Absolutely, a good pause can save the day, whether it’s on a set or in a meeting. I try to keep the rhythm—know when to push forward and when to give space—while still checking in with the people I’m leading. It’s about listening to the quiet signals, like a character’s unsaid feelings, and nudging them just enough so the story keeps moving but nobody feels lost. If I ever feel the line between protecting and controlling blur, I pause and ask, “What do they really need, not what I think they should get?” That keeps the crew—and the characters—moving forward together.

Yeah, timing’s everything, but I still have to make sure the crew feels heard, not just kept in line. If they sense I’m only controlling, I lose their trust. So I keep the pause, listen, and then move—only when it feels right for everyone.