31 July, 2025
Episode 290: Why Slowing Down Makes You A Stronger Leader
In this episode
🎙️ Episode Overview
In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I explore The Power of the Pause and why slowing down is one of the most underrated productivity tools for leaders.
I share a client story that highlights how stepping back can create space for clarity and momentum, and I open up about my own season of recovery where I’ve experienced first-hand the benefits of slowing all the way down as a business leader and mum.
I also reflect on a recent girls’ trip that became a surprising leadership lesson in the value of fun, environment shifts, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
Summary
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ A Pause is a Strategy, Not a Setback: Why intentional breaks can actually move you forward faster.
✅ Leadership Lessons From Stepping Away: How my girls’ trip highlighted the power of fun, environment, and connection.
✅ Clarity Comes in the Quiet: Why the best decisions often come when you stop forcing them.
Action Steps:
💡 Reflect and Identify: Analyse your leadership style and pinpoint areas for improvement.
💡 Assess and Align: Use self-awareness tools to structure your work and life effectively.
💡 Delegate and Maximize: Free up time by delegating draining activities.
Episode notes
Action Steps:
💡 Identify one area of your work or life where taking a pause could bring more clarity.
💡 Schedule a micro-pause (daily) or macro-pause (quarterly) to reset and refocus.
💡 Reflect on who you are surrounding yourself with and whether they energise or drain you.
Resources:
- Work with Janine
- Career Change Maker Website
- Join the Career Navigator weekly email series
- Follow Janine Esbrand on Instagram
- Connect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedIn
- Subscribe to Janine Esbrand’s YouTube Channel