E7: Inside the NFL: Dr. Gina Thoebes on Leadership, Coaching, and the Intentional Pause

What does it really take to become a great leader?

In this episode of The Intentional Pause, Dr. Chris Sopa sits down with Gina Thoebes, VP of Organizational Performance for the Arizona Cardinals, to explore leadership, coaching, self-awareness, and what it takes to build high-performing people and teams.

Gina shares her journey from retail leadership to I-O psychology and professional sports, along with her philosophy that great leaders understand themselves, understand others, and recognize what each moment requires of them. Chris and Gina also explore why meaningful leadership development requires more than learning new skills—it requires a willingness to get uncomfortable, challenge yourself, and put what you learn into practice.

Most importantly, they discuss the power of pausing long enough to ask: How do I want to show up in this moment?

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Pause with Purpose Moment

Thinking about what stood out for you from today’s conversation…

What is one way you can be a better leader at work and in your life?

• Is there a skill you need to develop?
• Do you need to be more patient, pause, and listen better?

Let me know about your journey!

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“Leadership isn’t measured by the scoreboard, it is measured by the people who are better because you lead them.”