The Pausecast

Yes, you read that right—AI read my book Pause and pulled out the gold.

In this special episode, I share the AI Audio 17 minute synopsis by two completely digital voices as they have coffee chat about the book Pause: Harnessing the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break - from Google’s new NotebookLM.

The results? Pretty surreal. Surprising. Spot-on. Pause-worthy!

Whether you're an AI enthusiast or just need a real reason to stop spinning in overdrive, this episode gives you:

• 🧘 The timeless leadership lessons from Pause, now filtered through Google’s AI

• 🧠 Why pausing isn’t lazy—it’s neuroscience-backed clarity

• ⚡️ How this book still hits, 7 years later, in the middle of our always-on tech culture

• 🔄 Real-life reset tools you can apply today to lead, think, and feel better

It was a lot of fun to upload the book and get this back in return in a matter of minutes - truly AMAZING and frankly, a lot of fun to listen to!

If you love pausing, AI, leadership, and coffee talk about self-mastery—please check this out between the male and female vapors of Pause. :)

📘 Grab the book that started it all: Pause: Harness the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break → https://www.amazon.com/Pause-Harnessing-Life-Changing-Giving-Yourself/dp/0143129244
💡 Sometimes the smartest thing you can do… is pause...and not gush because something seems so cool - this was such a trip to listen to - what do you think?!

#AIforleaders #pausebook #powerofpause #executivecoaching #resilientleadership #notebookLM #googleai #innerwork

Still putting off the things that matter most - in 12 minutes you will learn exactly what to do.
You’re not lazy—you’re caught in a loop your brain thinks is protecting you. But high performers can’t afford to stall.

In this milestone episode, you’ll learn:

• 🔢 A quick self-assessment (1–5) to rate your procrastination habits

• 🧠 What neuroscience says about why we delay—even when we know better

• 🧭 The exact questions I use with clients to turn avoidance into aligned action

• ✅ How to finally finish what you start—with clarity and calm

🎯 If you’re ready to move from “I’ll get to it” to “It’s done,” this episode is your starting line.

💡 Want support turning insight into momentum? Let’s work together—your next level is waiting.

We’re taught not to brag. To be humble. To downplay. But here’s the thing: if you don’t own your story, no one else will. 🤷🏽‍♀️

In this episode, we cover:

✅ what a redemptive narrative is and why you need one

💪 Why you need to stop downplaying your journey—now 🚦

🗣️ How to confidently share your wins (without oversharing or over-explaining) 🎤 🔥 The moment I stopped laughing uncomfortably and started standing in my power 💡 📢 How to help others by showing up fully—without apology 🙌

Your Challenge: What’s one thing you’ve accomplished that you never give yourself credit for? 🎉 DM me and own it right now! 💬

👉 That’s a wrap on this series that began with Ep. —but if you’re ready to take your next big step, let’s make it happen - your next step is to message me 'ready' and I'll follow up. 🚀

You know that nagging feeling that something’s off, but you tell yourself it’s fine?

The “I’ll wait until the timing is right” trap? 🙃

I know it well—I stayed in it while working on my book, thinking the answer would magically appear. Spoiler: it didn’t.

In Ep. 196 of The Pausecast, we cover:

🚦 The hidden signs that you’re ready for a change (even if you don’t feel ready yet) 🔍 😰 How staying stuck actually drains you MORE than making a move ⚡

 📖 What working on my book taught me about doing “almost enough” inner work 🤯 💪 How to tell when it’s time to stop preparing—and start acting 🚀

Your Challenge: What’s one area of your life where you’re “almost but not quite” happy? 🎭 DM me and let’s get real about it! 💬

👉 Next up: The mindset shift that makes all the difference—how to OWN your story without shrinking or oversharing. 🔥

Watch on Youtube Pausecast Channel: https://youtu.be/WctU2yroHQM

In Ep. 195 of the Pausecast...we continue on the series of how saying yes to yourself starts with inner work - here's what we cover:

💡 Why inner work is the missing piece in every big decision 🔑

 🔥 The mindset shifts that gave me the clarity (and courage) to take my next leap 🚀

😬 How we avoid the hard work of facing ourselves—and why it keeps us stuck ⚠️

🛠️ A simple way to start preparing for your next move NOW (before it’s urgent)

Bonus Challenge: What’s ONE thing you know deep down you need to face before your next big step? 💭 Be honest—DM me or comment here! 💬

👉 Next up Ep. 196: What happens when you stay stuck for too long… and why most people wait way too long to leap. Stay tuned! ⏳

Fellow lovely leaders - are you feeling like no matter how hard you push, it’s never enough?

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck in that loop.

In this soul-soothing "practicum" episode of The Pausecast, join Rachael for a guided integrative breathwork session 🧘‍♀️ designed specifically for leaders like you - who crave less stress and more spaciousness.

🌬️ I'll guide you through 3 powerful breath patterns to reset your system in under 8 minutes (plus a few more to explain it all) using the mantra, "Things are always working out in my favor."🔹 Tri-active breath (3-part energizer)🔹 Halo-active breath (2-part softener)🔹 Bliss breath (short, cleansing exhales)

💡 Plus:
👉 Why setting an intention is the secret to shifting your inner state👉 How breathwork reconnects you to your body’s natural intelligence👉 A simple somatic practice you can do anytime overwhelm hits

This is your moment to pause, realign, and reclaim your calm. ✨
#LeadershipWellness #SomaticLeadership #BreathworkForLeaders #ThePausecast #WomenWhoLead #EmbodyCalm #podcast #leadershipdevelopment #changingwork #presentleaders

🚀 EP 192: FREE YOURSELF FROM CONFLICT WITH DR. JENNIFER GOLDMAN-WETZLER 🎧

Conflict is inevitable—but staying stuck in it is optional. 💡

In this must-listen episode of The Pausecast Vault of VIPs, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Goldman-Wetzler, a global expert in conflict leadership, to explore how top executives can break free from unproductive conflict and lead with clarity and confidence.

🔹 The real reason conflict feels so challenging—and how to shift your approach
🔹 The 4 common conflict habits that trap even the smartest leaders (and how to avoid them)
🔹 A free assessment to uncover your conflict type (link in show notes!)
🔹 The #1 strategy to move through conflict with ease
🔹 The two types of pauses that transform tension into progress
🔹 How to harness anger and other emotions as strategic leadership tools

🎙️ Whether you're leading a Fortune 500 company, scaling a high-growth startup, or navigating boardroom tensions, this episode will equip you with the insights to turn conflict into opportunity.

🔥 Don't just manage conflict—master it. Tune in now!

#Leadership #ExecutivePresence #ConflictResolution #EmotionalIntelligence #ThePausecast #managingconflict #changingwork #businesspodcast

LINKSJennifer's Book Optimal Outcomes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062893653?tag=harpercollinsus-20

Watch Jennifer's TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_goldman_wetzler_free_yourself_when_conflict_resolution_fails

Take the conflict assessment:https://jengoldmanwetzler.com/optimal-outcomes-assessments/

Episode 191: ⏸️ How to Mini-Leap Before a Big Leap

Everyone loves the idea of pausing these days—whether it’s a sabbatical, a “soft life” moment, or a break from the grind - just look at the bestselling books out there (Hello, Power Pause!) or strategic pause articles on LinkedIn (yay!) .

But what if stepping away wasn’t just about rest… but about preparing for something bigger? 🤔

In this episode, we cover:

🔍 Why pausing is actually a power move—when done with intention 🎯
🔥 How my 3-month break wasn’t an escape, but a strategy 🛠️
😨 The fears that come up when you step back (and how to handle them) 💭
🚀 Why most people don’t use their break wisely—& how you can

Your Challenge: If you could step away for 3 months, what would you actually do with it? 💡 Dream bigger—DM me your answer! 💬

👉 Next up: The real work that happens behind the scenes—the inner work that makes big decisions possible. Stay tuned! 🔥

Ever catch yourself downplaying your success or feeling weird / awkward / squirmish about sharing your journey? 🤐➡️ It’s time to change that.

