In the conclusion of our conversation, Jessica Tietjen and Nikki Thompson dive deeper into the how of building resilient, empowered teams. Building on the leadership mindset shifts discussed in Part 1, Nikki shares practical strategies for creating environments where trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility thrive.
We discuss:
•How leaders can create psychological safety that allows teams to take risks and grow.
•Practical tools for empowering team members to step up and own their expertise.
•Why delegation is not a loss of control—but a powerful leadership strategy.
•How resilience in leadership ripples out to positively impact the entire organization.
Whether you’re leading through change or striving to prevent burnout, this episode offers actionable steps you can take to strengthen your leadership and your team’s success.
About Nikki Thompson: Nikki Thompson is a passionate People Development leader with over a decade of experience designing transformative learning experiences that empower individuals and teams. Known for her strategic mindset and commitment to continuous growth, Nikki excels at identifying strengths, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation across organizations. She champions inclusive leadership; values open communication and is dedicated to creating environments where others can thrive. At the heart of her work is a belief in the power of human potential—and a mission to inspire hope, growth, and lasting impact.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-thompson/
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
In this first part of our conversation, host Jessica Tietjen welcomes Nikki Thompson, Director of Training and Development at Code Consultants, Inc., to share her powerful story of growth through adversity. Nikki opens up about the challenges that shaped her leadership journey and the moments that tested her capacity to lead with resilience.
We explore:
The life and career experiences that taught Nikki the value of resilience.
Why “resilience” is more than just bouncing back—it’s building strength for what’s ahead.
How leaders can shift from holding all the responsibility themselves to leveraging the strengths of others.
The mindset changes that create healthier, more sustainable leadership.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the personal side of resilience and the leadership habits that make it possible.
About Nikki Thompson: Nikki Thompson is a passionate People Development leader with over a decade of experience designing transformative learning experiences that empower individuals and teams. Known for her strategic mindset and commitment to continuous growth, Nikki excels at identifying strengths, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation across organizations. She champions inclusive leadership; values open communication and is dedicated to creating environments where others can thrive. At the heart of her work is a belief in the power of human potential—and a mission to inspire hope, growth, and lasting impact.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-thompson/
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Jessica and Kelly explore what it really means to lead through regulation, repair, and real connection. They dive into how nervous system states affect leadership communication, why emotional regulation is the key to productivity, and how leaders can repair trust after a rupture. Plus, Jessica shares personal stories and practical examples (including parenting!) that highlight how presence and partnership change everything.
What You’ll Learn in Part 2:
How emotional regulation impacts your conversations—and your credibility
What to do after a rupture or emotionally charged moment
Why partnering (not just coaching) might be the leadership skill of the future
The science behind nervous system states and why 2.5 minutes of breathing can change a meeting
How to bring your full-body wisdom into the workplace for real results
This episode is a must-listen for any leader ready to create more powerful, meaningful, and impactful conversations—at work and at home.
About Kelly Bosak: Kelly Bosak has beyond 20 years of experience and expertise in human resources to include learning and development, talent acquisition, total rewards, and performance management. She is currently the Chief People Officer at Lettermen’s Energy. During Kelly’s career, she was honored as a member of the 40 under 40 class by Ingram’s magazine, received a Best Practices award from the Association for Talent Development, and facilitated a press conference with Tom Watson and George Brett. Kelly is a Past President of the Society for Human Resource Management of Greater Kansas City chapter and serves on the leadership council of the Mid America ALS Association. Kelly holds a BS in Human Resources from Kansas State University and maintains the SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and CAALF™ (Certified Art of Active Listening Facilitator) credentials.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, Jessica sits down with Chief People Officer Kelly Bosak for a deep conversation about how leaders can shift from being task-driven bosses to transformational coaches. Together, they explore how active listening, emotional insight, and coaching-style questions can create truly human-centric leadership. Discover why burnout might really be boredom, how to develop embodied presence, and why listening for what’s not being said can change your leadership forever.
