The Seismic Shift with Michelle K. Johnston

Hosted by Michelle K. Johnston

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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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August 5, 2026Episode 2032 min

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 Bustamante 00:31 Michelle shares how she knew Lucy had to be on the show 01:23 Lucy’s career, awards, and return to New Orleans 01:51 Covering Hurricane Katrina and staying on air 04:15 Why Lucy’s reporting felt like home 05:05 New Orleans and the power of authenticity 06:56 Michelle on why she fell in love with New Orleans 09:18 Lucy’s family story and New Orleans roots 12:35 What brought Lucy back home 15:56 Raising children in New Orleans 18:52 Why New Orleans is worth investing in 20:05 Michelle’s daughter chooses to come back to New Orleans 23:40 The seismic shifts Lucy sees in media and work 24:04 AI and how Gray Media is approaching it 25:08 Streaming and changing audience habits 25:37 Social media, trust, and misinformation 28:31 What leaders need to understand right now 29:13 Lucy’s unforgettable leadership advice 30:34 Choosing the right partner, therapist, and lawyer 31:04 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-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

July 22, 2026Episode 1932 min

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 Lager 00:40 Auburn memories and the Jazz Fest trip 02:15 How connection shaped lifelong friendship 03:18 Jim’s natural gift for people and relationships 04:08 The influence of his mother and early hardship 06:10 Why he has always been fascinated by people’s stories 08:18 Listening as a leadership and sales advantage 11:12 Roger Penske and the idea that there are no big shots 12:00 Why command and control does not work anymore 13:12 What has changed about younger workers 15:20 Why today’s workers want balance and collaboration 16:40 Connection in virtual meetings and leading through Zoom 18:24 Using technology without losing human connection 20:22 Productivity without connection creates emptiness 21:47 Owning your calendar and protecting time to think 24:00 Why in-person training still matters 26:24 The seismic shifts Jim sees in business today 27:15 Using technology as a tool, not a replacement 28:01 The leadership mistake that changed everything 29:52 Why authenticity is the real key to trust 30:47 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-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

July 8, 2026Episode 1833 min

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 Webb 00:40 Caroline’s new book and major career highlights 01:35 The seismic shifts shaping leadership right now 02:44 Why leaders need to understand the human mind 03:28 The Leadership Intelligence system explained 05:33 Wisdom, inspiration, and resilience as key pillars 06:04 How leaders can help reduce stress 08:42 Connection, trust, and leading teams well 09:39 Caroline Webb’s journey from economics to leadership 12:12 Why she left McKinsey 13:06 The story behind How to Have a Good Day 14:47 Why 21 leadership situations made sense 15:59 A practical example of wisdom in decision-making 18:34 Shifting perspective from what to who 19:39 Inspiration through competence and connection 22:44 Building connection with intentional team rituals 25:29 Resilience and leading through challenge together 27:49 A real example of human-centered leadership 29:22 Why connection drives motivation and performance 30:40 Three practical leadership takeaways 32:35 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-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

June 24, 2026Episode 1733 min

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 Hogan 00:42 How Michelle and Andrea first met at Qualcomm 01:36 Andrea’s journey from tech executive to author 03:31 Caring for her mother and returning to Ireland 04:25 Finding her mother’s Camino journal 05:00 Why she decided to walk the Camino right away 07:01 What 33 days of walking began to change 08:13 The shift from achievement to identity 11:05 What changed personally on the trail 12:11 A powerful moment in Portomarin 15:47 Rediscovering joy as a factory setting 16:56 What action came from that transformation 18:54 Writing the book and starting a new chapter 20:14 Grief, permission, and stepping back from work 22:40 Building a consulting business with purpose 23:09 Comparing corporate life to life now 24:42 Energy, routines, and owning your calendar 27:28 Why her mother walked the Camino 30:15 Michelle’s reflection on Andrea’s seismic shift 31:26 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-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

June 10, 2026Episode 1637 min

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-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

May 27, 2026Episode 1532 min

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 Heiss 00:26 What a stress physiologist actually does 02:13 Stress, uncertainty, and the shift in leadership 04:59 Why controlling leaders create more disconnection 05:21 Invite the tiger in for tea 07:09 Act as if it is an adventure 08:18 Why “just calm down” does not work 10:08 Service to others as a stress intervention 10:48 Public speaking fear and performance anxiety 11:46 Stress as proof that something matters 13:23 Self-talk, storytelling, and presentation confidence 15:24 Coaching yourself in the third person 17:30 Why acting as if can change physiology 19:19 What students can do before presenting 20:29 Meet the inner critic and coach voice 21:56 Stress lessons from basketball 23:04 What leaders can do before a tough meeting 25:27 Rebecca’s new book, *Springboard* 27:48 Who the book is for 29:07 Using stress in service to others 30:33 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-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

