The Strategic Pause

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.Keywordspodcast reflection, learning and development, episode review, host insights, future planning, authenticity, fun in workKey topicsReflection techniques and exercisesPodcast evolution and learningHost insights on authenticity and fun takeawaysReflection 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation00:04 Exploring Key Themes00:05 Season Reflection and Strategic Pauses03:06 What Stood Out in the Podcast Journey06:07 Emotional Takeaways from the Experience09:08 Learning and Development Insights12:06 Evolving Podcast Dynamics15:05 Looking Forward to Season Two19:14 Planning for Season Two21:53 Balancing Structure and Enjoyment24:48 Listener Engagement and Feedback26:48 Reflecting on Podcast Journey30:36 Embracing Imperfection and Growth🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish Connect with Katrina & JillThinkDev Katrina Kennedy TrainingLinkedin: Katrina | Jill #TheStrategicPause#ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopmentThe Strategic Pause releases new episodes the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays wherever you get podcasts.

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.Keywordsconsulting, organizational development, leadership training, organizational change, consulting relationshipsKey topicsWhen to partner with a consultant and whyBuilding trust and transparency in consulting relationshipsThe importance of upfront discovery and clear communicationBalancing internal and external resources for organizational changeThe role of ongoing relationships versus one-off projectsChapters00:00 Introduction to The Strategic Pause00:14 Setting the Tone for the Conversation00:25 Introduction to Consulting Partnerships03:22 Paths to Consulting: Personal Journeys06:38 Understanding the Consultant's Role09:38 When to Engage a Consultant12:15 Challenges in Consultant Engagement15:19 Building Effective Relationships18:30 The Importance of Transparency and Trust21:27 Consultant Insights and Observations24:38 Final Thoughts on Consulting Partnerships🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish Connect with Katrina & JillThinkDev Katrina Kennedy TrainingLinkedin: Katrina | Jill #TheStrategicPause#ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopmentThe Strategic Pause releases new episodes the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays wherever you get podcasts.

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. Keywordsleadership development, organizational growth, external expertise, reflection, leadership programs, team building, conflict resolution, organizational changeKey TakeawaysInvesting in leadership skills before crisesExternal expertise enhances internal programsThe role of self-awareness and reflectionOptimal program length and structureBuilding trust and managing conflictChapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership Development02:59 Investing in Leadership Skills06:40 The Role of External Expertise10:13 Ideal Leadership Program Structure16:29 Key Topics for Future Leaders22:13 The Importance of Reflection in Leadership26:56 Building Relationships Through Leadership Programs 🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish Connect with Katrina & JillThinkDev Katrina Kennedy TrainingLinkedin: Katrina | Jill #TheStrategicPause #ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopmentThe Strategic Pause releases new episodes the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays wherever you get podcasts.Episode ResourcesThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fableby Patrick Lencioni Patrick M. LencioniThe Strategic Pause ep 4: Back the Truck UpShout out: City of West Sacramento | Home

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.keywordsbook writing, publishing, author journey, editing process, book marketing, reflection activities, nonfiction books, writing tips, ATD Press, author adviceChapters00:00 The Journey to Authorship02:56 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome05:58 The Writing Process Begins09:00 Finding Focus and Direction11:54 Proposal and Publishing Process15:01 Meeting Deadlines and Writing Strategies17:59 Navigating Feedback and Revisions22:19 The Writing Process: Feedback and Enjoyment25:09 Editing: The Role of Multiple Editors28:32 Navigating Deadlines and Life Changes30:01 Copy Editing and Layout: Final Touches32:20 Marketing the Book: The Author's Role36:52 Advice for Aspiring Authors39:36 Book Launch: Learning That Lasts🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish Connect with Katrina & JillThinkDev Katrina Kennedy TrainingLinkedin: Katrina | Jill #TheStrategicPause#ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopmentThe Strategic Pause releases new episodes the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays wherever you get podcasts.Links from this episode:Learning That Lasts by Katrina KennedyUnlearning Silence by Elain Lin HerringThe Writer’s Process by Anne JanzerPaul Briley’s Podcast, Off The CommaATD Press

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.TakeawaysNetworking 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Live Episodes08:54 Networking Strategies and Challenges21:00 Reframing Networking as 'Connecting'28:08 Upcoming Conferences🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Kennedy & Jill Parish | Connect with Katrina & JillThinkDev Katrina Kennedy TrainingLinkedin: Katrina | Jill #TheStrategicPause #networking #conferences #engagement #ThinkDev #LearningAndDevelopmentThe Strategic Pause releases new episodes every other Tuesday wherever you get podcasts.

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.TakeawaysThis or That game encourages conversationPersonal preferences and experiences shape choices

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.TakeawaysReflection is an active processReflection and creativity are closely tiedReflection is critical to learning and productivity

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.TakeawaysCommunity is about shared values and purposeThe importance of contribution in building and sustaining a community

The conversation covers the preparation and impact of learning experiences, the PAFR strategy, the importance of strategic pauses, measuring impact, structuring learning experiences, creating outlines and guides, challenges in training, and the value of training. The conversation also touches on the need to elevate the training profession and concludes with a humorous sign-off.TakeawaysPreparation for learning experiences involves understanding the organizational objectives and strategic goals.The impact of training and learning experiences should be measurable and tied to specific outcomes.

The conversation delves into childhood reading experiences, the impact of fiction on empathy, and the diverse book preferences and reading habits of the speakers.TakeawaysImpactful childhood booksDifferent reading preferences

The conversation delves into the challenges of defining the learning and development profession, the day-to-day activities, the meaning of work, the profession's impact on society, and a reflective conclusion on the nature of work and its significance.TakeawaysThe struggle to define the learning and development professionThe importance of the 'why' in what we do

The first episode of The Strategic Pause podcast kicks off with Katrina and Jill sharing the story of how they met and became friends. They discuss the importance of the strategic pause, share their KPIs for the podcast, and explore the meaning of the strategic pause in various contexts. Additionally, they define their professions and introduce the cast of characters in their lives.TakeawaysImportance of Strategic PauseConnection and Friendship