The Seismic Shift with Michelle K. Johnston

Redefining Success, featuring Laura Gassner Otting

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 13 May 2026 02:00:00 -0500

A packed résumé, external validation, and a full scoreboard do not always add up to a satisfying life. Michelle Johnston welcomes Laura Gassner Otting for a lively, deeply honest conversation about the gap between achievement and fulfillment, and why so many accomplished people still feel empty after checking every box. Michelle and Laura explore how early definitions of success get planted, why they are so hard to outgrow, and what it takes to recalibrate once you realize the path you are on no longer fits. Laura shares her own story of heading toward law school, recognizing almost immediately that it was the wrong path, and making a bold pivot that eventually led her to the Clinton White House and the creation of AmeriCorps. The story becomes a larger lesson in permission: permission to change, permission to admit you were wrong, and permission to redefine success at every stage of life. Sharp, funny, and full of substance, this episode is a reminder that success without alignment can feel empty, but success rooted in self-knowledge, purpose, and real relationships can become something much more powerful.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome to The Seismic Shift
00:35 Laura Gassner Otting on why success can feel empty
02:17 Chasing goals that are not really yours
04:44 From the what to the who
06:08 Social comparison and redefining success
07:00 What truly motivates people at work
09:02 Law school, Bill Clinton, and a life-changing pivot
11:47 Curiosity, reinvention, and pursuing a PhD
15:02 From interesting work to rigorous research
17:31 What Laura’s data reveals about leadership
19:03 Why people leave when they do not feel seen
20:09 Money, meaning, and what really matters
21:54 Shared vision and the science of change
23:51 The power of inspiration at work
26:09 Carolyn’s story and redefining ambition
29:11 What leaders must do differently now
29:31 Laura’s top three leadership takeaways
30:11 Closing reflections on success and service

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5b
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Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

Connection as a Competitive Advantage, featuring Dennis Lauscha

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:06:04 -0500

Dennis Lauscha carries one of the most demanding leadership portfolios in sports—President and CEO of the New Orleans Saints, the New Orleans Pelicans, and a wide network of Gayle Benson companies. Sitting down at the Saints training facility, Michelle Johnston and Dennis unpack what’s changing fastest in the NFL and NBA—and what leaders can learn from it. Dennis breaks down a major business reality fans don’t always see: how the shutdown of regional sports broadcast partners forced teams to rethink distribution, marketing, and the entire way games reach the public. The Saints and Pelicans responded by moving deeper into content creation and direct-to-consumer offerings—expanding visibility across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle, and reframing what “small market” even means. He and Michelle tackle the real tension leaders feel: calendars that don’t match values, the pressure professional sports can put on families, and the manager’s responsibility to set clear expectations and coach performance with honesty and respect.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 A capital gap across the Gulf South
00:36 Inside Dennis Lauscha’s role leading Saints, Pelicans, and Benson companies
01:41 The seismic shift: regional sports networks disappear
03:10 Becoming a content company: broadcasts, radio, and direct-to-consumer
05:52 Connection at scale: listening systems and “number one” fan experience
07:34 Kaizen in action: making every voice speak up in meetings
09:23 Psychological safety: bring the problem and a solution
11:42 Beyond Gen Z labels: explain the “why” and set people up to win
14:51 One life, one calendar: leadership pressure and work-family balance
18:39 Why the Benson Leadership Academy exists
22:37 Leader vs. manager: art + science
25:28 Loyalty and trust as a talent strategy
26:42 The “it factor,” DEI, and widening the talent pipeline
30:06 Dennis’ career path: Loyola, CPA, and the Saints audit that changed everything
37:42 Leadership under Gayle Benson and the “double/triple bottom line”
42:45 Advice for breaking into pro sports: commitment, growth, and opportunity
44:35 Closing and thanks

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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Building Rhythms & Rituals in the Age of AI, featuring Tim Williamson

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Tim Williamson—founder and CEO of NewCo—maps the seismic shift he’s watching unfold: AI accelerating change while humans decide whether to lean in or lock down. He and Dr. Michelle K. Johnston trace how New Orleans’ superpower—real connection—can become a competitive advantage in the next innovation cycle. Tim unpacks why most new ideas die at the “Thanksgiving table,” how supportive ecosystems keep curiosity alive, and why rhythms and rituals are more than fun—they’re civic glue that helps communities recover from shocks. The conversation lands on a bold vision: AI freeing time, humans reconnecting, and creativity surging into a new renaissance.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome + meet Tim Williamson and NewCo
01:35 The seismic shift: AI, fear, excitement, and disruption cycles
03:43 “AI is connection” and getting off the scary cliff
04:08 Why new ideas need a safe community to survive
06:49 The “Thanksgiving table” where ideas go to die
08:15 New Orleans as a front-porch city built for connection
10:02 What NewCo is and why it’s a home base for new ideas
12:46 AI that helps leaders connect people at scale
16:07 Connection dinners: designing belonging on purpose
20:01 Why connection drives trust, innovation, and performance
20:52 Rhythms and rituals: the civic cadence that holds a city together
26:19 Katrina lessons: how rituals helped New Orleans come back
29:44 AI frees time—what if it triggers a creative renaissance?
33:13 Closing: calendar, connection, and choosing deeper humanity

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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Say It Skillfully, featuring Molly Tschang

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Molly Tschang doesn’t sugarcoat it: most workplaces don’t suffer from a lack of talent—they suffer from people holding back what they really think. In this episode, host Dr. Michelle K. Johnston sits down with Molly—co-author of Say It Skillfully with Marshall Goldsmith—to talk about the real reason teams stall: disconnection, fear, and leaders who unknowingly make it unsafe to speak up. Michelle and Molly also explore seismic shifts in leadership: the rise of leaders willing to lead when it’s inconvenient, and the growing urgency for workplaces where truth can be spoken without punishment. Molly ends with a mic-drop reminder for anyone feeling stuck: you have choices—find environments that deserve you, then bring your full voice to the table.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome + meet Molly Tschang and Say It Skillfully
01:28 Molly’s origin story: belonging, shyness, and finding her voice
03:45 Cornell, chemical engineering, and early identity pressure
05:40 The IBM pivot: choosing growth over the bigger paycheck
07:35 Deloitte consulting + the power of learning through people
08:30 U.S. Filter: integrating acquisitions and leading through change
10:02 Burnout, “In Transition,” and getting connected to yourself
11:01 Cisco’s heyday: high trust teams and “set the container”
13:22 Philanthropy, Ethiopia/Uganda, and a perspective-reset on work
16:39 Relationship systems coaching and the role of vulnerability
18:10 Abella Consulting: helping senior teams “Win as One”
18:26 Meeting Marshall Goldsmith + the videos that took off
23:03 Radio show to podcast: reverse-engineering the skillful model
26:32 Connection, empathy, and why it starts within
29:10 When it isn’t safe: choosing workplaces that deserve you
32:41 Seismic shifts in leadership + courage at every level
37:14 Final advice: the energy you bring is the message
39:00 Wrap + where to find the book

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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Visual Leadership in a Disconnected World, featuring Todd Cherches

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Visual leadership is having a moment—and Todd Cherches explains why. From our dopamine-driven obsession with images to the loneliness epidemic, Todd and Dr. Michelle Johnston connect the dots between how we communicate and how we belong. Todd shares his “three V’s” (visibility, voice, value), why knowing someone’s name changes everything, and how leaders can help people see what they’re saying. You’ll also get practical guidance for presentations (goodbye bullet-point “slideuments”), meetings that feel co-owned, and a simple learning model (VARK) leaders can use to boost attention, comprehension, and retention.

