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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 …

A packed résumé, e…

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 immedia…

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 this episode of t…

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 relation…

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 contro…

Stress is not the en…

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 fra…

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 …

A packed résumé, e…

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 immediat…

Some of the best career paths don’t start with a perfect title — they start with getting in the door, becoming excellent, and staying willing to grow. In this clip, Dennis Lauscha shares how peopl…

Some of the best car…

Some of the best career paths don’t start with a perfect title — they start with getting in the door, becoming excellent, and staying willing to grow. In this clip, Dennis Lauscha shares how people within his organization have moved from the ticket office and marketing department to general manager roles in the NFL. His point is simple but powerful: when someone shows initiative, works hard, and asks for opportunities, great organizations find ways to support them. Whether they grow within the company or eventually move somewhere else, real leadership means helping people become who they�…

Some leaders have the natural ability to inspire. Others know how to manage systems, structure, and execution. But according to Dennis Lauscha, the best leaders learn how to bring both together. In t…

Some leaders have th…

Some leaders have the natural ability to inspire. Others know how to manage systems, structure, and execution. But according to Dennis Lauscha, the best leaders learn how to bring both together. In this clip, Dennis explains why leadership is both an art and a science — and why charisma alone is not enough. From developing people at Benson Academy to helping emerging leaders understand both vision and management, this conversation offers a practical framework for what makes someone truly effective. Subscribe for more leadership insights like this.

What separates strong leaders from leaders who are just guessing? According to Dennis Lauscha, it starts with listening — really listening — to your team, your fans, and the people on the front li…

What separates stron…

What separates strong leaders from leaders who are just guessing? According to Dennis Lauscha, it starts with listening — really listening — to your team, your fans, and the people on the front lines. In this clip, Dennis breaks down why leaders have to create space for honest feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable. From big decisions to small details — even ketchup and mayonnaise at the concession stand — Dennis makes the case that every piece of feedback matters. If you’re leading a team, managing an organization, or trying to build trust with your audience, this is a powerful r…

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. …

Dennis Lauscha carri…

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 Peli…

We are living through a major turning point, and Tim Williamson puts words to what so many people are feeling: uncertainty, disruption, and the growing impact of AI on everyday life. In this clip, he …

We are living throug…

We are living through a major turning point, and Tim Williamson puts words to what so many people are feeling: uncertainty, disruption, and the growing impact of AI on everyday life. In this clip, he reflects on the seismic shifts happening right now and why so many leaders, teams, and individuals are wrestling with the same questions—should we be worried, should we adapt, and how will this change the future? Subscribe for more insights like this.

What if leaders could understand their people at a deeper level without losing the human side of leadership? In this clip, Tim Williamson unpacks a powerful idea: using AI to help CEOs and executives …

What if leaders coul…

What if leaders could understand their people at a deeper level without losing the human side of leadership? In this clip, Tim Williamson unpacks a powerful idea: using AI to help CEOs and executives see the real stories, interests, and connections inside their organizations. Subscribe for more insights like this.

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 t…

Tim Williamson—fou…

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…

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 t…

Tim Williamson—fou…

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…