In this episode 190 of The Pausecast...

✨ Why we shrink our stories (and how to stop!) 🚫

🔥 The difference between oversharing & true confidence 🎯

💡 How inner work helps you OWN your journey—without second-guessing yourself 🛠️
💪 The mindset shift that makes you bold (not boastful) 🚀

Your Challenge: What’s a moment in your life where you stepped up? 💭 Are you owning it or shrinking it? Message or comment "story" and share! 💬

👉 Next up: How taking a mini-leap set up for a bigger leap and how you can do the same … stay tuned! ⏳

As a high-achieving leader, you’re constantly making decisions, juggling responsibilities, and striving for excellence. But without intentional pauses, stress accumulates, focus declines, and performance suffers. That’s where breathwork comes in—a simple yet powerful way to reset your mind, regulate your emotions, and step into clarity.

In this 6-minute guided breathwork session, you’ll anchor into our mantra:
💭 “I do my best. I let go of the rest.”

✨ 3 Benefits of this quickie for High-Achievers:

1️⃣ Instant Nervous System Reset – Shifts you from stress mode (fight-or-flight) to a calm, focused state (rest-and-digest) so you can make decisions with clarity.
2️⃣ Enhances Emotional Resilience – Helps you regulate emotions, reducing reactivity in high-pressure situations.
3️⃣ Boosts Energy & Mental Clarity – Increases oxygen flow to the brain, sharpening focus and improving overall cognitive function.

When you pause to breathe, you pause to lead with intention. Ready to shift gears and feel more at ease? Take 10 minutes for yourself—you deserve it. Let’s breathe, shall we? 🌬️✨

This Pausecast VIP guest this month is one from the Pause Vault of incredible guests - Author and Expert on Conflict, Amy Gallo.

As a corporate leader, you know conflict is unavoidable. But what if instead of avoiding it, you could master it—using the power of pause, emotional intelligence, and bold leadership? 😌🔥

In this episode, I sit down with 📖 HBR author & workplace conflict expert Amy Gallo to unpack the EQ strategies that high-impact leaders use to turn tension into trust and disagreement into growth.

💡 What You’ll Take Away:
✅ The #1 mistake leaders make in conflict—and how to avoid it 🚫
✅ The pause practice that helps you respond, not react 🧘‍♀️
✅ How to use curiosity as a leadership superpower 🤔
✅ What to do when conflict feels draining & endless ⚡
✅ How to challenge with confidence & compassion 🗣️
✅ A simple reframe to turn tension into opportunity 🚀

⚡ Conflict doesn’t have to drain you—it can elevate you. Tune in now to learn how to lead with clarity, courage, and connection.

🎧 Listen now & step into your next level of leadership!

📖 About Amy Gallo:
Amy speaks about effective communication, interpersonal dynamics, gender, difficult conversations, and feedback. Her book “Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People)” was an Amazon #1 bestseller, shortlisted for the 2023 Thinkers50 Talent award, and a Finalist for the Next Big Idea Club. Amy also writes for the Harvard Business Review and is co-host HBR's Women at Work podcast, another great podcast to check out: https://hbr.org/2018/01/podcast-women-at-work

🚀 Ready to handle conflict like a pro?

Pause, and listen to this eye-opening episode about conflict and emotional intelligence.

#emotionalintelligence #womenleaders #changingwork

What does it really mean to master your emotional intelligence (EQ) in the corporate world?

EVERYTHING! 😎✨ And in just 15 minutes, I’ll break it down into 3 power moves you can start using right now to elevate your leadership:

🔥 Own Your Presence: Get a seat at the table 🪑, be seen and heard 🎤, and carry yourself with confidence that’s magnetic and contagious.

🧭 Read the Room Like a Pro: Tap into your secret leadership superpower 🦸‍♀️—sense the unspoken dynamics, spot where the tension is, and adjust your response accordingly.

🤝 Lead with Impact: Strengthen the skills that set great leaders apart—deep listening, emotional attunement, and the ability to build trust and rapport effortlessly.

Short on time? No problem. This 15-minute power episode gives you quick, actionable insights to help you show up as the leader you truly want to be. 🚀

Where will you start? Tune in now and let’s level up together! 🎧💼✨

Are you a corporate leader feeling stuck or ready for your next career move?

In this episode, we dive into a powerful practice and mantra to help you break free from self-imposed limits:

"I release any limits I place on myself and know that all things are possible."

Join me as we explore:
🔹 Why high-achievers unknowingly place limits on themselves—and how to recognize them
🔹 How breathwork and somatic healing can create clarity and confidence in your next career step
🔹 A guided breath practice to help you release doubt and step into possibility

Now, it’s your turn: What limits are you ready to release? How did this breathwork practice shift your perspective? Reply back and share your experience—I’d love to hear from you!

Let’s breathe, expand, and step into your next big move together.

Tune in every Tuesday for a new Pausecast podcast episode to help you up-level your career to feel more fulfilled, aligned and raedy.

In this Ep. 183 of The Pausecast...

In this installment of the series, "Top Things to Love About Being a High EQ Leader," we dive into this set of powerful skills that will not only boost your leadership but also your sense of vitality and motivation.

Which of these resonate with you or be your next focus?

🔑 Here’s what’s we'll cover:

1️⃣ Vulnerability is your secret weapon. It shows strength, not weakness.
2️⃣ Time for thinking is as vital as time for doing. Protect it fiercely.
3️⃣ Confidence grows when you align emotions with logic. Decisiveness follows.
4️⃣ Clarity about your feelings leads to better decisions—and better communication.
5️⃣ Asking for others’ input is as valuable as offering your own guidance.
6️⃣ Leadership is a privilege. Treat it as an honor, not just a role.
7️⃣ Gratitude matters. Recognize your team’s efforts often and authentically.
8️⃣ Presence is power. Truly listening sets exceptional leaders apart.
9️⃣ Fun and leadership are not mutually exclusive—bring humor into your work.
🔟 Be both heart-led and head-led. Align your emotions with your actions.

🌟 These skills are more than tips—they’re tools to transform your leadership journey and amplify your impact. Tune in to discover how you can apply them to feel clearer, more motivated, and less stressed every step of the way.

🎧 Listen now and find out: Which of these are you rocking? Which ones are your next growth opportunity?

👉 Your leadership evolution starts here.

Let’s make it happen!

In this episode, we dive into the powerful distinction between wants (your desires, like uninterrupted time in the evening) and needs (essentials, like a well-deserved day off). 🌈

By understanding and honoring both, you not only build a more fulfilling life for yourself but also set an inspiring example for those around you.

🌟 What You’ll Learn: The Difference between wants and needs (and why it’s vital to know both). 🔍

The Art of Claiming: How to unapologetically own your desires, even if society says it’s “too much.” 💬💎

Practical Steps: A fun, thought-provoking experiment to help you uncover and prioritize your personal and professional wants and needs. 🛠️✨

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs (a BIGGIE!) Identify what’s holding you back from claiming what you truly desire. 🚧🧠

💡 Why does this matter to know your wants and needs? And is there a difference between them?

If you don’t know how to identify your wants and needs as a person, it will impact your leadership, your fulfillment, and even your ability to inspire your team.

This episode is your guide to embracing your humanity while elevating your leadership game (and you bet they are different!)

👉 Actionable Takeaway: On a 1 (low end) to 10 (high end) scale ate yourself on how well you know your wants and needs.

Are you claiming your dream life, or holding yourself back?

This is an advanced leadership skill—and you’ve got what it takes to master it.

Ready to dive in?

Let’s unlock the clarity and confidence you need to lead your business and your life with purpose. 🌟

It's under 13 minutes, you'll be glad you did!

In Ep 179 of The Pausecast...