What You’ll Learn in Part 1:
The difference between intellect and insight—and why insight leads to lasting change
How to become the kind of leader who inspires and unlocks potential
What it means to listen with your whole body (head, heart, and gut)
The connection between emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and high performance
Why traditional “soft skills” are actually some of the hardest and most essential
Don’t miss Part 2, where we dive into how to regulate your nervous system, repair ruptures, and lead with emotional presence.
About Kelly Bosak: Kelly Bosak has beyond 20 years of experience and expertise in human resources to include learning and development, talent acquisition, total rewards, and performance management. She is currently the Chief People Officer at Lettermen’s Energy. During Kelly’s career she was honored as a member of the 40 under 40 class by Ingram’s magazine, received a Best Practices award from the Association for Talent Development, and facilitated a press conference with Tom Watson and George Brett. Kelly is a Past President of the Society for Human Resource Management of Greater Kansas City chapter and serves on the leadership council of the Mid America ALS Association. Kelly holds a BS in Human Resources from Kansas State University and maintains the SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and CAALF™ (Certified Art of Active Listening Facilitator) credentials.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Keri Smith returns to explore the deeper layers of building a feedback culture rooted in emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and human connection. Jessica and Keri dive into the neuroscience behind performance conversations, the role of leadership capacity, and how horizontal, partnership-based dialogues are reshaping their workplace. Learn what makes feedback coherent and transformative—and how investing in people truly leads to business success.
A must-listen for HR leaders, people managers, and anyone ready to elevate how we grow performance in the workplace.
About Keri Smith: As Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Keri leads the HHHunt Human Resources function. She has led the Learning and Development function for HHHunt for over 8 years and was the first Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) for our Apartment Living and Properties Construction teams in 2017. She has led the transformation to incorporate Insights Discovery into our everyday language, spearheaded and become a brand ambassador for HHHunt’s team member engagement process, created and implemented the new Cme and Contribution Assessment Tool and guided the HRBP team in their roles. This includes management and oversight of HHHunt University (an internal education platform), belonging and wellness, recognition, and team member relations. Keri joined HHHunt in 2015 after a 20-year career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. She began her career as a bank examiner but shifted to HR and learning and development after discovering her passion around teaching, coaching, and developing others. Keri is accredited in Insights Discovery, Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Emotional Intelligence. A graduate of Missouri State University and SHRM SCP certified, she now lives in St. Louis, Missouri after spending 25 years in Richmond, Virginia and remains a huge fan of her hometown St. Louis Cardinals.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen talks with Keri Smith, SVP of HR at HHHunt, about how her organization boldly moved away from traditional performance reviews and created a people-centered approach to feedback and development. Discover how they replaced annual evaluations with “CME” conversations and introduced a unique tool for aligning values with growth. Keri shares how their process prioritizes employee connection, removes the fear from feedback, and empowers leaders to truly support their teams.
This episode is packed with practical insights for HR leaders, managers, and organizations ready to revolutionize performance management.
About Keri Smith: As Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Keri leads the HHHunt Human Resources function. She has led the Learning and Development function for HHHunt for over 8 years and was the first Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) for our Apartment Living and Properties Construction teams in 2017. She has led the transformation to incorporate Insights Discovery into our everyday language, spearheaded and become a brand ambassador for HHHunt’s team member engagement process, created and implemented the new Cme and Contribution Assessment Tool and guided the HRBP team in their roles. This includes management and oversight of HHHunt University (an internal education platform), belonging and wellness, recognition, and team member relations. Keri joined HHHunt in 2015 after a 20-year career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. She began her career as a bank examiner but shifted to HR and learning and development after discovering her passion around teaching, coaching, and developing others. Keri is accredited in Insights Discovery, Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Emotional Intelligence. A graduate of Missouri State University and SHRM SCP certified, she now lives in St. Louis, Missouri after spending 25 years in Richmond, Virginia and remains a huge fan of her hometown St. Louis Cardinals.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
In Part 2 of this insightful conversation, Evolving to Exceptional host Jessica Tietjen and guest Sarah Jamison go even deeper—exploring how self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and emotional intelligence are essential tools for preventing conflict and fostering connection at work.
Sarah also shares her powerful personal story of resilience, overcoming a brain tumor and MS diagnosis, and how believing beyond possibility can unlock strength you never imagined.
