A packed résumé, external validation, and a full scoreboard do not always add up to a satisfying life. Michelle Johnston welcomes Laura Gassner Otting for a lively, deeply honest conversation about the gap between achievement and fulfillment, and why so many accomplished people still feel empty after checking every box. Michelle and Laura explore how early definitions of success get planted, why they are so hard to outgrow, and what it takes to recalibrate once you realize the path you are on no longer fits. Laura shares her own story of heading toward law school, recognizing almost immediately that it was the wrong path, and making a bold pivot that eventually led her to the Clinton White House and the creation of AmeriCorps. The story becomes a larger lesson in permission: permission to change, permission to admit you were wrong, and permission to redefine success at every stage of life. Sharp, funny, and full of substance, this episode is a reminder that success without alignment can feel empty, but success rooted in self-knowledge, purpose, and real Relationships can become something much more powerful.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome to The Seismic Shift
00:35 Laura Gassner Otting on why success can feel empty
02:17 Chasing goals that are not really yours
04:44 From the what to the who
06:08 Social comparison and redefining success
07:00 What truly motivates people at work
09:02 Law school, Bill Clinton, and a life-changing pivot
11:47 Curiosity, reinvention, and pursuing a PhD
15:02 From interesting work to rigorous research
17:31 What Laura’s data reveals about leadership
19:03 Why people leave when they do not feel seen
20:09 Money, meaning, and what really matters
21:54 Shared vision and the science of change
23:51 The power of inspiration at work
26:09 Carolyn’s story and redefining ambition
29:11 What leaders must do differently now
29:31 Laura’s top three leadership takeaways
30:11 Closing reflections on success and service

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/ 

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Michelle Johnston Clifton Morvant Professor of Business

Dr. Michelle K. Johnston is a management professor, executive coach, and leadership expert who is the Clifton A. Morvant Distinguished Professor in Business at Loyola University New Orleans.

Her first book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership, The Seismic Shift in Leadership: How to Thrive in a New Era of Connection, is now an Amazon bestseller.

She was recently named A Woman of the Year by CityBusiness and one of the most influential New Orleanians.

Michelle is a celebrated keynote speaker presenting at conferences and events nationwide. She received her Ph.D. in Communication from Louisiana State University and was named to the prestigious 100 Coaches Group, which consists of the top executive coaches worldwide.
For speaking engagements, media, and more, visit michellekjohnston.com.