Leadership, Wellness, and the Power of the Pause with Christopher Littrell

Retired law enforcement officer, Air Force veteran, and founder of Gravity Consulting and Training, Christopher Littrell joins host Cyndee Woolley to talk about the one skill most leaders overlook: knowing when to pause. Drawing on his experience as a SWAT operator and detective sergeant, Christopher shares how high-stakes situations taught him the importance of pausing before reacting. He explains the brain science behind decision-making — the prefrontal cortex versus the limbic system — and shares two guiding principles: "If you name it, you can tame it" and "Are you reacting or responding?" He also uses the question "Are you qualified?" to help leaders assess whether they are in the right headspace before making a critical decision or having a difficult conversation. The conversation covers his six-step decision-making model, workplace wellness, and why healthy brains lead to better decisions and stronger interpersonal relationships. Christopher shares openly about his own experience coming out of a PTSD recovery center in 2023 and how signing up for races helped him stay accountable to his fitness and recovery. His advice for leaders in 2026: approach it with a spirit of humility, stay open to feedback, and keep listening. Links and Resources Website: https://gravityct.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gravitychrisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.littrell.5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.littrell.5About the GuestChristopher “Chris” Littrell is the Founder of Gravity Consulting & Training, leadership strategist, endurance athlete, trauma-informed coach, and storyteller who helps leaders reclaim clarity, confidence, and purpose. He is also a retired law enforcement officer and Air Force Veteran.  He works with individuals and teams to navigate the messy middle of growth, trauma, and transition. His philosophy centers on helping people carry their challenges without letting those challenges define them—drawing on lived experience, deep introspection, and the resilience earned on long-distance trails. To learn more, visit:http://www.c2-com.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/