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The Seismic Shift with Michelle K. Johnston

The Seismic Shift with Michelle K. Johnston

Written by: Michelle K. Johnston
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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.2022 Terra Firma Audio Careers Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Success
Episodes
  • Human Leadership in the Age of AI, featuring Caroline Webb
    Jul 8 2026

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • The Closest Thing to Magic, featuring Andrea Hogan
    Jun 24 2026

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • How's Your Mama? featuring Deanna Rodriguez
    Jun 10 2026

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
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