How to Make Change Actually Stick: Michael J Lopez on the Neuroscience of Habits

Michael J Lopez helps organizations make change actually stick, which is one of the hardest problems in business In this episode, Nicole Greer sits down with Michael, founder of Michael J Lopez Consulting and author of Change: The 6 Science-Backed Strategies to Transform Your Brain, Your Body, and Your Behavior, to unpack the neuroscience behind why change is so hard and what it actually takes to build habits and culture that last. Michael has spent over 20 years guiding Fortune 500 leaders at companies like Entergy, Clorox, Vanguard, and Meta through major transformations. He is also the lead researcher behind Rethinking Change Management 2026, a national workforce study on why change initiatives keep failing. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why roughly 47% of what you do every day is habit, and what that means when you want to change - The six science-backed strategies behind lasting change: Shift environment, initiate movement, embrace stress, create focus, generate repetitions, and reward effort - Why "Quitter's Day" happens every January, and how to avoid it - How the anterior midcingulate cortex (the brain's "air traffic control center") grows stronger every time you do something hard - Why culture designs itself, whether you're intentional about it or not This episode is perfect for leaders, business owners, and teams who want to build habits and culture that actually stick. Topics include change management, the neuroscience of habits, organizational culture, leadership development, resilience, and employee motivation.  The *Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast* helps leaders improve work culture, communication, and business performance through real-world leadership strategies and practical insights. [Click here to view the episode transcript.](https://share.transistor.fm/s/5bf0a48f/transcript "Click here to view the episode transcript.") Connect with Michael J Lopez at https://www.michaeljlopez.coach/ Learn more about training, coaching, and courses at https://vibrantculture.com Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/ For speaking inquiries: https://vibrantculture.com/speaker-kit-request/ Download our training catalog: https://vibrantculture.com/catalog-request/ Want to be a guest? Send your request to [podcast@vibrantculture.com](mailto:podcast@vibrantculture.com)