Key Topics Covered:
How unprocessed emotions silently fuel workplace conflict
The role of nervous system states (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) in leadership and communication
Practical strategies for leaders to prevent conflict and respond with empathy
Why self-regulation is the foundation for supporting others
Sarah’s inspiring journey through adversity and her message from the Grit book: Believe Beyond Possibility
This episode is a reminder that cultivating emotional awareness and care—both within ourselves and our organizations—is not just about better workplaces; it’s about unlocking human potential, even in the face of life's biggest challenges.
Purchase Tenacity: Deconstructing G.R.I.T. Collection here: https://a.co/d/fflfTIs
About Sarah Jamison:
Sarah Jamison is a proud resident of the Lou and grew up in St. Louis city and county.
With more than 25 years of service in human resources management, Sarah brings broad-based experience and leadership in evolving environments. She has served in successive roles leading human resources strategy and supporting positive workplace culture in organizations of diverse sizes, and with multi-state and a global presence. Sarah has also held leadership roles in a local school district and a local university. Her current role is Vice President of Human Resources for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO).
For over a decade, Sarah has provided consultation services, including workforce readiness workshops and strategic guidance, and coaching to clientele including state government and non-profit organizations. Sarah obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas, Lawrence and a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from Webster University, in addition to a list of supplementary industry certifications.
(Sarah's quote – 'why I love HR')
"One of my core values is serving and caring for others. Human Resources speaks to my core and allows me to advocate and support in meaningful ways. I am invigorated by the opportunity to serve and help elevate a culture of care that helps others flourish and fulfill professional and personal goals. It's not about me; it's about us and how we invest in community to achieve the greater good" St. Louis Area Diaper Bank is another way to serve, give back and make a greater impact in our region and beyond.
Sarah is the mother of one daughter who owns a thriving Physical Therapy practice serving women's fertility and pelvic health. Sarah's daughter and son-in-love reside in Los Angeles, California.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
Description:
In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen welcomes Sarah Jamison, Vice President of Human Resources at a local St. Louis nonprofit and international bestselling author. Together, they explore the growing mental health challenges impacting workplaces and why cultivating a true culture of care is no longer optional—it's essential.
Sarah shares her insights from decades in HR across industries, highlighting how today's polarizing environment affects employee wellbeing, civility, and communication. They discuss why mental health must be approached holistically, how organizations can better support their people, and why personal awareness is key to showing up as an empathetic leader.
Key Topics Covered:
The hidden mental health challenges impacting communication and behavior
Moving beyond surface-level “work-life balance” to whole-life integration
Why a true culture of care improves both performance and wellbeing
Small, daily practices to prevent emotional overload
The dangers of ignoring subtle stressors—and how they build over time
If you're a leader, HR professional, or anyone passionate about building healthier workplaces, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where Sarah and Jessica dive into conflict prevention, nervous system awareness, and how leaders can cultivate emotional resilience—for themselves and their teams.
Purchase Tenacity: Deconstructing G.R.I.T. Collection here: https://a.co/d/fflfTIs
About Sarah Jamison:
Sarah Jamison is a proud resident of the Lou and grew up in St. Louis city and county.
With more than 25 years of service in human resources management, Sarah brings broad-based experience and leadership in evolving environments. She has served in successive roles leading human resources strategy and supporting positive workplace culture in organizations of diverse sizes, and with multi-state and a global presence. Sarah has also held leadership roles in a local school district and a local university. Her current role is Vice President of Human Resources for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO).
For over a decade, Sarah has provided consultation services, including workforce readiness workshops and strategic guidance, and coaching to clientele including state government and non-profit organizations. Sarah obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas, Lawrence and a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from Webster University, in addition to a list of supplementary industry certifications.
(Sarah's quote – 'why I love HR')
"One of my core values is serving and caring for others. Human Resources speaks to my core and allows me to advocate and support in meaningful ways. I am invigorated by the opportunity to serve and help elevate a culture of care that helps others flourish and fulfill professional and personal goals. It's not about me; it's about us and how we invest in community to achieve the greater good" St. Louis Area Diaper Bank is another way to serve, give back and make a greater impact in our region and beyond.
