The Leadership Break

Episode 8 | The Power of Staying: Leading When the Work Feels Ordinary

In a culture that constantly celebrates what's new, bold, and next, choosing to stay can feel uncomfortable — even irresponsible. Especially for leaders. We're often told that growth means movement, reinvention, or a big leap forward. But what if that's not always true?

In this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula explores the quiet, often overlooked strength of staying. The seasons of leadership where the work feels ordinary, steady, or less visible — yet deeply meaningful. These are the moments when trust compounds, relationships deepen, and culture is truly shaped.

You'll hear why boredom and restlessness aren't always signs it's time to leave, how to distinguish staying from settling, and why depth, consistency, and commitment are forms of courageous leadership. Paula also offers gentle reflection questions and practices to help you reconnect with purpose when the work no longer feels shiny — but still matters.

This conversation is for leaders who are tempted to chase the next thing, but sense there may be wisdom in tending what's already been built. It's a reminder that not all growth looks like motion. Sometimes it looks like roots.

Tune in for a thoughtful pause — and permission to honor the power of staying.

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If this episode resonated, share it with someone who could use a little more support in their leadership. And remember…

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Is there something you'd like Paula to discuss? Send her an email at [email protected].

#Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart

Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

Episode Summary:

How do you know when it's time to grow, shift, or step into a new chapter of leadership? In this episode, Paula explores the subtle signals that show up long before we consciously realize we've outgrown a role — the restlessness, the quiet fatigue, the sense that our work no longer stretches us in the ways it once did.

You'll hear how to distinguish exhaustion from evolution, why "outgrowing" isn't failure but feedback, and what healthy discernment looks like when you're standing in a threshold season. Paula offers a simple reflection framework to help you understand what still gives you energy, what's depleting you, and what's quietly calling you forward.

This conversation is an invitation to listen inward with honesty and compassion — and to trust the parts of you that are ready for more.

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If this episode resonated, share it with someone who could use a little more support in their leadership. And remember…

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Is there something you'd like Paula to discuss? Send her an email at [email protected].

#Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart

Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

Episode Summary:

In the messy, everyday middle of leadership, the most powerful shifts are often the smallest ones. In this episode, Paula shares simple, real-life micro-practices and tiny resets that help you stay grounded, present, and focused while leading others.

From a single deep breath to a doorway pause, these practices aren't performance tricks—they are a life line. They help you stay steady and present before the next meeting, the next decision, or the next hard conversation.

Because leadership doesn't always need a sabbatical or a strategy overhaul. Sometimes, it just needs a pause.

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If this episode resonated, share it with someone who could use a little more support in their leadership. And remember…

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Is there something you'd like Paula to discuss? Send her an email at [email protected].

#Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart

Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Paula explores how self-talk changes as we grow in leadership. Rather than disappearing, the inner critic becomes quieter, more sophisticated, and often more believable. Paula shares why this matters, how to work with your inner voice, and a simple 4-step framework to shift self-talk from self-doubt to wisdom.

Key themes

• The inner critic evolves with experience

• Self-talk often signals transition—not inadequacy

• Meaning + alignment become central questions

• A 4-step practice to notice, get curious, find protection, and invite a wiser voice

Try this At day's end, ask:

1. What did my inner voice say?

2. What was it trying to protect?

3. What truth can I offer instead?

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who could use a little more support in their leadership. And remember…

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Is there something you'd like Paula to discuss? Send her an email at [email protected].

#Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart

Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

The Leadership Break

Season 2, Episode 4 – The Hidden Joys of Leadership

Episode Summary:

We've talked about the stretch and the invisible labor of leadership—but today, we're pausing to notice something else: the quiet joys that come with leading.

In this episode, Paula highlights the overlooked moments that remind leaders why the work matters. From the small breakthroughs to the gratitude that lingers years later, we'll explore the fuel that sustains leaders through the middle years of their journey.

You'll hear about:

• Why the most meaningful joys in leadership rarely make the headlines
• Stories of overlooked moments that leaders often miss
• How joy becomes part of your leadership legacy
• A few simple reflection prompts to help you notice the good that's already happening

Leadership is heavy, yes—but it's also deeply rewarding when you pause to see it.

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If this episode resonated, share it with someone who could use a little more support in their leadership. And remember…

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Is there something you'd like Paula to discuss? Send her an email at [email protected].

#Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart

Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

The Leadership Break

Season 2, Episode 3 – The Cost of Carrying It All: Finding Energy in the Middle

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula Chapulis explores the unseen toll of leadership when you're no longer new, not yet done, and carrying more than anyone notices. We talk about the hidden cost of "carrying it all," and practical ways to sustain energy in the middle stretch of leadership.

You'll hear:

• How leadership weight shows up in your body, emotions, and relationships
• Why pausing is the paradoxical solution leaders often resist
• Four practices to refill energy and lead with presence

If you've been running on empty, this episode is your reminder that you don't have to lead from exhaustion — you can lead from a place of renewal.

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If this episode resonated, share it with someone who could use a little more support in their leadership. And remember…

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Is there something you'd like Paula to discuss? Send her an email at [email protected].

#Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart

Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

The Leadership Break

Season 2, Episode 2 – What It's Like to Lead from the Middle

Episode Summary: In this episode, Paula explores the often-unseen stretch of leadership known as "the middle"—where you're not new, not done, and carrying more than most realize. Through anonymous stories from education leaders, managers, and nonprofit founders, she shines a light on the invisible labor leaders take on every day: emotional buffering, culture holding, and the weight of responsibility without recognition.

If you've ever felt tired in a way that rest doesn't fix, this episode offers validation, language, and practical ways to keep going.

Highlights:

• The emotional and invisible labor of middle leadership
• Real stories of leaders navigating pressure from all sides
• Simple practices to name, normalize, and release what you're carrying
• A reminder: You are not alone, and your work matters

Reflection prompt: What invisible labor have you carried this week—and who sees it? AND - what invisible labor do you see others carrying? Take a moment to thank them too.

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who could use a little more support in their leadership. And remember…

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Is there something you'd like Paula to discuss? Send her an email at [email protected].

#Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart

Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

Season 2, Episode 1 – The Myth of Balance

Welcome back to The Leadership Break! Season 2 opens with a new theme: Quiet Leading Through the Middle. It's the stretch of leadership no one prepares you for, when you're not brand new, not done, and carrying more than most people see.

In this episode, Paula unpacks one of the most common leadership struggles: balance. What if balance isn't the goal at all, but a myth that leaves us chasing the impossible? Instead, Paula offers a more grounded approach - clarity and choice - so you can honor your capacity and focus on what truly matters this season.

Take a breath. You don't have to do it all. You just have to carry what matters most now.

New episodes drop twice a month through May.

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who could use a little more clarity and choice in their leadership. And remember…

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Is there something you'd like Paula to discuss? Send her an email at [email protected].

#Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart

Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

Welcome to the Season 1 wrap-up of The Leadership Break. I'm Paula Chapulis, leadership and mental health coach, and in this episode, I'm reflecting on what this season has meant for me, and maybe for you too.

We've explored:

• How to redefine success on your own terms

• What to do when imposter syndrome creeps in

• How to lead through burnout, grief, and doubt

• Why vulnerability isn't weakness, it's wisdom

• And how presence and compassion are leadership superpowers

Key Takeaways: ✔ Rest is not weakness—it's leadership fuel ✔ You don't have to do it all to be doing it well ✔ Vulnerability isn't weakness. It's wisdom.

And as we close this chapter, I'll share a glimpse of what's ahead in Season 2—more courage, more honesty, and more voices joining the conversation.

Take a breath, press play, and thank you for walking this season with me. Season 2 is coming fall of 2025.

Episode 13: Behind the Break: Something to Leave Behind

Summary: In this deeply personal Behind the Break episode, Paula reflects on the real reason behind The Leadership Break podcast—not just to share leadership insights, but to leave something meaningful behind. Something her daughters can return to. Something that captures the essence of what she believes about courage, leadership, and being a good human in a complicated world.

She shares a recent moment with one of her daughters and how it reminded her that this work, this voice, this presence—it matters. Not just for today, but for the future.

This episode is an invitation to reflect on your own quiet legacy and what you're leaving behind through your presence, your stories, and your heart.

Quote to Carry: A good life is not measured by what we build for ourselves, but what we build into others. — David Brooks, The Second Mountain

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who could use a little more courage and clarity in their leadership. And remember…

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Is there something you'd like Paula to discuss? Send her an email at [email protected].

#Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart

Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/