Ms. Johnston has worked with leaders across a variety of industries, and has deep understanding of technology, digital, healthcare, and agribusiness sectors. Her experience spans from PE-backed startups to Fortune 20 corporations.

With a career that has ranged across the realities of many dynamic business settings Michelle is able to bring a perspective to her coaching and consulting that is grounded in experience both broad and deep. She is genuinely curious, a quick study, and a trustworthy confidant. Her natural style is a combination of intelligent purpose balanced with kind humor.

A member of Korn Ferry’s C-Level Executive Development and CEO and Board practices, Ms. Johnston joined Korn Ferry after successfully exiting  her third PE backed technology startup where she was Chief Services Officer. Previously, she served as a Vice President at DaVita, where she was responsible for senior leadership and organizational development, change management, and executive coaching globally. She joined DaVita from Accenture, where she was a Senior Manager with Accenture Strategy, focused on talent and organization across the global healthcare sector. She began her career as a research faculty member.

Across her career as a leader and a consultant, Ms. Johnston has designed and implemented successful  transformation programs across a variety of organizations, coaching and supporting leaders at key points in their professional growth and career development.

Michelle earned a PhD in psychology from Cornell University, with a focus in management decision-making. She holds a master’s degree in clinical counseling from the University of Southern Maine, and a second master’s from the State University of New York. She completed her bachelor’s degree in human development at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She holds her professional coaching certification from Integral Coaching Canada, an ICF certified program.