Permission to Pause

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A Note from Reyné:

While I usually write for a broad community of high-performing professionals—many of whom I deeply admire—this post is especially for the women in that circle.

If you’re a woman who’s been operating at full throttle—or if you know one—I hope this message finds its way to the right inbox.

And to the men reading: thank you for being here. Your support and awareness matter more than you know.

Some of us fly at full throttle.

We lead in high-stakes spaces, navigate turbulence without hesitation, and perform under pressure as if it’s second nature. Our logbooks might be literal—or they might be calendars filled with meetings, projects, family obligations, and back-to-back expectations.

Whether it’s a flight deck or a boardroom, a crew or a company, we’re the ones people rely on. And while the résumé might be impressive, the reserves? Often running low.

If that’s you… You’re not alone.

High-achieving professionals—especially women in leadership—aren’t just pushing boundaries. We’re carrying the weight of proving ourselves, staying sharp, staying visible, and holding it all together when no one else sees the strain.

We’re brilliant.

We’re capable.

We’re tired.

And yet, no one talks about what it truly takes to sustain high performance—not just resilience but strategy, restoration, and space to recalibrate.

That’s why I’ve been quietly building something.

Something bold.

Something for us.

This October, I’m hosting a private retreat designed specifically for women who lead. Not a conference. Not just another getaway. A pause—intentional and sacred—for high-performing women to reconnect with themselves, their well-being, and their next chapter.

It’s not about “fixing” anything.

You’re not broken.

You’re already enough.

This is about slowing down long enough to listen to your body, clear your mind, and engage in meaningful conversations that support your health, your leadership, and your longevity.

You’ll be surrounded by a small circle of women who lead at high levels—and guided by trusted experts in areas like:

Spots will be limited, and I anticipate they’ll go quickly once details are released.

This isn’t for everyone. It’s for women who are ready to take the next step in their well-being—intentionally, unapologetically, and with support.

If that’s you—even if it’s just a whisper—you’ll know.

P.S. If you’re reading this and thinking, “This isn’t for me,” you may be right.

But you might know someone this is for. A colleague. A friend. A woman who never stops moving, who always shows up, and who rarely makes space for herself. Forward this her way.

Leadership doesn’t always look like pushing harder—sometimes, it looks like helping someone else land safely for a while.

Person with shoulder-length hair holding a jacket over the shoulder, standing against a white brick wall.Capt. Reyné O’Shaughnessy has been in the aviation industry for 50 years, with 35 years flying heavy jets. She is sought out as an international speaker, author, and innovator.

She can be reached at reyne@piloting2wellbeing.com.

#WomenInLeadership #HighPerformingWomen #FemaleLeaders #LeadershipMatters #LeadWithPurpose #EmpoweredWomen #WomenWhoLead #IntentionalLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #LeadByExample #RetreatForWomen #PauseAndReflect #TimeToRecalibrate #InvestInYourself #ReconnectAndRestore

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