Shows
The Leadership BreakWhen You're Leading and You're Not the Boss - Part 1Episode 11 | When You're Leading and You're Not the Boss - Part 1 Many capable leaders find themselves leading without the title, authority, or support that usually comes with that role and they find themselves doing their boss's job. They're steadying teams, holding standards, and absorbing tension—often quietly. In this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula explores the most common mistake leaders make when they're leading without authority: staying silent in the name of professionalism while frustration leaks out in other ways. This episode is an invitation to examine silence, venting, and overfunctioning—and to r...
2026-02-1207 minThe Leadership BreakThe Radical Act of Doing Something That Goes Somewhere—SlowlyEpisode 10 | The Radical Act of Doing Something That Goes Somewhere—Slowly In this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula reflects on a simple but challenging practice: creating a temperature blanket, one row at a time, over the course of a year. What begins as a hobby becomes a lesson in patience, restraint, and sustained commitment. For leaders in the quiet middle, progress is rarely dramatic—but it is meaningful. This episode explores why slow, steady effort can feel uncomfortable, how leaders "bring the weather" for their teams, and what it looks like to model a huma...
2026-01-2207 minThe Leadership BreakMentorship Without a Pedestal - Guiding while Still BecomingEpisode 9 | Mentorship without a Pedestal – Guiding while still Becoming Mentorship is often portrayed as a polished exchange of wisdom — the expert guiding from a place of certainty. But real mentorship rarely looks like that. In this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula explores a more honest, human approach to mentoring: guiding others while you're still growing yourself. This conversation is for seasoned, trusted leaders who've been asked to mentor — and quietly wondered if they're really ready. You'll hear why mentorship isn't about having all the answers, but about walking alongside someone with curiosity, humili...
2026-01-0806 minThe Leadership BreakThe Power of Staying: Leading when work feels ordinaryEpisode 8 | The Power of Staying: Leading When the Work Feels Ordinary In a culture that constantly celebrates what's new, bold, and next, choosing to stay can feel uncomfortable — even irresponsible. Especially for leaders. We're often told that growth means movement, reinvention, or a big leap forward. But what if that's not always true? In this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula explores the quiet, often overlooked strength of staying. The seasons of leadership where the work feels ordinary, steady, or less visible — yet deeply meaningful. These are the moments when trust compounds, relationships deepen, and cult...
2025-12-2507 minThe Leadership BreakThe Moment You Outgrow a RoleThe Leadership Break Season 2, Episode 7 - The Moment You Outgrow a Role Episode Summary: How do you know when it's time to grow, shift, or step into a new chapter of leadership? In this episode, Paula explores the subtle signals that show up long before we consciously realize we've outgrown a role — the restlessness, the quiet fatigue, the sense that our work no longer stretches us in the ways it once did. You'll hear how to distinguish exhaustion from evolution, why "outgrowing" isn't failure but feedback, and what healthy discernment looks li...
2025-12-1108 minThe Leadership BreakTiny Shifts, Big Difference: Staying Steady in LeadershipThe Leadership Break Season 2, Episode 6 - Tiny Shifts, Big Difference: Staying Steady in Leadership Episode Summary: In the messy, everyday middle of leadership, the most powerful shifts are often the smallest ones. In this episode, Paula shares simple, real-life micro-practices and tiny resets that help you stay grounded, present, and focused while leading others. From a single deep breath to a doorway pause, these practices aren't performance tricks—they are a life line. They help you stay steady and present before the next meeting, the next decision, or the next hard co...
2025-11-2712 minThe Leadership BreakWhen the Inner Critic EvolvesThe Leadership Break Season 2, Episode 5 — When the Inner Critic Evolves Episode Summary: In this episode, Paula explores how self-talk changes as we grow in leadership. Rather than disappearing, the inner critic becomes quieter, more sophisticated, and often more believable. Paula shares why this matters, how to work with your inner voice, and a simple 4-step framework to shift self-talk from self-doubt to wisdom. Key themes The inner critic evolves with experience Self-talk often signals transition—not inadequacy Meaning + alignment become central questions A 4-ste...
2025-11-1310 minThe Leadership BreakThe Hidden Joys of LeadershipThe Leadership Break Season 2, Episode 4 – The Hidden Joys of Leadership Episode Summary: We've talked about the stretch and the invisible labor of leadership—but today, we're pausing to notice something else: the quiet joys that come with leading. In this episode, Paula highlights the overlooked moments that remind leaders why the work matters. From the small breakthroughs to the gratitude that lingers years later, we'll explore the fuel that sustains leaders through the middle years of their journey. You'll hear about: Why the most meaningful joys in leadership rare...
2025-10-2304 minThe Leadership BreakThe Cost of Carrying it All: Finding Energy in the MiddleThe Leadership Break Season 2, Episode 3 – The Cost of Carrying It All: Finding Energy in the Middle Episode Summary: In this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula Chapulis explores the unseen toll of leadership when you're no longer new, not yet done, and carrying more than anyone notices. We talk about the hidden cost of "carrying it all," and practical ways to sustain energy in the middle stretch of leadership. You'll hear: How leadership weight shows up in your body, emotions, and relationships Why pausing is the paradoxical solution leaders of...
2025-10-0907 minThe Leadership BreakWhat it's like to lead from the middle.The Leadership Break Season 2, Episode 2 – What It's Like to Lead from the Middle Episode Summary: In this episode, Paula explores the often-unseen stretch of leadership known as "the middle"—where you're not new, not done, and carrying more than most realize. Through anonymous stories from education leaders, managers, and nonprofit founders, she shines a light on the invisible labor leaders take on every day: emotional buffering, culture holding, and the weight of responsibility without recognition. If you've ever felt tired in a way that rest doesn't fix, this episode offers validation, language, and...
2025-09-2508 minThe Leadership BreakThe Myth of BalanceSeason 2, Episode 1 – The Myth of Balance Welcome back to The Leadership Break! Season 2 opens with a new theme: Quiet Leading Through the Middle. It's the stretch of leadership no one prepares you for, when you're not brand new, not done, and carrying more than most people see. In this episode, Paula unpacks one of the most common leadership struggles: balance. What if balance isn't the goal at all, but a myth that leaves us chasing the impossible? Instead, Paula offers a more grounded approach - clarity and choice - so you can honor your capacity and...
2025-09-1108 min
Community Focus07-22-2025 Community Focus- Blue Ox Business AcademyPaula Chapulis , Director of Blue Ox Business Academy with the Brainerd Chamber discusses the offerings of their Leadership Experience along with updates on Peer 360 and the Success SeriesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2025-07-2214 minThe Leadership BreakSeason 1 Wrap-Up: The Break Isn't a DetourWelcome to the Season 1 wrap-up of The Leadership Break. I'm Paula Chapulis, leadership and mental health coach, and in this episode, I'm reflecting on what this season has meant for me, and maybe for you too. We've explored: How to redefine success on your own terms What to do when imposter syndrome creeps in How to lead through burnout, grief, and doubt Why vulnerability isn't weakness, it's wisdom And how presence and compassion are leadership superpowers Key Takeaways: ✔ Rest is not weakness—it's leadership fuel...
2025-06-1208 minThe Leadership BreakBehind the Break: Something to Leave BehindEpisode 13: Behind the Break: Something to Leave Behind Summary: In this deeply personal Behind the Break episode, Paula reflects on the real reason behind The Leadership Break podcast—not just to share leadership insights, but to leave something meaningful behind. Something her daughters can return to. Something that captures the essence of what she believes about courage, leadership, and being a good human in a complicated world. She shares a recent moment with one of her daughters and how it reminded her that this work, this voice, this presence—it matters. Not just for toda...
2025-05-2206 minThe Leadership BreakHard Conversations & Money Wounds: What I'm Learning LatelyEpisode 12 - Hard Conversations & Money Wounds: What I'm Learning Lately Summary: In this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula shares what she's been reflecting on while reading The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher and Make Money Easy by Lewis Howes. From navigating tough conversations to healing money wounds, she offers personal stories and coaching insights that connect the dots between communication, self-worth, and leadership. What You'll Hear About: Why creating space for the next conversation matters more than winning the current one A personal story about revisiting a hard conversation...
2025-05-0807 minThe Leadership BreakDelivering Difficult Feedback with CompassionThe Leadership Break – Episode 11: Delivering Difficult Feedback with Compassion Host: Paula, Leadership and Mental Health Coach Episode Summary: Welcome back to The Leadership Break! In today's episode, we're diving into a challenge every leader faces but few feel equipped to handle: delivering difficult feedback. Paula shares real coaching insights and introduces a practical, human-centered approach to handling tough conversations with clarity, empathy, and courage. You'll walk away with a powerful model to guide your next feedback conversation—and maybe even shift how you think about feedback altogether. 💡 In This Episode...
2025-04-2411 minThe Leadership BreakBehind the Break: When You Want to Quit (But Don't)Episode Summary: Welcome back to The Leadership Break – the podcast for people who serve, support, and lead others… and sometimes just need a moment to breathe. In this special Behind the Break episode, Paula steps out from behind the mic to share a raw and honest moment from her own leadership journey. Ever found yourself whispering, "I can't do this anymore"? This episode is for you. Paula opens up about a recent season of emotional fatigue—not quite burnout, but something heavy—and the quiet yet powerful decisions she made to return to herself...
2025-04-1008 minThe Leadership BreakGrief and Growth - A Leader's Journey (Part 2)Podcast Show Notes: Grief and Growth: A Leader's Journey (Part 2) Episode Summary: Welcome back to The Leadership Break! In this episode, we continue exploring leadership through grief, focusing on how to support a team member navigating their own grief journey. We'll discuss how to foster both personal growth and team well-being, offering flexibility, connecting with resources, and maintaining the delicate balance between empathy and professionalism. Leaders who create a safe space and provide genuine support can transform challenges into opportunities for collective growth. Key Takeaways: We explore five essential areas for leaders to...
2025-03-2711 minThe Leadership BreakLeading through Grief - A Leader's Journey (Part 1)The Leadership Break Episode: Leading Through Grief – A Leader's Journey (Part 1) Host: Paula Chapulis, PCC - ICF Certified Leadership and Mental Health Coach Episode Overview: Navigating leadership while experiencing personal loss is one of the toughest challenges a leader can face. In today's episode of The Leadership Break, I share my personal experience of leading while grieving, as well as practical strategies to support yourself as a leader during times of loss. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In this episode, we focus on how you can manage your own grief while co...
2025-03-1314 minThe Leadership BreakThe Truth About Self Care for LeadersThe Leadership Break: The Truth About Self-Care for Leaders Episode Summary: Welcome back to The Leadership Break, the space where leaders come to unwind, refuel, and reinforce self-belief. In this episode, we're rethinking self-care—not as external luxuries like vacations or spa days, but as an inside job. Leaders, you carry the emotional weight of your teams, organizations, and missions, and true self-care starts with how you treat yourself internally. We'll explore: ✅ How your inner dialogue impacts your leadership. ✅ The role of self-compassion in building resilience. ✅ Practical strategies to manage self-criticism and refr...
2025-02-2709 minThe Leadership BreakAre you really listening?In this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula Chapulis dives into the art of active listening—a foundational yet often overlooked leadership skill. Discover how mastering active listening can transform your team's communication, foster trust, and boost performance. Paula shares personal insights, practical tips, and actionable strategies to help you enhance this critical skill in your leadership journey. Key Topics Covered: What is Active Listening? Active listening involves being fully present, engaged, and empathetic while tuning into both verbal and nonverbal communication. It's about listening to understand, not just to respond. Why Active Listening Matters in Le...
2025-02-1316 minThe Leadership BreakWhy Identity Shapes Great LeadershipIn this episode of The Leadership Break, Paula Chapulis, an ICF-certified leadership and mental health coach, dives into the critical topic of identity in leadership. Your identity as a leader influences your values, priorities, behaviors, and ultimately, the culture and impact you create. Paula explores five key areas where identity plays a pivotal role in leadership: authenticity, self-awareness, resilience, vision and influence, and inclusivity. Whether you hold a formal leadership title or not, adopting a leadership mindset can transform how you approach challenges, inspire others, and make decisions. Tune in to discover how understanding and embracing your...
2025-01-2312 minThe Leadership BreakBecoming Your Future Self: A Path to Leadership GrowthWelcome to The Leadership Break, the podcast where leaders can unwind, recharge, and reconnect with their purpose. I'm your host, Paula Chapulis, an ICF-certified leadership and mental health coach. In this episode, we explore the powerful practice of connecting with your future self—a concept that bridges the gap between your present actions and long-term aspirations. Whether you're starting a new year, entering a new season of life, or grappling with a tough decision, this episode invites you to envision your future self and consider what they might need or want you to know today. Through insights and...
2025-01-0916 minThe Leadership BreakThe Power of Pause: Why Leaders and Coaches Need ItEpisode Summary: In this episode of The Leadership Break, host Paula Chapulis, an ICF-certified leadership and mental health coach, dives into the concept of the pause and why it's a game-changer for leaders and coaches alike. Paula shares insights from her journey toward becoming a Master Certified Coach (MCC) and reflects on the importance of slowing down to foster deeper connections, encourage team growth, and enhance problem-solving. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How pausing enhances presence, listening, and intuition as a coach. The parallels between coaching and leadership when it comes to pausing before responding...
2024-12-2612 minThe Leadership BreakLeading through Doubt: Handling Imposter SyndromeWelcome back to The Leadership Break, the podcast where you can unwind, recharge, and believe in yourself again. I'm your host, Paula Chapulis, and in this episode, we're tackling a topic that resonates with so many leaders: Imposter Syndrome. Whether it's a subtle background noise in your mind or a full-blown self-doubt spiral, imposter syndrome can affect how you lead and live. Episode Highlights: What is Imposter Syndrome? Originally coined as the "Imposter Phenomenon" by Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, this term describes persistent self-doubt despite external success. Learn how it has evolved to include...
2024-12-1215 minThe Leadership BreakRedefining Success and the Power of Taking a BreakIn this inaugural episode of The Leadership Break, host Paula Chapulis, an ICF-certified coach, explores the importance of redefining success and taking intentional breaks. This podcast is a space for leaders who dedicate themselves to others but sometimes struggle with self-doubt, burnout, or the weight of responsibility. Paula shares her personal journey of healing from burnout and provides practical steps to help leaders reconnect with their purpose, set boundaries, and create their own definition of success. Takeaways: Success is not a static concept; it changes with time and priorities. Taking breaks and allowing space for reflection...
2024-11-2811 min
Secrets of the Self-MadeEpisode #7 Paula Chapulis, ACC, WPCC shares her secrets to successPaula Chapulis, a leadership coach, shares the importance of life long learning and application. Although she provides coaching services professionally, she found that delivering and recieving the concepts can be dramatically different when you are the student. If you want to learn more about the Leadership Coaching Services Paula provides, check her out at www.paulachapulis.com
2021-12-2420 minCommunity FocusCommunity Focus 7/27/21: Paula Chapulis, Director, Blue Ox Business Academy, Brainerd Lakes Chamber of CommerceOur guest today was Paula Chapulis, Director, Blue Ox Business Academy, Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2021-07-2714 min