The Seismic Shift with Michelle K. Johnston

Michelle K. Johnston
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Management
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Seismic Shift - a leadership podcast that focuses on connection. I’m your host, Michelle K. Johnston: management professor, executive coach, and leadership expert. I believe that today’s leaders need more than power and control to get the best from their teams; they need connection. Through interviews with some of today’s top business leaders, we are going to explore how leaders' ability to connect with themselves, their teams, and their organizations defines their ultimate success or failure. This podcast runs in close parallel to my new book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership, where you can find even more insights from me and the brilliant leaders I interviewed this season. So let's set our sights on connection and get ready to take on the daunting, yet exciting, challenge of this Seismic Shift.

  1. 6h ago

    Connection, Culture, and Media, featuring Lucy Bustamante

    Lucy Bustamante is a multi-Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, born and raised in New Orleans, now serving as a morning anchor at FOX 8. She joins Michelle Johnston for a heartfelt conversation about connection, culture, leadership, and what it means to stay real in a rapidly changing world. From covering Hurricane Katrina as a young journalist to returning home to New Orleans after years away, Lucy reflects on the power of authenticity, the pull of family, and the beauty of a city that begins every relationship with humanity. She also shares what seismic shifts she is seeing in media and the workplace, including AI, streaming, social media, and trust. The conversation is honest, lively, and full of wisdom about relationships, resilience, and choosing what matters most. CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome and introducing Lucy Bustamante00:31 Michelle shares how she knew Lucy had to be on the show01:23 Lucy’s career, awards, and return to New Orleans01:51 Covering Hurricane Katrina and staying on air04:15 Why Lucy’s reporting felt like home05:05 New Orleans and the power of authenticity06:56 Michelle on why she fell in love with New Orleans09:18 Lucy’s family story and New Orleans roots12:35 What brought Lucy back home15:56 Raising children in New Orleans18:52 Why New Orleans is worth investing in20:05 Michelle’s daughter chooses to come back to New Orleans23:40 The seismic shifts Lucy sees in media and work24:04 AI and how Gray Media is approaching it25:08 Streaming and changing audience habits25:37 Social media, trust, and misinformation28:31 What leaders need to understand right now29:13 Lucy’s unforgettable leadership advice30:34 Choosing the right partner, therapist, and lawyer31:04 Closing reflections and thanks Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On Fire Follow 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/

    Connection, Culture, and Media, featuring Lucy Bustamante

  2. Jul 22

    The Power of Authentic Leadership, featuring Jim Lager

    Jim Lager is an executive leader at Penske Truck Leasing and he joins Michelle Johnston for a conversation that feels equal parts leadership masterclass and reunion. Jim brings a rare combination of humility, warmth, and practical leadership wisdom to this episode of The Seismic Shift. In a conversation rooted in longtime friendship, he and Michelle Johnston explore how connection, curiosity, and authenticity can shape not only a career, but an entire life.  This episode is packed with grounded advice for anyone who wants to grow as a leader without losing themselves in the process. Jim’s message is simple, but powerful: be yourself, stay curious, listen well, and never underestimate the value of treating people with genuine respect. CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome and introducing Jim Lager00:40 Auburn memories and the Jazz Fest trip02:15 How connection shaped lifelong friendship03:18 Jim’s natural gift for people and relationships04:08 The influence of his mother and early hardship06:10 Why he has always been fascinated by people’s stories08:18 Listening as a leadership and sales advantage11:12 Roger Penske and the idea that there are no big shots12:00 Why command and control does not work anymore13:12 What has changed about younger workers15:20 Why today’s workers want balance and collaboration16:40 Connection in virtual meetings and leading through Zoom18:24 Using technology without losing human connection20:22 Productivity without connection creates emptiness21:47 Owning your calendar and protecting time to think24:00 Why in-person training still matters26:24 The seismic shifts Jim sees in business today27:15 Using technology as a tool, not a replacement28:01 The leadership mistake that changed everything29:52 Why authenticity is the real key to trust30:47 Closing reflections and thanks Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On Fire Follow 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/

