The Pausecast

Rachael O'Meara || The Pausecast
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The Pausecast podcast helps high-achieving leaders move beyond overwhelm and self-doubt to reclaim their confidence in their next career steps using Emotional Intelligence, Neuroscience, Mindfulness, and more. Hosted by Rachael O’Meara, MBA, MA, is a PCC executive coach with over a decade at Google and co-founder of SIC Venture Studio. Her 3 books 'Pause', 'Pause the Journal', and her latest collaboration 'Leading with Self-Awareness' are key resources for career growth. Her work is featured in the NYT, WSJ, HBR, and TEDx.

  1. Ep. 235 When Success Isn’t Enough: A Career Wake-Up Call w Sandra Ma

    -1 ДН.

    Ep. 235 When Success Isn’t Enough: A Career Wake-Up Call w Sandra Ma

    In The Pausecast Ep. 235, Rachael O’Meara sits down with tech entrepreneur Sandra Ma for a refreshingly honest conversation about career reinvention, leaving big tech, leadership, and joy at work. Sandra shares her journey from starting out in finance, to MTV, to Google, to co-founding Jovial, a startup dedicated to helping teams build more human, joyful, and impactful workplace cultures. Together, Rachael and Sandra explore what happens when external success no longer feels like enough—and the inner nudges that signal it’s time for something more. This episode is for leaders who are doing “all the right things,” yet quietly wondering if there’s another way to work, lead, and live. You’ll hear candid reflections on investing in yourself, navigating uncertainty, breaking free from autopilot, and remembering that—sometimes—it’s really not that serious. A grounding, perspective-shifting conversation for anyone craving more meaning, joy, and agency in their career journey. Pause-worthy moments: It’s okay to still be figuring out who you’re becoming—even at the top of your game Wanting more impact doesn’t mean something is wrong—it means you’re evolving Joyful, human-centered workplaces are possible—and necessary The interview process is as much for you as it is for the employer Entrepreneurship can be the fastest personal growth accelerator there is Perspective is leadership: we often forget to zoom out Work matters—but your whole life matters more Standout sound bites: “I’m still figuring out what I want to be.” “We get so caught up in our own lives.” “It’s not that serious.” Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Sandra’s background 03:14 – From corporate success to startup curiosity 06:09 – Founding Jovial and reimagining workplace culture 08:45 – Navigating uncertainty, mistakes, and growth 11:35 – Investing in yourself through coaching and inner work 14:09 – What success looks like now 16:45 – Finding balance and perspective in a busy world 19:36 – Final reflections on joy, impact, and leadership

    25 мин.

  2. 17 ФЕВР.

    Ep. 238: From Self-Doubt to Strategic Clarity w Product Manager Chealsea Wierbonski

    The path from humble beginnings to tech leadership isn’t linear—and it’s rarely just about working harder. In this honest conversation, I sit down with Chelsea Wierbonski, a 20+ year seasoned product leader and coach in big tech, to unpack the inner work required to lead with clarity when the pace is relentless and the pressure is real. Chelsea opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, chronic self-doubt, and the invisible stories many high-achievers carry—especially in fast-moving tech environments. We talk about what happens when success looks good on the outside, but doesn’t feel aligned on the inside—and how to close that gap. You’ll hear how Chelsea shifted from scarcity and over-efforting into grounded self-trust, using practical tools like nervous system regulation, mindset work, breathwork, meditation, and understanding how the brain actually rewires patterns of fear and self-protection. This episode is for leaders who are ready to stop muscling through and start leading from a place of clarity, confidence, and internal safety—without waiting for burnout to force the change. If you’re quietly thinking about your next chapter, questioning your path, or feeling like your potential is capped by old patterns—this conversation offers a grounded, real-world way forward. Key Themes Why high performers still struggle with self-doubt The inner work behind sustainable confidence in tech leadership How scarcity mindset shows up at work (and how to shift it) Nervous system regulation protocols for high-pressure environments Rewiring subconscious beliefs to support your next career move Creating aligned change without burning out 🎧 Listen in to learn how to move from “I’m stuck” to “I trust myself to choose what’s next.” Connect with Chealsea on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chealsea/

    24 мин.
  3. Ep. 236 Advocate, Influence, and Lead in big tech with Liz Heaney

    10 ФЕВР.

