The Strategic Pause

Katrina Kennedy and Jill Parish
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MANAGEMENT

Welcome to The Strategic Pause- Mildly Unhinged Learning and Development pros Katrina Kennedy and Jill Parish press pause on the endless to-do list to have the conversations that actually matter. In aviation and healthcare, a strategic pause can save lives. In business? We skip right past it. But not here. We're taking that pause to dig into what it really means to be in L&D—the work we do, the work people think we do, and why half the organization assumes we're the ones "who do all those trainings everyone hates." Katrina brings 26+ years training tens of thousands of learners and a recent book on making learning stick. Jill brings her experience as CEO/Founder of ThinkDev an organizational development consulting firm. Together, we're exploring everything from building real community in a virtual world to why we're all so bad at PowerPoint to what we actually do on "no real pants" days. Expect thoughtful conversations that veer into delightful tangents. Expect us to talk about books, reflection, neurodiversity, imposter syndrome, and the ridiculous things people think we can fix in half a day. Expect laughter (it's literally in our KPIs). This is for the L&D professionals, the CLOs, the trainers, the facilitators—the people who know that real learning happens in connection, not compliance modules. If you've ever had to explain what you do three times and still got it wrong, this podcast is for you.

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    What Do Organizations Get Right With Leadership?

    In this episode, Jill Parish and Katrina Kennedy explore what organizations are doing right in leadership development, emphasizing the importance of external expertise, strategic investment, and reflection in cultivating effective leaders. Keywords leadership development, organizational growth, external expertise, reflection, leadership programs, team building, conflict resolution, organizational change Key Takeaways Investing in leadership skills before crisesExternal expertise enhances internal programsThe role of self-awareness and reflectionOptimal program length and structureBuilding trust and managing conflict Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Development 02:59 Investing in Leadership Skills 06:40 The Role of External Expertise 10:13 Ideal Leadership Program Structure 16:29 Key Topics for Future Leaders 22:13 The Importance of Reflection in Leadership 26:56 Building Relationships Through Leadership Programs 🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish Connect with Katrina & Jill ThinkDev  Katrina Kennedy Training Linkedin: Katrina | Jill  #TheStrategicPause #ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopment The Strategic Pause releases new episodes the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays wherever you get podcasts. Episode Resources The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fableby Patrick Lencioni Patrick M. Lencioni The Strategic Pause ep 4: Back the Truck UpShout out: City of West Sacramento | Home

    31 min

  2. APR 28

    What's It Like to Write A Book?

    Join Jill Parish and Katrina Kennedy as they explore the journey of writing a book, from childhood dreams to the realities of publishing. Discover practical insights on proposal writing, deadlines, editing, and marketing, along with inspiring stories of perseverance and passion. keywords book writing, publishing, author journey, editing process, book marketing, reflection activities, nonfiction books, writing tips, ATD Press, author advice Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Authorship 02:56 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 05:58 The Writing Process Begins 09:00 Finding Focus and Direction 11:54 Proposal and Publishing Process 15:01 Meeting Deadlines and Writing Strategies 17:59 Navigating Feedback and Revisions 22:19 The Writing Process: Feedback and Enjoyment 25:09 Editing: The Role of Multiple Editors 28:32 Navigating Deadlines and Life Changes 30:01 Copy Editing and Layout: Final Touches 32:20 Marketing the Book: The Author's Role 36:52 Advice for Aspiring Authors 39:36 Book Launch: Learning That Lasts 🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish Connect with Katrina & Jill ThinkDev  Katrina Kennedy Training Linkedin: Katrina | Jill  #TheStrategicPause#ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopment The Strategic Pause releases new episodes the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays wherever you get podcasts. Links from this episode: Learning That Lasts by Katrina KennedyUnlearning Silence by Elain Lin HerringThe Writer’s Process by Anne JanzerPaul Briley’s Podcast, Off The CommaATD Press

    42 min

  3. APR 14

    What's Your Approach To Conferences?

    In this episode, Jill Parish and Katrina Kennedy discuss the nuances of networking and attending conferences. They share personal experiences, strategies for engagement, and the importance of reflection after attending events. The conversation highlights innovative formats for conferences, the dynamics of networking, and how to create genuine connections with others. They also explore effective conversation starters and the need to redefine networking as a means of connection rather than a sales pitch. Takeaways Networking can be reframed as 'connecting' to emphasize genuine interactions and meaningful relationships.Conferences offer opportunities for deep connections and learning, but also present challenges such as cognitive exhaustion and the need for intentional engagement. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Live Episodes08:54 Networking Strategies and Challenges21:00 Reframing Networking as 'Connecting'28:08 Upcoming Conferences 🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish | Connect with Katrina & Jill ThinkDev Katrina Kennedy Training Linkedin: Katrina | Jill #TheStrategicPause #networking #conferences #engagement #ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopment The Strategic Pause releases new episodes every other Tuesday wherever you get podcasts.

