Time To Press Pause - Real-Life Stories for Founders
Time to Press Pause is the leadership podcast for founders, executive leaders, and high-performing professionals who want to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.
Hosted by Ellen Williams, the creator of the Progress From Presence philosophy and founder of The Salient Strategist.
Through her podcast, workshops, and Creating Time book, she helps founders and executive leaders develop Leadership Presence, create strategic clarity, and build sustainable success.
Each episode features conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, and experts exploring Leadership Presence, strategic clarity, intentional leadership, creating time for what matters most, sustainable success, and the power of pressing pause in a constantly connected world.
Time To Press Pause - Real-Life Stories for Founders
Pausing Can Be Easier Said Than Done - Anniversary Episode with Kim Poulos Lieberz
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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