CHAPTERS

01:41 Why visual leadership is “having its moment”
04:58 The 3 V’s: visibility, voice, value
08:46 Todd’s story: introvert to TEDx + prog Visual Leadership + the four buckets
15:01 Presenting now: WSIC + WIFM (make it about them)
17:29 Slide design: “let your slide be your guide”
21:28 Rethinking academia + building learning together
24:40 VARK explained (with the IKEA example)
25:49 Fixing meetings: engagement, ownership, shared journey
30:03 Closing takeaways: reflection, introspection, connection

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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Aim High, Bounce Back, featuring Fiona Macaulay & Deborah Riegel

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0600

A seismic shift can wipe out a plan in five days—or hand you the clearest view you’ve ever had of your purpose. Fiona Macaulay opens up about what happens when an entire industry gets upended, and the funding model you relied on disappears overnight. Instead of shrinking, she chooses forward motion: staying true to the mission, redesigning the business model, and thinking bigger about impact. Deborah Grayson Riegel brings the conversation into the terrain many leaders quietly carry: anxiety, mental health, and the pressure to never slip. She shares how her daughter Sophie’s middle-school diagnoses became a family wake-up call—and how Sophie’s insistence on honesty pushed Deborah to be more public, more vulnerable, and more useful to others navigating the same realities. Together, Fiona and Deborah unpack the heart of their book, Aim High and Bounce Back: ambitious goals are supposed to be ambitious, which means setbacks are not an exception—they’re part of the process. They talk about the “messy middle,” how feedback can land differently for women, why perfection is a trap, and how leaders can reframe failure into learning without minimizing the pain of the moment. The result is an energizing, real-world playbook for anyone who wants to take bigger swings—without letting fear of failure call the shots.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome + why these two guests are “seismic shifters”x-up that led to a perfect co-author pairing
04:17 Fiona’s seismic shift: industry upheaval and a forced business pivot
06:33 “Add a zero”: using disruption to expand impact
08:59 The messy middle: small steps when everything feels unstable
10:53 Deborah on anxiety, advocacy, and leading with the truth
14:20 Thought leadership as activism and giving voice to others
15:57 How Fiona and Deborah met—and why “Me too” became the spark
18:34 Fear of failure as the hidden engine beneath leadership challenges
20:53 Deborah’s assignment: go fail on purpose (and build resilience)
22:46 Frances Frei’s on-stage moment and what authenticity looks like
24:54 Stories and insights from Frances Frei that shaped the book
31:08 What Aim High and Bounce Back is really for—and who needs it
33:30 The survey: 1,062 responses on failure from around the world
35:01 Rehumanizing leadership: imperfection, connection, and growth
36:43 Closing gratitude and send-off

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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Leading with Humility and Heart, featuring Garry Ridge

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0600

Dr. Michelle Johnston welcomes the legendary Garry Ridge to the Seismic Shift Podcast for a conversation filled with wisdom, humility, and tangible leadership tools. As the former CEO of WD-40 for 25 years, Garry shares how rethinking leadership through a servant lens created seismic results—both in culture and in the bottom line. Garry shares how servant leadership, purpose-driven values, and a culture of belonging transformed a legacy company into a global success story. He explains how redefining leadership roles from "manager" to "coach," embedding purpose into decision-making, and investing in people-first culture led to 93% engagement scores and a 10x market cap increase. Now in his next chapter, Garry reflects on his legacy, his book Any Dumbass Can Do It, and his mission to help leaders embrace humility, connection, and courage. This episode is a masterclass in values-based leadership. Whether you're a CEO, team lead, or just starting out, this episode will equip you to lead with more purpose, courage, and connection. Garry’s approach proves that when people feel like they belong and know their work matters, business transformation naturally follows.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introducing Garry Ridge
01:30 WD-40: From legacy brand to global leadership example
03:00 93% employee engagement: What drove it?
04:30 Why WD-40 eliminated the word “manager”
06:30 Culture equation: Values + Behavior × Consistency
08:00 Redefining company purpose as creating lasting memories
10:00 Value-based decision-making in action
12:30 How values protect and set you free
14:00 Purpose, values, and trust across global teams
16:00 You don’t manage people—you coach them
18:00 Building a Leadership Academy for real development
20:00 From micromanaging to empowering
22:00 Culture embedded in bricks and mortar
23:00 Happy people create a happy world
24:00 The deeper meaning behind Any Dumbass Can Do It
26:00 Marshall Goldsmith’s advice that sparked the book
28:00 Preparing to leave with purpose and legacy
30:00 Garry’s coaching pillars: Care, candor, accountability, responsibility
31:00 Final call to action: Lead people to the best version of themselves

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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From Addiction to Impact, featuring Michael Chernow

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0600

Michael Chernow joins Michelle Johnston to share his powerful journey from addiction and adversity to wellness and entrepreneurial success. With vulnerability and clarity, he opens up about childhood trauma, substance abuse, recovery, and the driving force behind his thriving businesses—including The Meatball Shop, Seymours, and Kreatures of Habit. He reveals how connection, emotional intelligence, and prioritizing relationships have been central to his transformation. Now, as he launches a sober coaching community for men—SoberFit Dude—Michael aims to help others strip life down to its essentials and rediscover their purpose. This conversation is about resilience, intentional living, and choosing heart-led leadership every step of the way.

00:00 Meet Michael Chernow
01:20 The journey from meatballs to mindfulness
02:45 Childhood trauma and early struggles
06:30 Cry for love: A suicide attempt at 12
08:50 Substance abuse and searching for identity
10:30 The overdose that changed everything
12:00 Finding a mentor and the daily recovery plan
14:00 Love, marriage, and intentional family life
16:00 Dinner table rituals that transformed connection
17:40 The birth of The Meatball Shop
20:00 Rapid success and growing pains
22:30 Launching Seymours and lessons in leadership
25:00 Food Porn, EQ, and media magic
27:30 Leaving restaurants to launch Kreatures of Habit
29:20 Connection as currency
31:00 The Harvard study on relationships and health
33:00 Heart-led leadership and learning the hard way
35:00 Launching SoberFit Dude
38:00 Ditching the smartphone for real life
41:00 The real seismic shift: reclaiming presence
43:00 Final reflections and staying heart-first

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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The Devil Emails at Midnight, featuring Mita Mallick

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0600

Bestselling author and workplace culture advocate Mita Mallick joins Michelle Johnston to unpack why loyalty is dead in today’s workforce, what younger generations expect from employers, and how leaders must adapt to shifting cultural norms. Drawing from her new book The Devil Emails at Midnight, Mita shares powerful stories and practical advice on modern leadership, grief, working motherhood, and the importance of human connection in corporate settings. This honest and inspiring conversation highlights how good leaders are made—not born—and how self-care and vulnerability play essential roles in the workplace of the future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating leadership in a post-pandemic, digitally-driven, emotionally exhausted world.

