What if the next level of your leadership doesn’t come from pushing harder—but from pausing on purpose?

In this episode of The Pausecast, I sit down with Melody Olson, former Senior Engineering Director at Google, for a refreshingly honest conversation about leadership, career evolution, and what happens when you stop following the “expected” path.

After a successful, high-profile career at Google, Melody chose to pause—and that decision opened the door to a new chapter defined by curiosity, intentional growth, and smarter risks.

We talk about:

• Why pausing can be a strategic move (not a setback)

• How smart risks build stronger leaders and teams

• The reality of balancing family life with ambitious careers

• Why investing in personal growth pays off long-term

• Setting boundaries, protecting deep work, and redefining success

• Letting go of linear career ladders and embracing a “jungle gym” path

If you’re a leader who’s successful on paper—but sensing there’s more available to you—this conversation will resonate.

Real talk.

Grounded wisdom.

Permission to evolve.

Connect with Melody on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-olson/

Thanks for tuning in this week—and as always, remember: your pause might be the most powerful move you make.