The Leader’s Pause with Hal Runkel

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.

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.

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!

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.

In this episode of The Leader's Pause, host Hal Runkle dives deep into the pivotal life transitions we all face, using personal stories to explore the wisdom we pass on to the next generation. Drawing from his experience as an executive leadership coach and father, Hal reflects on the key lessons he's shared with his children as they launch into adulthood. From moving through different "wombs" in life to making intentional choices that shape our future, this episode offers timeless advice for navigating personal growth, decision-making, and leadership. Tune in to discover how to pursue what matters most, press pause in crucial moments, and lead a fulfilling life.

In this episode of The Leader's Pause, Hal Runkel explores a vital 21st-century leadership skill that was once a luxury but has now become a necessity—empathy. Hal breaks down the difference between sympathy and empathy, explaining why empathy is not about feeling for others but about understanding their experiences from a cognitive perspective. Discover how empathy, when used effectively, can transform your leadership, enhance your relationships, and elevate your ability to serve others. Tune in to learn how to access your greatest leadership superpower—the ability to pause, think, and decide.

In this episode of The Leader's Pause, host Hal Runkel dives into the critical role that movement and questions play in effective leadership. Whether you're leading yourself or others, learning to ask the right questions can create powerful momentum and help you get unstuck. Hal explores how movement is essential in life, both physically and mentally, and shares his personal experiences with overcoming physical challenges. He also discusses the importance of helping others move by asking thought-provoking questions that encourage self-reflection and initiative. 

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. 

Some of us thrive on it; most of us avoid it like the plague: Conflict. Especially with those closest to you, conflict can be the most uncomfortable part of any relationship. But what if you learned to handle it with ease? What if you could embrace the natural conflicts between people as part of the magic that makes connection, and collaboration toward a greater goal, possible? The first step would be to learn the 7 Deadly Sins of Conflict Management, the subject of this week's episode of The Leader's Pause. By learning the big mistakes to avoid, we can replace those with healthy practices that actually put conflict to work for you, rather than against. 

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.