00:00 Welcome + Introducing Mita Mallick
01:17 Why Loyalty Is Dead in the Workplace
03:30 Gen Z vs Employer Expectations
05:50 Generational Disconnect and Work-Life Shifts
06:36 How to Earn Flexibility as a Young Professional
08:14 Why Managing Output Matters More Than Hours
10:23 The Origin of “The Devil Emails at Midnight”
14:20 Mita’s Personal Story of Grief and Burnout
18:09 How Grief Inspired Her First Book
18:59 Building Inclusive Workplaces for Working Parents
21:08 Equal Parental Leave and Support Systems
23:49 On Being Named Working Mother of the Year
25:32 Vision for a Healthier, Human-Centered Workplace
29:35 Alternatives to Midnight Emails
32:28 Reimagining Workplace Communication
33:24 Closing Words + Where to Find Mita

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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What Lights You Up?, featuring Mary Olson-Menzel

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0600

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 job or your final promotion, this conversation will help you find clarity, purpose, and direction. And as Mary puts it so beautifully, “When your light dims, it’s your responsibility to figure out how to turn it back on.”

CHAPTERS:
01:00 Introducing Mary Olson-Menzel and her career journey
02:00 Seismic shifts in the modern workplace
03:30 Challenges for new graduates in today's job market
05:00 The inspiration behind What Lights You Up
06:00 Overview of Mary’s 10-step pivot program
07:15 The power of storytelling in interviews
09:00 Navigating AI and resume screening
10:00 Unlocking the power of your network
12:00 LinkedIn Hour of Power strategy
14:00 Interview coaching and confidence building
15:00 Salary negotiation tips with gratitude
17:00 The importance of onboarding
18:30 How to pivot roles early in your career
20:00 Purpose, passion, and feeling valued
21:30 Embracing the squiggly career path
23:00 Framing short tenures and job changes
24:00 Mary’s superpower: knowing when to pivot
26:00 Burnout, self-care, and letting go
27:30 Coaching leaders to own their leadership signature
29:00 Aligning leadership with authenticity and energy
30:00 Final reflections on connection, purpose, and self-prioritization
32:00 Where to find What Lights You Up

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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CEO Readiness, featuring Mark Thompson

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0600

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 Zoox and the societal shift from control to connection. Michelle and Mark explore how AI is reshaping our lives, why CEOs must now lead with humanity, and how leaders must give up independence to gain greater impact through collaboration.

You’ll hear stories featuring Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, Arthur Levinson, and even astronaut training on the Zero-G “vomit comet.” Mark also reveals his latest personal challenge: completing his doctoral degree and writing his new book, CEO Readiness, for Harvard Business Review Press. He outlines the R.E.A.D.Y. model—Relationships, External perspective, Agility, Differentiation, and Your Why—providing a practical roadmap for anyone aspiring to lead with purpose.

This episode is a masterclass in modern leadership. It's about redefining success, reimagining influence, and remembering what matters most: human connection, legacy, and the courage to evolve.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Letting Go of the Old Paradigm
00:24 Michelle Introduces Mark Thompson
02:46 Mark Reflects on Coaching Top CEOs
03:29 The Secret Sauce of Coaching Success
05:49 Why Alignment and Commitment Matter
06:48 Seismic Shifts in Leadership
07:33 Navigating Constant Change
08:40 Zoox, AI, and Driverless Culture
11:38 From Drivers to Passengers
12:27 Reclaiming Connection Over Control
14:29 Letting Robots Handle the Risk
15:23 Redefining Leadership in the AI Era
16:01 Richard Branson, Bezos & Launching Ventures
19:24 Marshall Goldsmith’s Advice and Legacy
21:15 Leaving Schwab to Fund the Future
23:20 The Journey Toward Space
25:59 Inside the Making of CEO Readiness
29:15 Should You Even Be a CEO?
32:13 Legacy, Impact, and Purpose
32:53 Lessons from the All-Star Team
36:59 Best Practices for Leadership Excellence
37:18 The R.E.A.D.Y. Framework for CEO Success
39:53 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
40:17 Gratitude and Book Launch Celebration

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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Quick Leadership, featuring Selena Rezvani

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0600

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 Selena explore specific, tactical leadership advice and emphasize the need for psychological safety, authentic storytelling, and co-creation, especially as Gen Z emerges as a significant force in the workforce. If you're a manager, team leader, or aspiring changemaker, this episode will leave you equipped and inspired to show up differently—smarter, more human, and more effective.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome & Selena's Book Launch
01:00 The Personal Story Behind Selena's Mission
03:00 What It Means to Reduce Suffering at Work
05:00 Quick Leadership Tip: Ask 3 Before You Answer
07:30 Give Praise Like Confetti
10:00 Why Leaders Resist Human-Centered Leadership
12:30 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Leadership
14:00 Why Selena's TikToks Go Viral
16:00 Seismic Shifts: Leadership's Impact on Mental Health
18:00 Skepticism and the Return of Command & Control
20:30 Building Exciting, Innovative Work Cultures
22:00 The Power of Psychological Safety
24:00 Understanding Gen Z’s Expectations
26:00 Practical Ways to Co-Create with Gen Z
29:00 Shared Leadership Opportunities in Meetings
31:00 Summary of Quick Leadership & Final Thoughts

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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Emotional Optimism & Leading with Heart featuring Claude Silver

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0600

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 attract and retain top talent, reduce burnout, and build a culture where people actually want to stay, this conversation is your playbook.

Chapters
00:01 — Welcome & You → Team → Culture Framework
02:49 — Gen Z & Gen Alpha at Work
05:06 — Why Old Playbooks Fail
05:57 — The Splinter Analogy
06:52 — Building Trust & Belonging
07:19 — Psychological Safety in Hybrid Work
10:36 — Autonomy, Flexibility & Hybrid
10:45 — Feedback Without Fear
12:01 — Emotional Optimism: The Success Recipe
14:40 — Self-Awareness as a Leader
32:01 — Closing Takeaways from Claude

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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Season 4 of The Seismic Shift is here!

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:25:52 -0600

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 Chief Heart Officer at Vayner Media, to name a few. From leadership habits to culture-building and human-centered performance, each conversation zeroes in on what actually moves the needle—so you can grow yourself and your team. Special thanks to Loyola University New Orleans for their generous support.

