The Seismic Shift with Dr. Michelle K. Johnston

Former NASA astronaut Charlie Camarda reveals the leadership mistake that can turn a warning sign into a catastrophe: smart people convincing themselves they already understand the problem. If you lead in a high-stakes environment, this conversation will change how you think about decision-making, dissent, and psychological safety. Michelle Johnston sits down with Charlie to unpack the seismic shifts that shaped his career, from NASA research centers to the Columbia disaster and beyond. What started as a deep technical career in hypersonic flight became a mission to understand why brilliant organizations make dangerous calls, and how to build teams that catch failure before it becomes irreversible.Charlie shares the hard-won lessons behind Mission Out of Control, including why NASA’s recovery windows were missed for years, how bad analysis can create false confidence, and why speaking up can be career-threatening even when you’re right. He also explains how his team helped create a repair capability for shuttle damage and how that same mindset could transform industries far beyond aerospace.This episode is especially valuable for leaders, engineers, founders, safety professionals, and anyone responsible for decisions where being wrong is not an option.CHAPTERS00:11 Introduction to Charlie Camarda and seismic shifts01:04 Columbia and NASA's Culture01:16 The Columbia accident and its impact on Charlie02:13 Analyzing decision-making failures at NASA03:59 The importance of technical rigor and analysis04:41 Recovery Windows and Psychological Safety06:08 Confirmatory vs. exploratory decision modes07:20 Psychological safety and organizational culture08:36 Challenger's Real Root Cause09:31 The Challenger disaster and decision-making culture11:38 The Columbia foam strike and recovery window12:32 EPIC and High-Performing Teams13:50 The Epic education program for solving complex problems14:54 Mission Out of Control15:55 Mission Out of Control: organizational culture and safety18:58 NASA's safety culture and Charlie’s courageous voice19:48 Speaking Up at NASA21:08 Silencing and listening in high-stakes organizations22:08 NASA’s ongoing culture challenges and Charlie’s advocacy22:41 Artemis and Heat Shield Risks24:14 The Artemis missions and transparency issues26:29 Lessons on decision-making and risk management in space28:28 Leadership: Listen to Dissent30:01 The Legacy of Safer Organizations32:14 A Critical Decision in Space33:33 The overview effect and critical in-space decisions35:15 The importance of leadership and listening in space missions36:09 Final thoughts: culture, safety, and seismic shifts36:22 Navigating NASA's ChallengesSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow Michelle for more inspiring content:Watch the podcast on YouTube:    / @theseismicshiftwithmichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnstonWebsite: https://michellekjohnston.com/

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 Bustamante00:31 Michelle shares how she knew Lucy had to be on the show01:23 Lucy’s career, awards, and return to New Orleans01:51 Covering Hurricane Katrina and staying on air04:15 Why Lucy’s reporting felt like home05:05 New Orleans and the power of authenticity06:56 Michelle on why she fell in love with New Orleans09:18 Lucy’s family story and New Orleans roots12:35 What brought Lucy back home15:56 Raising children in New Orleans18:52 Why New Orleans is worth investing in20:05 Michelle’s daughter chooses to come back to New Orleans23:40 The seismic shifts Lucy sees in media and work24:04 AI and how Gray Media is approaching it25:08 Streaming and changing audience habits25:37 Social media, trust, and misinformation28:31 What leaders need to understand right now29:13 Lucy’s unforgettable leadership advice30:34 Choosing the right partner, therapist, and lawyer31:04 Closing reflections and thanksSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow Michelle for more inspiring content:Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: 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 Lager00:40 Auburn memories and the Jazz Fest trip02:15 How connection shaped lifelong friendship03:18 Jim’s natural gift for people and relationships04:08 The influence of his mother and early hardship06:10 Why he has always been fascinated by people’s stories08:18 Listening as a leadership and sales advantage11:12 Roger Penske and the idea that there are no big shots12:00 Why command and control does not work anymore13:12 What has changed about younger workers15:20 Why today’s workers want balance and collaboration16:40 Connection in virtual meetings and leading through Zoom18:24 Using technology without losing human connection20:22 Productivity without connection creates emptiness21:47 Owning your calendar and protecting time to think24:00 Why in-person training still matters26:24 The seismic shifts Jim sees in business today27:15 Using technology as a tool, not a replacement28:01 The leadership mistake that changed everything29:52 Why authenticity is the real key to trust30:47 Closing reflections and thanksSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow Michelle for more inspiring content:Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: 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 Webb00:40 Caroline’s new book and major career highlights01:35 The seismic shifts shaping leadership right now02:44 Why leaders need to understand the human mind03:28 The Leadership Intelligence system explained05:33 Wisdom, inspiration, and resilience as key pillars06:04 How leaders can help reduce stress08:42 Connection, trust, and leading teams well09:39 Caroline Webb’s journey from economics to leadership12:12 Why she left McKinsey13:06 The story behind How to Have a Good Day14:47 Why 21 leadership situations made sense15:59 A practical example of wisdom in decision-making18:34 Shifting perspective from what to who19:39 Inspiration through competence and connection22:44 Building connection with intentional team rituals25:29 Resilience and leading through challenge together27:49 A real example of human-centered leadership29:22 Why connection drives motivation and performance30:40 Three practical leadership takeaways32:35 Closing reflections and thanksSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow Michelle for more inspiring content:Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: 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 Hogan00:42 How Michelle and Andrea first met at Qualcomm01:36 Andrea’s journey from tech executive to author03:31 Caring for her mother and returning to Ireland04:25 Finding her mother’s Camino journal05:00 Why she decided to walk the Camino right away07:01 What 33 days of walking began to change08:13 The shift from achievement to identity11:05 What changed personally on the trail12:11 A powerful moment in Portomarin15:47 Rediscovering joy as a factory setting16:56 What action came from that transformation18:54 Writing the book and starting a new chapter20:14 Grief, permission, and stepping back from work22:40 Building a consulting business with purpose23:09 Comparing corporate life to life now24:42 Energy, routines, and owning your calendar27:28 Why her mother walked the Camino30:15 Michelle’s reflection on Andrea’s seismic shift31:26 Where to find The Closest Thing to MagicSpecial thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!Track Title: My Heart's On FireFollow Michelle for more inspiring content:Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5bInstagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/