Episode Details

In this episode of Lead Culture, Jenni Catron shares what she learned during an extended summer break and why stepping back can be essential for sustainable leadership. She reflects on the tension between doing and being, the challenge of slowing down, and how time away revealed deeper questions about purpose, significance, and identity.Jenni opens with a reminder that culture does not take care of itself and that leaders must lead with intention. She then shares how her sabbatical included time with friends and family, reading, rest, and intentional disconnection from social media, email, and Slack. Even though the break was restful, it also surfaced a struggle many overachievers face: feeling significant only when they are productive.A major takeaway from the episode is that nothing magical happened on sabbatical — and that was the point. Instead of chasing big ideas or a new vision, Jenni focused on stillness, presence, and making space for what matters most. She describes how this time helped her recognize the importance of creative space, mental rest, and the right-brain work of meaning-making and reflection.Jenni also connects her personal experience to a broader cultural insight, referencing Arthur Brooks’ research on how modern life often overvalues efficiency and problem-solving while undernourishing meaning, creativity, and human connection. She shares how this tension was made even more vivid in the wake of an EF3 tornado in her community, where people rallied together and reminded her that people are the point.

Key Takeaways

• Healthy leaders need rhythms that sustain them.
• Rest is productive when it creates space for meaning and clarity.
• Leaders often confuse being with doing.
• Creativity, stillness, and reflection are essential leadership practices.
• People should remain the priority, even in busy or crisis-filled seasons.

Questions Jenni Asks Leaders

• What can you do that disrupts your rhythms and lowers your heart rate?
• How can you disconnect your doing from your being?
• Are you making space for quiet, creativity, and presence?
• What rhythms do you need to lead in a healthy, sustainable way?

Resources Mentioned

• Invitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Haley Barton
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
• The Sabbatical Journey by Alan Briggs
• The Meaning of Life by Arthur Brooks
• Jenni’s book Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-given Influence

Closing Encouragement

Jenni ends by encouraging leaders to protect the rhythms that keep them healthy, purposeful, and present — not only for their own well-being, but for the health of their teams and cultures. To connect with Jenni, email jennicatron@get4sight.com.

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