S6 Episode 43: The Power of the Pause - Comedy, Coaching, and Being Real with Sharon von Stimson

In this episode of The Coaching Inn, Claire Pedrick speaks with Sharon Von Stimson, a stand-up comedian and coach, about how comedy and coaching intersect through being real, timing, and the power of the pause.   Sharon shares her unusual career journey, moving from a conventional 30-year career in corporate HR into stand-up comedy and then coaching. What began as a search for a more authentic life became a portfolio career that blends comedy, coaching, and a little bit of HR. Along the way, she reflects on midlife change and experiences that reshaped her understanding of who she is and how she wants to live.   The conversation explores how comedy and coaching both rely on noticing what is happening in the room. In comedy, that means reading audience reaction, building resonance, and knowing when to create a twist. In coaching, it means paying close attention to the thinker’s response, allowing silence, and creating space for a thought or insight to emerge.    Sharon’s message is clear: the pause matters, honesty matters, and sometimes everything has to break before we realize we were never broken.   Contact: Contact Sharon through Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonvonsimson/  Contact Claire by emailing [email protected]  or join our coaching community where you can talk with other listeners. Further Information: Subscribe or follow The Coaching Inn on your podcast platform or our YouTube Channel to hear or see new episodes as they drop. Find out more about 3D Coaching and get new ideas and offers in our weekly email. Keywords: coaching, comedy, authenticity, power of pause, timing, resonance, dissonance, audience feedback, active listening, silent pauses, midlife career change, HR transformation, stand-up comedy, coaching and comedy, communication skills, self-awareness, leadership presence, personal reinvention, professional development, emotional intelligence   We love having a variety of guests join us! Please remember that inviting someone to participate does not mean we necessarily endorse their views or opinions. We believe in open conversation and sharing different perspectives.