    33 min

  4. MAR 31

    What’s Your Preference? The This or That Episode.

    The episode features a fun game of 'This or That' where Jill and Katrina share their preferences and experiences. The game covers a range of topics from pet preferences to travel choices and food favorites. Each preference is discussed in detail, providing insight into the personal tastes and choices of the speakers. Takeaways This or That game encourages conversationPersonal preferences and experiences shape choices

    36 min

  5. MAR 20

    What’s The Connection Between Reflection, Storytelling, and Community Building?

    The conversation delves into the importance of reflection as an active process that is closely tied to creativity, learning, and productivity. It explores reflection in the context of travel, storytelling, community, and organizations, highlighting its impact on personal and professional development. Takeaways Reflection is an active processReflection and creativity are closely tiedReflection is critical to learning and productivity

    34 min

  6. MAR 6

    What Are The Ways to Build Community?

    The conversation explores what it truly means to build community — examining how contribution shapes belonging, and where gathering ends and real community begins. It touches on the unique dynamics of workplace community, the link between strong teams and genuine connection, and how the nature of work itself can either nurture or erode the bonds between people. From learning and development to social media, the discussion considers the many spaces where community takes root, the barriers that make it hard to find, and the quiet power of the right connection at the right time. Takeaways Community is about shared values and purposeThe importance of contribution in building and sustaining a community

    32 min

  7. FEB 27

    What are Your Steps to Preparing Training: Back The Truck Up

    The conversation covers the preparation and impact of learning experiences, the PAFR strategy, the importance of strategic pauses, measuring impact, structuring learning experiences, creating outlines and guides, challenges in training, and the value of training. The conversation also touches on the need to elevate the training profession and concludes with a humorous sign-off. Takeaways Preparation for learning experiences involves understanding the organizational objectives and strategic goals.The impact of training and learning experiences should be measurable and tied to specific outcomes.

    37 min

  8. FEB 13

    What Are You Reading?

    The conversation delves into childhood reading experiences, the impact of fiction on empathy, and the diverse book preferences and reading habits of the speakers. Takeaways Impactful childhood booksDifferent reading preferences

    34 min

  9. FEB 12

    What is Learning and Development?

    The conversation delves into the challenges of defining the learning and development profession, the day-to-day activities, the meaning of work, the profession's impact on society, and a reflective conclusion on the nature of work and its significance. Takeaways The struggle to define the learning and development professionThe importance of the 'why' in what we do

    34 min

  10. FEB 12

    What is a Strategic Pause?

    The first episode of The Strategic Pause podcast kicks off with Katrina and Jill sharing the story of how they met and became friends. They discuss the importance of the strategic pause, share their KPIs for the podcast, and explore the meaning of the strategic pause in various contexts. Additionally, they define their professions and introduce the cast of characters in their lives. Takeaways Importance of Strategic PauseConnection and Friendship

    31 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Strategic Pause- Mildly Unhinged Learning and Development pros Katrina Kennedy and Jill Parish press pause on the endless to-do list to have the conversations that actually matter. In aviation and healthcare, a strategic pause can save lives. In business? We skip right past it. But not here. We're taking that pause to dig into what it really means to be in L&D—the work we do, the work people think we do, and why half the organization assumes we're the ones "who do all those trainings everyone hates." Katrina brings 26+ years training tens of thousands of learners and a recent book on making learning stick. Jill brings her experience as CEO/Founder of ThinkDev an organizational development consulting firm. Together, we're exploring everything from building real community in a virtual world to why we're all so bad at PowerPoint to what we actually do on "no real pants" days. Expect thoughtful conversations that veer into delightful tangents. Expect us to talk about books, reflection, neurodiversity, imposter syndrome, and the ridiculous things people think we can fix in half a day. Expect laughter (it's literally in our KPIs). This is for the L&D professionals, the CLOs, the trainers, the facilitators—the people who know that real learning happens in connection, not compliance modules. If you've ever had to explain what you do three times and still got it wrong, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Katrina Kennedy and Jill Parish
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Katrina Kennedy and Jill Parish
  • Show Website
    The Strategic Pause

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