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In this episode of Time to Press Pause, host Ellen Williams welcomes Leah Salinas, former founder of a thriving beauty business and now Director at The Alexander Group. Leah shares her journey from early entrepreneurial success—launching a hair and makeup company that expanded to 14 artists and high-profile events—to burnout and the realization that her career no longer aligned with her values or family life. As weekends filled with weddings and long hours began to separate her from her children and husband, she faced the difficult but necessary decision to step back and reassess her future.

Leah candidly recounts the two-year pause she took to explore new possibilities, acknowledging the uncertainty and discomfort of transitioning from business owner to job seeker. She reflects on the humbling experience of learning to operate in the corporate world after years of running her own business, eventually finding an entry-level sales role in tech thanks to a mentor who believed in her potential. That opportunity launched a second act in executive search, where Leah now helps others—both business owners and job seekers—identify transferable skills, navigate transitions, and build meaningful careers.

Throughout the conversation, Leah emphasizes the importance of listening to your inner signals, leaning into your network, and having the humility to start over when necessary. She also credits the support of her husband as a crucial factor in her decision to pause. Her advice for other leaders: when you start feeling the misalignment, don’t wait too long to act. Visualize your future self—what will you regret more, taking the leap or staying stuck? That perspective shift, she says, can make all the difference. Would you say you’ve ever ignored your own signs that it’s time to pause?

To learn more about Leah, please visit https://thealexandergroup.com/ or contact her at lsalinas at thealexandergroup dot com.

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

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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/