Épisodes

  • What Stands Out from Season One of The Strategic Pause?
    Jun 9 2026

    In this reflective episode, hosts Jill Parish and Katrina Kennedy look back on their first season of the podcast, sharing insights, lessons learned, and plans for future episodes. They explore the value of reflection, the evolution of their content, and the importance of authenticity and fun in their work.

    Keywords

    podcast reflection, learning and development, episode review, host insights, future planning, authenticity, fun in work

    Key topics

    Reflection techniques and exercises

    Podcast evolution and learning

    Host insights on authenticity and fun

    takeaways

    Reflection helps us move forward by looking back.

    Our conversations felt natural and easy, fostering authenticity.

    Listeners' feedback confirms our content's impact.

    Planning and structure will enhance future episodes.

    Humor and authenticity are key to engagement.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

    00:04 Exploring Key Themes

    00:05 Season Reflection and Strategic Pauses

    03:06 What Stood Out in the Podcast Journey

    06:07 Emotional Takeaways from the Experience

    09:08 Learning and Development Insights

    12:06 Evolving Podcast Dynamics

    15:05 Looking Forward to Season Two

    19:14 Planning for Season Two

    21:53 Balancing Structure and Enjoyment

    24:48 Listener Engagement and Feedback

    26:48 Reflecting on Podcast Journey

    30:36 Embracing Imperfection and Growth

    🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish

    Connect with Katrina & Jill

    ThinkDev

    Katrina Kennedy Training

    Linkedin: Katrina | Jill

    #TheStrategicPause#ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopment

    The Strategic Pause releases new episodes the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays wherever you get podcasts.

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    35 min
  • What Makes a Great Consulting Partnership?
    May 26 2026

    In this episode, Katrina Kennedy and Jill Parish explore the ins and outs of partnering with consultants, sharing their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and insights on how organizations can maximize these relationships for success.

    Keywords

    consulting, organizational development, leadership training, organizational change, consulting relationships

    Key topics

    When to partner with a consultant and why

    Building trust and transparency in consulting relationships

    The importance of upfront discovery and clear communication

    Balancing internal and external resources for organizational change

    The role of ongoing relationships versus one-off projects

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to The Strategic Pause

    00:14 Setting the Tone for the Conversation

    00:25 Introduction to Consulting Partnerships

    03:22 Paths to Consulting: Personal Journeys

    06:38 Understanding the Consultant's Role

    09:38 When to Engage a Consultant

    12:15 Challenges in Consultant Engagement

    15:19 Building Effective Relationships

    18:30 The Importance of Transparency and Trust

    21:27 Consultant Insights and Observations

    24:38 Final Thoughts on Consulting Partnerships

    🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish

    Connect with Katrina & Jill

    ThinkDev

    Katrina Kennedy Training

    Linkedin: Katrina | Jill

    #TheStrategicPause#ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopment

    The Strategic Pause releases new episodes the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays wherever you get podcasts.

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    32 min
  • What Do Organizations Get Right With Leadership?
    May 12 2026

    In this episode, Jill Parish and Katrina Kennedy explore what organizations are doing right in leadership development, emphasizing the importance of external expertise, strategic investment, and reflection in cultivating effective leaders.

    Keywords

    leadership development, organizational growth, external expertise, reflection, leadership programs, team building, conflict resolution, organizational change

    Key Takeaways

    • Investing in leadership skills before crises
    • External expertise enhances internal programs
    • The role of self-awareness and reflection
    • Optimal program length and structure
    • Building trust and managing conflict

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Leadership Development

    02:59 Investing in Leadership Skills

    06:40 The Role of External Expertise

    10:13 Ideal Leadership Program Structure

    16:29 Key Topics for Future Leaders

    22:13 The Importance of Reflection in Leadership

    26:56 Building Relationships Through Leadership Programs

    🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish

    Connect with Katrina & Jill

    ThinkDev

    Katrina Kennedy Training

    Linkedin: Katrina | Jill

    #TheStrategicPause #ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopment

    The Strategic Pause releases new episodes the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays wherever you get podcasts.