Sarah is the mother of one daughter who owns a thriving Physical Therapy practice serving women's fertility and pelvic health. Sarah's daughter and son-in-love reside in Los Angeles, California.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
Description: In this second part of a powerful two-part conversation, Jessica Tietjen sits down with Jeff Ilko, VP of People + Performance at Switch, go beyond the numbers to explore how compensation, culture, and flexibility are reshaping the modern workplace.
It’s no longer just about salaries and benefits—today's workforce is demanding meaningful work, autonomy, and alignment with personal values.
In this episode, we explore:
Why compensation is only part of the retention equation
How generational shifts are changing expectations around work and life
The impact of flexible work, gig roles, and outcome-based compensation models
The hidden costs of transactional workplace relationships
How culture, development, and well-being factor into what people truly value
The critical role of leadership in creating people-first environments
From rethinking time-based work to reimagining benefits through the lens of human needs, Jessica and Jeff unpack how organizations can adapt to meet employees where they are—and where they’re headed.
Whether you're an HR leader, business owner, or simply curious about how the world of work is evolving, this episode offers fresh perspectives for building workplaces people want to stay in.
Missed Part 1? Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rethinking-compensation-what-todays-workforce-really/id1601921759?i=1000714338029
Jeff's Bio: My name is Jeff Ilko and I’m the Vice President, People & Performance at Switch, a nationally recognized leader in experiential marketing and event production. I hold a dual MA in Human Resource Management and Human Resource Development and hold PHR and SHRM-CP certifications. I have over 26 years of experience in Human Resources, from small local companies to large, global organizations in multiple industries. I’ve had the opportunity to be a MQA Examiner for the Excellence in Missouri Foundation; design and teach Human Resource courses; and lead process improvement initiatives, influence change, and strategically support organizations for success. Some of my proudest accomplishments have been helping managers navigate the chaos that COVID brought to the workforce; implementing processes to take full advantage of the technology at our disposal; and navigating (what seems to be the ever changing) regulatory landscape around employment law.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
Description: In this first part of a powerful two-part conversation, Jessica Tietjen sits down with Jeff Ilko, VP of People + Performance at Switch, to explore the evolving landscape of compensation and benefits in today’s workplace.
They dive into the real-world challenges HR leaders face in staying competitive while honoring employee needs, including:
Why market studies matter—and how often to do them
How to align compensation strategy with business goals and talent retention
Common pitfalls of flat annual raises vs. performance-based increases
How to communicate total compensation more effectively to employees
Why meaningful data—not assumptions—is the foundation for fair pay
The limitations of traditional approaches and where technology can simplify processes
Jeff also shares how he's navigating a full market study in his current organization, the nuances of hard-to-benchmark roles, and the tools he's using to gather accurate compensation data.
Whether you're an HR leader, business owner, or people-first executive, this episode offers timely insights for designing smarter, more sustainable compensation practices.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where Jessica and Jeff explore how compensation connects with culture, generational shifts, and the future of work.
Jeff's Bio: My name is Jeff Ilko and I’m the Vice President, People & Performance at Switch, a nationally recognized leader in experiential marketing and event production. I hold a dual MA in Human Resource Management and Human Resource Development and hold PHR and SHRM-CP certifications. I have over 26 years of experience in Human Resources, from small local companies to large, global organizations in multiple industries. I’ve had the opportunity to be a MQA Examiner for the Excellence in Missouri Foundation; design and teach Human Resource courses; and lead process improvement initiatives, influence change, and strategically support organizations for success. Some of my proudest accomplishments have been helping managers navigate the chaos that COVID brought to the workforce; implementing processes to take full advantage of the technology at our disposal; and navigating (what seems to be the ever changing) regulatory landscape around employment law.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
In this inspiring episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Melissa Paulitsch, Human Resources Director at Kennelwood Pet Resorts, to explore the unexpected connections between pet care and people leadership.
Melissa shares her unique journey into the pet industry and how her passion for animals has shaped her approach to building a supportive, high-performing workplace culture.