May 13, 2026Episode 1432 min

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 Shift 00:35 Laura Gassner Otting on why success can feel empty 02:17 Chasing goals that are not really yours 04:44 From the what to the who 06:08 Social comparison and redefining success 07:00 What truly motivates people at work 09:02 Law school, Bill Clinton, and a life-changing pivot 11:47 Curiosity, reinvention, and pursuing a PhD 15:02 From interesting work to rigorous research 17:31 What Laura’s data reveals about leadership 19:03 Why people leave when they do not feel seen 20:09 Money, meaning, and what really matters 21:54 Shared vision and the science of change 23:51 The power of inspiration at work 26:09 Carolyn’s story and redefining ambition 29:11 What leaders must do differently now 29:31 Laura’s top three leadership takeaways 30:11 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-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

April 29, 2026Episode 1345 min

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 South 00:36 Inside Dennis Lauscha’s role leading Saints, Pelicans, and Benson companies 01:41 The seismic shift: regional sports networks disappear 03:10 Becoming a content company: broadcasts, radio, and direct-to-consumer 05:52 Connection at scale: listening systems and “number one” fan experience 07:34 Kaizen in action: making every voice speak up in meetings 09:23 Psychological safety: bring the problem and a solution 11:42 Beyond Gen Z labels: explain the “why” and set people up to win 14:51 One life, one calendar: leadership pressure and work-family balance 18:39 Why the Benson Leadership Academy exists 22:37 Leader vs. manager: art + science 25:28 Loyalty and trust as a talent strategy 26:42 The “it factor,” DEI, and widening the talent pipeline 30:06 Dennis’ career path: Loyola, CPA, and the Saints audit that changed everything 37:42 Leadership under Gayle Benson and the “double/triple bottom line” 42:45 Advice for breaking into pro sports: commitment, growth, and opportunity 44:35 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-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

April 15, 2026Episode 1234 min

Building Rhythms & Rituals in the Age of AI, featuring Tim Williamson

Tim Williamson—founder and CEO of NewCo—maps the seismic shift he’s watching unfold: AI accelerating change while humans decide whether to lean in or lock down. He and Dr. Michelle K. Johnston trace how New Orleans’ superpower—real connection—can become a competitive advantage in the next innovation cycle. Tim unpacks why most new ideas die at the “Thanksgiving table,” how supportive ecosystems keep curiosity alive, and why rhythms and rituals are more than fun—they’re civic glue that helps communities recover from shocks. The conversation lands on a bold vision: AI freeing time, humans reconnecting, and creativity surging into a new renaissance. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome + meet Tim Williamson and NewCo 01:35 The seismic shift: AI, fear, excitement, and disruption cycles 03:43 “AI is connection” and getting off the scary cliff 04:08 Why new ideas need a safe community to survive 06:49 The “Thanksgiving table” where ideas go to die 08:15 New Orleans as a front-porch city built for connection 10:02 What NewCo is and why it’s a home base for new ideas 12:46 AI that helps leaders connect people at scale 16:07 Connection dinners: designing belonging on purpose 20:01 Why connection drives trust, innovation, and performance 20:52 Rhythms and rituals: the civic cadence that holds a city together 26:19 Katrina lessons: how rituals helped New Orleans come back 29:44 AI frees time—what if it triggers a creative renaissance? 33:13 Closing: calendar, connection, and choosing deeper humanity 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-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

April 1, 2026Episode 1140 min

Say It Skillfully, featuring Molly Tschang

Molly Tschang doesn’t sugarcoat it: most workplaces don’t suffer from a lack of talent—they suffer from people holding back what they really think. In this episode, host Dr. Michelle K. Johnston sits down with Molly—co-author of Say It Skillfully with Marshall Goldsmith—to talk about the real reason teams stall: disconnection, fear, and leaders who unknowingly make it unsafe to speak up. Michelle and Molly also explore seismic shifts in leadership: the rise of leaders willing to lead when it’s inconvenient, and the growing urgency for workplaces where truth can be spoken without punishment. Molly ends with a mic-drop reminder for anyone feeling stuck: you have choices—find environments that deserve you, then bring your full voice to the table. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome + meet Molly Tschang and Say It Skillfully 01:28 Molly’s origin story: belonging, shyness, and finding her voice 03:45 Cornell, chemical engineering, and early identity pressure 05:40 The IBM pivot: choosing growth over the bigger paycheck 07:35 Deloitte consulting + the power of learning through people 08:30 U.S. Filter: integrating acquisitions and leading through change 10:02 Burnout, “In Transition,” and getting connected to yourself 11:01 Cisco’s heyday: high trust teams and “set the container” 13:22 Philanthropy, Ethiopia/Uganda, and a perspective-reset on work 16:39 Relationship systems coaching and the role of vulnerability 18:10 Abella Consulting: helping senior teams “Win as One” 18:26 Meeting Marshall Goldsmith + the videos that took off 23:03 Radio show to podcast: reverse-engineering the skillful model 26:32 Connection, empathy, and why it starts within 29:10 When it isn’t safe: choosing workplaces that deserve you 32:41 Seismic shifts in leadership + courage at every level 37:14 Final advice: the energy you bring is the message 39:00 Wrap + where to find the book 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-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/