    Episode Resources

    • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

      by Patrick Lencioni Patrick M. Lencioni

    • The Strategic Pause ep 4: Back the Truck Up
    • Shout out: City of West Sacramento | Home
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    31 min
  • What's It Like to Write A Book?
    Apr 28 2026

    Join Jill Parish and Katrina Kennedy as they explore the journey of writing a book, from childhood dreams to the realities of publishing. Discover practical insights on proposal writing, deadlines, editing, and marketing, along with inspiring stories of perseverance and passion.

    keywords

    book writing, publishing, author journey, editing process, book marketing, reflection activities, nonfiction books, writing tips, ATD Press, author advice

    Chapters

    00:00 The Journey to Authorship

    02:56 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

    05:58 The Writing Process Begins

    09:00 Finding Focus and Direction

    11:54 Proposal and Publishing Process

    15:01 Meeting Deadlines and Writing Strategies

    17:59 Navigating Feedback and Revisions

    22:19 The Writing Process: Feedback and Enjoyment

    25:09 Editing: The Role of Multiple Editors

    28:32 Navigating Deadlines and Life Changes

    30:01 Copy Editing and Layout: Final Touches

    32:20 Marketing the Book: The Author's Role

    36:52 Advice for Aspiring Authors

    39:36 Book Launch: Learning That Lasts

    🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish

    Connect with Katrina & Jill

    ThinkDev

    Katrina Kennedy Training

    Linkedin: Katrina | Jill

    #TheStrategicPause#ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopment

    The Strategic Pause releases new episodes the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays wherever you get podcasts.

    Links from this episode:

    • Learning That Lasts by Katrina Kennedy
    • Unlearning Silence by Elain Lin Herring
    • The Writer’s Process by Anne Janzer
    • Paul Briley’s Podcast, Off The Comma
    • ATD Press
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    42 min
  • What's Your Approach To Conferences?
    Apr 14 2026

    In this episode, Jill Parish and Katrina Kennedy discuss the nuances of networking and attending conferences. They share personal experiences, strategies for engagement, and the importance of reflection after attending events. The conversation highlights innovative formats for conferences, the dynamics of networking, and how to create genuine connections with others. They also explore effective conversation starters and the need to redefine networking as a means of connection rather than a sales pitch.

    Takeaways

    • Networking can be reframed as 'connecting' to emphasize genuine interactions and meaningful relationships.
    • Conferences offer opportunities for deep connections and learning, but also present challenges such as cognitive exhaustion and the need for intentional engagement.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Live Episodes
    • 08:54 Networking Strategies and Challenges
    • 21:00 Reframing Networking as 'Connecting'
    • 28:08 Upcoming Conferences

    🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish |

    Connect with Katrina & Jill

    ThinkDev

    Katrina Kennedy Training

    Linkedin: Katrina | Jill

    #TheStrategicPause #networking #conferences #engagement #ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopment

    The Strategic Pause releases new episodes every other Tuesday wherever you get podcasts.

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    33 min
  • What’s Your Preference? The This or That Episode.
    Mar 31 2026

    The episode features a fun game of 'This or That' where Jill and Katrina share their preferences and experiences. The game covers a range of topics from pet preferences to travel choices and food favorites. Each preference is discussed in detail, providing insight into the personal tastes and choices of the speakers.

    Takeaways

    • This or That game encourages conversation
    • Personal preferences and experiences shape choices

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    36 min
  • What’s The Connection Between Reflection, Storytelling, and Community Building?
    Mar 20 2026

    The conversation delves into the importance of reflection as an active process that is closely tied to creativity, learning, and productivity. It explores reflection in the context of travel, storytelling, community, and organizations, highlighting its impact on personal and professional development.

    Takeaways

    • Reflection is an active process
    • Reflection and creativity are closely tied
    • Reflection is critical to learning and productivity

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    34 min
  • What Are The Ways to Build Community?
    Mar 6 2026

    The conversation explores what it truly means to build community — examining how contribution shapes belonging, and where gathering ends and real community begins. It touches on the unique dynamics of workplace community, the link between strong teams and genuine connection, and how the nature of work itself can either nurture or erode the bonds between people. From learning and development to social media, the discussion considers the many spaces where community takes root, the barriers that make it hard to find, and the quiet power of the right connection at the right time.

    Takeaways

    • Community is about shared values and purpose
    • The importance of contribution in building and sustaining a community

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    32 min