Why Pausing Feels So Hard as a Nonprofit Leader (And How to Make It Easier)

16/7/2025

Why Pausing Feels So Hard as a Nonprofit Leader (And How to Make It Easier)

Episode # 113

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Feeling Stretched Too Thin? This Episode Is for You

If slowing down feels impossible right now, you're not alone. In this powerful conversation, Kathy and Kimberley explore why taking a pause is essential for nonprofit women leaders — and why it's so hard to actually do. You'll walk away with validation, practical tools, and a fresh mindset to help you lead with more calm, clarity, and confidence.

Why This Conversation Matters for Women in Nonprofit Leadership

Do you ever feel like you need to prove your worth by being the first one in and the last one out? Like, if you take a break, people will think you’re lazy or not doing enough? In this candid and heartfelt episode, Kathy and Kimberley dive deep into why women leaders in the nonprofit sector struggle to pause and how that very pause can be the key to sustainable, values-aligned leadership.
They share real-life stories (yes, car naps are totally a thing), offer brain science-backed insights, and break down what it really means to pause with intention. It’s not about doing less, it’s about showing up with more clarity, purpose, and confidence in leadership.

You’ll learn about the “Infinite Leadership Loop” and how it starts (and ends) with pausing. Whether it’s a 60-second breath between Zoom calls or a full-on nap in the boardroom, this episode reminds you that rest isn't a reward. It i’s a responsibility.

If you’re craving more grounded leadership and less of the nonstop hustle, this conversation is your permission slip to slow down, reset, and lead differently.

What You’ll Learn

Why pausing feels so uncomfortable, especially for women in leadership
How societal expectations and imposter syndrome keep us from resting
The neuroscience behind why slowing down actually boosts leadership performance
Practical ways to integrate pauses into your day (without guilt)
How to model sustainable leadership for your team
The 4 types of leadership breaks: body, soul, mind, and strategy
Why rest is not laziness. It’s preparation for effective action

Powerful Quotes

“If you’re a leader and no one is following you, you’re just going for a walk.” — Kimberley MacKenzie

“You are not asking permission to take a break. Boundaries are not a question. They are a statement.” — Kathy Archer