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/

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/

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/