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/

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/