I am pausing with Hannah Godfrey

Hannah Godfrey

Welcome to I Am Pausing - real conversations about the science of rest, the cost of burnout, and the truth about sustainable success. Host Hannah Godfrey sits down with leaders and experts at the forefront of performance and wellbeing to explore what it really takes to thrive at work without sacrificing yourself in the process. From HR directors and psychologists to breathwork facilitators and sleep scientists, each episode unpacks the practical wisdom behind pausing - not as an escape from work, but as the foundation for doing your best work. If you're ready to step off the hustle treadmill and discover how rest fuels performance, settle in with a cuppa and let's pause together.

Episodes

  1. May 21

    Anthony Abbagnano on Breathwork, the Inner Child, and Becoming Your Own Authority

    What if the most radical act of leadership was simply learning how to breathe? In this episode of I Am Pausing, Hannah sits down with Anthony Abbagnano — founder of Alchemy of Breath, co-founder of ASHA (the Alchemy School of Healing Arts) in Tuscany, and author of Outer Chaos, Inner Calm. Anthony has trained over 2,000 breathwork facilitators worldwide and is widely regarded as one of the global leaders in the field. This conversation is deeply personal for Hannah. Eight years ago, she walked into a breathwork workshop in London led by Anthony and his partner Amy — not really knowing what she was signing up for. That day changed everything. Last summer, attending Breath Camp at ASHA in Tuscany set in motion a series of shifts that ultimately led Hannah to leave London, move to the coast, and meet her partner a month later. Together, Anthony and Hannah explore what it means to develop an inner authority rather than living in apology, why the rat race is over (and what comes next), and how the breath might just be the most accessible doorway into a different way of living and working. About Anthony Abbagnano Anthony Abbagnano is the founder of Alchemy of Breath and co-founder of ASHA, the Alchemy School of Healing Arts in Tuscany. Author of Outer Chaos, Inner Calm, he has spent over 40 years developing a body of work that bridges ancient wisdom with modern science. His teaching has reached founders, scientists, sages, and seekers around the world — from tech entrepreneurs to the Sages and Scientists Convention in Mallorca. Anthony's mission is to help people regulate their nervous systems, reclaim agency, and lead from a place of inner authority rather than apology. Episode Chapters - 00:00 Introduction to Breathwork and Its Impact - 05:52 Anthony's Personal Journey with Breathwork - 11:57 Overcoming Cult Experiences and Self-Acceptance I Am Pausing with Hannah Godfrey is a podcast featuring real conversations about the science of rest, the cost of burnout, and the truth about sustainable success. Connect & Follow - Anthony Abbagnano: https://www.alchemyofbreath.com - ASHA — Alchemy School of Healing Arts: https://www.alchemyofbreath.com/asha - Anthony's book: Outer Chaos, Inner Calm - Hannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-godfrey - I Am Pausing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-am-pausing - Website: https://www.iampausing.com - Subscribe to I Am Pausing wherever you listen to podcasts

    1h 2m
  2. May 6

    When Your Emotions Are Running the Show, You’re Not: Ros Barber on EFT and Taking Back Control

    Five years of weekly talk therapy in Harley Street couldn’t reach what one hour of tapping did. In this episode, Hannah is joined by Ros Barber — academic, award-winning writer, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner — to talk about the modality Hannah credits with shifting things in her that years of conventional therapy couldn’t touch. This conversation is personal. Ros was Hannah’s practitioner before she was her podcast guest, and that history shapes one of the most open and useful episodes on healing work yet. They explore what EFT actually is, why a sceptical scientist became one of its most thoughtful practitioners, and how a simple physical technique can reach the places where understanding alone runs out of road. About Ros BarberRos Barber is an EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner, academic, and award-winning writer. With a background in biochemistry and biology — and both parents physicists — she came to EFT as a sceptic in 2007, at a time when her life was at its most pressured: four young children, a husband seriously unwell with chronic fatigue, a PhD in progress, and her own mood slipping into depression. Within months of tapping daily, the people around her had noticed she’d become calmer, less reactive, and harder to trigger. She trained as a practitioner soon after and has spent nearly two decades helping clients clear emotional charge that talk therapy alone often can’t shift. Episode Chapters00:00  Introduction to EFT and Personal Transformation 05:45  The Impact of EFT on Family Dynamics 11:21  Understanding EFT: The Basics 16:54  The Power of Self-Acceptance in EFT 22:31  The Emotional Charge and Triggers 27:22  Skepticism and the Science Behind EFT 33:28  The Role of the Nervous System in EFT 41:50  Empowerment Through Self-Help Techniques 47:00  Shifting Identity and Emotional Awareness I Am Pausing with Hannah Godfrey is a podcast featuring real conversations about the science of rest, the cost of burnout, and the truth about sustainable success. Connect & Follow•     Follow Ros Barber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ros-barber/ •     Read Ros’s Substack: https://rozbarber.substack.com/ •     Visit Ros’s website: https://rosbarber.com/ •     Follow Hannah Godfrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahgodfrey/ •     Follow I Am Pausing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-am-pausing/ •     Visit https://iampausing.com •     Subscribe to the I Am Pausing podcast wherever you listen

