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The Power of Pause: How a Sabbatical Reignited One Partner’s Perspective

April 17th, 2025

At The Bonadio Group (TBG), we believe that sustainable leadership begins with intentional balance. That’s why we introduced the Partner Sabbatical Program—an initiative designed to give our partners and C-suite leaders the chance to pause, reflect, and return with a renewed sense of purpose.

Offered every five years in addition to regular paid time off, the program grants 30 consecutive days away from work to travel, dive into personal projects, explore new learning opportunities, or spend uninterrupted time with family. In this second installment of our Partner Sabbatical Program blog series, we spoke with Janine Mangione, Partner and Healthcare Services Industry Leader here at TBG, about her recent sabbatical experience—and the impact it’s had on her personally and professionally.

Exploring Culture, Cuisine, & Clarity in Italy

Janine spent her sabbatical traveling through Italy, immersing herself in the country’s rich history, culture, and cuisine. She visited iconic cities like Rome and Sorrento, where she explored ancient landmarks and soaked in the local atmosphere, and also took time to unwind in the peaceful countryside of Tuscany.

“Visiting the Vatican City and seeing the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica was unforgettable,” she shared. “Walking through the Colosseum and the Forum in Rome made history feel so real. I marveled at the ancient architecture and imagined the historical events that took place there.”

A hands-on cooking class in Sorrento also stood out to Janine. “Learning to make traditional Italian dishes alongside locals and fellow travelers was such a meaningful connection. It wasn’t just about food—it was about culture, community, and slowing down to enjoy the moment.”

A Fresh Perspective at Home & Work

Time away from the day-to-day gave Janine more than just travel memories. “Personally, I returned with a deeper appreciation for different cultures and a renewed focus on living more mindfully,” she explained. “Professionally, I came back energized and more creative. The time off gave me space to reset, which made me more productive and better equipped to lead with clarity.”

She also noted that the slower pace and strong sense of balance she witnessed in Italian culture inspired her to bring some of that mindset home. “It reminded me that well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Since coming back, I’ve been more intentional about managing stress and prioritizing time for things that matter.”

Why This Program Matters

For Janine, the sabbatical program isn’t just a perk, it’s a reflection of TBG’s culture.

“This program shows that TBG values not only what we bring to the firm, but also who we are as people. It fosters a healthy environment where leaders are encouraged to grow, reflect, and evolve,” she said. “And that has a ripple effect. When leaders return refreshed, the entire team benefits from the energy, creativity, and perspective they bring back.”

Looking Ahead

Janine’s experience is just one example of how intentional time away can lead to meaningful growth. As more partners take advantage of this opportunity, we look forward to hearing their stories and sharing how moments of renewal can lead to stronger leadership and a more connected culture.

In case you missed it, check out the first installment of our Partner Sabbatical Program blog series here: Time to Unplug: How TBG’s Sabbatical Program Helps Leaders Recharge

If you’re interested in learning more about the experiences of our returning partners, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram where we will be posting their stories regularly. And if you’d like to see what a career at TBG could look like for you, check out our open positions page here!