The Seismic Shift with Michelle K. Johnston

Michelle K. Johnston
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Welcome to Seismic Shift - a leadership podcast that focuses on connection. I’m your host, Michelle K. 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 brilliant leaders I interviewed 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.

  1. 4D AGO

    Say It Skillfully, featuring Molly Tschang

    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 Skillfully01:28 Molly’s origin story: belonging, shyness, and finding her voice03:45 Cornell, chemical engineering, and early identity pressure05:40 The IBM pivot: choosing growth over the bigger paycheck07:35 Deloitte consulting + the power of learning through people08:30 U.S. Filter: integrating acquisitions and leading through change10:02 Burnout, “In Transition,” and getting connected to yourself11:01 Cisco’s heyday: high trust teams and “set the container”13:22 Philanthropy, Ethiopia/Uganda, and a perspective-reset on work16:39 Relationship systems coaching and the role of vulnerability18:10 Abella Consulting: helping senior teams “Win as One”18:26 Meeting Marshall Goldsmith + the videos that took off23:03 Radio show to podcast: reverse-engineering the skillful model26:32 Connection, empathy, and why it starts within29:10 When it isn’t safe: choosing workplaces that deserve you32:41 Seismic shifts in leadership + courage at every level37:14 Final advice: the energy you bring is the message39:00 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 Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

    40 min
  2. Visual Leadership in a Disconnected World, featuring Todd Cherches

    MAR 18

    Visual Leadership in a Disconnected World, featuring Todd Cherches

    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, value08:46 Todd’s story: introvert to TEDx + prog Visual Leadership + the four buckets15:01 Presenting now: WSIC + WIFM (make it about them)17:29 Slide design: “let your slide be your guide”21:28 Rethinking academia + building learning together24:40 VARK explained (with the IKEA example)25:49 Fixing meetings: engagement, ownership, shared journey30:03 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 Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

    34 min
  3. Aim High, Bounce Back, featuring Fiona Macaulay & Deborah Riegel

    MAR 4

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

    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 pairing04:17 Fiona’s seismic shift: industry upheaval and a forced business pivot06:33 “Add a zero”: using disruption to expand impact08:59 The messy middle: small steps when everything feels unstable10:53 Deborah on anxiety, advocacy, and leading with the truth14:20 Thought leadership as activism and giving voice to others15:57 How Fiona and Deborah met—and why “Me too” became the spark18:34 Fear of failure as the hidden engine beneath leadership challenges20:53 Deborah’s assignment: go fail on purpose (and build resilience)22:46 Frances Frei’s on-stage moment and what authenticity looks like24:54 Stories and insights from Frances Frei that shaped the book31:08 What Aim High and Bounce Back is really for—and who needs it33:30 The survey: 1,062 responses on failure from around the world35:01 Rehumanizing leadership: imperfection, connection, and growth36:43 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 Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

    38 min
  4. Leading with Humility and Heart, featuring Garry Ridge

    FEB 18

    Leading with Humility and Heart, featuring Garry Ridge

    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 Ridge01:30 WD-40: From legacy brand to global leadership example03:00 93% employee engagement: What drove it?04:30 Why WD-40 eliminated the word “manager”06:30 Culture equation: Values + Behavior × Consistency08:00 Redefining company purpose as creating lasting memories10:00 Value-based decision-making in action12:30 How values protect and set you free14:00 Purpose, values, and trust across global teams16:00 You don’t manage people—you coach them18:00 Building a Leadership Academy for real development20:00 From micromanaging to empowering22:00 Culture embedded in bricks and mortar23:00 Happy people create a happy world24:00 The deeper meaning behind Any Dumbass Can Do It26:00 Marshall Goldsmith’s advice that sparked the book28:00 Preparing to leave with purpose and legacy30:00 Garry’s coaching pillars: Care, candor, accountability, responsibility31:00 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 Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

    33 min
  5. From Addiction to Impact, featuring Michael Chernow

    FEB 4

    From Addiction to Impact, featuring Michael Chernow

    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 Chernow01:20 The journey from meatballs to mindfulness02:45 Childhood trauma and early struggles06:30 Cry for love: A suicide attempt at 1208:50 Substance abuse and searching for identity10:30 The overdose that changed everything12:00 Finding a mentor and the daily recovery plan14:00 Love, marriage, and intentional family life16:00 Dinner table rituals that transformed connection17:40 The birth of The Meatball Shop20:00 Rapid success and growing pains22:30 Launching Seymours and lessons in leadership25:00 Food Porn, EQ, and media magic27:30 Leaving restaurants to launch Kreatures of Habit29:20 Connection as currency31:00 The Harvard study on relationships and health33:00 Heart-led leadership and learning the hard way35:00 Launching SoberFit Dude38:00 Ditching the smartphone for real life41:00 The real seismic shift: reclaiming presence43:00 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 Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

    44 min
  6. The Devil Emails at Midnight, featuring Mita Mallick

    JAN 21

    The Devil Emails at Midnight, featuring Mita Mallick

    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 Mallick01:17 Why Loyalty Is Dead in the Workplace03:30 Gen Z vs Employer Expectations05:50 Generational Disconnect and Work-Life Shifts06:36 How to Earn Flexibility as a Young Professional08:14 Why Managing Output Matters More Than Hours10:23 The Origin of “The Devil Emails at Midnight”14:20 Mita’s Personal Story of Grief and Burnout18:09 How Grief Inspired Her First Book18:59 Building Inclusive Workplaces for Working Parents21:08 Equal Parental Leave and Support Systems23:49 On Being Named Working Mother of the Year25:32 Vision for a Healthier, Human-Centered Workplace29:35 Alternatives to Midnight Emails32:28 Reimagining Workplace Communication33:24 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 Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

    35 min
  7. What Lights You Up?, featuring Mary Olson-Menzel

    JAN 7

    What Lights You Up?, featuring Mary Olson-Menzel

    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 journey02:00 Seismic shifts in the modern workplace03:30 Challenges for new graduates in today's job market05:00 The inspiration behind What Lights You Up06:00 Overview of Mary’s 10-step pivot program07:15 The power of storytelling in interviews09:00 Navigating AI and resume screening10:00 Unlocking the power of your network12:00 LinkedIn Hour of Power strategy14:00 Interview coaching and confidence building15:00 Salary negotiation tips with gratitude17:00 The importance of onboarding18:30 How to pivot roles early in your career20:00 Purpose, passion, and feeling valued21:30 Embracing the squiggly career path23:00 Framing short tenures and job changes24:00 Mary’s superpower: knowing when to pivot26:00 Burnout, self-care, and letting go27:30 Coaching leaders to own their leadership signature29:00 Aligning leadership with authenticity and energy30:00 Final reflections on connection, purpose, and self-prioritization32:00 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 Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

    34 min
  8. CEO Readiness, featuring Mark Thompson

    12/17/2025

    CEO Readiness, featuring Mark Thompson

    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 Paradigm00:24 Michelle Introduces Mark Thompson02:46 Mark Reflects on Coaching Top CEOs03:29 The Secret Sauce of Coaching Success05:49 Why Alignment and Commitment Matter06:48 Seismic Shifts in Leadership07:33 Navigating Constant Change08:40 Zoox, AI, and Driverless Culture11:38 From Drivers to Passengers12:27 Reclaiming Connection Over Control14:29 Letting Robots Handle the Risk15:23 Redefining Leadership in the AI Era16:01 Richard Branson, Bezos & Launching Ventures19:24 Marshall Goldsmith’s Advice and Legacy21:15 Leaving Schwab to Fund the Future23:20 The Journey Toward Space25:59 Inside the Making of CEO Readiness29:15 Should You Even Be a CEO?32:13 Legacy, Impact, and Purpose32:53 Lessons from the All-Star Team36:59 Best Practices for Leadership Excellence37:18 The R.E.A.D.Y. Framework for CEO Success39:53 Final Thoughts and Takeaways40:17 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 Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

    41 min
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About

Welcome to Seismic Shift - a leadership podcast that focuses on connection. I’m your host, Michelle K. 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 brilliant leaders I interviewed 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.

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