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The Unlock Moment: find your purpose for leadership and lifeAuthor: Dr Gary Crotaz PhD
My names Dr Gary Crotaz, Im an international speaker, an executive coach, and I coined the term The Unlock Moment. An Unlock Moment is that flash of remarkable clarity when you suddenly know the right path ahead. Unlock Moments define us. They teach us about ourselves. And we remember them decades later. In exploring Unlock Moments on this podcast and in my speaking and coaching work, Ive discovered how we can see ourselves through a new lens, how we can make new and powerful connections, and how we can get right to the heart of our deepest underlying sense of purpose. In these intimate and curious conversations I explore how people find fulfilment, happiness and balance. From ordinary people with extraordinary stories, to some of the most successful people on the planet, youll hear them reflect on those pivotal life and career moments, when they suddenly knew something they didnt know before. And as you listen, maybe youll be inspired to explore your own Unlock Moment. Im so happy youre here. Sit back and open your mind. Welcome to The Unlock Moment! Language: en Genres: Business, Careers, Entrepreneurship Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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185 Dr Michelle K. Johnston: The Seismic Shift, How Connection Unlocks Purpose
Episode 185
Monday, 9 February, 2026
What happens when success comes at the cost of authenticity? In this episode of The Unlock Moment, I’m joined by Dr Michelle K. Johnston - Distinguished Professor of Management, executive coach, and co-author with Marshall Goldsmith - to explore the moment that reshaped her leadership, her research, and her life. At just 28, Michelle was a rising academic star. But sitting alone in her office, reading student feedback she found hurtful, she realised something profound: she was succeeding by pretending to be someone she wasn’t. In trying to fit a command-and-control mould, she had silenced the very strengths that made her exceptional … her warmth, enthusiasm, and humanity. That moment sparked a seismic internal shift. One that led Michelle to a lifelong exploration of connection: with self, with others, and with the courage required to show up authentically in environments where you feel different or alone. We talk about growing up constantly adapting, why connection always begins within, the loneliness that often accompanies deep personal change, and why productivity without connection ultimately leads to emptiness. Michelle also shares the core ideas behind her new book The Seismic Shift in You, including why leaders must move from task to people, from control to connection, and why your calendar reveals your true priorities. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership transformation doesn’t start in the boardroom … it starts inside us. If you’ve ever felt like you were performing instead of belonging, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. The Unlock Moment is hosted by Dr Gary Crotaz, PhD — executive coach, speaker and award-winning author. Downloaded in over 120 countries. Sign up to The Unlock Moment newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/ywhdaazp Find out more at https://garycrotaz.com and https://theunlockmoment.com Also discover his other podcasts, The Box of Keys and Unlock Your Leadership. Follow, subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts — and connect with Dr Gary on LinkedIn for more leadership insights. Part of The Unlock Moment podcast family.