Together, they dive into:
The power of relationship-based leadership
How clear communication and emotional safety improve team performance
Surprising lessons from pet training that apply to developing people
Strategies for long-term employee retention and satisfaction
The role of technology in enhancing both the employee and customer experience
Whether you're a pet lover, a people leader, or both, this episode offers practical takeaways to help you create more compassionate, connected, and effective workplaces.
Listen now to discover how honoring the human-animal bond can elevate your leadership and workplace culture.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
In this week’s episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen welcomes back Ryan McCrea for a deep dive into one of the most pressing workplace topics of 2025: revolutionizing performance management.
Referencing the latest findings from the Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends Report, Jessica and Ryan explore:
Why traditional annual performance reviews are failing today's workforce
Shifting toward continuous, human-centered feedback
The role of trust, psychological safety, and growth mindset in creating a thriving performance culture
Practical strategies to replace outdated review systems with real-time, meaningful conversations
Ryan shares his firsthand experience leading performance transformation initiatives—and offers a blueprint for leaders ready to move from evaluation to evolution.
Tune in to discover how shifting your approach to performance conversations can unlock greater engagement, development, and results across your organization.
Connect with Ryan McCrea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmccrea/
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Dr. Debbie Regnaud, Vice President of Human Resources at Unleashing Potential, to explore the real-world challenges of leading in the nonprofit sector during times of uncertainty.
Drawing from decades of HR experience, Dr. Regnaud shares:
How financial instability uniquely impacts nonprofit organizations
Why self-awareness is essential for resilient leadership
Practical mental health strategies for supporting teams and avoiding burnout
Tools for emotional regulation and stress management in high-pressure environments
Whether you lead a nonprofit, support a mission-driven team, or simply want to navigate uncertainty with more calm and clarity, this conversation offers tangible takeaways for staying grounded and engaged.
Tune in to discover how to lead with resilience, support your people, and build a thriving culture—even in the face of chaos.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
In this powerful continuation of our conversation, Evolving to Exceptional host Jessica Tietjen welcomes back Rhoda Banks—culture and inclusion executive and author of Daughter of an Assassin—to dive deeper into the intersection of trauma, leadership, and workplace dynamics.
Rhoda bravely shares how her past trauma showed up in her professional life—through fawn, flight, freeze, and fight responses—and how she’s learned to navigate these patterns with greater self-awareness. Together, we explore how embodied safety, cultural competence, and human-centric leadership can transform not only individual leaders but entire workplace cultures.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How trauma responses like fawning and freezing show up at work
The role of somatic awareness in creating true psychological safety
Why cultural and emotional competence are essential leadership skills
Rhoda’s reflections on her memoir Daughter of an Assassin
Final advice on rewriting limiting beliefs and embracing coaching
If you’ve ever struggled to reconcile your past with your present role as a leader—or want to build environments where people can truly thrive—this episode is for you.
Purchase Rhoda's brand new book, Daughter of an Assassin, here: https://a.co/d/fl5Jpg2
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
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Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
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In this powerful episode of the Evolving to Exceptional Podcast, host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Rhoda Banks—culture and inclusion executive, speaker, and author of the new memoir Daughter of an Assassin.
Rhoda shares her remarkable life story, growing up in St. Louis in a household shaped by trauma and contradiction. Through vulnerability and insight, she unpacks how her early experiences shaped her relationships, leadership, and deep commitment to healing work—both personal and professional.
This conversation dives into:
The complex duality of growing up in a household with both love and danger
The lasting impact of childhood attachment and trauma
Why leaders must understand the role of trauma in workplace dynamics
A behind-the-scenes look at Rhoda’s upcoming memoir and the healing it offers others
Join us next week for part two of this episode—don’t miss what’s next as Rhoda reveals more about how we can all break cycles, rewrite legacies, and lead with deeper awareness.
Purchase Rhoda's brand new book, Daughter of an Assassin, here: https://a.co/d/fl5Jpg2
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Feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or running on empty at work? You're not alone — and it's not just personal. It's systemic.
In this powerful episode of the Evolving to Exceptional Podcast, host Jessica Tietjen unpacks the concept of “capacity collapse”—a hidden epidemic quietly draining the energy, engagement, and effectiveness of today’s workforce.
