The Pausecast

Recently I had the honor of leadingfour workshops — two in-person, two virtual — for innovative companies across fintech, wealth management, adtech, and Google. Each team was unique, but the challenges weren’t. The workshops were titled:• Push Pause: Managing Stress in High-Pressure Jobs• Five Keys to Pause and Reset in Challenging Times• Three Keys to Finding Your Inner Calm• Resilience Lab: Tools to Leverage as a TeamFrom seed-stage startups to global orgs, one thing was clear: leaders and teams are under pressure — and they’re looking for real tools to help them rise. Here are the three themes that stood out most:1. The pressure is real — everywhere.Whether you're a team of two or 200,000, times are uncertain. Stress is high, resources are stretched, and many employees are quietly struggling. Uncertainty is no longer a phase; it’s the backdrop we’re operating in.2. Resilience isn’t optional — it’s a critical need and differentiator.Everyone’s asking: how do we keep going when what used to work… doesn’t anymore? These sessions made it clear that resilience — real, embodied resilience — is what teams need now. Not just as a buzzword, but as a lived practice. That’s what my workshops deliver.3. People want to connect — more than ever.Across every session, people leaned in. Whether through 1:1 shares, breakout chats, or group reflection, the desire to feel seen and supported is stronger than ever. Teams are craving psychological safety, trust, and real connection — and it starts with giving them space to speak.Bonus: Update on my almost 3-month frozen shoulder saga and how it is helping and informing my own resilience - physcially, emotionally and mentally.

What if your next level of leadership isn’t about doing more—but rewiring how you respond under pressure? 🧠🔥In this powerful episode, I’m joined by one of my all-time favorite thought leaders—Dr. Rick Hanson, psychologist and bestselling author of Buddha’s Brain, Resilient, and NeuroDharma—to explore how neuroscience can help you lead with strength, calm, and clarity.💡 This is more than just a conversation—it’s a mini-masterclass in emotional intelligence and embodied leadership.🔄 Here’s what you’ll experience:✨ A 10-minute guided Pause Practice with Rick—reset your nervous system on the spot🧠 Why pausing changes your brain chemistry—and how to make it a high-performance habit🐍 How to work with your "reptile brain" (Hint: Feed the mouse, pet the monkey 🐭🐒)🔑 The 3 essential psychological needs you must meet to feel resilient🌱 How your mindset literally shifts your biology💪 Rick’s recipe for building unshakable inner strength (and how many neurons you’re working with)🎯 If you’re a leader, founder, or high performer who wants to stop reacting and start leading with calm authority—this episode is for you.*** Interactive Challenge for Listeners:After you listen, ask yourself:👉 “Where in my leadership am I reacting instead of responding?”Then DM me your biggest insight—or what you’re committing to shift.✨ Ready to go deeper? If you want support integrating these tools into your leadership, I’ve got spots open for 1:1 coaching. Let’s make your inner growth your greatest advantage.About Dr. Rick HansonRick is a psychologist and has written and taught about the essential inner skills of personal well-being, psychological growth, and contemplative practice – as well as about his relationships, family life, and raising children. His online program – the ⁠Foundations of Well-Being ⁠– an experiential journey of personal healing and growth that is a year long course anyone can take. Continue studying with Rick in his online class and a 15% discount PAUSE15 - Foundations of Well Being which Resilient is based upon.About Rachael O'MearaRachael O’Meara, MBA, MA, ACC is an executive coach helping successful leaders learn the proven tools and strategies to rise to their next level of leadership - without the overwhelm. Her previous thirteen years at Google helps her have a pulse on what it takes to be a successful leader. Her first book⁠ Pause⁠ was a top business book for your career. She's been featured in the New York Times, WSJ.com and on the⁠ TEDx stage⁠. Learn more at ⁠www.rachaelomeara.com#NoMoreExcuses #TimeToTakeAction #emotionalintelligence #podcast #pausecast #CorporateLeaderGoals 🔥 Let's do this! 🌟 #EndProcrastination #TakeActionNow #LeadWithPurpose #Rickhanson #buddhasbrain

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. 🚀

Ever wonder if you can actually train your brain to be more focused, present, and resilient—especially when the pressure’s on?In this standout re-airing of one of our most popular VIP guest episodes, I sit down with Dr. Amishi Jha—neuroscientist, professor, and bestselling author—before her groundbreaking book Peak Brain hit the shelves. She shares cutting-edge insights from her lab’s research with high-stress, high-performance groups like soldiers, athletes, and professionals just like you.Whether you're someone who wants to meditate but never quite sticks with it—or you're craving real, science-backed tools to help your mind stay clear amidst the chaos—this episode is for you.We explore:🧠 Have we hit a mindfulness tipping point in society?🎯 What mindfulness actually trains—and what it doesn’t.💡 Why brain-training apps can only go so far.⚙️ What makes generalized mindfulness training different (and effective).🪖 How mindfulness tools helped pre-deployed military units do their jobs better—and the magic number researchers discovered.🤔 What the heck is MBAT (and how it might help you too)?🛑 Dr. Jha’s go-to ways to pause in her own life.📝 Why making a Pause Pledge matters more than you think.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who leads under pressure, lives in their head, or feels constantly on. (Sound familiar?)About Dr. Jha:Dr. Amishi Jha, PhD is the Director of Contemplative Neuroscience and Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. A cognitive neuroscientist by training, her work explores how attention and mindfulness impact the brain’s performance under stress. She’s worked with the U.S. military, elite athletes, first responders, and corporate leaders to bring these tools into real life.🎧 Hit play—and discover what your mind is capable of when you start training it with intention.Learn more at: https://amishi.com/ Amishi's TED Talk Taming Your Wandering Mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df2JBnql8lc About Rachael O'MearaRachael is an Executive Leadership Coach and author who helps her fellow humans at every level of leadership to amplify their impact without the overwhelm. Sign up for her upates and future trainings at www.rachaelomeara.com

