The Seismic Shift with Dr. Michelle K. Johnston

Епізоди

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  Mission Out of Control, featuring Charles Camarda 07.10.2026 36хв

  Former NASA astronaut Charlie Camarda reveals the leadership mistake that can turn a warning sign into a catastrophe: smart people convincing themselves they already understand the problem. If you lead in a high-stakes environment, this conversation will change how you think about decision-making, dissent, and psychological safety. Michelle Johnston sits down with Charlie to unpack the seismic shifts that shaped his career, from NASA research centers to the Columbia disaster and beyond. What started as a deep technical career in hypersonic flight became a mission to understand why brilliant organizations make dangerous calls, and how to build teams that catch failure before it becomes irreversible.Charlie shares the hard-won lessons behind Mission Out of Control, including why NASA’s recovery windows were missed for years, how bad analysis can create false confidence, and why speaking up can be career-threatening even when you’re right. He also explains how his team helped create a repair capability for shuttle damage and how that same mindset could transform industries far beyond aerospace.This episode is especially valuable for leaders, engineers, founders, safety professionals, and anyone responsible for decisions where being wrong is not an option.CHAPTERS00:11 Introduction to Charlie Camarda and seismic shifts01:04 Columbia and NASA's Culture01:16 The Columbia accident and its impact on Charlie02:13 Analyzing decision-making failures at NASA03:59 The importance of technical rigor and analysis04:41 Recovery Windows and Psychological Safety06:08 Confirmatory vs. exploratory decision modes07:20 Psychological safety and organizational culture08:36 Challenger's Real Root Cause09:31 The Challenger disaster and decision-making culture11:38 The Columbia foam strike and recovery window12:32 EPIC and High-Performing Teams13:50 The Epic education program for solving complex problems14:54 Mission Out of Control15:55 Mission Out of Control: organizational culture and safety18:58 NASA's safety culture and Charlie’s courageous voice19:48 Speaking Up at NASA21:08 Silencing and listening in high-stakes organizations22:08 NASA’s ongoing culture challenges and Charlie’s advocacy22:41 Artemis and Heat Shield Risks24:14 The Artemis missions and transparency issues26:29 Lessons on decision-making and risk management in space28:28 Leadership: Listen to Dissent30:01 The Legacy of Safer Organizations32:14 A Critical Decision in Space33:33 The overview effect and critical in-space decisions35:15 The importance of leadership and listening in space missions36:09 Final thoughts: culture, safety, and seismic shifts36:22 Navigating NASA's ChallengesSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow Michelle for more inspiring content:Watch the podcast on YouTube:    / @theseismicshiftwithmichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnstonWebsite: https://michellekjohnston.com/
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  Creating a Positive Culture with Larry Closs 02.11.2022 38хв

  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
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  Emotional Optimism & Leading with Heart featuring Claude Silver 19.11.2025 34хв

  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 Framework02:49 — Gen Z & Gen Alpha at Work05:06 — Why Old Playbooks Fail05:57 — The Splinter Analogy06:52 — Building Trust & Belonging07:19 — Psychological Safety in Hybrid Work10:36 — Autonomy, Flexibility & Hybrid10:45 — Feedback Without Fear12:01 — Emotional Optimism: The Success Recipe14:40 — Self-Awareness as a Leader32:01 — Closing Takeaways from ClaudeSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow 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/ 
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  Say It Skillfully, featuring Molly Tschang 01.04.2026 40хв

  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 bookSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow 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/ 
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  Leading with Humility and Heart, featuring Garry Ridge 18.02.2026 33хв

  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 themselvesSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow 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/ 
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  CEO Readiness, featuring Mark Thompson 17.12.2025 41хв

  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 CelebrationSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow 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/ 
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  Quick Leadership, featuring Selena Rezvani 03.12.2025 33хв

