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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

When We Pause

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by Charles Achampong

5.0(12 reviews)

13 episodes

Updated Daily

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Podcast Overview

Welcome to When We Pause, hosted by Charles Achampong. Charles is a best-selling author, award-winning speaker, and leadership strategist who helps high-performing leaders respond with intention rather than react on autopilot. This show is an invitation to pause in a world that rewards speed. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with leaders and change-makers who’ve learned that clarity does not come from doing more, but from pausing with intention before the next decision. It’s about choosing clarity before action. It’s a different way of leading, living, and making decisions. This is When We Pause

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Publishing Since

2/23/2026

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Recent Episodes

April 29, 2026

13 | The Power of Pausing Explained

What if the clarity you’re seeking isn’t found by running faster, but by learning how to really pause?Join Charles Achampong, the gentle but direct voice behind "When We Pause," as he closes the season with intimate life lessons that invite leaders to break free from high-speed autopilot. Zero guesswork, just grounded insights on three quiet game-changers, reclaiming imagination, building “failure immunity,” and the underestimated superpower of mindful pausing.This solo episode rises out of lived experience, not theory, challenging us to rewrite tired scripts about speed, risk, and recovery so you can finally feel aligned again.Listen now because real transformation starts with one brave pause. Every minute you spend stuck in the old loop is a minute stolen from the leader and life you could have. This is wisdom you won’t hear anywhere else and the season finale you can’t afford to skip.<h3>Timestamped Highlights</h3>[00:00] – What if you didn’t need a passport—or a sabbatical—to experience a life-changing pause?[02:24] – The compliment that Charles Achampong wasn’t ready for and how it shifted everything[04:51] – The everyday superpower you’ve secretly lost (and how to reclaim it, courtesy of a child’s truth bomb)[08:42] – Kids imagine possibility, adults imagine consequences—why?[12:41] – The one question that can ignite everything you thought was impossible[15:06] – Why Gmail is secretly your best teacher about the micro-pause we all need[19:28] – When pausing is painful: facing failure, confronting “that loop” and how to escape it[26:40] – Borrow this mindset from a child to unlock your next bold move<h3>Resources Mentioned</h3><ul><li>Apple Podcasts (education category rankings)</li><li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2026/02/parenting-children-failure-immunity/685875/#:~:text=I've%20come%20to%20believe,future%20disappointments%20without%20falling%20apart." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“Failure Immunity” concept</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aroundtheworldinfamilydays/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Around the World Trip</a> (family sabbatical)</li></ul> <h3>Important Links</h3><ul><li>Connect with Charles: <a href="https://rebrand.ly/charlesachampong8591c7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://rebrand.ly/8cd385" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedI</a>n | <a href="https://rebrand.ly/0fcf39" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li><li>Press Pause. Take a Leap. Change Everything - <a href="https://rebrand.ly/9ff8fa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get a copy of Charles book</a>.</li><li>Ready to spark change? <a href="https://rebrand.ly/charlesachampong67380c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Charles</a> as keynote speaker for your event.</li></ul> When We Pause is an original production hosted by Charles Achampong. Production and editing by <a href="https://rebrand.ly/pybca2026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Podcast Your Brand</a>.

April 22, 2026

12 | Naki Osutei – How to Thrive and Energize Your Career

Have you ever wondered what happens when you finally hit pause... and life refuses to go back to “normal”?In this luminous, no-filter conversation, Charles Achampong welcomes transformational leader Naki Osutei for a rare behind-the-scenes exploration into powerful reinvention, the hidden cost of relentless achievement, and the deep lessons you only learn by letting go. They unpack surprising truths about burnout, the messy grace of transition, and why habits and the courage to pause shape your future far more than title or performance.If you’re craving clarity, longing for a more intentional life, or wrestling with losing your identity in the pursuit of ambition, pause with us. Don’t risk wasting months on autopilot. This episode brings both soulful stories and practical tools you simply won’t hear anywhere else. Tune in now and reclaim the wisdom in your own pause.<h3>Timestamped Highlights</h3><ul><li>[00:00] – When was the last time you let yourself start over on purpose?</li><li>[01:02] – The art of reinvention: surviving (and thriving) through all the pivots</li><li>[04:21] – The “accidental” leadership moment at sixteen that changed everything</li><li>[10:13] – The voice you need when Imposter Syndrome shouts the loudest</li><li>[18:01] – The lifequake year: cancer, pandemic, and burning the playbook</li><li>[23:01] – Burnout’s hidden warning signs and a prescription you can’t ignore</li><li>[27:23] – How “practice-based culture” unexpectedly transforms teams and lives</li><li>[35:10] – Letting go of status: why identity loss just might become your freedom</li><li>[44:28] – One question to ask when you feel restless or off-mission</li></ul> <h3>Resources Mentioned</h3><ul><li><a href="https://civicaction.ca/diversecity-fellows/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DiverseCity Fellows</a></li><li><a href="https://civicaction.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CivicAction</a></li><li><a href="https://www.td.com/us/en/personal-banking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TD Bank</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cibc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CIBC</a></li><li>Don Staley – <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Uncommon-Favor-Basketball-Lessons-Learned/dp/1668023369" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Uncommon Favor</a> (book)</li><li><a href="http://instagram.com/richardflorida/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Richard Florida</a></li><li>Julia Cameron – <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Artist's Way</a> (book)</li><li><a href="https://capacitycanada.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Capacity Canada</a></li></ul> <h3>About the Guest</h3>Naki Osutei is the Founder and Principal of PRESIQ, a trailblazing leadership and talent development consultancy redefining how organizations and individuals practice intentional change. Known for her cross-sector expertise, spanning non-profit, public, and private leadership and as a champion for burnout prevention and authentic work cultures, she brings 20+ years of wisdom to every client. Her journey from early community leader to banking executive, cancer survivor, and entrepreneur offers a grounded, human, and hope-filled model for anyone seeking real-life transformation.🔗 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/presiq/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="https://presiq.com/aboutus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/naki_o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a><h3>Important Links</h3><ul><li>Connect with Charles: <a href="https://rebrand.ly/charlesachampong8591c7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://rebrand.ly/8cd385" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedI</a>n | <a href="https://rebrand.ly/0fcf39" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li><li>Press Pause. Take a Leap. Change Everything - <a href="https://rebrand.ly/9ff8fa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get a copy of Charles book</a>.</li><li>Ready to spark change? <a href="https://rebrand.ly/charlesachampong67380c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Charles</a> as keynote speaker for your event.</li></ul> When We Pause is an original production hosted by Charles Achampong. Production and editing by <a href="https://rebrand.ly/pybca2026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Podcast Your Brand</a>.

April 15, 2026

11 | Monique Giroux – Surprising Joys, Powerful Pauses, and the Art of Slowing Down

Ever felt trapped by success, so busy you can’t breathe, but scared to slow down in case everything falls apart?In this rich and vulnerable episode, Charles Achampong welcomes transformation coach and meditation leader Monique Giroux for an eye-opening exploration of the sacred pause, life-changing retreats, and what slowing down really unlocks. Together, they reveal unconventional secrets for finding joy, overcoming high-functioning anxiety, and alchemizing ambition into true clarity. Monique shares exclusive lessons from her global travels, deep Buddhist practice, and radical career pivots, and why trusting yourself is both rare and revolutionary.If you’re craving less overwhelm and more meaning, you can’t afford to wait. This episode is your urgent invitation to step off autopilot now for exclusive, hard-won wisdom you won’t hear anywhere else. Hit play and reclaim time, self-trust, and joy.<h3>Timestamped Highlights</h3>[04:41] – How feeling lost and grieving led to unexpected healing and yoga[07:59] – The Bali retreat epiphany: pain, anxiety, and the first full breath[12:04] – “We spend our whole lives running—practice stopping.” The inside story[15:13] – Slow travel vs. speed tourism: revolutionary secrets for true presence[18:03] – Hungry ghosts, hidden drives, and the surprising roots of overachievement[24:04] – Navigating the ‘messy middle’—trusting change before you see the map[26:08] – The Happy List: a proven joy-hacking framework to reset your energy<h3>Resources Mentioned</h3><ul><li><a href="https://laurentian.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Laurentian Universit</a></li><li><a href="https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Plum Village Sangha</a> (Thich Nhat Hanh)</li><li><a href="https://www.rainbowroutes.com/trail-network" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rainbow Roots Trail System</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cibc.com/en/journeys/smart-arrival-for-newcomers.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CIBC</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Joy-Lasting-Happiness-Changing/dp/0399185046" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Book of Joy</a> – Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu</li><li><a href="https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/loving_kindness_meditation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Loving Kindness Meditation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/index" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vipassana Silent Retreat</a></li><li><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/yoga-nidra-how-it-works-and-how-to-practice-it-8603941" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Yoga Nidra,</a> Restorative Yoga, Reiki</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Intentionally-Inner-Journey-Spiritual/dp/1998754774" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lost Intentionally</a> by Monique Giroux</li><li><a href="https://plumvillage.org/podcasts/the-way-out-is-in" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Way Out Is In</a> (podcast)</li></ul> <h3>About the Guest</h3>Monique Giroux is a transformation coach, meditation leader, and university lecturer at Laurentian University, known for guiding high-achievers from anxiety to intentional living. With nearly 20 years of executive experience in financial services and deep roots in Buddhist meditation and forest therapy, Monique fuses practical wisdom with soulful leadership. Her work helps professionals realign life with purpose, heal through pause, and sustain joy in high-performance careers.🔗<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquefgiroux/?originalSubdomain=ca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> LinkedIn</a> | <a href="https://linktr.ee/flourishment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Linktree</a><h3>Important Links</h3><ul><li>Connect with Charles: <a href="https://rebrand.ly/charlesachampong8591c7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://rebrand.ly/8cd385" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedI</a>n | <a href="https://rebrand.ly/0fcf39" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li><li>Press Pause. Take a Leap. Change Everything - <a href="https://rebrand.ly/9ff8fa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get a copy of Charles book</a>.</li><li>Ready to spark change? <a href="https://rebrand.ly/charlesachampong67380c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Charles</a> as keynote speaker for your event.</li></ul> The Purpose-Driven Pause Mentor is an original production hosted by Charles Achampong. Production and editing by <a href="https://rebrand.ly/pybca2026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Podcast Your Brand</a>.

13 total episodes available

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Frequently asked questions

Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

What is When We Pause?: Welcome to When We Pause, hosted by Charles Achampong. Charles is a best-selling author, award-winning speaker, and leadership strategist who helps high-performing leaders respond with intention rather than react on autopilot.

This show is an invitation to pause in a world that rewards speed.

Each episode features thoughtful conversations with leaders and change-makers who’ve learned that clarity does not come from doing more, but from pausing with intention before the next decision.

It’s about choosing clarity before action.

It’s a different way of leading, living, and making decisions.

This is When We Pause
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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