HAPPY...NEW...YEAR!! 🎉🎉🎉

The new year offers us a fresh canvas to create something extraordinary.

In this energizing episode, explore how leaders can pause with intention to set the tone for a powerful and purposeful year ahead - you can do this at any time of the year, but reflecting on years end is a great way to do it.

Here’s what we’ll dive into:

1. Clearing the Slate: How to reflect on the lessons of this year and release what no longer serves you.

2. Your Future Roadmap: A step-by-step guide to crafting your vision, goals, and guiding word for the year ahead.

3. Mindful Celebrations: Ideas to ring in the New Year with meaning and connection, whether with your team, loved ones, or in quiet reflection.

This episode will leave you inspired and ready to lead with clarity and confidence into the new year!

Tune in and make your #NewYearsEve a moment of meaningful pause.

#2025ishere #happynewyear #letsgo2025

Rachael

In Ep. 178 of The Pausecast...

OMG it's Christmas Eve - a time to slow down, connect, and reflect.

But as leaders, how do we truly embrace the moment and share that sense of presence with others?

In this special holiday seasonal episode of The Pausecast, we’ll unwrap the keys to leading with heart and intention this holiday season.

Here’s what we’ll explore:

1. The Art of Presence: How to be fully engaged with loved ones, your team, and yourself during the holidays.

2. Reflect and Recharge: Rachael's guided pause to close out the year with gratitude and clarity.

3. Stories of Connection: Hear how Boxing Day is coming back to Rachael's family. What's your inspiring holiday tradition or story to remember or bring out joy, connecting, and reflection?

I invite you to listen to this episode and pause as we embrace the moment and step into the last week of 2024.

🌟 Celebrate. Reflect. Lead with love!

Happy Holidays, beautiful loving leaders!

What if this year, you could step into the holidays with calm, clarity, and joy?

Join me, Rachael, for this special holiday episode of The Pausecast, where we’ll explore practical and mindful ways to navigate the season stress-free.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. 🌀 Design Your Vision for the New Year

   • Meet your future self in Rachael's Guided Pause

     Choose your guiding word or theme for next year to anchor your goals and aspirations.

2. ✨ Embrace the Wonder of the Holidays

   • Discover how pausing to savor the magic of the season can benefit you and positively impact those around you.

   • Practical tips to stay present and soak in moments of connection and joy.

3. ⚡ Sidestep Common Holiday Pitfalls

   • Learn how to avoid energy-draining drama and shift away from a fixed mindset.

   • Strategies for bringing more playfulness into your holiday traditions to naturally boost learning and enjoyment.

4. 🌟 The Gratitude Advantage

   • Explore how cultivating gratitude can amplify your sense of joy, wonder, and productivity both during the holidays and beyond.

This episode is your invitation to lead yourself and those around you with more ease, presence, and intention this holiday season.

Tune in to Episode 177 of The Pausecast and let’s create a season that energizes, rather than depletes, you.

In Ep. 176 of The Pausecast...

- Join Rachael in an integrative breathwork session (<8 minutes long + a few mins to explain it) to help calm the mind and lean into feeling more aligned and trusting yourself...that's what believing in yourself looks and feels like!

- Learn the tri-active breath - a 3 part breath to use throughout this guided practice which I explain. This is one of the most powerful breath patterns there is and can be used to clear blocks and feel more connected.

- How to step out of to-do mode, and into to-be mode right here in this guided practice.

- Use anytime as your go-to for feeling confident and believing in yourself when it doesn't feel as clear, or that you are ready for a refresher.

If you want a refresher on all the benefits a quick breathwork practice provides, you can check out this list:

In Ep 174 of The Pausecast...

- Join Rachael from a LIVE traffic jam on Interstate 75 (when inspo hits, follow!)

- micro-pause led by Rachael

- What to do when you catch yourself in a non pause-a-tive thought and Rachael's IRL example using the Pausecast

- Case study of how Rachael's friend demo'd a typical stressful week and what to do differently

- Benefits of practicing gratitude

- 3 Questions to ask yourself to 10x your Gratitude

1) What can you celebrate today? (What's a win, or how you want to feel)?

2) What are 5 things you're grateful for today and WHY!?

3) What are you most proud of?

15 minutes of goodness to set you on an incredible path for your week.

Sending you much gratitude and love today and for your week.

About Rachael O'Meara

Rachael O’Meara, MBA, MA, ACC, is an executive coach renowned for empowering successful leaders with proven tools and strategies to excel - without the overwhelm. With over a decade at Google, she brings invaluable insights into effective leadership and self-awareness. As co-founder of SIC Venture Studio, Rachael drives innovation at the intersection of leadership and entrepreneurship. Her acclaimed book, "Pause," is a pivotal resource for career growth. Featured in the New York Times, WSJ.com, HBR, and on TEDx stages, Rachael inspires audiences worldwide with her transformative approach to leadership and personal development.

🎙️ Episode 173 of The Pausecast: Lead Smarter: The Secret to Pausing and Getting Stuff Done...

Ever feel like your to-do list is endless? 📝

Let’s flip the script.

In this episode, discover:

🔹 Why pausing is the ultimate power move—even when your workload feels overwhelming.

🔹 The Iceberg Model and how it helps you achieve more with less effort. 🧊

🔹 The surprising benefits of pausing for corporate leaders aiming to thrive. 🚀

🔹 Busting myths about pausing and its game-changing link to emotional intelligence (EQ). 💡

🔹 Simple, actionable tips to start doing things differently—today!

🔹 How embracing less can lead to more success in the long run. 🌟

Don’t miss this episode if you're ready to lead smarter and achieve more by doing less! 🛑➡️✅

In Ep. 172, join Rachael for an integrative breathwork session - a chance to practice the power of breathwork!

Our mantra is a simple one and it's easier said than done: "I let go." 

That's where the power of breathwork comes in - we get the mental side out of the way, and pay attention to our breath and how our bodies experience it.

If you're new to breathwork, go here to hear what to expect or set yourself up for success: https://youtu.be/2hB--GHGPQg

To learn about the scientific proven benefits of breathwork, go here: https://youtu.be/pVxWNcC63zo

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/_Wq-UzCTnQE 

After you listen, how was your experience? Share this episode with someone who could use some support right now to pause, or follow the mantra.

In this episode 170 of The Pausecast...🎙 Reclaiming Your Ideal Self 🚀

In Ep. 170 I share about a recent client who received some guidance on how to show up in presence and influence more - meaning they aren't holding the fear for a group, they aren't feeling or acting inferior or superior, and a few tools to practice growing and increasing your own personal power.

Here’s what we cover:

• 🔎 Discover why so many leaders feel disconnected from their true, ideal selves.
• 💪 Learn what it means to truly “own” your personal power and authority, and not get tripped up in what can keep you out of it.
• 🛠 Get practical tools and mindset shifts to align your actions with your deepest goals.
• 🚀 Transform your leadership style by closing the gap between who you are and who you want to be.
• 🌟 Embrace authenticity and lead with more confidence, clarity, and purpose -

Ready to become the leader you know you’re meant to be? Tune in for this episode!

🎧 #Leadership #PersonalPower #CorporateLeaders #BeYourBest #changingwork

As a high performing corporate leader in your work and impact, are you aware of how to feel more fulfilled at work, regardless of…

• How busy you get
• What your top priorities of the day are
• What project or deadlines on your plate
• Or in the face of a specific challenge - whether it’s a co-worker, a boss, or teammate?

I know what you’re thinking…

Feeling fulfilled can seem mushy and soft, not productive, or that you're too emotional.

However, what if instead of having those judgements, you actually did feel fulfilled and calm, no matter what your daily agenda held?

In business, we are taught (historically) to

• Not bring our emotions to work - dismissing what’s going on all the time or avoiding dealing with difficult conversations, people, or challenges.
• To ‘stick to the numbers’ and get the job done
• Work hard, long hours to prove ourselves

While these ways got you to where you are today, what will get you to your next level of leadership - operating from a core foundation of feeling more clear, relaxed and confident - isn’t this.

