Michelle

Michelle K. Johnston, Ph.D., leads SkyeTeam’s New Orleans office, where she partners with leaders and teams to cultivate connection, courage, and exceptional results. In addition to her private executive coaching practice, Michelle brings her passion for building meaningful leadership relationships to every client engagement—helping leaders show up authentically and drive both engagement and performance.

An award-winning executive coach, leadership expert, and Amazon bestselling author, Michelle is the Clifton A. Morvant Distinguished Professor of Business at Loyola University New Orleans, where she teaches leadership and strategic communication. She is a nationally recognized voice on the seismic shift transforming leadership today: success is no longer about power and control—it’s about connection and authenticity.

Michelle’s book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership: How to Thrive in a New Era of Connection, profiled by Forbes four times, showcases real-world leaders who embody this new leadership model. She is also the host of The Seismic Shift podcast, further amplifying the conversation around connection-first leadership.

Honored as one of the Most Influential New Orleanians, a Top Ten Executive Coach, and a Woman of the Year, Michelle’s impact extends beyond the boardroom. She recently served as an ambassador for New Orleans on the Super Bowl Host Committee, a role that let her blend two of her great loves: connection and community.

When she’s not coaching or teaching, Michelle is likely spending quality time with her daughter Elizabeth or perfecting her pickleball game—always with a margarita in hand to celebrate.