Bestselling author and renowned communication strategist Sam Horn joins Michelle on this week’s episode of The Seismic Shift to share the transformative power of language in leadership and life. Drawing from her latest book Talking on Eggshells, Sam walks listeners through a series of seismic shifts in language that will help reduce tension, boost connection, and strengthen leadership presence.

From hospitals to boardrooms, Sam shares real world stories that highlight how common phrases like “you need to,” “should,” or “no, we can’t” often backfire, eroding relationships and escalating conflict. In their place she offers alternative language that frames requests positively, fosters cooperation, and helps leaders connect rather than command.

Whether you're dealing with difficult conversations, wanting to craft more positive internal dialogue, or working to create a healthier culture, this episode provides a roadmap to better communication. Michelle and Sam also discuss the link between communication and connection, and how words can create emotional safety in personal and professional settings. This episode isn’t just about semantics—it’s about reshaping your conversations to shape your results. Sam’s insights are simple to implement, and will no doubt leave a lasting difference on how people lead, relate, and live.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Words to Lose, Words to Use
01:17 Meet Sam Horn
03:55 Seismic Shifts in Communication
06:05 Replacing “Should” with “Next Time”
07:12 Avoiding “No” and “Can’t Because”
08:02 Power of Reframing Apologies
11:28 Situational Awareness in Communication
13:35 Ditch the Word “But”
17:14 Shift “There’s Nothing” to “There’s Something”
19:51 The Impact of “You Have To” vs. Courtesy
22:41 Ordering at Home and Work
24:46 Deny vs. Reframe in Accusations
25:21 Communicating the Vision
27:03 Words That Shape Environments
29:09 Banning the Word “Problem”
29:48 Return on Connection Through Language
30:20 Final Thoughts from Sam Horn
31:17 Closing and Gratitude

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts 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/ 

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 connection
02:25 Andy's story: From family business to global strategist
04:55 The seismic shift in global work and mentoring
08:06 Hybrid work: Productivity vs. connection
10:01 From networking to professional relationship strategy
13:05 Why redefining networking changed everything
15:05 Peaks in popularity: Why connection matters more in uncertain times
18:37 The ROI of in-person interaction
22:41 Snorkeling, business retreats & seeing beneath the surface
24:59 The “Connection Espresso” principle
27:50 Generational gaps and the reality of remote work
30:45 Andy’s relationship strategy: Build, nurture, leverage
31:33 Curiosity, vulnerability, and asking for help
32:17 Connection, energy, and gratitude

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

On today’s episode of The Seismic Shift, Michelle welcomes Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett, a leading organizational psychologist and authority on workplace wellness, for a candid conversation about toxic leadership and the damage it inflicts on individuals and companies alike. With decades of experience helping people and organizations flourish, Dr. Laura explains how innovation, productivity, and mental well-being all suffer under toxic leadership.

During their candid conversation listeners will learn how to distinguish between a "difficult" and a "toxic" boss—a crucial insight that determines whether a leader can be coached or must be removed. Dr. Laura introduces her original research outlining eight toxic boss personas, ranging from the egomaniac to the gaslighter, shedding light on behaviors that erode trust, cause burnout, and lead to lasting psychological harm.

Michelle also talks about her own professional journey, including the cost of mimicking authoritarian leadership early in her career, and the relief and success that came when she led with authenticity and empathy. This powerful episode serves as a rallying cry to eradicate toxic leadership and prioritize workplace cultures where people can thrive. Whether you’re in HR, leading a team, or simply trying to survive a harmful boss, Dr. Laura’s research and Michelle’s wisdom offer critical insight and a way forward.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Innovation Needs Healthy Leadership
01:32 Meet Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett
02:20 Her Path to Becoming “Dr. Laura”
04:42 Human-Centric Workplaces Post-Pandemic
07:08 Seismic Shifts & Toxic Hotspots
09:57 Difficult vs. Toxic Bosses
13:41 The 8 Toxic Boss Personas
16:24 Health Impacts of Toxic Leadership
19:45 Why People Stay Too Long
21:53 A Vision for Healthy Workplaces
24:32 Why CEOs Must Take This Seriously
28:05 Metrics to Detect Toxic Leadership
31:26 Advice for Vetting Future Bosses
33:22 Final Words: “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner”

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

From being cut in Spain to coaching in the NBA, and from writing cold letters to becoming a bestselling author and global speaker, David Nurse's path defies traditional success playbooks. In this episode, David Nurse, a former professional basketball player and NBA coach turned elite performance strategist, bestselling author, and one of the top 50 keynote speakers in the world, sits down with host Michelle Johnston to unpack the mindset tools and energetic strategies that elevate leaders beyond grind culture into a sustainable rhythm of achievement and joy.

