The Seismic Shift with Michelle K. Johnston

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

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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/ 

What is The Seismic Shift with Michelle K. Johnston?

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.