It’s an ok place to be, but honestly there is sooo much more waiting for you.

👉 > You start showing up feeling confident and fired up because you’ve learned how to master your EQ and plug into your deeper desires that can fuel you, instead of burn you out or leave you in overwhelm!

That means:

• Feeling good about work again and living on your terms.
• Being authentic and not being afraid to say no.
• Not having judg-y or critic mind thoughts that zap your confidence.

Have a listen, and decide for yourself. What can you do to show up in service and self-compassionately to your inner leader, who feeds that outer leader?

In Ep. 167 of The Pausecast...

✅ In this quick but potent episode, take five minutes to reconnect with your inner leader through a guided breathwork practice.

✅ Designed for busy #founders and corporate leaders, this practice will help you reclaim your power, quiet the noise, and refocus on what truly matters.

✅ Trust the voice within, and let it guide you to lead with clarity and confidence.

Mantra: "I trust my inner leader"

1 breath pattern: Blow breath - inhald and exhale through the mouth at your own pace.

In just 5 minutes (plus a minute intro and 1 minute wind down), you can connect to pause and intentionally shift your behavior and align with what you know or desire to know - using this episode 167.

#changingwork #leadershiptools #emotionalintelligence #breathwork #podcast #pausecast #stresstools #resilience

In Ep. 166 of The Pausecast (also in video) ...

- Why it's easy to fall into Golden Handcuffs, and how it's not an easy answer but it is solvable!

- Hear Rachael's tale of Golden Handcuff Syndrome and what happened

- The No. 1 thing you can do to prevent golden handcuff syndrome

- How managers play a critical role in how to move in or out of golden handcuffs

- How to leverage your organization to get out of this predicament

- How to recognize your scarcity and what beliefs are likely preventing your escape

- How to reflect on what quality of life you are willing to explore, how you are feeling, or talking to others (networking) that you may be missing out on and how to think differently about it

...and so much more!

About Dr. Bob Wright

Considered by many to be one of the leading thinkers in human development, Dr. Bob Wright (www.drbobwright.com) is an internationally recognized visionary, educator, program developer, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant, and executive coach. Recognized as a top executive coach by Crain’s Chicago Business, he has coached CEOs across the country from leading name public companies to entrepreneurial startups.

Welcome to the inaugural start-up edition of The Pausecast...from time to time I'll feature specific Pausecast episodes for startup founders - founders and entrepreneurs ready for their next level of leadership!

This week, we kick off it off with a quick 12 minute episode - a Breathwork Break in our practice session (aka experiential, join me and follow along!)

In Ep. 163 of The Pausecast...

- Learn how Rachael is melding her worlds of Power of Pause and SIC Venture Studio, her biotech focused venture studio where she is leading and coaching founders to master their EQ.

- Hear the hand-written advice from 81 year old Pause-fan Judy.

- Join Rachael in 3 rounds of breathwork using the tri-active breath.

- Clear stress and enjoy the rest of your day using this powerful practice.

Of course you don't need to be a start-up or a founder to learn these practices, but they are designed for this audience and all leaders they resonate with.

Watch or listen on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube or subscribe here:

🎙️ In Ep. 160 of The Pausecast...

🌟 Experience an active noticing pause led by Dr. Ellen Langer.

🔍 Discover how active noticing helps manage stress and overcome overwhelm.

🤔 Learn the difference between #defensivepessimism and #mindfuloptimism for coping with uncertainty.

💡 Uncover the two essential insights about stress everyone should know.

🌱 Explore why being hopeful doesn't mean being naive. ⚖️ Understand why work-life integration is more valuable than balance.

🎭 Embrace the importance of play and engagement.

🧠 Learn surprising lessons from copulating rats, The Simpsons, and the default modes of the mind.