David Nurse is known for his transformative approach to mindset. He has trained over 150 NBA players and works with top executives and organizations to unlock next-level leadership and peak performance. He is the author of several acclaimed books including Pivot & Go and Breakthrough, and is the host of The David Nurse Show. With a blend of athletic rigor and psychological insight, David inspires global audiences to shift perspectives, harness energy, and lead lives rooted in joy, connection, and purpose.

In this episode, David reveals how pivotal moments—like being released from a pro team or getting fired from an NBA coaching job—became catalysts for reinvention. With wisdom born from real-world setbacks, he emphasizes that doors don’t close, they pivot into patios. He shares how his mom’s metaphor about beachfront opportunities reshaped his worldview and lit the path forward.

He speaks candidly about what’s holding most high performers back: not time, but energy and attentionality. He outlines systems for daily success, including morning routines, the power of perspective, flow state optimization, and intentional end-of-day rituals. David's life is living proof that discipline creates freedom, and he empowers listeners with tools like the “bucket of lies vs truths,” “mental dictatorship,” and “the SNAP method” to shift from stress to strategy.

Michelle and David explore the seismic shifts in leadership culture, away from hustle-as-worth and toward holistic, human-centered performance. Whether you’re a CEO, an emerging leader, or just seeking more purpose in your day, this conversation offers a blueprint for living and leading with presence, positivity, and possibility.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Meet David Nurse: From Pro Ball to Performance Coach
03:02 The Spain Cut & The Beachfront Metaphor
07:45 Handwritten Letters and NBA Coaching Dreams
12:18 Fired & Pivoting to Purpose
16:00 The Energy Shift: Beyond Hustle Culture
20:11 Routines, Flow State & the SNAP Technique
24:39 Time Bucketing, Big 3s & Daily Resets
29:13 Leading with Energy & Intentional Recharge
32:00 Mindset Tools: Lies, Truths, and Crushing Ants
34:26 The Flow Code Project & What’s Next for David

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire

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 

Michael Bungay Stanier doesn’t just write books—he starts movements. In this energizing conversation with Michelle, the celebrated author of The Coaching Habit and How to Work with Almost Anyone shares the seismic shifts that changed how we lead, connect, and collaborate at work.

Together, they discuss how effective leadership is moving away from advice-giving toward deeper connection, and why asking the right questions upfront can make or break a relationship. Michael explains the origin of his latest book—sparked from a “failed” manuscript and refined into a transformative guide—and details the five questions that form what he calls a “Keystone Conversation.” From stories of co-authoring challenges to funny missteps in innovation consulting, Michael blends humor, vulnerability, and wisdom in a way that only he can and listeners will learn how understanding each other’s best, preferences, and past patterns can elevate a project from stressful to successful.

Michelle also shares her own leadership practices—like her "connection walks" and reflections from co-writing her new book with Marshall Goldsmith. They unpack how small shifts in how we begin working relationships can result in massive gains in trust, productivity, and joy. Whether you're leading a team, co-authoring a book, or collaborating on a project, this episode offers rich, immediately applicable takeaways for working better—with just about anyone.

CHAPTERS:
 00:00 Introduction to Michael Bungay Stanier
 02:30 Michael’s journey from Oxford to bestselling author
 07:50 From innovation consultant to self-published success
 10:25 The Coaching Habit and shifting away from advice-giving
 13:00 Why connection is the foundation of leadership
 15:10 The origin of How to Work with Almost Anyone
 18:45 The Keystone Conversation: five essential questions
 23:40 Designing relationships, not just doing the work
 27:10 Vulnerability, repair, and preventing misalignment
 30:00 Upcoming seismic shift: improving how change happens
 32:30 Final thoughts and thank you

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire 

What’s your next move? Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer joins this week’s episode of The Seismic Shift to help mid-career professionals, especially women, become more intentional about their career paths. In today’s conversation with Michelle, Cynthia shares her journey from corporate leadership to executive coaching, highlighting some key shifts in the modern workplace.

Drawing from over 30 years in corporate leadership, Cynthia walks us through her insights on overcoming workplace biases, advocating for oneself, and creating opportunities for advancement. Together Cynthia and Michelle emphasize the power of connection, energy management, and setting boundaries to ensure women actively shape their professional futures rather than waiting to be noticed.

Towards the end of their conversation Cynthia also introduces the concept of "zeal"—bringing energy and intentionality to personal and professional growth. If you’re ready to stop waiting and start actively shaping your career, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move forward with confidence.