    53 min
  3. Apr 23

    Obligation VS Love: Nick Sabine on Identity, Reinvention, and Self-Leadership

    Nick Sabine built one of the most beloved platforms in electronic music. Then he asked himself one question that changed everything: WHO AM I WITHOUT IT? In this episode, Hannah is joined by Nick Sabine — self-leadership coach, co-founder of Resident Advisor (RA), and the person Hannah credits with changing the course of her life. This conversation is deeply personal. Nick was Hannah's coach before he was her podcast guest, and that history makes for one of the most honest, emotionally rich episodes yet. They explore what it truly means to lead yourself — and why, for so many high achievers, the life that looks like success on the outside is quietly built on obligation, fear, and an identity that was never really theirs to begin with. About Nick SabineNick Sabine is a self-leadership coach working with founders, executives, creatives, and leaders navigating major life and career transitions. He is the co-founder of Resident Advisor (RA), the globally renowned electronic music platform he built from $800 and a shared passion for music into one of the most beloved cultural institutions in the world. After stepping back from his day-to-day role at RA, Nick underwent his own profound reinvention — and now helps others do the same. Episode Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: From Music to Transformation 02:40 Finding Belonging: The Role of Music in Identity 05:35 Pride and Reflection: Moments of Achievement 08:06 The Shift: Stepping Away from RA 10:04 The Question of Identity: Who Am I Without RA? 12:35 Love vs. Obligation: A Transformative Realization 15:22 The Power of Choice: Meeting Moments with Love 18:17 The Journey to Coaching: Discovering a New Path 21:06 Embracing Boredom: The Path to Self-Discovery 23:42 Intuition and Courage: Listening to Inner Guidance 26:26 The Impact of Coaching: Leading from Within 32:50 The Impact of Boredom on Self-Discovery 35:06 Navigating Identity and Coping Mechanisms 38:21 The Journey of Self-Understanding 41:27 Facing Crossroads and Seeking Support 43:27 Living in Integrity and Self-Reflection 46:24 The Power of Love and Trust in Coaching 59:12 Defining True Wellbeing I Am Pausing with Hannah Godfrey is a podcast featuring real conversations about the science of rest, the cost of burnout, and the truth about sustainable success. Connect & FollowFollow Nick Sabine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-sabine/Follow Hannah Godfrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahgodfrey/Follow I Am Pausing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-am-pausing/Visit https://iampausing.comSubscribe to the I Am Pausing podcast wherever you listen

    1h 1m
  4. Mar 5

    Finding Stillness in the Chaos: Alice Wyatt on Heartbreak, High-Growth Tech, and Starting Over