​👩‍🏫 About Dr. Ellen Langer: Dr. Ellen Langer, Ph.D., pioneering social psychologist and author, known as the "mother of mindfulness." With over 35 years of research, she explores mindfulness, illusion of control, aging, decision-making, and health. Join us to delve into her groundbreaking insights!

​👩‍🏫 About Rachael O'Meara

Rachael O’Meara, MBA, MA, ACC, is an executive coach renowned for empowering successful leaders with proven tools to excel. With over a decade at Google, she brings invaluable insights into effective leadership. As co-founder of SIC Venture Studio, Rachael drives innovation at the intersection of leadership and entrepreneurship. Her acclaimed book, "Pause," is a pivotal resource for career growth. Featured in the New York Times, WSJ.com, HBR, and on TEDx stages, Rachael inspires audiences worldwide with her transformative approach to leadership and personal development.

Note: this cover art was from hosting Dr. Langer at Google for her mindfulness talk to leaders when we 1st met, circa 2017.

🎙️ In Ep. 158 of The Pausecast...

• 🌟 Immerse yourself in a refreshing pause led by Julie.
• 🎭 Julie shares her personal journey to embracing playfulness.
• 🤹‍♀️ Discover why "AI" (Apply Improv) is on the rise and its benefits for leaders.
• 🙌 Embrace the value of making mistakes.
• 🧠 Learn about mental drainage keywords to avoid and energizing ones to embrace.
• 🤫 Unveil the mysterious "OTHER" 4-letter word.
• 🎲 Find out how play reduces risk-taking for leaders.
• 🚫 Identify the corporate colleague's nemesis: the opposite of play.
• 🔑 Remember the 3-word mantra for effective leadership.

Tune in for insights, laughs, and actionable tips to enhance your leadership journey right here.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lTPLQ_gJsx0

#LeadershipDevelopment, #EmbracePlay, #ImprovLeadership, #LearnFromMistakes, #PlayfulLeadership, #CorporateCulture, #LeadershipSkills, #MindsetShift, #PodcastEpisode, #ProfessionalDevelopment, #emotionalintelligence, #changingwork, #ImprovEQ , #otherAI

🌟 As a high-achieving business leader, are you craving calm and energy in just a few minutes a day?

Tired of putting yourself last? Imagine a daily 5-minute ritual that fuels your energy and brings calm.

In Episode 157 of The Pausecast:

• Join Rachael for a grounding pause session.
• Discover quick ways to nourish and sustain yourself daily.
• Explore the top reasons why pausing leads to thriving.
• Learn Linda Graham's 7 self-soothing techniques (plus a bonus!) from "Bouncing Back."
• Understand how mindful self-soothing boosts resilience and energy, empowering consistent thriving.

...and much more!

Transform your state and nervous system in <5 minutes, ready to use anytime.

This is one of the most popular Pausecast podcasts, so let's revisit this updated and popular topic!

In this episode:

- Join a pause led by Rachael

- Why having a personal brand matters and how it can ignite your confidence

- 3 Step recipe for confidently crafting your personal brand

- Learn what a redemptive narrative is and how it helps your personal brand

In this episode:

- Join a pause led by Rachael

- Why having a personal brand matters and how it can ignite your confidence

- 3 Step recipe for confidently crafting your personal brand

- Learn what a redemptive narrative is and how it helps your personal brand

In Ep. 85, join Rachael for an integrative breathwork session for corporate leaders - a chance to practice the power of breathwork that's in service to all our doing.

Our mantra is a simple one and it's easier said than done: "I let go." 

That's where the power of breathwork comes in - we get the mental side out of the way, and pay attention to our breath and how our bodies experience it.

If you're new to breathwork, go here to hear what to expect or set yourself up for success: https://youtu.be/2hB--GHGPQg

To learn about the scientific proven benefits of breathwork, go here: https://youtu.be/pVxWNcC63zo

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/_Wq-UzCTnQE 

After you listen, how was your experience? Share this episode with someone who could use some support right now to pause, or follow the mantra.

Here we go...