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! ⏳

🚀 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 #businesspodcastLINKSJennifer's Book Optimal Outcomes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062893653?tag=harpercollinsus-20Watch 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 LeapEveryone 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 canYour 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! ⏳

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! 🎧💼✨

How do you know when it’s time to step back, reassess, and take a real pause? In this episode, I’m revisiting this important conversation—this time, through my own experience as I resign from my venture studio I co-founded 2.5 years ago.We’ll explore:🔹 The subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that you might need a pause🔹 How to navigate big transitions with clarity and self-trust🔹 Breathwork and mindset shifts to help you release what no longer serves youIf you’ve been feeling the nudge to step back, pivot, or make space for something new, this episode is for you.BTW, have you ever taken a major pause in your life or career? What did you learn? Comment or message me—I’d love to hear your story!Watch Ep. 186 on YouTube#pause #executivecoaching #emotionalintelligence #career #changingwork #leadership #executivecoaching

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 possibilityNow, 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 Episode of The Pausecast, join me and Mike Robbins, leadership expert and bestselling author where we explore leadership, trust, and what he loves to write about to help leaders show up with resilience and strength. 🧘‍♂️⏸️ What You’ll Learn: How an unintentional pause led Mike to his dream job & love of his life 💡💖 Why pausing is crucial for executives & teams 🏆 The risks of the workaholic mindset & how to shift it 🔄 Practical pause strategies to bring your whole self to work 🏢✨ 🔹 About Mike Robbins 🔹 Author of Focus on the Good Stuff, Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken, & Bring Your Whole Self to Work 📚 Work translated into 14+ languages 🌍 Former pro baseball player with the Kansas City Royals ⚾🔥 Advisor to Google, Microsoft, Wells Fargo & more 🚀 Ready to transform your leadership? Press play (and pause LOL) ▶️🎧 More on Mike: mike-robbins.com

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!

When natural disasters strike like the tragic LA Fires have, we face immense pressure—not just to protect our lives and what matters to us, but it extends to how we show up in everything we do. This time to me feels very similar to Sep. 11th in NYC, where I watched the 2nd tower fall from the DoubleClick HQ and flying in that AM from visiting my Mom in Syracuse, NY. I wasn't sure sure how to move forward, what to expect, or how I could help. This feels a lot like that time to me. This episode was difficult to make - I struggled with the right words to share, or how to say things, and be grounded myself. I debated to just scrap it or to publish - is it helpful or even enough, I asked? Listening back it is a bit somber however I stand behind what I share in that we can all do ourselves the honor of showing up - first for ourselves, and then for others. Thank you for listening, and please offer whatever you can - maybe prayers, donations, or time in what you can manage. I find CNN's impact page helpful for choices to donate or how to support - there are many options. 🌟 What You’ll Learn: The role of self-awareness in understanding your emotional triggers during a crisis. 🧘‍♂️ How to practice emotional regulation to remain calm and focused under pressure. 🌬️ Ways to shift from reactivity to intentionality, making values-driven decisions even in uncertainty. 🤔 The ripple effect of your emotional stability on your team and company culture. 🌊

In this episode of The Pausecast...✅ Get calm and centered listening to an inspiring pause led by Jenny✅ Learn how to trust yourself when you don't know the outcome in a period of uncertainty✅ How pivoting (and pausing as part of it) can lead you to getting better at managing change and having a high impact life About Jenny​ BlakeJenny Blake is an author, podcaster, and the founder of Pivot Method®, a growth strategy company that helps forward-thinking individuals and organizations map what’s next. Her motto: if change is the only constant, let's get better at it. Jenny is an international keynote speaker, and the author of three books, including Life After College , Pivot: The Only Move That Matters is Your Next One , which won the Axiom Best Business Books award in the careers category, and the award-winning Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business. Follower her on IG: @jenny_blake

Are you leading your team (or yourself for that matter)… or just managing? 🤔In this episode, we dive into the real differences between managing tasks and leading people—and why learning to lead with clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence is what sets the most effective tech leaders apart.Inside, we’ll cover:The key traits that distinguish great leaders from great managersHow to spot when you’re stuck in “manager mode” (and what to do about it)Why both roles matter—and how to intentionally step into leadership when it countsPractical shifts you can make today to inspire your team, be more visionary, and reduce overwhelmIf you’re feeling pulled in a million directions and want to lead with more impact, presence, and confidence—without burning out—this episode is for you.I’d love to hear what resonates most for you after you listen. Message me and share your takeaways—I read every note personally. 💬Want more support to rise into your next level of leadership? Learn about the Confident Tech Exec Mastermind - now open for enrollment. https://www.rachaelomeara.com/course