The Seismic Shift with Dr. Michelle K. Johnston

Hosted by Michelle K. Johnston

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Oct 2026

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About the show

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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October 21, 2026Episode 234 min

Stop Being the Hero and Start Being the Leader, featuring Bill Flynn

If your team needs you to solve every problem, is that a sign of your success as a leader? Or a sign that something needs to shift? On this episode of The Seismic Shift Podcast, Dr. Michelle K. Johnston sits down with Bill Flynn, author of The Hero Trap , to explore how being the person with all the answers can hold your team back, and what it takes to break that pattern. Bill, with a rich background in startups and coaching, shares his journey of transforming from a successful operator to a mentor who empowers leaders to break free from outdated paradigms. With insights drawn from decades of experience, Bill shares a transformative approach to feedback that fosters psychological safety and enhances team dynamics. Learn the strategies that can help cultivate exceptional companies that not only survive but thrive—like Toyota, the gold standard of continuous improvement. This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, executives, and emerging leaders, it offers a fresh perspective on creating impactful change within organizations. This enlightening conversation will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about leadership. CHAPTERS (1:05) Bill’s path through 10 startups, two IPOs, and seven acquisitions (2:48) Why Bill keeps writing books and why The Hero Trap matters now (4:18) Why leadership development has not produced enough great companies (6:56) The brain, threat mode, and why feedback often backfires (7:41) A feedback example that puts people into survival mode (10:15) Why “radical candor” can create fear-based cultures (12:16) Trust, human connection, and why leaders have to start there (13:12) “Trust arrives on foot and leaves in a Ferrari” (15:26) Why leadership behavior and leadership messaging often do not match (16:27) Bill’s own hero-phase and how the book’s protagonist Alex reflects real leaders (17:55) Learning from mistakes instead of pretending leaders are perfect (19:36) The hero trap as the paradox of success (20:32) How the hero role creates burnout and dependency (21:35) The two quick tests to see how deep you are in the trap (23:01) The vacation test and how absence exposes weak systems (24:24) How leaders can start stepping back without abandoning the team (26:19) Why delegating tasks is not the same as delegating authority (27:35) Southwest Airlines, divergence, and why leaders should not converge too soon (29:18) General Motors, NUMMI, and why copied systems often revert (30:14) What really makes Toyota work underneath the visible practices (31:57) The biggest seismic shift: we know what to do and still are not doing it (32:25) What leaders should stop doing, start doing, and build instead (33:26) Bill’s legacy: bend the curve Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season! Track Title: My Heart's On Fire Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

October 7, 2026Episode 136 min

Mission Out of Control, featuring Charles Camarda

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. CHAPTERS 00:11 Introduction to Charlie Camarda and seismic shifts 01:04 Columbia and NASA's Culture 01:16 The Columbia accident and its impact on Charlie 02:13 Analyzing decision-making failures at NASA 03:59 The importance of technical rigor and analysis 04:41 Recovery Windows and Psychological Safety 06:08 Confirmatory vs. exploratory decision modes 07:20 Psychological safety and organizational culture 08:36 Challenger's Real Root Cause 09:31 The Challenger disaster and decision-making culture 11:38 The Columbia foam strike and recovery window 12:32 EPIC and High-Performing Teams 13:50 The Epic education program for solving complex problems 14:54 Mission Out of Control 15:55 Mission Out of Control: organizational culture and safety 18:58 NASA's safety culture and Charlie’s courageous voice 19:48 Speaking Up at NASA 21:08 Silencing and listening in high-stakes organizations 22:08 NASA’s ongoing culture challenges and Charlie’s advocacy 22:41 Artemis and Heat Shield Risks 24:14 The Artemis missions and transparency issues 26:29 Lessons on decision-making and risk management in space 28:28 Leadership: Listen to Dissent 30:01 The Legacy of Safer Organizations 32:14 A Critical Decision in Space 33:33 The overview effect and critical in-space decisions 35:15 The importance of leadership and listening in space missions 36:09 Final thoughts: culture, safety, and seismic shifts 36:22 Navigating NASA's Challenges 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: / @theseismicshiftwithmichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

February 18, 2026Episode 833 min

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 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 Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

December 17, 2025Episode 441 min

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 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 Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

December 3, 2025Episode 333 min

Quick Leadership, featuring Selena Rezvani

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 Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

April 16, 2025Episode 1835 min

From Burnout to Body Wisdom | featuring Todd Vande Hei

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

February 7, 2024Episode 735 min

How Unity and Inclusion Build a Winning Culture with All-Pro NFL Linebacker, Demario Davis

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: WXJ7FT8JMVC6QVQS

May 27, 2026Episode 1532 min

Transforming Stress Into Fuel, featuring Dr. Rebecca Heiss

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 Heiss 00:26 What a stress physiologist actually does 02:13 Stress, uncertainty, and the shift in leadership 04:59 Why controlling leaders create more disconnection 05:21 Invite the tiger in for tea 07:09 Act as if it is an adventure 08:18 Why “just calm down” does not work 10:08 Service to others as a stress intervention 10:48 Public speaking fear and performance anxiety 11:46 Stress as proof that something matters 13:23 Self-talk, storytelling, and presentation confidence 15:24 Coaching yourself in the third person 17:30 Why acting as if can change physiology 19:19 What students can do before presenting 20:29 Meet the inner critic and coach voice 21:56 Stress lessons from basketball 23:04 What leaders can do before a tough meeting 25:27 Rebecca’s new book, *Springboard* 27:48 Who the book is for 29:07 Using stress in service to others 30:33 Closing reflections and thanks 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-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

June 26, 2024Episode 1742 min

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

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

October 5, 2022Episode 538 min

Listen to Lead with CEO Boysie Bollinger

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