. Taylor and Michelle dive into it all in today’s co...

How do we deal with a micromanaging boss? What if you are that micromanaging boss? Can leading yourself well really bring purpose to even the most mundane job functions? On this week’s episode of The Seismic Shift, Michelle sits down with mother-daughter consulting team Lisa McLeod and Elizabeth Lotardo to answer these questions and more—focusing on the power we can all find in being our own best leader.

Lisa is an executive coach and the author of Leading With Noble Purpose. Elizabeth is also a coach and the author of the new book Leading Yourself. Toge...

When Bart Foster was forced out of the company he founded, he was challenged to think about how to do business differently. In the aftermath his organization, Business Outside, was born—all about disrupting the ways we connect and working to foster those connections in whole new ways. 

On today’s episode of The Seismic Shift, Michelle sits down with Bart—one of her good friends in business—to talk about all the ways we can think outside the box when it comes to building connections. During their conversation Bart and Michelle break down how meetings as we once k...

Welcome to season 3 of The Seismic Shift podcast! This season Michelle is sitting down with 20 bestselling authors—diving into how their work and research is shaking up the way we live and do business. Our first guest is organizational psychologist and chancellor professor, Steven Rogelberg. Steven is an expert when it comes to meetings, specifically how to build a better meeting. 

During today’s conversation Steven and Michelle take a look at the intention behind meetings, why meetings have become so arduous, and how exactly to make those meetings better—for employees and leaders alike. Steven pulls from hi...

Welcome back to season 3 of the Seismic Shift podcast!! 

We're so excited to tell you all that it is launching on October 2nd. 

The Seismic Shift podcast is sponsored by Loyola University New Orleans and we'll be interviewing 20 best selling authors and they'll be talking about the seismic shifts that are shaking up how we work and how we live. 

So please tune in, like, subscribe, follow, share, and we'll see you all on October 2nd.

Original Aired Date: 7/13/2022
 

Every leader has their own story behind them, but do they truly own that same story? If we’re going to lead others through connection, we need to prioritize getting connected with ourselves first. To shed light on this central tenet of connective leadership, Michelle is joined by US Assistant Attorney General, Kenneth Polite, who, having grown up in the highly incarcerated lower ninth ward of New Orleans and since risen through the ranks of the US justice system, is an unparalleled voice on the importance of understanding and owning where you came fro...

Original Aired Date: 2/8/2023
 

Ever wonder what takes place behind the scenes of a Super Bowl team? Learn leadership best practices from former Super Bowl Champion, Jon Stinchcomb. Jon played for The New Orleans Saints for 8 seasons and served on the offense with Drew Brews when they won Super Bowl XLIV. According to Jon, the secret sauce is not just skill level, it’s your character, how you treat each other inside and outside of the locker room. 

Tune in to this episode and learn how to build a championship team whether you are a lead...

Original Aired Date: 9/7/2022
 

Robért LeBlanc, Founder and CEO of LeBlanc + Smith, is a true servant leader who built his business around his people. “We want our team to enjoy themselves every day while learning and being really productive, and we want them to have joyful and balanced lives while doing so.” This mentality is not the norm in the hospitality industry, where burnout is high and quality of life is typically low. Listen to Robért talk about why he believes showing care and compassion is his main job as a leader.
 

You can...

Original Aired Date: 1/11/2023

Communication and connection are very different. With communication, it’s found to be more transactional getting from A to B. What we find with connecting with our teams in today's work environment now means something different perhaps than it did before. How seen are people? Do they feel heard? Are they cared for?

2022 Businessperson of the Year and the President and Publisher of The Advocate and Times-Picayune, Judi Terzotis exhibits the highest level of these qualities through modeling servant leadership. In this episode, Michelle and Judi explain that by building a positive li...

Original Aired Date: 10/5/2022

We believe that if you actually listen to your team, they will be more motivated to perform well and generate new ideas. Today we have Boysie Bollinger on the podcast to talk about how to listen to lead. Do you believe that lower-level employees often have observations that higher level leaders cannot see? Listen to learn and transform into a leader that listens!

You can pick up a copy of Michelle Johnston's newest book, The Seismic Shift, on her website:
https://michellekjohnston.com 

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Original Aired Date: 3/8/2023 

For too long, there have been many experiences underneath the ego-forward leadership umbrella that ultimately have pushed people out the door. Can those past experiences lead to a greater understanding of how to change that narrative in our own leadership? Don McGuire seems to think so. In this episode, Michelle and Don McGuire, CMO of Qualcomm, discuss how empowering employees to rethink the status quo through encouraging connection, ideation, and building trust can bring about a shift in leadership.
 

You can pick up a copy of Michelle Johnston's newest book, The Se...

Original Aired Date: 12/8/2022

Juan Martin is an executive who epitomes Kindness and Connection. As the Global President of KIND Snacks and Nature’s Bakery, Juan is genuinely trying to make the world a better place through acts of kindness. Juan believes Success is measured by how kind we are to ourselves, each other, and our planet.

Tune in to today’s episode of The Seismic Shift podcast to learn strategies from Juan on how to more effectively connect with your people and your organization. 

You can pick up a copy of Michelle Johns...

Original Aired Date: 11/2/2022

Have you ever heard of a construction company that has a Culture of Happiness? Me, neither! But I just spent an afternoon with the leaders of Maxhome and it’s a real thing and it works! I was blown away by their positivity and enthusiasm for their company.

Tune in to uncover how Larry Closs, Founder of MaxHome, built such a positive culture. 

You can pick up a copy of Michelle Johnston's book, The Seismic Shift, on her website:

 https://michellekjohnston.com/

Original Aired Date: 4/5/2023

Is there a different way to lead where you don’t have to be commanding, controlling, and micromanaging with your people? The answer is Yes, yes, and absolutely yes!

Michelle speaks with Pete November, the new CEO of Ochsner Health, with 38,000 employees and physicians. As Pete’s coach, Michelle had a front row seat to observe his leadership in action. You’ll discover how Pete wholeheartedly believes that connection drives results. Pete shares specific tactics on how he creates environments that empower his people to thrive.

You can pickup a copy o...

Original Aired Date: 6/1/2022

Marshall Goldsmith has been ranked as the World’s #1 Executive Coach and #1 Leadership Thinker. Marshall was chosen as the inaugural winner of the Lifetime Award for Leadership by the Harvard Institute of Coaching and is the author or editor of 41 books, which have sold over 2.5 million copies, been translated into 32 languages and become listed bestsellers in 12 countries. Marshall also happens to be Michelle's official mentor and wrote the forward to Michelle’s new book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership.

Today we are talking to Marshall about a topic he knows best: The nece...

Original Aired Date: 8/10/22

It’s tempting to believe that if leaders strive to maintain an aura of perfection, this masking act will then trickle down throughout our organization and make everyone want to be better. Today, Michelle and Tania Tetlow, Current and first woman President of Fordham University, are here to share stories as to why this couldn’t be further from the truth of leading effectively. Tania’s reflections on her most meaningful moments in academic leadership will prove that moments of imperfection as leaders are often when we achieve the greatest level of trust with our te...

The final episode of season two of the Seismic Shift podcast provides the top 10 tips, themes and takeaways from the season. The themes include gratitude, allyship, inclusion, servant leadership, creativity, courage, mentoring, becoming coachable, deep listening, and work-life balance. Michelle recaps the guests, who are bestselling authors and global thought leaders, and shares her insights from their conversations on how leaders can adapt to the seismic shifts happening in the workplace and create positive environments that foster connection and collaboration. The key message is that everything has changed, and leaders must change and show up as the best versions...

Michelle talks with Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Catalyst and the author of the best-selling book, In Her Own Voice, about her journey to becoming a C-suite executive. They discuss the challenges faced by women and the importance of creating work environments where women can thrive. Jennifer shares her personal story and the seismic shifts she experienced during the pandemic. 

They also explore the superpowers women bring to the table, and the importance of networks and mentors. The conversation concludes with a call to action to find your purpose and share it loudly.

Chapters
00:00 Shining a...

The conversation between Michelle and Michael covers his journey exploring his diverse experiences, from studying spiritual traditions to becoming an expert in the Alexander Technique. Emphasizing the need for a culture of connection in the workplace, Gelb discusses strategies, including leaders embodying genuine presence and balancing chronological and non-linear time. They address workplace challenges, humor sensitivity, and concludes with a preview of Gelb's upcoming book, "Walking Well," advocating the transformative power of walking for connection and collaboration. Join Michelle and her guest as they navigate the evolving landscape of leadership and personal growth.

Michael J. Gelb, is...

Michelle is joined by Scott Miller who currently serves as FranklinCovey’s Senior Advisor on thought leadership. Together, they emphasize the importance of connection and power skills. Scott highlights the need for leaders to develop relationships and embrace imperfection. They also explore the role of mentorship in creating a culture of connection and provide insights from his book series, Master Mentors. Scott encourages leaders to own their leadership style and have courageous conversations to foster a culture of connection.

00:00 Introduction and Scott Miller's Background
02:15 Seismic Shift Back to Interpersonal Skills
04:07 The Power of...

Sally Helgesen is cited in Forbes as the world’s premier expert on women’s leadership. In this episode, Michelle and Sally discuss the importance of creating a culture of belonging and inclusion in organizations. Sally emphasizes the need for leaders to use language intentionally to signal inclusivity and to make people feel valued for their potential. She also explores the concept of authenticity and the balance between being authentic and professional. Through practical tips and showing up as human to create meaningful connections with their team members, this conversation highlights the importance of allyship and the collective effort to r...

Demario Davis, a 2x Pro Bowl linebacker and reigning 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Defensive MVP of the New Orleans Saints, shares his personal story and insights on connection and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of being connected with oneself first and then using that connection to motivate and connect with teammates. 

Together with Michelle, they believe that unity and inclusion are key drivers of connection and success. He discusses the unique culture of the Saints in the NFL and how it is deeply connected to the city of New Orleans. They crystallize this conversation by encouraging leaders to b...

Dan Pontefract, a bestselling author and global thought leader joins Michelle to discuss work-life balance and ultimately, creating a work-life bloom. Michelle and Dan cover the seismic shift happening in organizations regarding employee engagement and the need for a new approach. 

Dan introduces the concept of work-life bloom, which focuses on factors such as trust, belonging, value, purpose, and well-being. They emphasize the importance of connection, care, and kindness in the workplace and the need for leaders to create environments that allow people to thrive. The conversation concludes with advice to be patient and surround oneself with s...

Dr. Mark Goulston and Michelle discuss the seismic shift he has experienced and the impact it has had on his perspective. He shares insights on the cause of burnout and the antidote to it, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection in countering burnout. 

Dr. Goulston also introduces the 'Five Reallys' exercise, a tool for building deeper connections and understanding in conversations. He discusses the significance of creating a culture of connection in organizations and offers practical steps for leaders to implement. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the power of vulnerability and the importance of meaningful c...

Michelle welcomes the extraordinary CB Bowman-Ottomanelli, an illuminating force in leadership and courage. CB is set to release her upcoming book, "Courage to Leap & Lead," and today's discussion revolves around what it truly means to be a courageous leader in the face of the seismic shifts we're experiencing.

This conversation covers the seven pandemics reshaping our world, from COVID and social injustice to economics, climate change, mental health, war, and the workforce attitude. CB sheds light on the confusion leaders face in today's cancel culture, where authenticity and empathy are crucial but seemingly at odds with the...

Morag Barrett, a sought-after leadership expert and co-author of the best-selling book, You, Me, We, shares insights on the professional benefits of being an ally at work. 

Morag emphasizes the move from a traditional, hierarchical model to a more human-centric approach. She discusses her journey from a traditional banking environment to embracing the power of bringing one's authentic self to work.

The conversation unfolds to explore the significance of showing up as an ally at work, not only for individual growth but for the betterment of organizational culture. Morag sheds light on the five practices o...

Interested in coaching or being coached?

Michelle engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Scott Osman and Jacquelyn Lane, authors of the best-selling book "Becoming Coachable.” As CEO and President of a premiere executive coaching firm, they share their journey of discovering the profound impact of connection and relationship-first approaches in leadership.

The conversation surrounds the seismic shifts that Scott and Jacquelyn have witnessed in the coaching profession. They recount a pivotal moment where their agency shifted its focus from efficiency to cultivating deeper relationships, leading to significant dividends.

As the discussion unfolds, they ex...

In the second season opener, Michelle is joined by the incredible Chester Elton, the New York Times bestselling author of Anxiety at Work, Leading with Gratitude, The Carrot Principle, and The Best Teams Win.

Michelle and Chester explore the seismic shifts in the workplace, from the growing importance of gratitude and empathy to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employee well-being. They highlight the significance of knowing and sharing your story as a leader and how it can transform workplace dynamics. They discuss the power of vulnerability, authenticity, and genuine human connection in building a thriving...

The Seismic Shift with Dr. Michelle Johnston is back for Season 2!

Throughout this season, we'll explore how connected leaders foster an environment where each individual feels seen, heard, valued, respected and appreciated for their unique contributions to truly grasp the essence of this impact. We'll examine real life examples of both successes and shortcomings from the angle of disconnection. We'll dissect these symptoms of disconnection that plague our businesses, our institutions and our communities.

Are you ready to see remarkable results? If so, then hit the subscribe button and get ready to embark on a...

Is there a different way to lead where you don’t have to be commanding, controlling,  and micromanaging with your people? The answer is Yes, yes, and absolutely yes!

Wrapping up Season 1, Michelle speaks with Pete November, the new CEO of Ochsner Health, with 38,000 employees and physicians. As Pete’s coach, Michelle had a front row seat to observe his leadership in action.
 
In this season finale, you’ll discover how Pete wholeheartedly believes that connection drives results. Pete shares specific tactics on how he creates environments that empower his people to thrive.

You can...

For too long, there have been many experiences underneath the ego-forward leadership umbrella that ultimately have pushed people out the door. Can those past experiences lead to a greater understanding of how to change that narrative in our own leadership? Don McGuire seems to think so. In this episode, Michelle and Don McGuire, CMO of Qualcomm, discuss how empowering employees to rethink the status quo through encouraging connection, ideation, and building trust can bring about a shift in leadership.

You can pickup a copy of Michelle Johnston's newest book, The Seismic Shift, on her website: https://michellekjohnston...

Ever wonder what takes place behind the scenes of a Super Bowl team? Learn leadership best practices from former Super Bowl Champion, Jon Stinchcomb. Jon played for The New Orleans Saints for 8 seasons and served on the offense with Drew Brews when they won Super Bowl XLIV. According to Jon, the secret sauce is not just skill level, it’s your character, how you treat each other inside and outside of the locker room. Tune in to this episode and learn how to build a championship team whether you are a leader in the sports, non-profit or corporate world. 

Communication and connection are very different. With communication, it is transactional, getting information from A to B. Connection, on the other hand, is a shared experience. When interacting, do your people feel seen, heard, valued, appreciated? 

2022 Publisher of the Year and the President and Publisher of The Advocate and Times-Picayune, Judi Terzotis epitomizes servant leadership. In this episode, Michelle and Judi explain that by building a positive listening environment and disrupting the status quo, we can create a positive workplace where people feel connected.

You can pickup a copy of Michelle Johnston's newest book, The S...

Juan Martin is an executive who epitomes Kindness and Connection. As the Global President of KIND Snacks and Nature’s Bakery, Juan is genuinely trying to make the world a better place through acts of kindness. Juan believes success is measured by how kind we are to ourselves, each other, and our planet, 

Tune in to today’s episode of The Seismic Shift podcast to learn strategies from Juan on how to more effectively connect with your people and your organization.

You can pickup a copy of Michelle Johnston's book, The Seismic Shift, on her websi...

We believe that putting yourself in a position of service to your team will help you and your team succeed as one. Avoid EGO and serve the mission! And who better to have the conversation with than Larry Closs, founder and CEO of MaxHome? You are in for a real treat today as we talk to Larry and learn how he created a positive culture based on Happiness. 

You can pickup a copy of Michelle Johnston's newest book, The Seismic Shift, on her website: https://michellekjohnston.com

We believe that if you actually listen to your team, they will be more motivated to perform well and generate new ideas. Today we have Boysie Bollinger on the podcast to talk about how to listen to lead. Do you believe that lower level employees often have observations that higher level leaders cannot see? Listen to learn and transform into a leader that listens!

You can pickup a copy of Michelle Johnston's newest book, The Seismic Shift, on her website: https://michellekjohnston.com

Robért LeBlanc, Founder and CEO of LeBlanc + Smith, is a true servant leader who built his business around his people. “We want our team to enjoy themselves every day while learning and being really productive, and we want them to have joyful and balanced lives while doing so.” This mentality is not the norm in the hospitality industry, where burnout is high and quality of life is typically low. Listen to Robért talk about why he believes showing care and compassion is his main job as a leader.

You can pickup a copy of Michelle Johnst...

It’s tempting to believe that if leaders strive to maintain an aura of perfection, this effort will then trickle down throughout our organization and make everyone want to be better. Today, Michelle and Tania Tetlow, President of Fordham University, are here to share stories as to why this couldn’t be further from the truth of leading effectively. Tania reflects that her moments of imperfection often achieved the greatest level of trust with her teams. And as Michelle argues, it’s not until we have this trust and resulting connection that our organizations are poised to strive for greatn...

Every leader has their own story behind them, but do they truly own that same story? If we’re going to lead others through connection, we need to prioritize getting connected with ourselves first. To shed light on this central tenet of connective leadership, Michelle is joined by US Assistant Attorney General, Kenneth Polite, who, having grown up in the highly incarcerated lower ninth ward of New Orleans and since risen through the ranks of the US justice system, is an unparalleled voice on the importance of understanding and owning where you came from in order to get where yo...

Every leader has their own story behind them, but do they truly own that same story? If we’re going to lead others through connection, we need to prioritize getting connected with ourselves first. To shed light on this central tenet of connective leadership, Michelle is joined by US Assistant Attorney General, Kenneth Polite, who, having grown up in the highly incarcerated lower ninth ward of New Orleans and since risen through the ranks of the US justice system, is an unparalleled voice on the importance of understanding and owning where you came from in order to get where yo...

Marshall Goldsmith has been ranked as the World’s #1 Executive Coach and #1 Leadership Thinker. Marshall was chosen as the inaugural winner of the Lifetime Award for Leadership by the Harvard Institute of Coaching and is the author or editor of 41 books, which have sold over 2.5 million copies, been translated into 32 languages and become listed bestsellers in 12 countries.

Marshall also happens to be Michelle's official mentor and wrote the forward to Michelle’s new book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership.

Today we are talking to Marshall about a topic he knows best: The necessary characteristics to be s...

Welcome to Seismic Shift - a leadership podcast that focuses on connection. I’m your host, Michelle Johnston: management professor, executive coach, and leadership expert.  I believe that today’s leaders need more than power and control to get the best from their teams; they need connection. Through interviews with some of today’s top business leaders, we are going to explore how leaders' ability to connect with themselves, their teams, and their organizations defines their ultimate success or failure. This podcast runs in close parallel to my new book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership, where you can find even mo...