Check out Cynthia’s book—Now, Near, Next here: https://www.amazon.com/Now-Near-Next-Professional-Serendipity/dp/1637558937. 

CHAPTERS:
00:00 The Power of Intentionality
02:08 Cynthia’s Journey from Corporate Leadership to Coaching
06:09 The Hidden Risks of Remote Work for Women
10:10 Why Intentional Connection is Crucial
16:38 Energy Management and Finding Your Strengths
19:56 The Importance of Self-Advocacy
24:08 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Yourself
31:27 Three Steps to Advance Your Career

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire 

What if the key to success, happiness, and fulfillment lies in designing a life filled with connection? Dr. Ruth Gotian and Ayse Birsel bring their expertise in high performance and human-centered design to this episode of The Seismic Shift—exploring the shifts that redefine leadership, collaboration, and friendship.

Along with Michelle, Ruth and Ayse recount their journey of meeting through the 100 Coaches group, their mutual mentor Marshall Goldsmith, and how their shared passion for mentorship and collaboration led them to co-author insightful articles on connection-driven workplaces. Together they introduce the concept of “Friendship Factories” and explain how leaders can foster environments where trust and relationships thrive.

This conversation is filled with wisdom on trust, leadership, and the power of human connection. Whether you're a leader looking to create a more connected workplace or simply someone seeking to strengthen personal relationships, you’ll undoubtedly leave with valuable takeaways! 

Learn more about Ruth on her website: https://ruthgotian.com/. 

Connect with Ayse on her website: https://www.aysebirsel.com/. 

CHAPTERS
00:00 - The Power of Positive Intent & Trust
01:15 - Introducing Dr. Ruth Gotian & Ayse Birsel
02:51 - How Ayse’s Design Thinking Shaped Her Career
05:05 - The Origin of 100 Coaches & Knowledge Philanthropy
10:44 - Finding Connection in Times of Loss
13:10 - Why Disconnection is Killing Us
15:14 - The Concept of “Friendship Factories”
18:23 - The Importance of Laughter and Levity at Work
20:33 - Trust, Superpowers & Workplace Friendships
26:39 - Designing Workspaces for Connection & Collaboration
32:40 - The Seismic Shift Moments of Ruth & Ayse

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire 

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 Shift
02:30 Ted Elliott’s Journey into DevOps
05:45 The Seismic Shifts in the Tech Industry
10:20 AI’s Impact on Workforce Efficiency
14:15 Why Leaders Must Adapt or Risk Obsolescence
17:40 AI-Driven Listening & Psychological Safety
22:30 How Capado Uses AI for Business Growth
26:45 Creative Messaging at Dreamforce
30:10 The Importance of Connection & Community
34:20 Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire 

The Super Bowl is more than a game—it’s an opportunity to bring people together and showcase the culture, resilience, and vibrancy of an entire region. In our final Super Bowl episode of the week leading up to the game, Michelle is joined by some of Louisiana’s top leaders who are working behind the scenes to ensure that this event is a success for their entire state.

Jill Kidder of Visit Baton Rouge, along with Ben Berthelot (Lafayette Travel), Kyle Edmiston (Visit Lake Charles), and Alana Cooper (Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau), share insights on how their cities are contributing to the Super Bowl experience. From tourism efforts to safety measures, they explore how this event is about more than just football—it’s about connection, culture, and community.

The discussion also touches on the recent tragic events in New Orleans, how local leaders are rallying to ensure safety, and why the Super Bowl will be one of the most secure events in the nation. With a focus on resilience and unity, this special panel episode highlights why Louisiana is unlike anywhere else in the country. 

Join us for an uplifting conversation about leadership, collaboration, and what makes Louisiana special! 

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Todd Graves Opens the Show
00:14 - Michelle Johnston Introduces the Panel
01:56 - Jill Kidder on Baton Rouge’s Role in the Super Bowl
04:56 - Ben Berthelot’s Journey to Leading Lafayette
07:19 - What Makes Lafayette Unique?
08:24 - How Lafayette is Supporting the Super Bowl
10:48 - Kyle Edmiston on Lake Charles as “Louisiana’s Playground”
14:38 - Alana Cooper on Monroe & North Louisiana’s Culture
17:50 - Addressing the New Year’s Day Terrorist Attack
21:39 - How Louisiana is Ensuring Super Bowl Safety
27:16 - How to Make the Super Bowl a Statewide Celebration
32:42 - What Panelists Are Most Excited About for the Super Bowl

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire