The Leadership Break

Paula Chapulis

The Leadership Break is a podcast hosted by Paula Chapulis, an ICF-certified coach specializing in leadership and mental health. Created for leaders who dedicate themselves to serving others, this podcast provides a space to unwind, refuel, and strengthen self-belief and awareness. Each episode explores the mindset of leadership, offering insights and practical tools for navigating challenges like self-doubt, burnout, and evolving definitions of success. With a focus on reflection, resilience, and growth, The Leadership Break inspires leaders to prioritize their well-being and lead with authenticity, purpose, and balance.

  1. FEB 26

    When You're Leading and You're Not the Boss - Part 2

    Episode 12 | When You're Leading and You're Not the Boss - Part 2 Staying, Speaking, or Leaving With Integrity When leadership above you falls short, leaving can feel like relief. Sometimes it is the right choice. But what happens when leaders leave without ever claiming their voice? In this second episode of the series, Paula explores the deeper discernment leaders face when working under weak leadership—and how to choose a path forward without shrinking, disappearing, or abandoning self-trust. This episode isn't about staying longer than you should. It's about making conscious, courageous choices—whether that means staying, preparing, or leaving. In this episode, we explore: Why leaving can feel easier than risking your voice The difference between relief and resolution Three intentional paths forward: stay and influence, stay and prepare, or leave with integrity How leaders unintentionally feel smaller when choices are driven by avoidance What it means to reclaim agency—no matter what you decide This episode is for leaders ready to choose themselves without burning bridges or losing their sense of worth. * 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 paula@aiyanacoaching.com. #Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

    5 min
  2. FEB 12

    When You're Leading and You're Not the Boss - Part 1

    Episode 11 | When You're Leading and You're Not the Boss - Part 1 Many capable leaders find themselves leading without the title, authority, or support that usually comes with that role and they find themselves doing their boss's job. They're steadying teams, holding standards, and absorbing tension—often quietly. In this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula explores the most common mistake leaders make when they're leading without authority: staying silent in the name of professionalism while frustration leaks out in other ways. This episode is an invitation to examine silence, venting, and overfunctioning—and to reclaim agency without becoming reactive or resentful. In this episode, we explore: Why silence is often mistaken for maturity The hidden cost of venting instead of speaking directly The difference between processing and avoidance What is (and isn't) yours to carry when you're not the boss How to lead with clarity without overstepping or shrinking This conversation is for leaders who want to stay aligned with themselves—even when the system around them isn't working well. * 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 paula@aiyanacoaching.com. #Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

    7 min
  3. JAN 8

    Mentorship Without a Pedestal - Guiding while Still Becoming

    Episode 9 | Mentorship without a Pedestal – Guiding while still Becoming Mentorship is often portrayed as a polished exchange of wisdom — the expert guiding from a place of certainty. But real mentorship rarely looks like that. In this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula explores a more honest, human approach to mentoring: guiding others while you're still growing yourself. This conversation is for seasoned, trusted leaders who've been asked to mentor — and quietly wondered if they're really ready. You'll hear why mentorship isn't about having all the answers, but about walking alongside someone with curiosity, humility, and presence. Through a coaching story, Paula reframes mentorship as witnessing rather than fixing, and explains why being honest about your own learning edges builds trust, not doubt. Paula also shares practical tools you can bring into any mentoring conversation, including: Asking before advising Normalizing the "middle" of leadership Reflecting instead of rescuing Naming your own growth edges Checking your energy and mentoring from integrity This episode is a reminder that leadership isn't about pretending, and mentorship isn't about mastery. It's about connection, conversation, and guiding others while you're still becoming yourself. Tune in for a grounded, encouraging take on mentorship — and permission to step off the pedestal. * 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 paula@aiyanacoaching.com. #Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

    7 min
  4. 12/25/2025

    The Power of Staying: Leading when work feels ordinary

    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.   * 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 paula@aiyanacoaching.com. #Leadership #Mindset #ResilientLeadership #LeadingWithHeart Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com/

    7 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Leadership Break is a podcast hosted by Paula Chapulis, an ICF-certified coach specializing in leadership and mental health. Created for leaders who dedicate themselves to serving others, this podcast provides a space to unwind, refuel, and strengthen self-belief and awareness. Each episode explores the mindset of leadership, offering insights and practical tools for navigating challenges like self-doubt, burnout, and evolving definitions of success. With a focus on reflection, resilience, and growth, The Leadership Break inspires leaders to prioritize their well-being and lead with authenticity, purpose, and balance.