​In this episode, Kimberley McKenzie and Kathy Archer introduce the “Infinite Leadership Loop,” which is a reflective cycle of pausing, pondering, pivoting, and proceeding. They explore how embracing that loop transforms overwhelm into flow and helps nonprofit women leaders navigate change with confidence and grace.

Each time your team or role shifts, it’s not failure, it’s forward motion. Nonprofit women leaders often step into roles prematurely or without the skills, leading to burnout, imposter syndrome, and misalignment. Kathy and Kimberley remind us that leadership isn’t a fixed ladder; it’s a dynamic loop of real-time learning, self-awareness, and values-aligned action.

They share personal stories from stepping away from a promotion to managing growth in a fundraising-led organization, revealing how intentional self-reflection prevented character erosion and inner burnout. This loop isn’t just theory; it’s a practical daily practice of noticing body cues, tuning into your values, and slowing down enough to step forward with clarity and conviction.

1. Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Bleeps in roles signal growth opportunities, not setbacks.
2. Infinite Leadership Loop: Pause to sense body/stress cues, Ponder what’s beneath them, Pivot your perspective, then Proceed with aligned action.
3. Raise your character floor so you don’t pay the price of burnout. Even your worst days build resilience over time.
4. Post‑Traumatic Growth: let ick and missteps become opportunities to learn, not get stuck.
5. Leverage strengths and support: know your genius, lean in on others, and let your team shine.

​​In this warm and conversational episode, Kimberley and Kathy dig into how women nonprofit leaders often neglect defining their character, end up burned out, and feel stuck responding to crisis rather than leading with purpose. They show that character isn’t just aspirational values—it’s what others experience from you day to day.

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Through real stories—like the HR decision to gently notify someone ahead of a layoff—you’ll learn what happens when you pause, trust your intuition, and follow your moral compass. The conversation explores how leading from emotion, integrity, and authenticity isn’t a liability—it brings safety, trust, and a sense of flow to your team. You’ll walk away with practical ideas to define your moral “hills you’ll die on,” build alignment between your ethics and actions, and let your natural strengths shine in leadership, all while protecting yourself from burnout and embracing your identity fully.In this episode, Kimberley McKenzie and Kathy Archer explore how character—your daily behavior and ethics—trumps simply knowing your values. If you’ve ever felt misaligned in leadership, this is the encouragement you’ve been waiting for.

• Character is not just your values—it’s your reputation and daily conduct
• Defining your “aspirational ceiling” and “behavioral floor” builds trust
• Use the Leadership Pause to check if your actions align with your values
• Notice when something feels icky—it’s your body telling you you’re misaligned
• Embrace emotional intelligence—recognize and name feelings, don’t shut them off
• Modeling vulnerability invites psychological safety and stronger teamwork
• Personal and professional growth are one journey—authentic leadership comes from integrating them

If slowing down feels impossible right now, you're not alone. In this powerful conversation, Kathy and Kimberley explore why taking a pause is essential for nonprofit women leaders, and why it's so hard to actually do. You'll walk away with validation, practical tools, and a fresh mindset to help you lead with more calm, clarity, and confidence.

Do you ever feel like you need to prove your worth by being the first one in and the last one out? Like, if you take a break, people will think you’re lazy or not doing enough? In this candid and heartfelt episode, Kathy and Kimberley dive deep into why women leaders in the nonprofit sector struggle to pause and how that very pause can be the key to sustainable, values-aligned leadership.

They share real-life stories (yes, car naps are totally a thing), offer brain science-backed insights, and break down what it really means to pause with intention. It’s not about doing less, it’s about showing up with more clarity, purpose, and confidence in leadership.

You’ll learn about the “Infinite Leadership Loop” and how it starts (and ends) with pausing. Whether it’s a 60-second breath between Zoom calls or a full-on nap in the boardroom, this episode reminds you that rest isn't a reward; it’s a responsibility.

If you’re craving more grounded leadership and less of the nonstop hustle, this conversation is your permission slip to slow down, reset, and lead differently.

• Why pausing feels so uncomfortable, especially for women in leadership
• How societal expectations and impostor syndrome keep us from resting
• The neuroscience behind why slowing down actually boosts leadership performance
• Practical ways to integrate pauses into your day (without guilt)
• How to model sustainable leadership for your team
• The 4 types of leadership breaks: body, soul, mind, and strategy
• Why rest is not laziness. It’s preparation for effective action

Kimberley MacKenzie said, “If you’re a leader and no one is following you, you’re just going for a walk.”

Kathy Archer shared, “You are not asking permission to take a break. Boundaries are not a question. They are a statement.”

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