Embracing the Pause: My Journey to Mindful Leadership

For the full YouTube Video, Click here!

I want to share a personal journey that has transformed the way I approach leadership. In the hustle and bustle of managing responsibilities, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. But I've discovered that taking a moment to pause and reflect can be a game-changer.

Rediscovering Reflection

After interviewing countless C-suite leaders and experts, I realized I needed to return to solo episodes. This wasn't just a change in podcast format; it was a call to embrace the power of reflection. I found myself needing to step back and reassess my path, not just for my audience, but for myself.

Reflection has become a vital part of my leadership toolkit. It allows me to evaluate my strategies, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. Life is too short to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks without considering their impact on my team and organization.

Investing in Myself

One of the most important lessons I've learned is the necessity of investing in myself. Even at the top of my game, there's always room for growth. I dedicate a small percentage of my time to personal development, whether it's through reading, listening to podcasts, or simply taking a walk to clear my mind.

This investment isn't just about acquiring new skills; it's about maintaining my mental and emotional well-being. I've learned that I need to put my mask on first before helping others. By prioritizing self-care, I'm better equipped to serve my team and organization.

Focusing on Legacy

Legacy is a concept that resonates deeply with me. As leaders, we often get caught up in tactical work, losing sight of the bigger picture. But true leadership is about leaving a lasting impact. It's about being strategic, disciplined, and focused on long-term goals.

I've found that simple practices, like using a whiteboard for brainstorming, can provide clarity and direction. This tool has helped me organize my thoughts and reinforce the idea that sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest ones.

Taking Action

The hardest part of reflection is taking action. It's not enough to identify areas for improvement; I must be willing to make changes. I encourage myself and others to pause, reflect, and then take decisive steps toward our goals.

Embracing the pause has been a powerful journey for me. By investing in myself, focusing on legacy, and taking action, I've been able to navigate challenges with confidence and leave a lasting impact on my organization.

For those interested in exploring these concepts further, I offer a free chapter of my book, "The CEO's Compass," and curated podcast episodes on my website. I sincerely care about seeing you succeed, and I invite you to join me on this journey.

Visit dropinceo.com/gift for a free chapter of "The CEO's Compass" and a selection of insightful podcast episodes. Let's take the first step toward mindful leadership and personal growth together.

Known as The Drop In CEO™, Deb’s superpower is lowering the temperature and elevating conversations with empathy and patience. As a speaker, author, podcaster, and consultant, she teaches C-Suite leaders how to establish a “Lift, Light, Lead” environment and create calm amidst chaos or crisis. She is the author of “The CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track,” and, “The NEW CEO Playbook: Stop Chasing Results and Start Pursuing Peace of Mind.” Her long-running podcast, The Drop-In CEO, is in the top 1.5% globally among Apple podcasts.