    What do you do when you've changed everything — the city, the relationship, the job — and you still don't feel happy? That's the question Alice Wyatt found herself sitting with not long ago. And in this episode, she answers it with a honesty that is rare, refreshing, and genuinely moving. Alice is a former VP of Marketing who cut her teeth in some of the UK's most exciting high-growth fintechs — Bloomreach, Adyen, Codat. On the outside: a glittering career, frequent flyer miles, and a LinkedIn profile that looked like success. On the inside: a growing sense of unease that no amount of external change seemed to fix. In this conversation with Hannah Godfrey, Alice opens up about heartbreak in New York, chronic back pain connected to emotional stress, a five-day silent meditation retreat as a self-confessed extreme extrovert, and the long, non-linear road to finding peace. She now wakes up every morning with a baseline of calm she never thought she'd reach. This is not a polished success story. It's the messy, honest, deeply human middle. And it might be exactly what you need to hear.   "I don't think I'm someone that can be happy. And eight months on, I wake up and I feel peace." About Alice WyattAlice Wyatt is a marketing leader with over a decade of experience in high-growth tech and fintech. Having held senior roles at companies including Bloomreach, Adyen, and Codat, she now works as a Fractional CMO, helping scaling businesses build and lead marketing functions. Originally from London, Alice has lived in New York and now calls Austin, Texas home. She is a passionate advocate for authentic leadership, mental wellbeing at work, and the power of meditation — even for extreme extroverts.   Episode Chapters00:00  — Alice's Journey Through Tech and Marketing 03:49  — Navigating Personal Challenges in New Cities 07:36  — The Impact of Alternative Education on Mindfulness 09:43  — The Role of Meditation in Finding Peace 13:18  — Shifting Mindsets: From External Blame to Internal Reflection 17:50  — The Mind-Body Connection in Healing and Stress Management 23:34  — Finding the Middle Path 24:57  — The Challenge of Silence: Lessons from a Silent Retreat 32:59  — Transitioning to Fractional CMO Work 36:08  — Embracing Hard Times with Resilience and Gratitude 40:01  — The Importance of a Support Network     Connect & Follow•        Follow Alice Wyatt on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-wyatt-nyc/ •        Follow Hannah Godfrey and I Am Pausing on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahgodfrey/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-am-pausing/ •        Subscribe to the I Am Pausing podcast wherever you listen

    44 min
  5. Feb 19

    Why AI Transformation Needs People Strategy First: Global Talent Leader Tejal Shah

    In this episode of I Am Pausing with Hannah Godfrey, Hannah speaks with Tejal Shah, former Global Head of Talent at Kantar, about navigating workplace transformation while keeping people at the center. With over 15 years of experience in talent strategy across private equity, financial services, and data consulting, Tejal shares invaluable insights on AI implementation, remote work, preventing burnout, and building psychologically safe teams. Guest BioTejal Shah is a transformation and talent strategy expert who spent over 15 years driving people-centered change in fast-paced business environments. As the former Global Head of Talent at Kantar, she brought a unique commercial and data-led approach to talent strategy, combining her background as a chartered accountant with deep expertise in organizational transformation. Tejal is passionate about creating sustainable change that puts people at the heart of business growth. 00:00 Introduction to Tejal Shah and Her Journey 02:27 Shifts in Talent Management and Organizational Culture 05:04 The Role of AI in Transformation and Human Experience 07:48 Balancing Wellbeing and Productivity in the Workplace 10:10 Navigating Remote Work and Its Challenges 12:38 Intentional Team Building and Connection 15:13 Mental Exhaustion and the Human Cost of Work 17:50 Personal Strategies for Work-Life Balance 20:33 Final Thoughts on Wellbeing and Work Resources & LinksConnect with Tejal Shah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejal-shah-33086010/Learn more about I Am Pausing with Hannah Godfrey: Website: https://www.iampausing.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahgodfrey/

    36 min
  6. Feb 5

    Beyond Wellness Programs: What Actually Prevents Burnout with Sara Duxbury

    In this conversation, I sit down with Sara Duxbury to explore the real challenges facing leaders and employees today—burnout, the hidden costs of remote work, and why most workplace wellbeing strategies are missing the mark. Sara's journey from aspiring forensic psychologist to occupational psychology expert reveals a passion for understanding what truly motivates people and how to create meaningful change in their working lives. After years in-house managing teams and wellbeing programmes, she made the leap to consulting—a shift prompted by her own need for more focused, impactful work. We dig into the uncomfortable truths about post-COVID workplace dynamics. Employees now expect more from their employers, but companies are still reacting to crises rather than building proactive wellbeing strategies. Leaders are burning out and quietly planning exits. And remote work, despite the promises, has often led to longer hours and increased anxiety rather than the balance we hoped for. This isn't a conversation about quick fixes or surface-level self-care. It's about the human element of wellbeing, the importance of meaningful work, and what it actually takes to integrate rest into leadership and life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sara Duxbury 01:04 Journey into Occupational Psychology 02:42 Transition to Consulting 06:32 Shifting Perspectives: Inside vs. Outside 08:59 Current Trends in Talent and Wellbeing 10:53 The Need for Proactive Wellbeing Strategies 12:41 The Human Element in Workplace Wellbeing 15:00 Meaningful Work and Employee Engagement 16:04 The Importance of Rest in Leadership 16:44 Coaching Leaders: Addressing Burnout and Well-being 19:37 The Shift in Workplace Dynamics Post-COVID 22:00 The Role of Commute in Mental Health 25:05 Integrating Rest into Daily Life 27:35 Finding Joy in Self-Care Practices 30:22 Transforming Your Day: The Power of Mindset 31:11 Investing in Well-being: Beyond Billboards Visit Us at https://iampausing.com

