We’ve got good leadership all wrong. Effective leaders are not cold, transactional, or manipulative. They’re real. Present. Authentic. Connected. The Seismic Shift in You shatters the outdated model and shows you exactly what kind of leaders get results—and why it matters. Drs. Michelle Johnston and Marshall Goldsmith nailed it. This book is the shift we need.”
—MEL ROBBINS, New York Times bestselling author and host of The Mel Robbins Podcast
“The Seismic Shift in You is a profoundly important book for leaders who understand that true connection begins from within. Michelle Johnston and Marshall Goldsmith expertly guide readers through actionable, meaningful shifts that transform not just how we lead but how we show up in every area of our lives. Their emphasis on genuine human connection, vulnerability, and the intentional energy we bring to our interactions resonates deeply with my own leadership philosophy, where people matter first and foremost. This book is not just insightful; it’s essential reading for anyone committed to becoming a more effective, authentic, and connected leader. Highly recommended!”
—GARRY RIDGE, Chairman Emeritus, WD-40 Company and The Culture Coach; bestselling author of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It
“In a world that demands more from leaders than ever before, The Seismic Shift in You delivers a timely blueprint for what it truly means to lead with a lens of connection. This book doesn’t just talk about leadership—it challenges you to rewire how you show up for others and for yourself. It’s bold, honest, and deeply human. If you’re ready to go beyond performance and step into real influence, this is your guide.”
—ERICA DHAWAN, bestselling author of Digital Body Language
“In The Seismic Shift in You, Michelle Johnston and Marshall Goldsmith deliver a master class in modern leadership. With heart, clarity, and hard-won wisdom, they show that true transformation doesn’t come from more goals or grit—it comes from real human connection. This book is a wake-up call and a road map for any leader ready to evolve from competent to truly compelling. It’s not just a shift in strategy—it’s a shift in soul.”
—LAURA GASSNER OTTING, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Wonderhell
“Every once in a while, we have the privilege of reading a book that’s ‘the whole package.’ Real-life stories. Thought-provoking insights. Actionable next steps. This book has them all. Read it and reap.”
—SAM HORN, founder and CEO of The Intrigue Agency and author of Talking on Eggshells: Soft Skills for Hard Conversations
“This book is all about the shifts you need to make to be a transformational leader. It’s your key to show up as the leader you always wanted to be and elevate everyone around you.”
—ALISA COHN, executive coach and author of From Start-Up to Grown-Up
“Before you can shift others, you have to know how to shift yourself. This is the book that shows you how.”
—MICHAEL BUNGAY STANIER, bestselling author of The Coaching Habit
“In The Seismic Shift in You, you’ll find the kind of leadership wisdom that transforms not just teams, but lives. It beautifully reflects the principles I’ve believed in throughout my career—clear purpose, people first, and the power of working together. This book reinforces what I’ve seen time and again: When leaders operate with humility, accountability, and a genuine desire to ‘love them up,’ performance follows. If you want to lead with connection and build a culture where people bring their best every day, this book will show you the way.”
—ALAN MULALLY, former CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Ford Motor Company
“In The Seismic Shift in You, Michelle Johnston and Marshall Goldsmith bring heart and humanity to the center of leadership. With deep empathy and wisdom, they reveal a truth too many leaders avoid: Real connection isn’t optional—it’s everything, including essential to communicating with both clarity and impact. While intellectually leaders may ‘know’ this, the book is a call to action to ‘do’ what it takes to connect. Shed the mask of invulnerability, step into authenticity, and lead with purpose. If you want to thrive and bring others along with you, this is your wake-up call. Read it, reflect, and most of all, live it.”
—MOLLY TSCHANG, founder and CEO of Abella Consulting and Say It Skillfully®
“In an era defined by disconnection and digital overwhelm, this book offers a vital road map for leaders ready to evolve. Grounded in research and enriched by real-world stories, it makes a highly compelling case that leadership in the modern world isn’t just about strategy—it’s about self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and meaningful human connection.”
—STEVEN ROGELBERG, PhD, author of The Surprising Science of Meetings
“The Seismic Shift in You is the rare leadership book that doesn’t just offer tools—it invites transformation. Michelle Johnston and Marshall Goldsmith deliver a compelling case for connection as the engine of leadership, and show you how to do it.”
—DORIE CLARK, executive education faculty at Columbia Business School and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game
“Michelle Johnston and Marshall Goldsmith have created something extraordinary: a book that doesn’t just teach leadership principles, but transforms how leaders show up in the world. The Seismic Shift in You brilliantly demonstrates that authentic connection isn’t a soft skill. Instead, it’s the foundation of exceptional leadership. Michelle and Marshall provide a clear road map for leaders ready to move from transaction to connection, from control to trust, and from isolation to meaningful engagement. Read it, apply it, and watch how your leadership—and your life—transforms.”
—MORAG BARRETT, executive leadership coach, speaker, and bestselling author of Cultivate and You, Me, We
“The Seismic Shift in You captures what the highest performers already know—true influence starts from within. This book is a powerful reminder that success is not just about what you achieve, but how you lead, serve, and grow others along the way. If you’re serious about unlocking your full
potential and elevating those around you, this is a must-read.”
—DR. RUTH GOTIAN, Thinkers50 #1 Emerging Management Thinker in the World and author of The Success Factor and The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
“In a world of uncertainty, there has never been a more important time to look inside and make sure that YOU are moving in the right direction. This book gives you all the tools to evaluate and implement a way forward to a work and life that is engaging, exciting, and fulfilling. I know—a big promise! Trust me, this book delivers! Make a seismic shift towards being a better you!”
—CHESTER ELTON, bestselling author of The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, and Anxiety at Work
“The Seismic Shift in You is insightful, practical, and profoundly human. Johnston and Goldsmith show that real leadership transformation doesn’t start with strategy—it starts with self-awareness. With rich stories and sharp takeaways, they make a compelling case: The best leaders lead from the inside out. If you’re ready to evolve what you do and who you are, this is your road map.”
—DR. TASHA EURICH, organizational psychologist and New York Times bestselling author of Shatterproof, Insight, and Bankable Leadership
“As a leader in healthcare, I’ve seen firsthand how connection drives positive impacts—not just clinical outcomes, but team culture, trust, and empowerment. The Seismic Shift in You captures this truth with clarity and heart. Michelle Johnston and Marshall Goldsmith make the case that leadership today is less about control and more about authentic connection and collaboration—something we talk about often at Ochsner. If you are committed to growing as a leader who inspires others and creates lasting impact, this book serves as a valuable guide.”
—PETE NOVEMBER, CEO, Ochsner Health
“In a world where leadership is too often defined by titles and outcomes, Michelle Johnston and Marshall Goldsmith remind us that true influence begins with deep self-awareness and authentic connection. They lay bare a powerful truth: The most impactful leaders are the ones who are willing to look inward before leading outward.”
—JACQUELYN LANE AND SCOTT OSMAN, coauthors of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Becoming Coachable
