In this episode of Pilot 2 Co-Pilot, Antonio Neves and Jason Lindstrom discuss a real challenge that almost every leader faces but rarely ever solves: taking real time off. Hear how Jason recently took 100 hours of PTO for the first time in nine years, traveling across South Africa and Botswana, while Antonio reflects on months spent abroad with his family. The two of them unpack the tension that leaders feel between wanting to disconnect and the deep sense of responsibility that keeps them tethered to work, from checking emails across time zones to worrying about how their absence affects their teams.

Hear Jason openly reflect on the internal struggle of leaving behind oversight for 130 employees and how being truly disconnected (especially on international trips) can surprisingly evoke both anxiety and unexpected clarity. Antonio brings his perspective as someone with a nontraditional schedule, reflecting on the rare mental space that extended time off can create, allowing for creative thinking, big-picture reflection, and personal growth.

Their conversation also goes beyond epic adventures, highlighting that meaningful PTO doesn’t require crossing oceans, and they explore practical strategies to plan time off without overburdening colleagues or feeling guilty. Jason shares the steps that he took to prepare for his absence - coordinating coverage, setting boundaries, and thinking through contingencies - while Antonio touches upon some of the subtle ways that even a few days away can reset your nervous system, refresh your mindset, and deepen connections with loved ones.

Antonio and Jason also dig deep into culture: how leaders can create an environment where employees feel safe to take time off, why modeling PTO is crucial, and how celebrating or sharing personal time away strengthens the workplace. Beyond vacations, PTO becomes a tool for healing, perspective, and renewed energy, benefiting both individuals and organizations, so whether you’re an executive, manager or anyone juggling responsibilities and burnout, this episode of the show offers both inspiration and insights to reclaim your time, recharge fully, and come back to work with clarity, focus, and gratitude!

What You'll Take Away:

● How leaders often struggle to fully disconnect, even while encouraging their teams to take time off

● Why extended PTO creates space for reflection, big-picture thinking, and renewed perspective

● How planning ahead, setting clear boundaries, and preparing the team are important for taking meaningful time off

● Why it is that PTO isn’t just a vacation; it supports mental health, prevents burnout, and allows employees to return energized and focused

● An explanation of how even short breaks or small excursions can be powerful tools for resetting!

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