    Ep. 236 Advocate, Influence, and Lead in big tech with Liz Heaney

    What if doing meaningful work isn’t enough—you also have to know how to advocate for it? In this episode of The Pausecast, I sit down with my former colleague Liz Heaney, a leader in big tech, for a powerful career conversation about impact, visibility, and resilience inside complex corporate systems. Liz shares what it’s really like to champion accessibility in big tech—the work she does and is so passionate about. Her work is deeply meaningful, emotionally driven, and is not always easy to move forward in fast-paced, results-oriented environments. We talk candidly about navigating politics without losing your values, learning when to push and when to align, and why career growth often depends as much on how you advocate as what you’re advocating for. This episode is for leaders who care deeply about their work, want to make a difference, and are learning how to balance passion with strategy—especially inside large organizations. In this Episode we discuss... Why accessibility (and mission-driven work) requires both heart and influence How to increase visibility for your work and your team The career cost of pushing too hard—and the growth that comes from recalibrating Why failure is often data, not defeat How being kinder to yourself can actually strengthen your leadership If you’ve ever felt torn between staying true to your values and playing the corporate game, this conversation will feel both grounding and validating—and offer a wiser way forward. You can find Liz on LinkedIn at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizheaney/ #Leadership #CareerGrowth #BigTech #ThePausecast #Accessibility #ExecutivePresence

    17 мин.
  4. 🎧 Ep. 237: Happy for No Reason: A Career + Leadership Convo Marci Shimoff

    3 ФЕВР.

    🎧 Ep. 237: Happy for No Reason: A Career + Leadership Convo Marci Shimoff

    What if you didn’t have to wait for your job to change… to feel better at work? 😌This week on The Pausecast VIP, I’m joined by the legendary Marci Shimoff—#1 NYT bestselling author of Happy for No Reason and a global thought leader in personal development. I met Marci a while back at a women's business conference where she spoke, and I fell madly in love with her (and her concepts lol). I couldn't wait to host her and help amplify her message knowing pausing plays a big part in cultivating and sustaining happiness. If you’re successful on paper but quietly tired, stretched, or wondering “Is this it?”—this career-meets-inner-work conversation is for you. Marci shares practical, science-backed ways to create happiness from the inside out—so your leadership gets lighter, clearer, and more fulfilling. ✨ In this episode, we explore: A simple 2x2x2 pause you can use before tough meetings 🧠 How to activate your body’s “feel-good” chemistry (hello, oxytocin 💛) Why heart rate variability (HRV) matters for performance + resilience The daily question that upgrades your well-being Marci’s “rooms of happiness” framework (think: building a house for your joy 🏠) What you can—and can’t—control when it comes to fulfillment at work This isn’t “be positive” advice.It’s grounded wisdom for leaders navigating growth, pressure, and what’s next—without burning out. 🔥 👉 Subscribe to The Pausecast so you don’t miss these leadership conversations.Ready to feel more fulfilled at work and navigate your next level of leadership? 👉 Book a call with me and let’s explore how to bring “happy for no reason” into your leadership—on your terms. #ThePausecast #TechLeadership #PersonalGrowth #FulfillmentAtWork #InnerWorkMeetsLeadership #PauseToLead

    38 мин.
  5. Ep. 234 Exploring New Horizons - Career Convo with Melody Olson

    27 ЯНВ.

    Ep. 234 Exploring New Horizons - Career Convo with Melody Olson

    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.

    18 мин.
  6. Ep. 233: Riding the Wave: Ada Lau on Confident Leadership, Constant Change

    20 ЯНВ.

    Ep. 233: Riding the Wave: Ada Lau on Confident Leadership, Constant Change

    In Ep. 233 of The Pausecast, I sit down with my former big tech colleague Ada Lau and we explore her journey from aspiring journalist to successful big tech leader. Ada shares how she built a career bridging technology and people, and the lessons she’s learned leading high-performing teams in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, and the challenges that she also overcame. We dive into the joys and challenges of tech leadership, including building team dynamics, fostering collaboration, and navigating AI and enterprise-scale change. Ada also shares candid insights on professional growth, work-life balance, and the power of pausing to reflect, make better decisions, and maintain resilience. Maybe you can relate if you're also riding the tech waves these days. Key Takeaways: Transitioning to tech allowed Ada to combine logic, problem-solving, and her love of people. Strong team dynamics and collaboration are essential for sustainable success. Embracing mistakes fuels learning, creativity, and resilience. Work-life balance is an ongoing challenge—but intentional pauses help. True success can be measured by happiness, not just achievements. Whether you’re leading in tech or navigating constant change, Ada’s story is a masterclass in adaptability, authentic leadership, and finding joy along the way. 🎧 Listen now and discover how to lead with confidence, clarity, and happiness.

    21 мин.

  7. 13 ЯНВ.

    🎧 Ep. 233: AI Read My Book PAUSE... Here's What Happened

    Yes, you read that right—AI read my book Pause and pulled out the gold. In this special episode, I share the AI Audio 17 minute synopsis by two completely digital voices as they have coffee chat about the book Pause: Harnessing the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break - from Google’s new NotebookLM. The results? Pretty surreal. Surprising. Spot-on. Pause-worthy! Whether you're an AI enthusiast or just need a real reason to stop spinning in overdrive, this episode gives you: 🧘 The timeless leadership lessons from Pause, now filtered through Google’s AI 🧠 Why pausing isn’t lazy—it’s neuroscience-backed clarity ⚡️ How this book still hits, 7 years later, in the middle of our always-on tech culture 🔄 Real-life reset tools you can apply today to lead, think, and feel better It was a lot of fun to upload the book and get this back in return in a matter of minutes - truly AMAZING and frankly, a lot of fun to listen to! If you love pausing, AI, leadership, and coffee talk about self-mastery—please check this out between the male and female vapors of Pause. :) 📘 Grab the book that started it all: Pause: Harness the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break → https://www.amazon.com/Pause-Harnessing-Life-Changing-Giving-Yourself/dp/0143129244 💡 Sometimes the smartest thing you can do… is pause...and not gush because something seems so cool - this was such a trip to listen to - what do you think?! #AIforleaders #pausebook #powerofpause #executivecoaching #resilientleadership #notebookLM #googleai #innerwork

    18 мин.
  8. Ep 232: Dr. Bob Wright on the 2026 Inner Work That Changes How You Lead This Year

    6 ЯНВ.

    Ep 232: Dr. Bob Wright on the 2026 Inner Work That Changes How You Lead This Year

    How emotional intelligence, unfinished business, and pausing unlock real confidence. As we kick off another new year, this episode is an invitation to slow down—and lead differently. Why listen now:Start 2026 with more self-trust, emotional clarity, and leadership ease—without working harder or pushing through. In this special re-release, I’m joined by my leadership mentor, Dr. Bob Wright, one of the most influential thinkers in human development and emotional intelligence. This conversation goes beneath strategy, performance, and productivity—and into the inner work that quietly shapes how you show up as a leader. If you’re a high-achieving leader who’s successful on paper but still feels tension, self-doubt, or emotional reactivity under pressure, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do about it. Together, we explore how emotional intelligence, pausing, and awareness of your “unfinished business” can radically shift how you lead, decide, and relate in the new year. In this episode, we cover: Why emotional intelligence is the foundation for sustainable leadership—not a soft skill What “unfinished business” really is, and how it quietly drives stress, overwork, and self-doubt The five primary emotions—why they matter, and how working with them creates more ease and pleasure How projections and transferences show up at work (especially in high-stakes environments) Why pausing is essential when emotions are high and decisions matter How leaders unconsciously decide whether they do or don’t matter An introduction to the Wright Transformational Developmental Model and the six levels of emotional and leadership development This episode is not about fixing yourself.It’s about understanding yourself—so you can lead with clarity, presence, and internal authority in 2026 and beyond. Dr. Bob Wright is a globally recognized leader in human development and emotional intelligence. He is the co-founder of LiveWright and former cofounder and Professor of Transformational Leadership at Wright Graduate University. Named by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the nation’s top executive coaches, Dr. Wright has spent decades helping leaders understand the emotional and developmental patterns that shape their lives and leadership. This Model of Human Growth and Development—considered one of the most comprehensive models of its kind—translates deep theory into practical, everyday leadership awareness, and continues to influence coaches, executives, and organizations worldwide.

    45 мин.
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The Pausecast podcast helps high-achieving leaders move beyond overwhelm and self-doubt to reclaim their confidence in their next career steps using Emotional Intelligence, Neuroscience, Mindfulness, and more. Hosted by Rachael O’Meara, MBA, MA, is a PCC executive coach with over a decade at Google and co-founder of SIC Venture Studio. Her 3 books 'Pause', 'Pause the Journal', and her latest collaboration 'Leading with Self-Awareness' are key resources for career growth. Her work is featured in the NYT, WSJ, HBR, and TEDx.

Информация

  • Автор
    Rachael O'Meara || The Pausecast
  • Годы выхода
    2018 - 2026
  • Выпуски
    232
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Авторские права
    © Rachael O'Meara || The Pausecast
  • Сайт подкаста
    The Pausecast