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In this episode of Time to Press Pause, host Ellen Williams interviews Rob Levin, a long-time friend and business colleague, about the pivotal moments in his entrepreneurial journey that stemmed from deliberately taking time to pause and reflect.

Rob shares two main “press pause” stories:

1. New York Enterprise Report: Rob launched this media venture in 2003, featuring a magazine and business events for small business owners. Although it gained reputable national advertisers and high-profile features (including two stars from Shark Tank), it never became financially robust. After a decade of grinding, he finally paused to evaluate the magazine’s actual viability. This reflection led to his decision to sell the business—a move that, while not lucrative, allowed him to pivot and pursue more sustainable opportunities.
2. Work Better Now: In 2018, Rob co-founded a company providing remote executive assistants from Latin America to U.S. businesses. Initially focused solely on placing assistants, a client’s unexpected success with multiple hires prompted Rob to pause and rethink the broader possibilities. Realizing the talent’s varied skill sets, Work Better Now expanded from offering just EAs to filling 40+ different roles. This pivot required retooling the entire business model but proved far more impactful for clients and for the company’s growth.

Throughout the conversation, Rob emphasizes the importance of pausing—whether to determine when to exit a struggling venture or to glean deeper insights from client feedback. He credits meditation, intentional journaling, and delegating administrative tasks (by having his own assistant) as crucial ways to create mental and strategic space. Both Ellen and Rob underscore how reflective time helps entrepreneurs distinguish between customer suggestions worth pursuing and those best set aside. Ultimately, Rob’s experience illustrates that methodical pauses and openness to feedback can catalyze stronger, more resilient business models and leadership approaches.

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In this special Thanksgiving episode of "Time to Press Pause," host Ellen Williams reflects on the themes of gratitude, togetherness, and reflection amid a year marked by global conflicts and challenges. She emphasizes the importance of "pressing pause" to foster unity, understanding, and resilience within ourselves and our communities, starting at our own Thanksgiving tables.

Ellen revisits transformative conversations from Season 1 that are particularly relevant during the holiday season:

1. Stephen Foster (Episode 1): Founder of One Golden Nugget, Steven discusses the significance of slowing down and being present. He highlights that true leadership involves pausing to listen and embracing stillness to elevate oneself amid a fast-paced digital world.
2. Ben Renshaw (Episode 3): A leadership specialist and author, Ben emphasizes energy management across physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. He advocates for finding meaning in work and life, suggesting that pressing pause helps identify what is truly important and impactful.
3. Julie Thomas (Episode 26): President and CEO of ValueSelling Associates, Julie talks about the critical nature of time management and delegation. She encourages leaders to empower their teams, focus on strategic priorities, and avoid micromanagement to maximize effectiveness.
4. Paul Dupuis (Episode 13): CEO of Take 5 Global, Paul shares insights on leadership centered around making team members feel safe. He introduces the concept of the "enabling leader" who fosters an environment where everyone can be their best selves.
5. Bridgette Smith (Episode 10): Founder and CEO of Purpose Led Ventures, Bridgette speaks on resilience and perseverance. She shares her personal journey of overcoming professional setbacks by staying true to herself and not giving up.
6. Hilary Topper (Episode 5): CEO of HJMT Public Relations, Hilary discusses the importance of pursuing what brings joy. She recounts how embracing her passion for endurance sports led to personal happiness and a more balanced life, even if it meant scaling back her business.
7. Brynn Gibbs (Episode 24): CEO of Consumer Fusion, Brynn highlights the shift from self-comparison to self-appreciation. Inspired by the book "The Gap and The Gain" by Dan Sullivan, she emphasizes celebrating personal progress and being the architect of one's own life.
8. Charles Gaudet (Episode 9): CEO of Predictable Profits, Charles underscores the transformative power of gratitude, even in the face of profound loss. He shares how finding gratitude during his father's passing helped him develop a stronger mindset and personal growth.

Ellen announces that Season 2 of the podcast will expand its focus beyond CEOs to include diverse leaders from various sectors like education, healthcare, and community organizations. The upcoming season aims to explore broader themes such as emotional intelligence, leading through crises, and the importance of vulnerability.

As the episode concludes, Ellen encourages listeners to bring gratitude and presence to their Thanksgiving celebrations. She urges everyone to pause their worries and embrace the small moments of connection and appreciation with loved ones. Expressing her gratitude for the listeners and the journey so far, she looks forward to the next season and wishes everyone a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving.

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In the Season 1 finale of Time to Press Pause, Ellen Williams, CEO of The Salient Strategist, reflects on the journey of launching the podcast in April and emphasizes that pausing is crucial for everyone, not just CEOs or business leaders. Whether for personal or business reasons, taking time to pause can help people think things through and find new perspectives.

Ellen announces that the podcast itself will take a short pause before returning for Season 2, thanking all her guests and listeners for their support in this experimental journey.