333. The Strategic Value of Pressing Pause: How Breaks Build Influence & Leadership

She Said / She Said

SHOW NOTES
Title: The Strategic Value of Pressing Pause: How Breaks Build Influence & Leadership
Episode 333
Guest: Laura Cox Kaplan (solo episode)

THIS WEEK’S TOPIC:
Ever notice how your best ideas often come when you stop forcing them, maybe while folding laundry or taking a walk? In this week’s solo episode, Laura Cox Kaplan dives into the powerful, science-backed value of taking intentional breaks. With summer approaching, Laura announces a pause for the podcast and shares why stepping back is not only healthy but strategic for long-term growth, clarity, and influence, especially for ambitious, mid-career women navigating change, evolution, and life’s seasons.

Laura recaps a few of the year’s guest insights, from navigating the “ambition paradox” to unlocking money confidence, battling busy, and reflecting on the importance of quality over quantity, personal alignment, and modeling healthy boundaries. With wisdom from elite performers and positive psychology, this episode will inspire you to reframe rest and breaks as essential leadership tools. Plus, Laura shares a few books from her summer reading list, as well as some ways to stay connected during the show’s break.

KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• THE UNEXPECTED POWER OF BREAKS: Learn why pressing pause can lead to deeper creativity, better decision-making, and long-lasting influence. Laura shares scientific insights, including how even tiny breaks boost clarity and lower burnout, and why sleep (even if elusive!) is vital for mental pruning and leadership.
• QUALITY OVER QUANTITY: Discover how going deep matters more than doing more, and why the podcast is taking a summer break to create even stronger content for you.
• POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & PURPOSE: Laura delves into the world of positive psychology and explores how practicing what you preach, including integrating intention and mindset shifts, leads to more meaningful leadership.
• MODEL THE HABITS YOU WANT TO SEE: By pausing and setting boundaries publicly, you give permission for others — whether team members, colleagues, or family — to do the same. Intentional leadership can have a powerful ripple effect.
• RECENT GUEST HIGHLIGHTS: A look back at wisdom from recent guests, including:
  • Therapist Ann Welsh on the “Ambition Paradox”
  • Dina Powell McCormick on mentorship and her new book “Who Believed In You?”
  • Insights on overcoming the “broken rung” with Lareina Yee of McKinsey
  • Allison Wood Brooks on mastering the art of conversation
  • Reflections from our first male guests who share deeply personal, female-centered stories

• SUMMER READING LIST
  Laura’s top picks for reflection & growth:
  • Transitions by William Bridges and Susan Bridges
  • Peak by Anders Ericsson and Robert Poole
  • Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee

LET’S CONNECT!

• Instagram: @lauracoxkaplan
• LinkedIn: Laura Cox Kaplan
• Website & contact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.com
• Email: [email protected]

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