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Michael Lopez
Embracing Change: Journey to Authentic Leadership

Michael reached out to me as we are both top LinkedIn Top Voices. I’m grateful for his initiative. We had a quick conversation and I knew I wanted to interview him on his pivot to becoming a solo entrepreneur. I also wanted to know more about his upcoming book on Change: Six science-backed strategies to transform your brain, body, and behavior. Like me, he criticizes organizational change management as seldom working. His reasons make immense sense and his strategies for effective change make even more sense,  particularly for individuals.

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For Michael Lopez, the decision to pivot wasn’t just about necessity—it was about rediscovering purpose. After the company he joined in 2022 experienced significant revenue decline, he accepted a buyout and found himself at a crossroads. But the practical decision to leave also aligned with a deeper realization: “I went from company to company, trying to find a place where I could be the fullest expression of myself, and I realized that place doesn’t exist. I had to create it.”

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Michael’s upbringing shaped his relentless drive and non-conformist streak. Raised by hard working parents and influenced by his grandfather’s resilience, Michael learned to push boundaries and strive for better circumstances. His philosophy of success evolved over time. “I grew up thinking success was a high-paying job, but I learned it’s about making an impact and being authentic.”

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His path wasn’t linear. Starting in government work, he realized he wasn’t suited to the bureaucracy. From there, he transitioned to consulting roles at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he chased his ambition of becoming a partner. When he achieved that goal, the title felt hollow. “I thought it would make me happy, but it didn’t. Now, I’m a coach, an author, and an entrepreneur. What matters is the difference I make.”

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A New Direction

Michael’s current mission combines coaching, consulting, and thought leadership. At the heart of his work is his book, Change: Six science-backed strategies to transform your brain, body, and behavior, which reimagines how individuals approach change. “Traditional change management doesn’t work,” he asserts. “It assumes everyone is the same, but change is deeply personal and non-linear.”

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In his book, Michael introduces six science-backed strategies for effective change:

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  • Shift Environment: Design changes to your environment to accelerate transformation.

  • Initiate Movement: Leverage biological systems to overcome inertia and sustain motivation.

  • Embrace Stress: Harness stress for positive growth rather than letting it become debilitating.

  • Create Focus: Balance strategic rest with intense focus to embed learning and change.

  • Generate Repetitions: Build mastery through consistent practice and behavior.

  • Reward Progress: Define and measure success in ways that reinforce continuous improvement.

 

The book provides foundational science, a deep dive into each strategy, and a four-phase process to apply these principles in practice. “There's a formula for change, but change is not formulaic,” Michael explains. He also offers personalized coaching and consulting services to help leaders implement these principles.

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Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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Michael’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without challenges. He candidly shares that financial uncertainty, the pressure of endless tasks, and isolation were obstacles he had to overcome. “The anxiety of not knowing when you’ll be paid is real. So is learning to prioritize the next best action when there’s always more to do.”

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However, he sees these struggles as essential for growth. “The highs and lows pass, but they teach you resilience. Celebrate the wins, even small ones, and remember the tough moments are just that—moments.”

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For those considering entrepreneurship, Michael offers clear advice:

  • Ask for Help: “Don’t be afraid to reach out. Surround yourself with people who genuinely want to support you.”

  • Invest in Yourself: He emphasizes the importance of training, certifications, and partnerships. “I completed a coaching certification and worked with people who helped me build my business. These investments paid off.”

  • Focus on Inputs: “Don’t get caught up in outcomes. Focus on the behaviors and actions that lead to success. Repetition builds mastery.”

  • Bet on Yourself: “Even if it doesn’t work out, you’ll never regret betting on yourself. What you learn in the process is invaluable.”

 

Michael’s story is one of courage, reflection, and relentless pursuit of authenticity. Whether helping clients navigate transitions or writing about the science of change, he leads by example, proving that growth truly lies in the struggle. “Change happens slowly and then all at once,” he says. For Michael, the leap into entrepreneurship has been the ultimate test of his philosophy—and he’s thriving.

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