    33 min
  7. Jan 22

    Breaking Workplace Taboos - Lauren Lunniss on Data, Mental Health & Burnout at BNP Paribas

    In this episode of "I Am Pausing," host Hannah Godfrey sits down with Lauren Lunniss, Health and Wellbeing Lead at BNP Paribas, to explore the evolution of corporate wellness strategy in today's hybrid workplace. From Personal Training to Strategic Wellbeing Leadership Lauren brings over 17 years of health and wellbeing expertise to the conversation. She shares her career journey from personal training to leading wellbeing initiatives at one of the world's largest banks. Her role has transformed from operational tasks to strategic culture change, focussing on embedding sustainable wellbeing practices across the organisation. Breaking Taboos: Menopause, Mental Health & Neurodiversity at Work The conversation tackles topics many workplaces still avoid. Lauren discusses why organisations must address menopause, mental health, neurodiversity, and other previously taboo subjects to support their workforce effectively. Creating psychologically safe environments where employees feel comfortable discussing health needs isn't just compassionate—it's essential for business performance. As Lauren powerfully states: "Wellbeing affects every single facet of the business." 00:00 Introduction to Wellbeing Conversations01:15 Lauren's Journey into Health and Wellbeing04:33 Evolution of Workplace Wellbeing11:04 The Importance of Data in Wellbeing Strategies15:47 Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety22:30 Empowering Employees through Wellbeing Advocates26:46 Understanding Burnout in the Age of AI32:19 Personal Wellbeing Strategies in a Digital World34:01 Hybrid Work: Tailoring Wellbeing Strategies41:02 Addressing Neurodiversity and Other Taboo Topics48:07 The Importance of Prioritising Wellbeing Visit us at https://www.iampausing.com/

    50 min
  8. Jan 7

    The Sleep-Stress Cycle: How to Stop Work Stealing Your Rest with Sleep Expert Dave Gibson

    In this conversation, Hannah Godfrey and sleep expert Dave Gibson explore the intricate relationship between sleep, stress, and overall wellbeing. They discuss the impact of modern life on sleep hygiene, the importance of corporate wellbeing initiatives, and the challenges faced by younger generations in the workplace. Dave shares actionable tips for improving sleep and managing stress, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to wellbeing that includes physical health, mental health, and effective time management. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in the workplace and its implications for employee wellbeing. Takeaways Sleep is crucial for mental health and wellbeing. Stress is often the root cause of poor sleep. Modern technology disrupts our natural sleep patterns. Creating a wind-down routine is essential for good sleep. Exercise can significantly reduce stress levels. Corporate wellbeing programs are evolving to include mental health support. Younger generations are facing unique challenges in the workplace. AI should enhance, not replace, human interaction. Holistic approaches to wellbeing are more effective. Sleep hygiene practices can improve overall health. 00:00 Introduction to Sleep and Wellbeing01:38 Dave's Journey into Sleep Expertise05:34 The Interplay of Sleep and Stress08:28 Modern Sleep Hygiene Practices15:43 Corporate Wellbeing Trends18:28 The Shift Back to Office Work21:53 HR's Role in Employee Wellbeing23:36 AI's Impact on Wellbeing28:20 Generational Differences in Resilience32:59 Introducing the Recharge Program40:27 Actionable Tips for Preventing Burnout Visit our website: https://iampausing.com

    40 min

About

Welcome to I Am Pausing - real conversations about the science of rest, the cost of burnout, and the truth about sustainable success. Host Hannah Godfrey sits down with leaders and experts at the forefront of performance and wellbeing to explore what it really takes to thrive at work without sacrificing yourself in the process. From HR directors and psychologists to breathwork facilitators and sleep scientists, each episode unpacks the practical wisdom behind pausing - not as an escape from work, but as the foundation for doing your best work. If you're ready to step off the hustle treadmill and discover how rest fuels performance, settle in with a cuppa and let's pause together.