In this heartfelt episode of Time to Press Pause, Ellen Williams speaks with Andrea Schiavone, a seasoned operations and finance executive, about how even the most intentional pauses can be derailed by life’s unpredictability. Andrea shares her journey from leading a high-growth marketing agency through its acquisition, to planning a deliberate break for self-reflection—only to have it interrupted by the sudden loss of a family member. Her story is one of resilience, as her planned pause to rest and recalibrate became a period of mourning and caregiving. Rather than the solitude she expected, Andrea found herself supporting others through grief, extending her pause and transforming it into something much deeper.
Andrea reflects on how this unexpected shift in her pause gave her new clarity about what she truly needs in her next chapter. Hiring a career coach allowed her to evaluate six different career paths, ultimately realizing that she needs stability and community—choosing not to build something on her own right now, but instead contribute to growing someone else’s vision. Along the way, she rediscovered her passion for coaching and mentoring, recognizing these as non-negotiables in her next role. She also speaks about the importance of staying open to chance—sharing how unexpected conversations and serendipitous moments have shaped opportunities for both herself and others.
The conversation closes with powerful insights on the fear that often accompanies pressing pause—fear of stagnation, of change, of the unknown. Andrea emphasizes that it’s in those moments of stepping back, no matter how difficult, that clarity often emerges. Her advice to leaders is to honor the instinct to pause, especially when fear or burnout surfaces, and to remember that life is too short to live on autopilot. Her story is a moving reminder that even interrupted pauses can become transformative when we remain open, intentional, and courageous.
Learn more about Andrea at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andschiavone/
Learn more about Ellen at https://thesalientstrategist.com/
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