The Seismic Shift in You, featuring Dr. Marshall Goldsmith

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0600

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. This is not soft leadership. These are hard skills that generate hard results. You'll walk away inspired to lead differently—more connected, more human, and more effective.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Marshall Goldsmith
01:00 Birth of the Book at Thinkers50
02:30 Seismic Shifts Facing Leaders Today
04:00 Connection as a Leadership Imperative
05:20 Embracing AI: MarshallBot and the Future of Coaching
07:00 Michelle Learns Prompt Engineering from Marshall
10:00 Free Coaching: The Gift of MarshallBot
11:30 AI’s Role in Leadership Development
14:00 The Seven Seismic Shifts Overview
15:00 Transforming Meetings into Conversations
18:00 Reshaping Your Calendar to Reflect Priorities
21:00 Making Virtual Meetings More Human
23:00 How to End Meetings with Impact
25:00 Alan Mulally and the Power of Red-Yellow-Green
27:00 Gary Ridge and Creating Meaning at WD-40
29:30 Energy as a Leadership Asset
33:30 Final Thoughts from Marshall & Michelle

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

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Stop Talking on Eggshells, featuring Sam Horn

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0500

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 frames requests positively, fosters cooperation, and helps leaders connect rather than command.

Whether you're dealing with difficult conversations, wanting to craft more positive internal dialogue, or working to create a healthier culture, this episode provides a roadmap to better communication. Michelle and Sam also discuss the link between communication and connection, and how words can create emotional safety in personal and professional settings. This episode isn’t just about semantics—it’s about reshaping your conversations to shape your results. Sam’s insights are simple to implement, and will no doubt leave a lasting difference on how people lead, relate, and live.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Words to Lose, Words to Use
01:17 Meet Sam Horn
03:55 Seismic Shifts in Communication
06:05 Replacing “Should” with “Next Time”
07:12 Avoiding “No” and “Can’t Because”
08:02 Power of Reframing Apologies
11:28 Situational Awareness in Communication
13:35 Ditch the Word “But”
17:14 Shift “There’s Nothing” to “There’s Something”
19:51 The Impact of “You Have To” vs. Courtesy
22:41 Ordering at Home and Work
24:46 Deny vs. Reframe in Accusations
25:21 Communicating the Vision
27:03 Words That Shape Environments
29:09 Banning the Word “Problem”
29:48 Return on Connection Through Language
30:20 Final Thoughts from Sam Horn
31:17 Closing and Gratitude

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

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Cash in your Connection Currency, featuring Andy Lopata

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 28 May 2025 03:00:00 -0500

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 "Four I’s" model, and take a look at why knowing how people can help is just as important as who you know.

Michelle and Andy also tackle the loneliness epidemic and discuss why in-person connection—whether it’s a business cruise, a coffee catch-up, or a spontaneous detour through the English countryside—is vital for personal and professional well-being. Packed with practical insights and real-life examples, this conversation will inspire listeners to rethink their calendars, prioritize “connection cadences,” and rediscover the value of showing up—not just on Zoom, but at your next team meet-up.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 The cost of losing eye contact in virtual connection
02:25 Andy's story: From family business to global strategist
04:55 The seismic shift in global work and mentoring
08:06 Hybrid work: Productivity vs. connection
10:01 From networking to professional relationship strategy
13:05 Why redefining networking changed everything
15:05 Peaks in popularity: Why connection matters more in uncertain times
18:37 The ROI of in-person interaction
22:41 Snorkeling, business retreats & seeing beneath the surface
24:59 The “Connection Espresso” principle
27:50 Generational gaps and the reality of remote work
30:45 Andy’s relationship strategy: Build, nurture, leverage
31:33 Curiosity, vulnerability, and asking for help
32:17 Connection, energy, and gratitude

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Toxic Bosses and Workplace Healing, featuring Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 14 May 2025 03:00:00 -0500

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 introduces her original research outlining eight toxic boss personas, ranging from the egomaniac to the gaslighter, shedding light on behaviors that erode trust, cause burnout, and lead to lasting psychological harm.

Michelle also talks about her own professional journey, including the cost of mimicking authoritarian leadership early in her career, and the relief and success that came when she led with authenticity and empathy. This powerful episode serves as a rallying cry to eradicate toxic leadership and prioritize workplace cultures where people can thrive. Whether you’re in HR, leading a team, or simply trying to survive a harmful boss, Dr. Laura’s research and Michelle’s wisdom offer critical insight and a way forward.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Innovation Needs Healthy Leadership
01:32 Meet Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett
02:20 Her Path to Becoming “Dr. Laura”
04:42 Human-Centric Workplaces Post-Pandemic
07:08 Seismic Shifts & Toxic Hotspots
09:57 Difficult vs. Toxic Bosses
13:41 The 8 Toxic Boss Personas
16:24 Health Impacts of Toxic Leadership
19:45 Why People Stay Too Long
21:53 A Vision for Healthy Workplaces
24:32 Why CEOs Must Take This Seriously
28:05 Metrics to Detect Toxic Leadership
31:26 Advice for Vetting Future Bosses
33:22 Final Words: “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner”

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Unlocking Energy and Attentionality, featuring David Nurse

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0500

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. He has trained over 150 NBA players and works with top executives and organizations to unlock next-level leadership and peak performance. He is the author of several acclaimed books including Pivot & Go and Breakthrough, and is the host of The David Nurse Show. With a blend of athletic rigor and psychological insight, David inspires global audiences to shift perspectives, harness energy, and lead lives rooted in joy, connection, and purpose.

In this episode, David reveals how pivotal moments—like being released from a pro team or getting fired from an NBA coaching job—became catalysts for reinvention. With wisdom born from real-world setbacks, he emphasizes that doors don’t close, they pivot into patios. He shares how his mom’s metaphor about beachfront opportunities reshaped his worldview and lit the path forward.

He speaks candidly about what’s holding most high performers back: not time, but energy and attentionality. He outlines systems for daily success, including morning routines, the power of perspective, flow state optimization, and intentional end-of-day rituals. David's life is living proof that discipline creates freedom, and he empowers listeners with tools like the “bucket of lies vs truths,” “mental dictatorship,” and “the SNAP method” to shift from stress to strategy.

Michelle and David explore the seismic shifts in leadership culture, away from hustle-as-worth and toward holistic, human-centered performance. Whether you’re a CEO, an emerging leader, or just seeking more purpose in your day, this conversation offers a blueprint for living and leading with presence, positivity, and possibility.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Meet David Nurse: From Pro Ball to Performance Coach
03:02 The Spain Cut & The Beachfront Metaphor
07:45 Handwritten Letters and NBA Coaching Dreams
12:18 Fired & Pivoting to Purpose
16:00 The Energy Shift: Beyond Hustle Culture
20:11 Routines, Flow State & the SNAP Technique
24:39 Time Bucketing, Big 3s & Daily Resets
29:13 Leading with Energy & Intentional Recharge
32:00 Mindset Tools: Lies, Truths, and Crushing Ants
34:26 The Flow Code Project & What’s Next for David

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

From Burnout to Body Wisdom | featuring Todd Vande Hei

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:44:43 -0500

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 strategy. He explains how viewing the body like a company—complete with KPIs, quarterly goals, and aligned functional teams—can transform even the busiest executive’s approach to wellness.

