If slowing down feels impossible right now, you're not alone. In this powerful conversation, Kathy and Kimberley explore why taking a pause is essential for nonprofit women leaders, and why it's so hard to actually do. You'll walk away with validation, practical tools, and a fresh mindset to help you lead with more calm, clarity, and confidence.

Do you ever feel like you need to prove your worth by being the first one in and the last one out? Like, if you take a break, people will think you’re lazy or not doing enough? In this candid and heartfelt episode, Kathy and Kimberley dive deep into why women leaders in the nonprofit sector struggle to pause and how that very pause can be the key to sustainable, values-aligned leadership.

They share real-life stories (yes, car naps are totally a thing), offer brain science-backed insights, and break down what it really means to pause with intention. It’s not about doing less, it’s about showing up with more clarity, purpose, and confidence in leadership.

You’ll learn about the “Infinite Leadership Loop” and how it starts (and ends) with pausing. Whether it’s a 60-second breath between Zoom calls or a full-on nap in the boardroom, this episode reminds you that rest isn't a reward; it’s a responsibility.

If you’re craving more grounded leadership and less of the nonstop hustle, this conversation is your permission slip to slow down, reset, and lead differently.

• Why pausing feels so uncomfortable, especially for women in leadership
• How societal expectations and impostor syndrome keep us from resting
• The neuroscience behind why slowing down actually boosts leadership performance
• Practical ways to integrate pauses into your day (without guilt)
• How to model sustainable leadership for your team
• The 4 types of leadership breaks: body, soul, mind, and strategy
• Why rest is not laziness. It’s preparation for effective action

Kimberley MacKenzie said, “If you’re a leader and no one is following you, you’re just going for a walk.”

Kathy Archer shared, “You are not asking permission to take a break. Boundaries are not a question. They are a statement.”

Character Driven Leadership Book Club

Free Chapter of Character Driven Leadership

Join Kimberley’s Newsletter: The Compassionate Executive

The Infinite Leadership Loop & Assessment (from Kathy’s book)

Join The Training Library for ongoing support and tools

Buy the book Character Driven Leadership for Women

Follow Kathy on Instagram @kathydarcher

Three nonprofit leadership mistakes we made | With Kimberly MacKenzie

Nonprofit leaders often fall into leadership, feeling called to serve, but end up overwhelmed, burned out, and disconnected from who they truly are.

In this conversation, Kathy Archer and Kimberley MacKenzie share the three mistakes they made in leadership and what actually helped them lead sustainably while staying aligned with their values and strengths.

They discuss why leading like others doesn’t work, why working harder only leads to burnout, and how understanding your values can transform your leadership approach. If you feel drained by your leadership role, this episode will help you see a different way forward.

Connect with Kathy: https://kathyarcher.com

Connect with Kimberley: https://kimberleymackenzie.ca

Get Character Driven Leadership https://www.kathyarcher.com/character-driven-leadership-book.html

Strategies for Leading Change in Nonprofit Organizations

I wanted to share a conversation I had on the Nonprofit Digital Success Podcast with David from WOW Digital about managing change effectively while maintaining a balanced, values-driven leadership approach.

In this episode, we unpack why nonprofit leaders struggle with change, how to navigate the messy middle, and practical frameworks to lead with confidence without sacrificing your team’s buy-in or your own peace of mind.

If you enjoy this conversation, I encourage you to subscribe to the Nonprofit Digital Success Podcast hosted by David from WOW Digital.

• Leaders often lack the training and space needed to lead change effectively in nonprofits.
• Creating structured thinking time and leveraging change management frameworks helps overcome overwhelm.
• Asking for help is not a weakness; it is a leadership strength that enables sustainable, strategic change.

• WOW Digital
• Book: Transitions by William Bridges
• Two Quick Confidence Boosts Download