The Seismic Shift with Dr. Michelle K. Johnston

Tim Williamson—founder and CEO of NewCo—maps the seismic shift he’s watching unfold: AI accelerating change while humans decide whether to lean in or lock down. He and Dr. Michelle K. Johnston trace how New Orleans’ superpower—real connection—can become a competitive advantage in the next innovation cycle. Tim unpacks why most new ideas die at the “Thanksgiving table,” how supportive ecosystems keep curiosity alive, and why rhythms and rituals are more than fun—they’re civic glue that helps communities recover from shocks. The conversation lands on a bold vision: AI freeing time, humans reconnecting, and creativity surging into a new renaissance.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome + meet Tim Williamson and NewCo
01:35 The seismic shift: AI, fear, excitement, and disruption cycles
03:43 “AI is connection” and getting off the scary cliff
04:08 Why new ideas need a safe community to survive
06:49 The “Thanksgiving table” where ideas go to die
08:15 New Orleans as a front-porch city built for connection
10:02 What NewCo is and why it’s a home base for new ideas
12:46 AI that helps leaders connect people at scale
16:07 Connection dinners: designing belonging on purpose
20:01 Why connection drives trust, innovation, and performance
20:52 Rhythms and rituals: the civic cadence that holds a city together
26:19 Katrina lessons: how rituals helped New Orleans come back
29:44 AI frees time—what if it triggers a creative renaissance?
33:13 Closing: calendar, connection, and choosing deeper humanity

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
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Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/ 

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 Skillfully
01:28 Molly’s origin story: belonging, shyness, and finding her voice
03:45 Cornell, chemical engineering, and early identity pressure
05:40 The IBM pivot: choosing growth over the bigger paycheck
07:35 Deloitte consulting + the power of learning through people
08:30 U.S. Filter: integrating acquisitions and leading through change
10:02 Burnout, “In Transition,” and getting connected to yourself
11:01 Cisco’s heyday: high trust teams and “set the container”
13:22 Philanthropy, Ethiopia/Uganda, and a perspective-reset on work
16:39 Relationship systems coaching and the role of vulnerability
18:10 Abella Consulting: helping senior teams “Win as One”
18:26 Meeting Marshall Goldsmith + the videos that took off
23:03 Radio show to podcast: reverse-engineering the skillful model
26:32 Connection, empathy, and why it starts within
29:10 When it isn’t safe: choosing workplaces that deserve you
32:41 Seismic shifts in leadership + courage at every level
37:14 Final advice: the energy you bring is the message
39:00 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-0264b5b
Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston 
Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/ 

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, value
08:46 Todd’s story: introvert to TEDx + prog Visual Leadership + the four buckets
15:01 Presenting now: WSIC + WIFM (make it about them)
17:29 Slide design: “let your slide be your guide”
21:28 Rethinking academia + building learning together
24:40 VARK explained (with the IKEA example)
25:49 Fixing meetings: engagement, ownership, shared journey
30:03 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-0264b5b
Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston 
Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/ 

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 pairing
04:17 Fiona’s seismic shift: industry upheaval and a forced business pivot
06:33 “Add a zero”: using disruption to expand impact
08:59 The messy middle: small steps when everything feels unstable
10:53 Deborah on anxiety, advocacy, and leading with the truth
14:20 Thought leadership as activism and giving voice to others
15:57 How Fiona and Deborah met—and why “Me too” became the spark
18:34 Fear of failure as the hidden engine beneath leadership challenges
20:53 Deborah’s assignment: go fail on purpose (and build resilience)
22:46 Frances Frei’s on-stage moment and what authenticity looks like
24:54 Stories and insights from Frances Frei that shaped the book
31:08 What Aim High and Bounce Back is really for—and who needs it
33:30 The survey: 1,062 responses on failure from around the world
35:01 Rehumanizing leadership: imperfection, connection, and growth
36:43 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-0264b5b
Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston 
Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/ 

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/ 

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 Chernow
01:20 The journey from meatballs to mindfulness
02:45 Childhood trauma and early struggles
06:30 Cry for love: A suicide attempt at 12
08:50 Substance abuse and searching for identity
10:30 The overdose that changed everything
12:00 Finding a mentor and the daily recovery plan
14:00 Love, marriage, and intentional family life
16:00 Dinner table rituals that transformed connection
17:40 The birth of The Meatball Shop
20:00 Rapid success and growing pains
22:30 Launching Seymours and lessons in leadership
25:00 Food Porn, EQ, and media magic
27:30 Leaving restaurants to launch Kreatures of Habit
29:20 Connection as currency
31:00 The Harvard study on relationships and health
33:00 Heart-led leadership and learning the hard way
35:00 Launching SoberFit Dude
38:00 Ditching the smartphone for real life
41:00 The real seismic shift: reclaiming presence
43:00 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-0264b5b
Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston 
Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/ 

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 Mallick
01:17 Why Loyalty Is Dead in the Workplace
03:30 Gen Z vs Employer Expectations
05:50 Generational Disconnect and Work-Life Shifts
06:36 How to Earn Flexibility as a Young Professional
08:14 Why Managing Output Matters More Than Hours
10:23 The Origin of “The Devil Emails at Midnight”
14:20 Mita’s Personal Story of Grief and Burnout
18:09 How Grief Inspired Her First Book
18:59 Building Inclusive Workplaces for Working Parents
21:08 Equal Parental Leave and Support Systems
23:49 On Being Named Working Mother of the Year
25:32 Vision for a Healthier, Human-Centered Workplace
29:35 Alternatives to Midnight Emails
32:28 Reimagining Workplace Communication
33:24 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-0264b5b
Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston 
Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/ 

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 journey
02:00 Seismic shifts in the modern workplace
03:30 Challenges for new graduates in today's job market
05:00 The inspiration behind What Lights You Up
06:00 Overview of Mary’s 10-step pivot program
07:15 The power of storytelling in interviews
09:00 Navigating AI and resume screening
10:00 Unlocking the power of your network
12:00 LinkedIn Hour of Power strategy
14:00 Interview coaching and confidence building
15:00 Salary negotiation tips with gratitude
17:00 The importance of onboarding
18:30 How to pivot roles early in your career
20:00 Purpose, passion, and feeling valued
21:30 Embracing the squiggly career path
23:00 Framing short tenures and job changes
24:00 Mary’s superpower: knowing when to pivot
26:00 Burnout, self-care, and letting go
27:30 Coaching leaders to own their leadership signature
29:00 Aligning leadership with authenticity and energy
30:00 Final reflections on connection, purpose, and self-prioritization
32:00 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-0264b5b
Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston 
Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/ 

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/ 

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/