Time To Press Pause – Real-Life Stories from the C-Suite

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In this episode, Bridgette shares her impactful story of being unexpectedly fired in her 20s. Initially an assistant, she filled in for a VP during a medical leave, only to be fired upon the VP’s return. Devastated but resilient, she leveraged her skills and network to transition into a successful journalism and PR career. Over time, Bridgette evolved into an entrepreneur and investor, underscoring the importance of resilience and staying true to oneself. Her encounter with her former boss years later provided unexpected closure to that chapter of her life. 

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In this episode of “Time To Press Pause: A Podcast for CEOs by CEOs,” host Ellen Williams interviews DC Glenn, a multi-platinum selling hip hop artist and CEO of CLG Investments Inc. Known for his iconic song “Whoomp” (There It Is), DC shares his journey from music to mastering various skills such as SEO, public relations, and becoming a licensed commodities broker. The theme of the conversation centers on the necessity of pausing to reflect and learn continually.

DC discusses the constant need to “press pause” in daily life, emphasizing the importance of mindset in overcoming challenges and seizing control of one’s professional journey. He highlights his proactive approach to learning and adapting, which enabled him to transition from music to acting and voiceovers, and eventually into diverse business ventures. DC credits his success to his ability to stay relevant and self-sufficient, underscoring the significance of writing things down and systematically tackling tasks.

The podcast delves into how DC’s past experiences shaped his innovative approach to business and personal growth, turning challenges into opportunities for learning. He also discusses his engagement with multiple organizations to network directly with industry leaders, bypassing traditional gatekeepers.

Ellen and DC conclude the discussion by emphasizing the value of lifelong learning and the impact of sharing knowledge. DC’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge.

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In this episode of “Time To Press Pause,” Ellen Williams, CEO of The Salient Strategist, interviews Jaci Clement, the CEO and Executive Director of the Fair Media Council. Jaci, a highly influential media scholar and award-winning podcast host, discusses the vital role of news in society and the responsibility of media professionals and leaders in shaping narratives. During the pandemic, Jaci noticed that much news reporting left audiences feeling powerless and fearful. She emphasizes the importance of presenting news in a way that empowers people rather than sensationalizing it. 

Jaci explains that it’s not just the media’s role but also the responsibility of the interviewees—such as leaders and experts—to communicate in an empowering and informative manner. She advocates for a shift in how messages are delivered, focusing on clear, concise, and positive communication. This approach, she believes, can help audiences feel more hopeful and in control. 

Jaci also shares her journey of reevaluating her communication style, both personally and professionally, to ensure her messages are purposeful and impactful. She highlights the significance of social media in modern communication, urging leaders to use these platforms effectively to build their brand and connect with their audience. Ellen agrees, emphasizing the importance of aligning intentions with actions in communication. 

The discussion concludes with Jaci encouraging leaders to take a step back, evaluate their communication strategies, and ensure they are fostering a positive and empowering narrative. She underscores the evolving nature of social media and its potential to shape public perception and influence. The episode offers valuable insights into responsible and impactful communication in today’s media landscape. 

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In this episode of “Time To Press Pause: A Podcast for CEOs by CEOs,” host Ellen Williams interviews Carol Silva Moralez, President & CEO of Upskill NWA, who has also held leadership roles at Walmart and Serve2Perform. Carol shares her journey through tragedy and recapturing her joy before she embarked on her mission at Upskill NWA. She discussed the need to embrace all facets of life, that CEOs are more than CEOs, they are human, and it’s okay to not have all the answers all the time!

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In this episode of “Time To Press Pause: A Podcast for CEOs by CEOs,” host Ellen Williams interviews Alan Furlong, Founder of The Peaceful Entrepreneur, who is also a Founder and Senior Leader of three businesses (six, seven and eight-figure turnover) and burnout survivor. Alan’s story explores how easily burnout can happen, and the lessons his experience taught him. Now, his new approach to business is a bit unique and allows him to live a peaceful life.

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 In this episode of “Time to Press Pause,” Ellen Williams, CEO of The Salient Strategist, interviews Enrique Acosta Gonzalez, CEO of Triad Leadership Solutions, LLC. Enrique, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, shares his journey from military service to corporate leadership, emphasizing the importance of pausing to evaluate one’s career path. 

He discusses his transition from a corporate advisor role to a CEO and the value of periodic pauses to reassess goals, clients, and personal energy. Enrique also highlights the unique dynamics of CEO-to-CEO interactions and the importance of vulnerability and mentorship in leadership. He advocates for planned pauses to gain clarity and make strategic decisions, contrasting with unplanned pauses caused by life events. 

The conversation underscores the significance of preparing successors to ensure continuity and fostering a culture of mentorship within organizations. Enrique’s story offers valuable insights for CEOs on leadership, vulnerability, and strategic pauses. 

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In the podcast “Time To Press Pause,” hosted by Ellen Williams, CEO of The Salient Strategist, she interviews Bonnie-Lyn de Bartok, founder and CEO of The Social Factor Data Company. Bonnie-Lyn, an expert in social risk and performance measurement with 25 years of experience, shares her journey and the significant “pauses” she experienced in her business. 

She describes how relentless work led to physical and organizational breakdowns, forcing her to step back and reassess her approach. These pauses, though challenging, led to major pivots in her business, transitioning from a consultancy to a data technology company. Despite setbacks like the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting market sentiments, Bonnie-Lyn continuously adapted, leading to innovations and a shift towards establishing a hedge fund.

Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing the need for a pause, recalibrating, and innovating based on insights gained during these breaks. She advises CEOs to identify early warning signs of burnout and to create dashboards to maintain a clear view of their business goals. The conversation highlights resilience, adaptability, and the critical role of pausing to achieve long-term success.

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This episode features a conversation between Ellen Williams, CEO of The Salient Strategist, and Jeremy Goldman, former founder and CEO of Firebrand Group and current Senior Director of Marketing, Commerce, and Tech Briefings at eMarketer. Jeremy shares his experience running Firebrand Group, an award-winning digital marketing firm, and his eventual decision to “press pause” on his entrepreneurial career. He explains the challenges of scaling a business based on custom projects and how this realization led him to sell his company and move into a role where he could learn and grow within an established organization.

Jeremy discusses the difficulties of convincing others that he genuinely wanted to step back from leadership and learn from others, as many expected him to start something new immediately. He reflects on the importance of humility and continuous learning, even for CEOs, and how these traits can sometimes be misunderstood in the business world. Jeremy also highlights the significance of taking deliberate breaks or “pressing pause” to make thoughtful decisions about one’s career and business, rather than getting caught up in day-to-day operations.

Ellen and Jeremy also touch on the cultural differences in how humility and leadership are perceived in various markets and organizations. The conversation concludes with advice for CEOs on recognizing when it’s time to take a step back and focus on making strategic decisions.

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In this episode of “Time to Press Pause,” hosted by Ellen Williams, CEO of The Salient Strategist, Ellen speaks with Carol Will, owner of Coach Carol and Beacon of Light Center LLC. Carol shares her journey as a woman business owner and mother, emphasizing the importance of pausing and self-care, especially when life becomes overwhelming.

Carol discusses how 2024 has been a pivotal year for her, marked by her decision to take a significant pause from her business after a challenging 2023. She recounts how a series of personal and professional challenges, including her father’s fall, a new relationship, and the demands of running her business, led her to realize the necessity of taking a break. Carol describes how she reached a breaking point in January 2024, deciding to pause her work to focus on rest, personal growth, and realigning her priorities.

Throughout the conversation, Carol and Ellen explore the idea of intentional pauses, the challenges of work-life balance, and the importance of being in tune with one’s needs. Carol advocates for regular pauses—daily, weekly, and annually—to maintain well-being and prevent burnout. She concludes by encouraging CEOs to listen to their bodies and take time to rest and rejuvenate, ensuring they can return to their work as better versions of themselves.

To learn more about Carol, go to eps-time.com to learn more about me, go to thesalientstrategist.com. And be sure to join us again wherever you listen to your podcasts.