    The Power of Authentic Leadership, featuring Jim Lager

  3. Jul 8

    Human Leadership in the Age of AI, featuring Caroline Webb

    Caroline Webb is an executive coach, author, economist, and former McKinsey partner known for translating behavioral science into practical tools for leadership and performance. She joins Michelle Johnston for a smart, energizing conversation about what leadership requires in a world being reshaped by AI, constant change, and rising pressure. She breaks down the pillars of her new book, Leadership Intelligence, including wisdom, inspiration, and resilience, and offers practical ways leaders can improve decision-making, build trust, reduce stress, and motivate teams. The conversation is a compelling reminder that human intelligence, not just artificial intelligence, will determine how well leaders and teams perform.  This episode offers practical wisdom for any leader who wants to raise their game, build more resilient teams, and stay deeply human in a rapidly changing world.  CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome and introducing Caroline Webb00:40 Caroline’s new book and major career highlights01:35 The seismic shifts shaping leadership right now02:44 Why leaders need to understand the human mind03:28 The Leadership Intelligence system explained05:33 Wisdom, inspiration, and resilience as key pillars06:04 How leaders can help reduce stress08:42 Connection, trust, and leading teams well09:39 Caroline Webb’s journey from economics to leadership12:12 Why she left McKinsey13:06 The story behind How to Have a Good Day14:47 Why 21 leadership situations made sense15:59 A practical example of wisdom in decision-making18:34 Shifting perspective from what to who19:39 Inspiration through competence and connection22:44 Building connection with intentional team rituals25:29 Resilience and leading through challenge together27:49 A real example of human-centered leadership29:22 Why connection drives motivation and performance30:40 Three practical leadership takeaways32:35 Closing reflections and thanks Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On Fire Follow 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/

  4. Jun 24

    The Closest Thing to Magic, featuring Andrea Hogan

    Andrea Hogan shares the deeply personal story behind leaving a high-powered marketing career, returning home to care for her mother, and making the spontaneous decision to walk the Camino de Santiago. What unfolds is a conversation about grief, identity, ambition, and the courage to choose a different path when life demands it. Michelle and Andrea explore what happens when achievement no longer feels like enough, how joy can be rediscovered in simple moments, and why stepping away is sometimes the most powerful move a person can make. It is a moving reflection on reinvention, purpose, and the seismic shift that happens when you finally listen to yourself. This episode is a reminder that stepping back is not the same as falling behind. Sometimes the boldest move is to leave the noise, listen to your own voice, and trust that a different path may lead you closer to yourself. CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome and introducing Andrea Hogan00:42 How Michelle and Andrea first met at Qualcomm01:36 Andrea’s journey from tech executive to author03:31 Caring for her mother and returning to Ireland04:25 Finding her mother’s Camino journal05:00 Why she decided to walk the Camino right away07:01 What 33 days of walking began to change08:13 The shift from achievement to identity11:05 What changed personally on the trail12:11 A powerful moment in Portomarin15:47 Rediscovering joy as a factory setting16:56 What action came from that transformation18:54 Writing the book and starting a new chapter20:14 Grief, permission, and stepping back from work22:40 Building a consulting business with purpose23:09 Comparing corporate life to life now24:42 Energy, routines, and owning your calendar27:28 Why her mother walked the Camino30:15 Michelle’s reflection on Andrea’s seismic shift31:26 Where to find The Closest Thing to Magic Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On Fire Follow 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/

    The Closest Thing to Magic, featuring Andrea Hogan

  5. Jun 10

    How's Your Mama? featuring Deanna Rodriguez

    In this episode of the Seismic Shift Podcast, host Dr. Michelle Johnston interviews Deanna Rodriguez, President and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. They explore the critical importance of human connection in both personal and professional life, especially in the evolving workplace shaped by remote work, technology, and post-pandemic challenges. Deanna Rodriguez shares stories from her leadership journey, including navigating major crises and advocating for empathy, flexibility, and authentic relationship-building at work. The conversation offers practical advice on fostering stronger team relationships and underscores the impact of genuine connection for well-being and organizational success. Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On Fire Follow 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/

    How's Your Mama? featuring Deanna Rodriguez

  6. May 27

    Transforming Stress Into Fuel, featuring Dr. Rebecca Heiss

    Stress is not the enemy, and trying to calm down may be making things worse. Dr. Rebecca Heiss joins Michelle Johnston to unpack the science behind stress, why uncertainty pushes leaders toward control, and how reframing fear can improve performance. Their conversation moves from boardrooms to classrooms to basketball courts, showing how stress can become useful energy instead of a barrier. Rebecca shares practical tools for public speaking, leadership, and self-talk, including her “coach voice,” emotional distancing, and curiosity as an antidote to fear. The result is a fresh, hopeful framework for using pressure as momentum. This episode is a strong reminder that meaningful work often comes with elevated stress, and that pressure does not have to mean panic. It can be reframed as purpose, momentum, and forward motion. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and meeting Dr. Rebecca Heiss00:26 What a stress physiologist actually does02:13 Stress, uncertainty, and the shift in leadership04:59 Why controlling leaders create more disconnection05:21 Invite the tiger in for tea07:09 Act as if it is an adventure08:18 Why “just calm down” does not work10:08 Service to others as a stress intervention10:48 Public speaking fear and performance anxiety11:46 Stress as proof that something matters13:23 Self-talk, storytelling, and presentation confidence15:24 Coaching yourself in the third person17:30 Why acting as if can change physiology19:19 What students can do before presenting20:29 Meet the inner critic and coach voice21:56 Stress lessons from basketball23:04 What leaders can do before a tough meeting25:27 Rebecca’s new book, *Springboard*27:48 Who the book is for29:07 Using stress in service to others30:33 Closing reflections and thanks Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On Fire Follow 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/

    Transforming Stress Into Fuel, featuring Dr. Rebecca Heiss

  7. May 13

    Redefining Success, featuring Laura Gassner Otting

    A packed résumé, external validation, and a full scoreboard do not always add up to a satisfying life. Michelle Johnston welcomes Laura Gassner Otting for a lively, deeply honest conversation about the gap between achievement and fulfillment, and why so many accomplished people still feel empty after checking every box. Michelle and Laura explore how early definitions of success get planted, why they are so hard to outgrow, and what it takes to recalibrate once you realize the path you are on no longer fits. Laura shares her own story of heading toward law school, recognizing almost immediately that it was the wrong path, and making a bold pivot that eventually led her to the Clinton White House and the creation of AmeriCorps. The story becomes a larger lesson in permission: permission to change, permission to admit you were wrong, and permission to redefine success at every stage of life. Sharp, funny, and full of substance, this episode is a reminder that success without alignment can feel empty, but success rooted in self-knowledge, purpose, and real relationships can become something much more powerful. CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome to The Seismic Shift00:35 Laura Gassner Otting on why success can feel empty02:17 Chasing goals that are not really yours04:44 From the what to the who06:08 Social comparison and redefining success07:00 What truly motivates people at work09:02 Law school, Bill Clinton, and a life-changing pivot11:47 Curiosity, reinvention, and pursuing a PhD15:02 From interesting work to rigorous research17:31 What Laura’s data reveals about leadership19:03 Why people leave when they do not feel seen20:09 Money, meaning, and what really matters21:54 Shared vision and the science of change23:51 The power of inspiration at work26:09 Carolyn’s story and redefining ambition29:11 What leaders must do differently now29:31 Laura’s top three leadership takeaways30:11 Closing reflections on success and service Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On Fire Follow 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/

    Redefining Success, featuring Laura Gassner Otting

  8. Apr 29

    Connection as a Competitive Advantage, featuring Dennis Lauscha

    Dennis Lauscha carries one of the most demanding leadership portfolios in sports—President and CEO of the New Orleans Saints, the New Orleans Pelicans, and a wide network of Gayle Benson companies. Sitting down at the Saints training facility, Michelle Johnston and Dennis unpack what’s changing fastest in the NFL and NBA—and what leaders can learn from it. Dennis breaks down a major business reality fans don’t always see: how the shutdown of regional sports broadcast partners forced teams to rethink distribution, marketing, and the entire way games reach the public. The Saints and Pelicans responded by moving deeper into content creation and direct-to-consumer offerings—expanding visibility across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle, and reframing what “small market” even means. He and Michelle tackle the real tension leaders feel: calendars that don’t match values, the pressure professional sports can put on families, and the manager’s responsibility to set clear expectations and coach performance with honesty and respect. CHAPTERS:00:00 A capital gap across the Gulf South00:36 Inside Dennis Lauscha’s role leading Saints, Pelicans, and Benson companies01:41 The seismic shift: regional sports networks disappear03:10 Becoming a content company: broadcasts, radio, and direct-to-consumer05:52 Connection at scale: listening systems and “number one” fan experience07:34 Kaizen in action: making every voice speak up in meetings09:23 Psychological safety: bring the problem and a solution11:42 Beyond Gen Z labels: explain the “why” and set people up to win14:51 One life, one calendar: leadership pressure and work-family balance18:39 Why the Benson Leadership Academy exists22:37 Leader vs. manager: art + science25:28 Loyalty and trust as a talent strategy26:42 The “it factor,” DEI, and widening the talent pipeline30:06 Dennis’ career path: Loyola, CPA, and the Saints audit that changed everything37:42 Leadership under Gayle Benson and the “double/triple bottom line”42:45 Advice for breaking into pro sports: commitment, growth, and opportunity44:35 Closing and thanks Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On Fire Follow 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/

    Connection as a Competitive Advantage, featuring Dennis Lauscha
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Welcome to Seismic Shift - a leadership podcast that focuses on connection. I’m your host, Michelle K. Johnston: management professor, executive coach, and leadership expert. I believe that today’s leaders need more than power and control to get the best from their teams; they need connection. Through interviews with some of today’s top business leaders, we are going to explore how leaders' ability to connect with themselves, their teams, and their organizations defines their ultimate success or failure. This podcast runs in close parallel to my new book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership, where you can find even more insights from me and the brilliant leaders I interviewed this season. So let's set our sights on connection and get ready to take on the daunting, yet exciting, challenge of this Seismic Shift.

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