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In this special one-year anniversary episode of Time to Press Pause, host Ellen Williams welcomes guest Kim Poulos Lieberz, founder and CEO of KGI Design Group, for an open conversation about the challenges and importance of creating space to pause in the midst of a busy life. Instead of following the typical format where guests share a specific “press pause” story, Ellen and Kim discuss different types of pauses — from unexpected micro-pauses like gaining an extra hour in the day, to the larger, more intentional pauses that require planning and commitment. Kim shares how creatives, business owners, and caregivers alike often struggle with guilt when stepping back, feeling the pressure to always be available for their clients, family, and community.

The conversation highlights how modern life’s constant connectivity, especially through cell phones and digital communication, makes pausing even more difficult. Kim shares her personal experiences, including caregiving for her late mother while running a business, and how the responsibilities of life seem to quickly fill any space left open. She reflects on the importance of intentionality in creating real pauses — consciously putting the phone down, resisting the pressure to respond immediately, and recognizing that taking time for oneself is not selfish but necessary for sustained energy, leadership clarity, and creativity.

As the episode concludes, Kim and Ellen agree that pausing is not about stopping everything but about stepping back to gain a clearer, broader perspective. Kim shares her aspiration to take a true pause soon — not just to rest, but to evaluate her life and business decisions more thoughtfully. She commits to returning to the podcast to share her future "pause story," emphasizing the idea that intentional breaks can lead to new energy, better decisions, and a more vibrant path forward. Their conversation reinforces the core message of the podcast: pausing is not a luxury but a vital practice for meaningful living and leadership.

To learn more about Kim, please visit kgidesigngroup.com

To learn more about Ellen, please visit thesalientstrategist.com

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In this episode of Time to Press Pause, host Ellen Williams speaks with Kevin Bartram, founder and principal of Bartram Partnerships, about the pivotal moments that reshaped his career and life. Kevin reflects on his early years growing up in a challenging home environment, entering the workforce at 13, and how he built a thriving career in corporate sponsorships and sustainability-focused marketing. A turning point came after the 9/11 attacks, when Kevin found himself far from home and questioning the deeper meaning of his work. That moment of reflection in a quiet Vermont town ultimately led him to step away from high-profile corporate deals to pursue work that was more aligned with his values.

Kevin shares how his decision to “press pause” wasn't immediate or easy—it required him to walk away from financial security and rebuild from the ground up. Yet by doing so, he found renewed purpose, shifting his focus toward partnerships that drive social and environmental impact. From launching campaigns with iconic brands like Impossible Foods to collaborating with sustainability-driven organizations, Kevin rebuilt his business to reflect both his personal convictions and professional strengths. His work evolved into something that not only supported his family but also contributed meaningfully to causes he cared deeply about.

As the conversation closes, Kevin offers valuable advice to other leaders: listen to your inner voice, create space for reflection, and don’t be afraid to talk to others who have made similar changes. He emphasizes the importance of trusting your intuition while balancing it with thoughtful planning. Kevin’s story is a reminder that taking a pause—whether brief or bold—can open doors to a more fulfilling, purpose-driven path, personally and professionally.

To learn more about Kevin, visit https://www.bartrampartnerships.com/

To learn more about Ellen, visit https://thesalientstrategist.com/

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In this heartfelt episode of Time to Press Pause, Ellen Williams speaks with Andrea Schiavone, a seasoned operations and finance executive, about how even the most intentional pauses can be derailed by life’s unpredictability. Andrea shares her journey from leading a high-growth marketing agency through its acquisition, to planning a deliberate break for self-reflection—only to have it interrupted by the sudden loss of a family member. Her story is one of resilience, as her planned pause to rest and recalibrate became a period of mourning and caregiving. Rather than the solitude she expected, Andrea found herself supporting others through grief, extending her pause and transforming it into something much deeper.

Andrea reflects on how this unexpected shift in her pause gave her new clarity about what she truly needs in her next chapter. Hiring a career coach allowed her to evaluate six different career paths, ultimately realizing that she needs stability and community—choosing not to build something on her own right now, but instead contribute to growing someone else’s vision. Along the way, she rediscovered her passion for coaching and mentoring, recognizing these as non-negotiables in her next role. She also speaks about the importance of staying open to chance—sharing how unexpected conversations and serendipitous moments have shaped opportunities for both herself and others.

The conversation closes with powerful insights on the fear that often accompanies pressing pause—fear of stagnation, of change, of the unknown. Andrea emphasizes that it’s in those moments of stepping back, no matter how difficult, that clarity often emerges. Her advice to leaders is to honor the instinct to pause, especially when fear or burnout surfaces, and to remember that life is too short to live on autopilot. Her story is a moving reminder that even interrupted pauses can become transformative when we remain open, intentional, and courageous.

Learn more about Andrea at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andschiavone/

Learn more about Ellen at https://thesalientstrategist.com/