In this vulnerable and funny episode, we sit down with Shannon Johnston, a corporate coach, HR pro, and powerful storyteller as she shares the unexpected health crisis that turned her world upside down and reshaped her entire approach to life. From being misdiagnosed and paralyzed overnight to learning how to walk again, Shannon’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and self-worth. She opens up about navigating divorce, parenting, and how she finally ditched perfectionism and embraced her authentic self limp, laugh lines, and all.
In this vulnerable and funny episode, we sit down with Shannon Johnston, a corporate coach, HR pro, and powerful storyteller as she shares the unexpected health crisis that turned her world upside down and reshaped her entire approach to life. From being misdiagnosed and paralyzed overnight to learning how to walk again, Shannon’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and self-worth. She opens up about navigating divorce, parenting, and how she finally ditched perfectionism and embraced her authentic self limp, laugh lines, and all.
From misdiagnosis to medical mystery
• Shannon recounts how a rare condition called transverse myelitis left her suddenly paralyzed at age 30 and how doctors initially told her it was just “stress.”
• The powerful moment she realized recovery wasn’t just physical it would take years of emotional healing and self-acceptance, too.
Rebuilding confidence after trauma
• How she went from needing a walker and shower seat in her 30s to now crushing workouts at Orange Theory.
• The damaging messages she internalized from her childhood about weight, beauty, and worth and how she broke that cycle with her own son.
Redefining strength, success, and control
• Shannon reveals how her early drive to “control the uncontrollable” shaped her career in HR and led to burnout.
• Why she launched her own coaching business focused on confidence and authenticity — and what it taught her about leadership, letting go, and living on her terms.
Parenting, body image, and what we inherit
• A powerful discussion about generational messaging, body shame, and the invisible ripple effects of how we speak to children.
• The ways Shannon now works to model self-love and confidence for her son — while continuing to re-learn those lessons herself.
“People fight the feeling of being worthy, and I want to help them stop fighting.” – Shannon Johnston
“Your words as a parent can become someone else’s inner critic.” – Shannon Johnston
“I didn't learn the lessons right away. I tried to control everything instead of letting go. That came later.” – Shannon Johnston
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Where to listen & watch:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/MZ5rQx2Ld4Y
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/mtkxjcez
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yhkw24v7
Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2hnfynpm
Connect with Shannon:
Website: www.shannonclarkjohnston.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shannonjohnstonhr
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