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/...
Jun 12, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 16
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...
May 29, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 15
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 ne...
May 15, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 14
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 mo...
Apr 30, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 13
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 cr...
Apr 17, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 12
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 con...
Apr 03, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 11
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," adv...
Mar 20, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 10
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 t...
Mar 06, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 9
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 ...
Feb 21, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 deepl...
Feb 07, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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...
Jan 24, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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 ...
Jan 11, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 shed...
Dec 27, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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...
Dec 13, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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 pi...
Nov 29, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 workpl...
Nov 15, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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 co...
Nov 01, 2023•2 min
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...
Apr 05, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 11
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 leade...
Mar 08, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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 a...
Feb 08, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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 th...
Jan 11, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 ...
Dec 08, 2022•42 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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
Nov 02, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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...
Oct 05, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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. ...
Sep 07, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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 h...
Aug 10, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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 ...
Jul 13, 2022•50 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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 L...
Jun 01, 2022•40 min•Season 1Ep. 1
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 fa...
Mar 09, 2022•2 min
