Mark Thompson, the #1 CEO coach globally, joins Michelle Johnston to unpack what it truly means to be “CEO Ready” amid today’s relentless pace of seismic change. Recorded in the bustling backdrop of Amsterdam Airport, Mark shares real-world insights from coaching high-profile leaders across the world’s most transformative organizations, including Amazon, Virgin, Google, Schwab, and Zoox.With charm, candor, and clarity, Mark dives into what makes great leaders stand out: emotional connection, relentless learning, and a clear sense of service. He unpacks the concept of driverless leadership—both metaphorically and literally—as he reflects on his work with Zoox and the societal shift from control to connection. Michelle and Mark explore how AI is reshaping our lives, why CEOs must now lead with humanity, and how leaders must give up independence to gain greater impact through collaboration.You’ll hear stories featuring Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, Arthur Levinson, and even astronaut training on the Zero-G “vomit comet.” Mark also reveals his latest personal challenge: completing his doctoral degree and writing his new book, CEO Readiness, for Harvard Business Review Press. He outlines the R.E.A.D.Y. model—Relationships, External perspective, Agility, Differentiation, and Your Why—providing a practical roadmap for anyone aspiring to lead with purpose.This episode is a masterclass in modern leadership. It's about redefining success, reimagining influence, and remembering what matters most: human connection, legacy, and the courage to evolve.CHAPTERS:00:00 Letting Go of the Old Paradigm00:24 Michelle Introduces Mark Thompson02:46 Mark Reflects on Coaching Top CEOs03:29 The Secret Sauce of Coaching Success05:49 Why Alignment and Commitment Matter06:48 Seismic Shifts in Leadership07:33 Navigating Constant Change08:40 Zoox, AI, and Driverless Culture11:38 From Drivers to Passengers12:27 Reclaiming Connection Over Control14:29 Letting Robots Handle the Risk15:23 Redefining Leadership in the AI Era16:01 Richard Branson, Bezos & Launching Ventures19:24 Marshall Goldsmith’s Advice and Legacy21:15 Leaving Schwab to Fund the Future23:20 The Journey Toward Space25:59 Inside the Making of CEO Readiness29:15 Should You Even Be a CEO?32:13 Legacy, Impact, and Purpose32:53 Lessons from the All-Star Team36:59 Best Practices for Leadership Excellence37:18 The R.E.A.D.Y. Framework for CEO Success39:53 Final Thoughts and Takeaways40:17 Gratitude and Book Launch CelebrationSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow Michelle for more inspiring content:Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/ 

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