We explore why so many people feel maxed out despite their best efforts and reveal how traditional systems are designed to extract performance instead of nurturing human capacity. It's time to flip the script.
You’ll learn:
What capacity collapse really is and how to spot it
Why burnout isn’t just about workload—it’s about systemic design
How a simple "jar" analogy explains the overload we all feel
What organizations must reimagine to support true performance and well-being
How leaders can begin restoring capacity with strategic system upgrades
Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or high-performer feeling the pressure, this episode will shift how you see workplace stress—and empower you to create healthier, high-capacity teams.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
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Description: In today's world of constant change and uncertainty, clarity isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. In this episode, we dive into why our brains crave clarity, how chaos and confusion impact our decision-making, and how overwhelm disrupts our head, heart, and gut intelligences.
You’ll learn how our brains fill in the gaps with biases and past experiences, leading to cognitive dissonance—and how to overcome it. I’ll walk you through practical strategies to create coherence, regulate your nervous system, and engage your full intelligence to navigate complexity with compassion, creativity, and courage.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to find your footing in a fast-changing world, this episode offers the tools to help you transform your experiences and lead with greater clarity.
What You'll Learn:
Why clarity is critical for brain function
How chaos and unpredictability impact leadership and decision-making
The role of cognitive dissonance, bias, and overwhelm
How to engage your head, heart, and gut intelligences
Practical steps for creating clarity and navigating complexity
How compassion, creativity, and courage can reshape your approach
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
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In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, we explore why it’s time to evolve from the outdated “right people in the right roles” mindset to a more agile and effective strategy: “right people, right goals.”
As roles become harder to define in today’s dynamic work environment, organizations must focus on individual strengths, personalized outcomes, and clearly defined goals to drive engagement, productivity, and success.
You’ll learn: Why traditional role-based structures are no longer effective
How to set customized, strengths-based goals that drive performance
What an ORG document is and how to use it to clarify responsibilities
Real-life examples of how tailored goals boost motivation and achievement
Actionable tips to increase clarity, alignment, and impact on your team
Whether you're an HR leader, manager, or team builder, this episode will help you reimagine how to maximize your team's potential through modern goal-setting strategies.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
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In this powerful and personal episode, Jessica unpacks the subconscious survival patterns that activate during times of stress, crisis, and emotional overwhelm. Rooted in our earliest life experiences, these patterns often run automatically—guiding how we respond, react, and cope without conscious awareness.
Through the lens of a recent family medical emergency, Jessica shares how these ingrained responses—like self-sacrifice, emotional suppression, and high-functioning numbness—can take over, even when we believe we’re in control.
This episode invites listeners to:
Recognize their own survival patterns
Understand the neuroscience behind them
Begin the journey of emotional healing and rewiring
Move from unconscious reaction to intentional response
What You’ll Learn:
Why our bodies react automatically during stress and trauma
How early childhood experiences shape lifelong coping patterns
The hidden cost of being "the strong one"
Practical steps to start healing, rewiring, and choosing a healthier response
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
Are you feeling overwhelmed by chaos and confusion? Wondering how to stay grounded and make wise, conscious decisions amidst it all?
In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, Jessica Tietjen delivers a powerful call to action for conscious leaders, growth-minded individuals, and anyone craving clarity and connection in today’s unpredictable world.
Jessica explores how chronic stress and survival instincts hijack our ability to think clearly, foster meaningful relationships, and act with purpose. She reveals how tapping into your **three neural intelligences—your head, heart, and gut—**can unlock your creativity, compassion, and courage even in the toughest times.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Why chaos and conflict trigger our unconscious survival patterns
How to recognize when you’re reacting vs. consciously responding
Practical strategies to regulate your nervous system and stay balanced
How to align your head, heart, and gut brains for wiser decision-making
Why supportive relationships are key to thriving through uncertainty
Jessica also shares a heartfelt analogy from a favorite children’s story, reminding us that even in the darkest times, we have the opportunity to grow, evolve, and emerge stronger than before.
Tune in to learn how to consciously navigate stress, set wise expectations, and embody your best self—even when the world feels unsteady.
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload