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/

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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.