You'll gain practical strategies for reclaiming your health, including how to implement “walking meetings,” protein-first nutrition, strength and mobility routines, and advanced sleep hygiene. Todd also unpacks why most high achievers resist lifestyle changes—and how to design wellness tactics that blend into real life without requiring more time.

Michelle and Todd explore what it means to evolve from grinding effort into wisdom-based leadership, and how emotional health is essential for long-term performance. For leaders stuck on the hamster wheel, this episode is an invitation to rethink success—and embrace health as a strategic advantage.

Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or simply trying to regain balance, Todd’s story and science-backed advice will resonate deeply and inspire immediate action.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Todd VandeHei
02:15 From Carpet Industry to Health Transformation
05:20 Starting Stark During Personal Crisis
08:45 Health Breakdown: Seizures, Migraines, Chronic Issues
13:00 Frustrations with Traditional Healthcare
15:30 Creating a Holistic Health Team
19:00 Type A Burnout and Hyper-Vigilance
23:15 Turning Health into a Measurable Strategy
26:00 Walking Meetings & Leveraging Tech
28:30 Weekly Routine: Strength, Cardio, Mobility
31:00 Mobility Training & Permanent Gains
33:00 The 3 Health Shifts: Sleep, Walk, Protein
35:00 Final Advice for Executives on Reclaiming Health

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

How to Work with Almost Anyone, featuring Michael Bungay Stanier

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0500

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 calls a “Keystone Conversation.” From stories of co-authoring challenges to funny missteps in innovation consulting, Michael blends humor, vulnerability, and wisdom in a way that only he can and listeners will learn how understanding each other’s best, preferences, and past patterns can elevate a project from stressful to successful.

Michelle also shares her own leadership practices—like her "connection walks" and reflections from co-writing her new book with Marshall Goldsmith. They unpack how small shifts in how we begin working relationships can result in massive gains in trust, productivity, and joy. Whether you're leading a team, co-authoring a book, or collaborating on a project, this episode offers rich, immediately applicable takeaways for working better—with just about anyone.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Michael Bungay Stanier
02:30 Michael’s journey from Oxford to bestselling author
07:50 From innovation consultant to self-published success
10:25 The Coaching Habit and shifting away from advice-giving
13:00 Why connection is the foundation of leadership
15:10 The origin of How to Work with Almost Anyone
18:45 The Keystone Conversation: five essential questions
23:40 Designing relationships, not just doing the work
27:10 Vulnerability, repair, and preventing misalignment
30:00 Upcoming seismic shift: improving how change happens
32:30 Final thoughts and thank you

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Bring your Zeal to the Workplace, featuring Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0500

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 professional futures rather than waiting to be noticed.

Towards the end of their conversation Cynthia also introduces the concept of "zeal"—bringing energy and intentionality to personal and professional growth. If you’re ready to stop waiting and start actively shaping your career, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move forward with confidence.

Check out Cynthia’s book—Now, Near, Next here: https://www.amazon.com/Now-Near-Next-Professional-Serendipity/dp/1637558937.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 The Power of Intentionality
02:08 Cynthia’s Journey from Corporate Leadership to Coaching
06:09 The Hidden Risks of Remote Work for Women
10:10 Why Intentional Connection is Crucial
16:38 Energy Management and Finding Your Strengths
19:56 The Importance of Self-Advocacy
24:08 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Yourself
31:27 Three Steps to Advance Your Career

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Building Friendship Factories | featuring Dr. Ruth Gotian & Ayse Birsel

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0600

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 leaders can foster environments where trust and relationships thrive.

This conversation is filled with wisdom on trust, leadership, and the power of human connection. Whether you're a leader looking to create a more connected workplace or simply someone seeking to strengthen personal relationships, you’ll undoubtedly leave with valuable takeaways!

Learn more about Ruth on her website: https://ruthgotian.com/.

Connect with Ayse on her website: https://www.aysebirsel.com/.

CHAPTERS
00:00 - The Power of Positive Intent & Trust
01:15 - Introducing Dr. Ruth Gotian & Ayse Birsel
02:51 - How Ayse’s Design Thinking Shaped Her Career
05:05 - The Origin of 100 Coaches & Knowledge Philanthropy
10:44 - Finding Connection in Times of Loss
13:10 - Why Disconnection is Killing Us
15:14 - The Concept of “Friendship Factories”
18:23 - The Importance of Laughter and Levity at Work
20:33 - Trust, Superpowers & Workplace Friendships
26:39 - Designing Workspaces for Connection & Collaboration
32:40 - The Seismic Shift Moments of Ruth & Ayse

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

How AI Is Reshaping DevOps & Business Strategy, featuring Ted Elliott

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0600

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 also reveals how Capado made a bold statement at Dreamforce with an AI-generated children’s book and a wrapped Cybertruck that turned heads across San Francisco. He explains how effective messaging, clear communication, and a focus on the "why" help companies differentiate themselves and build stronger connections.

If you're a leader navigating AI, this episode is for you. Learn how to stay ahead of the curve, create an engaged workforce, and harness AI to drive success.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome to The Seismic Shift
02:30 Ted Elliott’s Journey into DevOps
05:45 The Seismic Shifts in the Tech Industry
10:20 AI’s Impact on Workforce Efficiency
14:15 Why Leaders Must Adapt or Risk Obsolescence
17:40 AI-Driven Listening & Psychological Safety
22:30 How Capado Uses AI for Business Growth
26:45 Creative Messaging at Dreamforce
30:10 The Importance of Connection & Community
34:20 Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Super Bowl Panel: Uniting Louisiana for the Big Game, featuring LA State Leaders

Michelle K. Johnston — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:30:24 -0600

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 their cities are contributing to the Super Bowl experience. From tourism efforts to safety measures, they explore how this event is about more than just football—it’s about connection, culture, and community.

The discussion also touches on the recent tragic events in New Orleans, how local leaders are rallying to ensure safety, and why the Super Bowl will be one of the most secure events in the nation. With a focus on resilience and unity, this special panel episode highlights why Louisiana is unlike anywhere else in the country.

Join us for an uplifting conversation about leadership, collaboration, and what makes Louisiana special!

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Todd Graves Opens the Show
00:14 - Michelle Johnston Introduces the Panel
01:56 - Jill Kidder on Baton Rouge’s Role in the Super Bowl
04:56 - Ben Berthelot’s Journey to Leading Lafayette
07:19 - What Makes Lafayette Unique?
08:24 - How Lafayette is Supporting the Super Bowl
10:48 - Kyle Edmiston on Lake Charles as “Louisiana’s Playground”
14:38 - Alana Cooper on Monroe & North Louisiana’s Culture
17:50 - Addressing the New Year’s Day Terrorist Attack
21:39 - How Louisiana is Ensuring Super Bowl Safety
27:16 - How to Make the Super Bowl a Statewide Celebration
32:42 - What Panelists Are Most Excited About for the Super Bowl

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Super Bowl Special: Building New Orleans’ Hosting Infrastructure, feat. Chamber CEO Sandra Lindquist

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0600

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 preparing for the economic boom that comes with the Super Bowl. The two also explore the magic of New Orleans—the vibrant culture, the immersive experience for visitors, and the way businesses organically rally around major events.

Whether you have a ticket to the big game or not, this conversation will give you just a taste of the energy happening this week in New Orleans.
Learn more about Sandra and her role with the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce on their website: https://www.neworleanschamber.org/.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction
01:44 Reflecting on Recent Tragedies & the City's Resilience
04:02 The Sugar Bowl & New Orleans' Unbreakable Spirit
06:47 Sandra Lindquist’s Journey to CEO of the Chamber
09:22 The Power of Small Businesses in New Orleans
12:26 Why New Orleans is Built to Host the Super Bowl
15:04 The Walkability & Cultural Experience of the City
19:15 The Taylor Swift Effect & Creating a Super Bowl Atmosphere
23:48 The Half-Billion Dollar Economic Impact of the Super Bowl
27:04 Why You Should Experience the Super Bowl in New Orleans

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Super Bowl Special: Showcasing Louisiana’s Potential, featuring Raising Cane’s Todd Graves

Michelle K. Johnston — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 09:24:42 -0600

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.

We’ll be celebrating the Super Bowl and highlighting Louisiana/New Orleans' role in the event all week long—subscribe and follow along to not miss a thing leading up to the big game!

Learn more about Todd and his role with Raising Cane’s on their website: https://raisingcanes.com/who-we-are/.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Louisiana Roots and Building a Business
01:02 Becoming King of the Super Bowl Parade
03:16 The First-Ever Super Bowl Parade in New Orleans
05:24 Disrupting Fast Food with Raising Cane’s
07:09 Growing to 1,000 Locations Internationally
09:19 Leadership, Love, and Business Success
10:59 Competing as a Shark on Shark Tank
12:00 Why Louisiana is a Great Place for Business
14:47 The Future of Louisiana’s Economy

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Redefining True Beauty, with former model Bridgett Brown

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0600

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 upside down (and not in a good way). Together Michelle and Bridgett unpack what that drive for perfectionism looked like in Bridgett’s life and career, how to let go of unrealistic expectations, and why true connection is only found when we let people see the real version of us, flaws and all. Toward the end of the episode Bridgett shares how each of us can redefine the ideals of beauty and perfectionism in our own lives, plus her best advice on how to connect with ourselves in a kinder way.

Learn more about Bridgett and The Beyond Beauty Project on their website: https://www.beyondbeautyproject.com/.

Follow Bridgett on Instagram at @beyond.beauty.project.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Importance of Connection
01:50 Bridgett's Journey: From Model to Advocate
10:08 Perfectionism and Disconnection
15:47 Redefining Beauty and Self-Compassion
21:21 The Power of Kindness and Authenticity

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Achieving True Work-Life Integration, featuring serial entrepreneur Chantell Preston

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0600

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 conversation with Michelle, Chantell vulnerably shares her own story of finding a work-life integration that fulfilled her, plus the two also talk females in leadership, how they would define personal success, and their best advice for managing your time and priorities in a way that’s life-giving, not draining.

Chantell’s is a story that will empower you to get up and make your goals happen! Don’t miss this incredible kickoff to a whole new year on The Seismic Shift!

Learn more about Chantell and her podcast, Get Real, Get Results here: https://chantellpreston.com/.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Embracing Imposter Syndrome
01:20 Chantell's Entrepreneurial Journey
05:51 Seismic Shifts in Leadership
12:44 Creating Cultures of Connection
18:19 Lessons Learned from Stumbles
21:35 Empowering Female Leaders
24:41 Defining Personal Success
28:40 Managing Time and Priorities

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Finding the Fire in your Belly, featuring Corent Technology CEO Feyzi Fatehi

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0600

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 from the C-suite, Feyzi has had a front row seat to the seismic shifts happening in Silicon Valley over the last few decades. Together he and Michelle discuss the evolution of leadership practices in the tech industry, the motivation behind Feyzi’s book—Democratizing SaaS, and his best advice for finding that fire in your belly to do great things with your life and talents.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Purchase Democratizing SaaS here: https://www.corenttech.com/democratizing-saas-testimonials.html.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Transforming Questions for Better Understanding
01:50 Feyzi Fatehi: A Journey of Meaning and Curiosity
06:09 Cultural Shifts in Silicon Valley Leadership
11:49 From Transactional to Inspirational Leadership
18:03 Democratizing SaaS: A Vision for the Future
24:14 Finding Your Fire: Tips for Success

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

The Art of Delicate Conversations, featuring No. 1 Startup Coach Alisa Cohn

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 08:56:03 -0600

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-after startup coaches. Michelle then pulls from the scripts Alisa outlines in her bestselling book, and together the two illustrate for us how to have some of the delicate conversations many leaders face. From delivering bad news to your staff to walking an employee through why you don’t believe they’re ready for a promotion right now, Alisa shows us how to have these delicate conversations in a way that builds trust and connection. Michelle and Alisa’s conversation concludes with Alisa sharing her insights into how managers can better connect with their employees, even in an increasingly remote work space.

Don’t miss this incredible episode of The Seismic Shift!

Check out Alisa’s book, From Start-Up to Grown-Up here: https://www.alisacohn.com/start-up/.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Vulnerability in Connection
02:09 Alisa Cohn's Journey to Coaching
04:51 Seismic Shifts in the Workplace
07:32 Building Connection in a Hybrid World
10:24 Navigating Delicate Conversations
20:07 Communicating Bad News Effectively
23:26 Creating a Culture of Connection

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

BONUS Episode: A Look at the Seismic Shifts happening in Higher Education, featuring Loyola University’s Dr. Xavier Cole and Dr. Bobby Savoie

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0600

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 degree is still worth it in our changing job landscape.

Throughout their conversation, Dr. Cole and Dr. Savoie both share how higher education changed their career trajectories—discussing some of the ways they’re disrupting higher education as we know it, why an education that focuses on how to think critically is so vital, and how higher education is different today than it was for previous generations.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation!

Learn more about Loyola University New Orleans on their website: https://www.loyno.edu/.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Transformational Power of Education
04:32 Seismic Shifts in Higher Education
11:59 Challenges and Opportunities in Leadership
18:24 Creating Problem Solvers in Business Education
24:50 The Importance of Connection and Community
30:06 The Future of Higher Education: A Holistic Approach

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Creating Events that Spark Joy, featuring GNO, Inc. President & CEO Michael Hecht | S3E5

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0600

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 look at Mardi Gras!). But how can other cities or organizations recreate the kind of weekend these two just experienced in their city—one that fostered belonging, sparked joy, and thrived on spontaneity and inclusivity? Michelle asks Michael to break it down during this conversation. Together they take a look at the practical ways Michael’s preparing for the Super Bowl next year, how other entities can foster connection around their own big events, and why the Taylor Swift effect doesn’t have to end when the Eras Tour leaves your city.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Power of Connection in Divisive Times
03:08 Taylor Swift's Impact on New Orleans
05:51 The Role of Community in Major Events
09:12 Creating a Lasting Legacy Beyond the Super Bowl
11:56 The Joy of Freedom and Individuality
14:49 Engagement as a Key to Success
18:13 Decentralized Models of Celebration
21:00 Building Anticipation for the Super Bowl
24:08 Michael Hecht's Journey to Super Bowl Czar

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Optimizing your Calendar for Connection, featuring executive coach Taylor Johnson

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0600

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 conversation.

Given Michelle’s connection to Taylor and his strategies, they start this episode a little differently: with Michelle sharing how hearing Taylor speak at a conference led to working with him to create her own connection cadence. Taylor then goes into his own areas of expertise, walking listeners through a series of exercises to spark connection—including “the best of me” framework, how to optimize your calendar for connection, and taking a look at why it’s so important to start with ourselves and our own priorities before adding others to the equation.

This is a truly transformational conversation on the power (and logistics!) behind building connections and increasing your performance that you’re not going to want to miss!

Download "The Best of Me" exercise worksheet here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cnRb1mnI11mvCfysSjWWyqTkj-pVcTFS/view?usp=sharing

Complementary Strategy Session:
https://www.taylorjohnsonperformance.com/strategy-call

Taylor Johnson, LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorjohnsonperformance/

Taylor Johnson Performance:
https://www.taylorjohnsonperformance.com/

Paul Graham, Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule:
https://www.paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html

CHAPTERS

00:00 Understanding Relationships: The Three Buckets
04:01 Taylor Johnson: A Journey from Sports to Coaching
07:14 The Business Athlete Concept
11:59 The Winning Formula Session
14:48 Self-Awareness Drives Performance
22:10 Optimizing Your Calendar for Connection
29:27 Creating a Connection Cadence
32:03 Planning for Connection: Annual to Daily
38:44 The Importance of Reflection and Learning
42:04 Wrapping Up: Intentionality in Relationships

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

The Power of Leading Yourself Well, featuring Elizabeth Lotardo and Lisa McLeod

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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. Together these three dynamic leaders discuss the seismic shift this next generation of leaders is experiencing in the workplace, how to make the shift from feeling powerless to powerful at work (and why that matters), and what both the older and younger generations can learn about leadership from the other. Elizabeth and Lisa leave listeners with practical tips on everything from dealing with jerk bosses to eliminating minimizing language from your work communication.

No matter what your role, leading yourself well can change everything about how you work. Don’t miss this important episode of The Seismic Shift!

Learn more about Lisa and Elizabeth’s consulting work here: https://www.mcleodandmore.com/

Buy Leading With Noble Purpose here: https://www.mcleodandmore.com/leading-with-noble-purpose/

Check out Leading Yourself here: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Yourself-Elizabeth-Lotardo/dp/1394238703

CHAPTERS

00:00 Finding Purpose in Work
02:50 The Shift to Leading Yourself
06:05 Generational Perspectives on Work
09:07 Mindset and Control in the Workplace
11:56 Practical Strategies for Employees
14:55 Navigating Difficult Bosses
18:10 The Importance of Communication
20:58 Empowering Yourself at Work
24:08 Closing Thoughts and Practical Tips

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Disrupting the Way we Connect, featuring Business Outside’s Bart Foster

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 knew them are changing (for the better!), why getting outside can actually help you connect in more meaningful ways, and what it means to work from your “zone of genius.” Bart closes their conversation with a gratefulness challenge you’re going to want to put into practice this week!

Learn more about Business Outside on their website: https://www.businessoutside.com/.

Grab a copy of Bart’s book here: https://bart-foster.com/businessoutside-discover-your-path-forward.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Job Crafting and Connection
01:46 Bart Foster's Journey to Business Outside
08:29 Seismic Shifts in Leadership and Business
17:38 Disrupting Traditional Meetings and Connection
23:47 Finding Your Zone of Genius and Connection

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

Building a Better Meeting, featuring Organizational Psychologist Steven Rogelberg

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 his years of research to outline how meetings are primarily about connection, and that those connections are only made through being intentional, asking questions of your people, and ending each meeting with clear action steps. Michelle and Steven conclude their conversation by taking a look at one-on-one meetings specifically, and how these types of meetings build relational capital between leader and employee.

Thanks for tuning in to this first episode of season 3! We can’t wait to dive into more conversations that are shifting how we work and live.

Check out Steven’s newest book on one-on-one meetings here: https://www.amazon.com/Glad-We-Met-Science-Meetings/dp/0197641873.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Purpose of Meetings: Connection Over Elimination
15:20 The Importance of One-on-One Meetings
24:00 Disrupting Meetings for Meaningful Connection

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

We're Back! with Season 3!!

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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.

Summer Re-Release: Own Your Story with Kenneth Polite, US Assistant Attorney General

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 from in order to get where you, and the team you lead, want to go.

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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Summer Re-Release: How to Lead like a Super Bowl Champion with Jon Stinchcomb

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 leader in the sports, non-profit or corporate world.

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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Summer Re-Release: Showing Care & Compassion with Hospitality Executive Robért LeBlanc

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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

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Summer Re-Release: Being a Servant Leader Judi Terzotis

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 listening environment and disrupting the status quo, we can create a workplace where people actually want to go in.

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

Summer Re-Release: Listen to Lead with CEO Boysie Bollinger

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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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Summer Re-Release: Connection Through Strategy with Don McGuire, CMO of Qualcomm

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 Seismic Shift, on her website:
https://michellekjohnston.com

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Summer Re-Release: Connection Begins with Organization Alignment with Juan Martin, Global President of Kind Snacks

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 Johnston's book, The Seismic Shift, on her website:

https://michellekjohnston.com

Summer Re-Release: Creating Positive Culture with Larry Closs

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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/

Summer Re-Release: How Leading with Connection Drives Results with Pete November, CEO of Ochsner Health

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 29 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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

Summer Re-Release: Redefining Power in Leadership with Marshall Goldsmith

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 15 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 necessary characteristics to be successful. And it’s not all about achievement. He talks about his new book, The Earned Life, where he implores readers to avoid the Great Western Disease of “I’ll be happy when. . . .” He offers practical advice and exercises aimed at helping us shed the obstacles that prevent us from creating our own
fulfilling lives.

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

You can pick up a copy of Marshall Goldsmith's newest book, The Earned Life, on his website:
https://marshallgoldsmith.com

Summer Re-Release: Giving up Perfection with Tania Tetlow, President of Fordham University

Michelle K. Johnston — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 teams. And as Michelle argues, it’s not until we have this trust and resulting connection that our organizations are poised to strive for greatness, without the false pretense of perfection.

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

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10 Tips to Level Up Your Leadership with Dr. Michelle K. Johnston

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 of themselves to drive results.

Chapters
1:36 Gratitude
3:25 Allyship
5:07 Inclusion
9:03 Servant Leadership
11:20 Creativity
13:37 Micro Courage
15:16 Mentoring
17:17 Becoming Coachable
20:12 Deep Listening
22:30 Work/Life Bloom
25:09 Summary

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

Music licensed through Soundstripe: WXJ7FT8JMVC6QVQS

The Case for Female Leadership: Why We Need to Attract, Retain, and Advance More Women in the Workplace With Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Catalyst

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 Light on Excellence
02:23 Jennifer McCollum's Journey to Leadership
05:12 Challenges Faced by Women in Leadership
08:28 Overcoming Hurdles
11:17 The Seismic Shift and Writing the Book
25:18 Women's Superpowers in Leadership
30:01 Creating a Culture of Connection and Support
32:24 The Importance of Networks and Mentors
34:37 Finding Purpose and Sharing It Loudly

Grab a copy of Jennifer McCollum's book today!
In Her Own Voice: A Woman's Rise to CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership https://a.co/d/gYGkLoW

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

Music licensed through Soundstripe: WXJ7FT8JMVC6QVQS

Balancing your Creativity, Presence, and Energy with Michael Gelb

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

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 a renowned author and expert in creativity and connection. Gelb, a bestselling author of 17 books, shares profound insights from his 50-year career, highlighting the seismic shift he witnessed with the rise of women in business and leadership.

Creativity. Innovation. Leadership. For more on Micheal J. Gelb:
https://michaelgelb.com/

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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The Path to Courageous Conversations with Scott Jeffrey Miller

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0600

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 Connection in Leadership
05:57 The Importance of Power Skills
08:21 The Role of Relationships in the Workplace
09:44 Perfection Equals Disconnection
10:37 The Value of Soft Skills
12:51 The Role of Mentorship in Creating a Culture of Connection
15:40 Implementing a Mentorship Program
26:19 Creating a Culture of Connection
34:21 Owning Your Messes as a Leader

For more on Scott and how to ignite your genius
https://www.scottjeffreymiller.com/

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

Music licensed through Soundstripe:
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Rising Together: How Leaders Can Build More Inclusive Relationships, Teams, and Workplaces with Sally Helgesen

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0600

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 rise together.

Sally’s latest book, Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace, offers practical ways to build more inclusive relationships, teams, and workplaces
https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Together-Divides-Inclusive-Workplace-ebook/dp/B0B38S7623

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

Music licensed through Soundstripe:
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How Unity and Inclusion Build a Winning Culture with All-Pro NFL Linebacker, Demario Davis

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0600

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 be servant leaders and to prioritize the well-being and development of their team members.

Follow Demario Davis on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/d56davis/?hl=en

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

Music licensed through Soundstripe:
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Going From Work Life Balance to Work Life Bloom with Dan Pontefract

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0600

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 support.

The future of work is now. For more info on Dan Pontefract:
https://www.danpontefract.com/

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

Music licensed through Soundstripe:
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Emotional Connections Are the Armor for Burnout with Dr. Mark Goulston

Michelle K. Johnston — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0600

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 connections in life.

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

Music licensed through Soundstripe:
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Building Transparent Leadership Through Micro Courage with CB Bowman

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0600

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 prevailing norms.

The conversation takes a profound turn as CB introduces the concept of "micro courage" and redefines courage as a series of small, impactful acts. The duo explores the importance of connection, empathy, and feeling like one to build a culture of trust within organizations. Michelle shares her revelation about the power of illuminators – leaders who lean in, find common ground, and show genuine interest, fostering a culture of connection.

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

You, Me, We: How We Can All Rise Together at Work with Morag Barrett

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0600

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 outlined in 'You, Me, We' that empower individuals to be intentional allies and foster meaningful connections.

Join Michelle and Morag as they navigate the seismic shifts in leadership and share practical tips for creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend At Work
https://skyeteam.com/books/you-me-we/

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

The Power of Becoming Coachable with Jacquelyn Lane and Scott Osman

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0600

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 explore the essence of becoming coachable and the fundamental attributes that make someone open to coaching. Humility and confidence emerge as key qualities, allowing leaders to recognize their need for improvement while having the confidence to make positive changes.

This episode explores the concept of “human flourishing" and the power of creating a community around coaching. Scott and Jacquelyn share insights from their book, emphasizing the importance of involving stakeholders in the coaching process, thus creating a collective effort towards success.

BECOMING COACHABLE
Unleashing the Power of Executive Coaching to Transform Your Leadership and Life

https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/bookstore/innovative-thought-leadership/becoming-coachable/

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

How to Combat Disconnection in Today’s Fast-Paced, Hybrid World With Chester Elton

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0600

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 work environment.

As they share their experiences and insights, Michelle and Chester offer practical tips for incorporating gratitude into your daily routine and fostering meaningful relationships at work. Discover how gratitude can not only boost employee morale but also combat loneliness and anxiety in today's fast-paced, hyper-connected world.

TRANSFORM YOUR CULTURE: Advisor to CEOs. Thousands Engaged. Extraordinary Results.
https://chesterelton.com/

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

Season 2 Trailer: The Seismic Shift

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

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 transformative journey with season two of the Seismic Shift podcast coming soon!

How Leading with Connection Drives Results with Pete November, CEO of Ochsner Health

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0500

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

Connection Through Strategy with Don McGuire, CMO of Qualcomm

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0600

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

How to Lead like a Super Bowl Champion with Jon Stinchcomb

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0600

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

Connect as a Servant Leader with Judi Terzotis

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0600

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 Seismic Shift, on her website: https://michellekjohnston.com

Connection and Alignment with Juan Martin, Global President of KIND Snacks

Michelle K. Johnston — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0600

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 website: https://michellekjohnston.com

Creating a Positive Culture with Larry Closs

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0500

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

Listen to Lead with CEO Boysie Bollinger

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0500

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

Showing Care and Compassion with Hospitality Executive Robért LeBlanc

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0500

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 Johnston's newest book, The Seismic Shift, on her website: https://michellekjohnston.com

Giving up Perfection with Tania Tetlow, President of Fordham University

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0500

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 greatness.

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

Own Your Story with Kenneth Polite, US Assistant Attorney General

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0500

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

Redefining Power in Leadership with Marshall Goldsmith

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0500

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

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

You can pickup a copy of Marshall Goldsmith's newest book, The Earned Life, on his website: https://marshallgoldsmith.com

Welcome to Seismic Shift!

Michelle K. Johnston — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 17:01:19 -0600

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 more insights from me and the brilliants leaders I interview this season. So let's set our sights on connection and get ready to take on the daunting, yet exciting, challenge of this Seismic Shift.