  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 Launch01:00 The Personal Story Behind Selena's Mission03:00 What It Means to Reduce Suffering at Work05:00 Quick Leadership Tip: Ask 3 Before You Answer07:30 Give Praise Like Confetti10:00 Why Leaders Resist Human-Centered Leadership12:30 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Leadership14:00 Why Selena's TikToks Go Viral16:00 Seismic Shifts: Leadership's Impact on Mental Health18:00 Skepticism and the Return of Command & Control20:30 Building Exciting, Innovative Work Cultures22:00 The Power of Psychological Safety24:00 Understanding Gen Z’s Expectations26:00 Practical Ways to Co-Create with Gen Z29:00 Shared Leadership Opportunities in Meetings31:00 Summary of Quick Leadership & Final ThoughtsSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow 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/ 
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  From Burnout to Body Wisdom | featuring Todd Vande Hei 16.04.2025 35хв

  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 VandeHei02:15 From Carpet Industry to Health Transformation05:20 Starting Stark During Personal Crisis08:45 Health Breakdown: Seizures, Migraines, Chronic Issues13:00 Frustrations with Traditional Healthcare15:30 Creating a Holistic Health Team19:00 Type A Burnout and Hyper-Vigilance23:15 Turning Health into a Measurable Strategy26:00 Walking Meetings & Leveraging Tech28:30 Weekly Routine: Strength, Cardio, Mobility31:00 Mobility Training & Permanent Gains33:00 The 3 Health Shifts: Sleep, Walk, Protein35:00 Final Advice for Executives on Reclaiming HealthSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Hearts On Fire 
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  How Unity and Inclusion Build a Winning Culture with All-Pro NFL Linebacker, Demario Davis 07.02.2024 35хв

  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=enYou can pick up a copy of Michelle Johnston's newest book, The Seismic Shift, on her websitehttps://michellekjohnston.comMusic licensed through Soundstripe:WXJ7FT8JMVC6QVQS
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  Transforming Stress Into Fuel, featuring Dr. Rebecca Heiss 27.05.2026 32хв

  Stress is not the enemy, and trying to calm down may be making things worse. Dr. Rebecca Heiss joins Michelle Johnston to unpack the science behind stress, why uncertainty pushes leaders toward control, and how reframing fear can improve performance. Their conversation moves from boardrooms to classrooms to basketball courts, showing how stress can become useful energy instead of a barrier. Rebecca shares practical tools for public speaking, leadership, and self-talk, including her “coach voice,” emotional distancing, and curiosity as an antidote to fear. The result is a fresh, hopeful framework for using pressure as momentum.This episode is a strong reminder that meaningful work often comes with elevated stress, and that pressure does not have to mean panic. It can be reframed as purpose, momentum, and forward motion.CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome and meeting Dr. Rebecca Heiss00:26 What a stress physiologist actually does02:13 Stress, uncertainty, and the shift in leadership04:59 Why controlling leaders create more disconnection05:21 Invite the tiger in for tea07:09 Act as if it is an adventure08:18 Why “just calm down” does not work10:08 Service to others as a stress intervention10:48 Public speaking fear and performance anxiety11:46 Stress as proof that something matters13:23 Self-talk, storytelling, and presentation confidence15:24 Coaching yourself in the third person17:30 Why acting as if can change physiology19:19 What students can do before presenting20:29 Meet the inner critic and coach voice21:56 Stress lessons from basketball23:04 What leaders can do before a tough meeting25:27 Rebecca’s new book, *Springboard*27:48 Who the book is for29:07 Using stress in service to others30:33 Closing reflections and thanksSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow 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/ 
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  Summer Re-Release: Connection Begins with Organization Alignment with Juan Martin, Global President of Kind Snacks 26.06.2024 42хв

  Original Aired Date: 12/8/2022Juan 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 
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  Listen to Lead with CEO Boysie Bollinger 05.10.2022 38хв

  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
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  What Lights You Up?, featuring Mary Olson-Menzel 07.01.2026 34хв

  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 UpSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow 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/ 
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  Optimizing your Calendar for Connection, featuring executive coach Taylor Johnson 13.11.2024 45хв

  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 CHAPTERS00:00 Understanding Relationships: The Three Buckets04:01 Taylor Johnson: A Journey from Sports to Coaching07:14 The Business Athlete Concept11:59 The Winning Formula Session14:48 Self-Awareness Drives Performance22:10 Optimizing Your Calendar for Connection29:27 Creating a Connection Cadence32:03 Planning for Connection: Annual to Daily38:44 The Importance of Reflection and Learning42:04 Wrapping Up: Intentionality in RelationshipsSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Hearts On Fire 
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  The Power of Authentic Leadership, featuring Jim Lager 22.07.2026 32хв

  Jim Lager is an executive leader at Penske Truck Leasing and he joins Michelle Johnston for a conversation that feels equal parts leadership masterclass and reunion. Jim brings a rare combination of humility, warmth, and practical leadership wisdom to this episode of The Seismic Shift. In a conversation rooted in longtime friendship, he and Michelle Johnston explore how connection, curiosity, and authenticity can shape not only a career, but an entire life. This episode is packed with grounded advice for anyone who wants to grow as a leader without losing themselves in the process. Jim’s message is simple, but powerful: be yourself, stay curious, listen well, and never underestimate the value of treating people with genuine respect.CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome and introducing Jim Lager00:40 Auburn memories and the Jazz Fest trip02:15 How connection shaped lifelong friendship03:18 Jim’s natural gift for people and relationships04:08 The influence of his mother and early hardship06:10 Why he has always been fascinated by people’s stories08:18 Listening as a leadership and sales advantage11:12 Roger Penske and the idea that there are no big shots12:00 Why command and control does not work anymore13:12 What has changed about younger workers15:20 Why today’s workers want balance and collaboration16:40 Connection in virtual meetings and leading through Zoom18:24 Using technology without losing human connection20:22 Productivity without connection creates emptiness21:47 Owning your calendar and protecting time to think24:00 Why in-person training still matters26:24 The seismic shifts Jim sees in business today27:15 Using technology as a tool, not a replacement28:01 The leadership mistake that changed everything29:52 Why authenticity is the real key to trust30:47 Closing reflections and thanksSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow 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/ 
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  Balancing your Creativity, Presence, and Energy with Michael Gelb 20.03.2024 32хв

  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.comMusic licensed through Soundstripe:WXJ7FT8JMVC6QVQS
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  How AI Is Reshaping DevOps & Business Strategy, featuring Ted Elliott 19.02.2025 29хв

  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 Shift02:30 Ted Elliott’s Journey into DevOps05:45 The Seismic Shifts in the Tech Industry10:20 AI’s Impact on Workforce Efficiency14:15 Why Leaders Must Adapt or Risk Obsolescence17:40 AI-Driven Listening & Psychological Safety22:30 How Capado Uses AI for Business Growth26:45 Creative Messaging at Dreamforce30:10 The Importance of Connection & Community34:20 Closing Thoughts & Call to ActionSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Hearts On Fire 
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  How to Lead like a Super Bowl Champion with Jon Stinchcomb 08.02.2023 39хв

  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 pickup a copy of Michelle Johnston's newest book, The Seismic Shift, on her website: https://michellekjohnston.com
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  We're Back! with Season 3!! 25.09.2024

  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.
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  Cash in your Connection Currency, featuring Andy Lopata 28.05.2025 33хв

  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 connection02:25 Andy's story: From family business to global strategist04:55 The seismic shift in global work and mentoring08:06 Hybrid work: Productivity vs. connection10:01 From networking to professional relationship strategy13:05 Why redefining networking changed everything15:05 Peaks in popularity: Why connection matters more in uncertain times18:37 The ROI of in-person interaction22:41 Snorkeling, business retreats & seeing beneath the surface24:59 The “Connection Espresso” principle27:50 Generational gaps and the reality of remote work30:45 Andy’s relationship strategy: Build, nurture, leverage31:33 Curiosity, vulnerability, and asking for help32:17 Connection, energy, and gratitudeSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Hearts On Fire