Dr. Michelle K. Johnston reveals the hidden cost that disconnection is already imposing on SMEs: businesses are losing performance, wellbeing, and even lives because leaders aren't prioritising human connection. This clip explains why building intentional connection into your leadership is no longer optional—it's essential.

KEY INSIGHTS:

- Premature deaths are up 60% due to isolation, disconnection, and loneliness - 30 million adults report depression and isolation - Heart attacks and strokes are increasing, driven by social disconnection - Leaders must lean in with heart and humanity to counteract the cost of disconnection - Building meaningful connection is the "seismic shift" that drives both performance and wellbeing

THE CRITICAL LESSON: Technology won't slow down. If leaders don't intentionally build deeper connection, their teams—and their businesses—pay the price. Michelle's advice: "We have to shift toward more meaningful, deeper connection. It's not optional. It's the only way to scale sustainably."

FOR SME LEADERS: This isn't about remote work fatigue or Zoom burnout—it's about embedding human connection into every meeting, every conversation, and every interaction, so teams stay engaged, resilient, and thriving.

TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The alarming cost of disconnection in SMEs 00:30 Premature deaths, heart attacks, strokes—all rising due to isolation 01:15 The Thinkers50 insight that inspired The Seismic Shift in Leadership 02:00 Why AI and technology make connection more urgent 02:45 How leaders can lean in with heart and humanity

CONNECT WITH DR. MICHELLE K. JOHNSTON: 🔗 LinkedIn: /drmichellejohnston 🔗 Website: https://www.michellejohnston.com

🔗 Podcast: The Seismic Shift

WATCH FULL EPISODE: 🔗 [Link to full Michelle Johnston episode]

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About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme