The Leader's Pause with Hal Runkel

Hosted by Hal Runkel

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Mar 2025

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About the show

The Leader’s Pause Take a break and learn how to respond more, react less, and get better at everything! We all complain that people push our buttons. But here’s a question: What makes our buttons so easily pushable? How did we give everyone such easy access to our remote control? Tune in with Hal Runkel as he asks questions like these to help leaders like you take back your time, your energy, and your decision-making power. All you have to do is learn to press your own pause button first. Then you can stop being emotionally reactive, and start being thoughtfully responsive. And that's how you increase your influence. So, take a break, take a breath, take a knee…and learn to access your greatest human superpower: the ability to pause, think, and decide for yourself. And then watch yourself get better at absolutely everything. Power, prosperity, and peace…all begin with a pause. The Leader's Pause. https://halrunkel.com/

Listen to episodes

23 recent

March 20, 202526 min

ENCORE: The Hidden Blessings of Getting Scammed | The Leader's Pause with Hal Runkel

All of us like to think of ourselves as wise, discerning, and unsusceptible of being scammed like so many other people. Especially if we consider ourselves a leader. But if all of us think that way, then who are keeping all the scammers in business? In this week's show, Hal confesses his own tale of getting scammed recently, and how it's actually helped him remember his own fallibility, laugh at his own foibles, and turn this tale into a fable of wisdom for all of us. Hal Runkel MShttps://halrunkel.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/hal-runkel Watch: https://youtu.be/ZnuB280q1pw

March 6, 202526 min

ENCORE: I Have Two Books For You!

In this episode of The Leader's Pause, Hal Runkle takes listeners on a journey through some of his most recommended books for leaders, creatives, and anyone striving for personal growth. Discover why The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is the ultimate read for battling creative resistance, and how Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss can transform your negotiation strategies—from boardroom deals to everyday conversations. Packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking perspectives, this episode will inspire you to face challenges head-on, persist through resistance, and think like a pro. Tune in, take a breath, and level up with Hal’s expert guidance. Contact Hal: https://halrunkel.com Watch: https://youtu.be/8l3tBO0SV6g

February 6, 202526 min

I Have Two Books For You

In this episode of The Leader's Pause, Hal Runkle takes listeners on a journey through some of his most recommended books for leaders, creatives, and anyone striving for personal growth. Discover why The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is the ultimate read for battling creative resistance, and how Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss can transform your negotiation strategies—from boardroom deals to everyday conversations. Packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking perspectives, this episode will inspire you to face challenges head-on, persist through resistance, and think like a pro. Tune in, take a breath, and level up with Hal’s expert guidance. Contact Hal:https://halrunkel.com/ Watch: https://youtu.be/eruHMzxN-8U

January 2, 202527 min

Reflecting on The New Orleans Tragedy

Hal discusses the New Orleans tragedy on New Year's Day. Hal Runkelhttps://www.halrunkel.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/hal-runkel

December 19, 202427 min

Encore: Every Human Problem Starts Here

In this bold episode, we look at the one problem that leads to every other problem...and then unveil the solution that fixes almost everything.

December 5, 202426 min

The Worst Relationship Advice Ever

Take a break, take a breath, and take control of your leadership journey with The Leader’s Pause. Hosted by bestselling author, speaker, and executive coach Hal Runkel. Hal shares actionable insights on relationships, decision-making, and navigating life's complexities—all by mastering the power of the pause. Join every first and third Thursday at 3 PM Pacific / 6 PM Eastern on Transformation Talk Radio to rediscover your greatest superpower: the ability to pause, think, and decide with purpose.

November 21, 202428 min

The Leader’s Superpower: Mastering the Pause and Balancing Life’s Tensions

In this episode of The Leader's Pause, host Hal Runkle explores the profound power of the pause in managing stress, chaos, and crisis. Learn how to identify and balance the inherent tensions in life, such as work versus play and growth versus profitability, by distinguishing between problems to solve and tensions to manage. Hal shares insightful strategies for achieving balance, the role of mindfulness, and the importance of embracing tension as a vital force in our lives. Tune in to discover how leaders can use balance and pause as tools to thrive both personally and professionally.

November 7, 202429 min

Lessons from the Election for Leaders

In this episode of Leaders Pause, host Hal Runkel dives into the recent U.S. election, exploring the powerful lessons it offers in leadership, messaging, and marketing. Hal discusses the importance of addressing people’s immediate, surface-level concerns—what he calls the "I get you" level—in order to resonate effectively with audiences, whether in politics, business, or personal relationships. By examining the strategies that worked (and didn’t) for political parties this election, Hal offers practical insights for leaders aiming to engage and connect with those they serve. From managing workplace dynamics to navigating personal emotions amid a divided climate, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with intention and empathy. Tune in to learn how understanding your audience’s feelings can drive meaningful engagement and success.

October 17, 202427 min

Flipping the Pyramid: The Power of Servant Leadership

In this episode of The Leader's Pause, Hal Runkel explores the revolutionary concept of servant leadership, where true leaders flip the traditional pyramid and support their teams from the foundation up. Discover how shifting your mindset from “leading above” to “serving below” can transform your organization, whether at work or at home. Hal shares real-world examples of companies that have embraced this leadership model and breaks down how it strengthens teams, empowers employees, and creates lasting success. Tune in to learn how to lead with purpose and help others thrive!

October 3, 202428 min

Unmasking Passive Aggression

In a world where open aggression dominates headlines, there’s a more insidious force at play—passive aggression. Join host Hal Runkel on "Unmasking Passive Aggression" as he explores the subtle yet damaging effects of this behavior in leadership, relationships, and everyday life. Hal dives deep into what passive aggression really looks like, why we do it, and how it harms both ourselves and others. Through personal stories, practical insights, and real-life examples, this podcast helps listeners recognize, understand, and eliminate passive aggression to become more authentic and empowered leaders.