View From The Top With Jaime Taets

Hosted by Jaime Taets, Owner, President & Founder

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110

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Aug 2026

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About the show

You climbed the mountain. You hit the title, the corner office, the seven figures, the "I made it" moment you spent your whole career chasing. So why does it feel like something's still missing? View From the Top with Jaime Taets is the leadership podcast for high-achievers who got everything they wanted and are still asking, "Now what?" This isn't another success podcast selling you the highlight reel. It's the conversation nobody has once you've already won — the identity crisis after the promotion, the burnout underneath the LinkedIn post, the quiet dread of building a life you no longer recognize as your own. Hosted by leadership expert and executive coach Jaime Taets, View From the Top sits down with founders, CEOs, former pro athletes, agency owners, and high-performing leaders who reached the summit — and then had to figure out what actually comes next. Guests don't recite polished playbooks. They get real about the stumbles: careers lost to a housing crisis, identity shattered by a career-ending injury, burnout mistaken for ambition, trust broken and rebuilt from the inside out. Why leaders keep hitting play: 1. It names the thing you're not supposed to say out loud. Success isn't static, and the hardest work often starts after you've "made it." If you're a leader who feels stuck, unfulfilled, restless, or quietly resentful of a life that looks perfect from the outside, this show gives language to what you've been feeling alone. 2. It's tactical, not just inspirational. Every episode delivers frameworks you can use immediately — energy audits for sustainable leadership, how to separate your identity from your achievements, how to filter outside opinions without losing your vision, how to spot the difference between the fear you choose and the fear that chooses you. 3. The guests have actually been there. This isn't theory from consultants who've never led a team through crisis. Listeners have heard from a crisis-communications founder who rebuilt her career and her family through her son's cancer diagnosis, a Super Bowl champion who had to find purpose beyond the game that defined him, and CEOs who scaled companies while quietly unlearning scarcity, guilt, and the compulsion to have all the answers. 4. It reframes burnout as a leadership signal, not a personal failure. Instead of glorifying the grind, View From the Top treats exhaustion as data — a signal about how your leadership system, boundaries, and energy management actually work, and what needs to change. 5. It's built for the leader who's ready for their next chapter. Whether you're navigating a career pivot, recovering from a burnout season, questioning what success even means anymore, or trying to lead with more presence and less performance, this show offers a roadmap, not just a pep talk. Who should listen to View From the Top: Executives, founders, entrepreneurs, coaches, and high-performing professionals who've achieved external success but feel an internal gap. If you Google "why do I feel empty after success," "leadership burnout recovery," "how to redefine success as a leader," or "podcast for high achievers who feel stuck," this is the show built for exactly that search. What you'll actually learn: How to rebuild trust with yourself after burnout, betrayal, or loss of identity How to separate who you are from what you've achieved Practical energy management and boundary-setting for leaders under constant pressure How resilience is built before the crisis, not during it Why the leaders who seem to have it all together are often the ones asking the hardest questions in private www.jaimetaets.com

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August 18, 202610 min

Leadership Burnout: The Real Cause and What Leaders Get Wrong with Jaime Taets

Leadership burnout isn't always caused by working too many hours. Sometimes it comes from carrying responsibilities that were never yours to carry. What happens when you're a high-performing leader who loves the work, but you're exhausted in a way that a vacation won't fix? Jaime Taets gets honest about her own journey with burnout and what she's learned about the weight of responsibility. Jaime shares why burnout is one of the most overused words in leadership, and why it's often misunderstood. It's not about hating your job. It's about caring so much that you take on everything: every problem, every outcome, everyone's emotions. That sense of responsibility is what makes you successful, but it can also quietly become the thing that drains you. She explores the difference between rest and recovery, why letting go of control is harder than it sounds, and how a thousand small shifts can create more space than one dramatic change. She also challenges leaders to ask themselves one question: What are you carrying today that might not be yours to carry? If you've ever said "I'm busy" when asked how you are, or felt like you can't set anything down, this episode is for you. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 Welcome to View From The Top 01:30 Why burnout is overused and misunderstood 02:15 Working hard vs. carrying too much responsibility 03:45 The fatigue of believing nothing can be set down 05:30 Why success increases the weight you carry 06:45 Letting go of what used to be yours 08:00 Rest vs. recovery 09:15 What are you carrying that isn't yours to carry? Quotes from the Episode "Burnout isn't always caused by working too many hours. It comes from carrying too much responsibility for too long." "The better you perform, the more successful you are, the more responsibility you carry." "It's not one dramatic decision that fixes burnout. It's a thousand small ones." Leadership Insights What is leadership burnout? Leadership burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged responsibility, decision fatigue, and the pressure to hold everything together. Unlike general tiredness, burnout often affects leaders who love their work and care deeply, but have taken on more than they can sustainably carry. Why do leaders struggle to let go of responsibility? Leaders often tie their identity and value to their ability to solve problems and make decisions. Letting go can feel like losing usefulness. But holding onto tasks that others can do limits growth—for both the leader and their team. Learning to release responsibility is a sign of maturity, not weakness. Resources Learn more about Jaime Taets and Keystone Group International Explore Jaime's Women’s Executive Retreats Follow Jaime on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook If this episode shifted how you think about burnout, share it with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more real talk on leadership, resilience, and building something that matters. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets

August 7, 2026Episode 1139 min

From Problem Solver to Coach: Matt Ropchak on Redefining Leadership Success

Leadership development doesn't happen where you're comfortable. Matt Ropchak shares why the biggest breakthroughs begin the moment you stop keeping both feet in the familiar. Leadership development isn't about collecting promotions. It's about growing through uncertainty, embracing discomfort, and developing people instead of simply solving problems. Matt Ropchak shares the experiences that reshaped his leadership, from overcoming imposter syndrome to surviving a life-changing heart attack that redefined his perspective on success. Together, Matt and Jaime explore why leaders should embrace change, coach instead of always providing the answers, and build a legacy by developing others. Whether you're leading through uncertainty or redefining success, this episode offers practical leadership insights. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 Welcome and why growth starts outside your comfort zone 02:11 Meet Matt Ropchak 03:44 Don't keep both of your feet in the familiar 08: 57 From imposter syndrome to confident leadership 11: 13 Coaching instead of providing all the answers 15:13 Leadership, priorities, and making difficult decisions 22:50 The life-changing health event that shifted everything 30:11 Redefining success and building a lasting legacy 39:05 Leadership habits, mindset, and final reflections Guest Bio Matt Ropchak is an executive leader with nearly three decades of experience leading engineering, operations, and supply chain organizations. He helps organizations build high-performing teams through authentic leadership and resilience. Quotes from the Episode "Don't keep both of your feet in the familiar." "Coach more. Solve less." "Your legacy is measured by the leaders you help grow." Leadership Insights What is leadership development? Leadership development is the ongoing process of building the mindset, skills, and behaviors needed to lead people effectively. It includes self-awareness, coaching others, sound decision-making, and continuous growth through new challenges. Why is stepping outside your comfort zone important for leaders? Leaders grow by intentionally taking on unfamiliar challenges. Stepping beyond what's comfortable builds confidence, adaptability, and stronger decision-making while preparing leaders to navigate change. Resources Connect with Matt Ropchak on LinkedIn Learn more about Jaime Taets and Keystone Group International: https://jaimetaets.com Explore Jaime's Executive Retreats: https://jaimetaets.com/executive-retreats/ Follow Jaime on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook If this episode challenged the way you think about leadership development, share it with another leader who could benefit from these insights. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about leadership, executive growth, and building organizations where people and performance thrive. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets

August 3, 2026Episode 1036 min

There’s No One Right Way: Lindsay Holden on Building Odele and Leading with Intuition

You don't need to have everything figured out before taking the next step. Lindsay Holden shares why trusting your instincts, embracing progress over perfection, and believing in your vision can lead to extraordinary growth. Building a successful business isn't about having all the answers. It's about staying curious, making decisions with confidence, and continuing to move forward even when the path isn't clear. In this episode, Lindsay Holden, Co-Founder of Odele Beauty, shares her journey from leading merchandising at Target to building one of the fastest-growing hair care brands in mass retail. She and Jaime discuss trusting your intuition, navigating the shift from founder to leader, balancing growth with personal priorities, and why there is no single formula for success. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or preparing for your next big leap, this conversation offers practical leadership insights grounded in real experience. Timestamped Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Lindsay Holden 2:15 Leaving Corporate Life to Build Odele 8:42 Building a Brand with Purpose and Accessibility 15:10 Progress Over Perfection in Entrepreneurship 22:18 Transitioning from Founder to Leader 30:40 Protecting Creativity, Energy, and Relationships 33:40 Bonus Round Guest Bio Lindsay Holden is the Co-Founder of Odele Beauty, a fast-growing hair care brand redefining premium products at accessible prices. After spending eight years as a merchant at Target, she co-founded Odele in 2020, growing the company to more than 15,000 retail locations nationwide. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, authentic leadership, and building brands that combine purpose, performance, and accessibility. Quotes from the Episode "Progress over perfection." "There's no one right way to do anything." "Trust your intuition." Leadership Insights Why is trusting your intuition important in leadership? Strong leaders gather advice, but they don't ignore their own experience. Trusting your instincts allows you to make confident decisions while staying true to your values, especially during periods of growth and uncertainty. What does progress over perfection mean? Waiting for perfect conditions often slows growth. Leaders who embrace progress over perfection learn from mistakes, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward instead of becoming stuck by fear or unrealistic expectations. Resources Connect with Lindsay Holden on LinkedIn Learn more about Odele Beauty Learn more about Jaime Taets and Keystone Group International: https://jaimetaets.com Explore Jaime's Executive Retreats: https://jaimetaets.com/executive-retreats/ Follow Jaime on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook If this episode encouraged you to dream bigger and trust your own leadership journey, share it with someone who needs the reminder. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about leadership, growth, and building organizations where people and performance thrive. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets

August 3, 2026Episode 935 min

What Got You Here Won't Get You There with Andrea Sullivan

Personal growth can require letting go of the identity that made you successful. Andrea Sullivan shares why your next chapter may begin when you give yourself permission to dream again. Andrea Sullivan, CEO and Co-founder of vYve and former Chief Marketing Officer of VaynerX and Interbrand, joins Jaime Taets for a candid conversation about personal growth, identity, success, and the courage to become someone new. Andrea shares her journey from the Midwest to New York City, through nearly two decades in corporate leadership and into entrepreneurship. Along the way, she discovered that titles, achievements, and external validation can become so closely tied to our identity that they eventually keep us from seeing what could come next. Together, Andrea and Jaime explore identity shifts, imposter syndrome, community, resilience, intuition, and why what got you here may not be what gets you where you're going next. They also talk about finding the right rooms, creating space for reflection, and becoming more human in an increasingly AI-driven world. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 Meet Andrea Sullivan and the power of identity shifts 06:04 From corporate leadership to building vYve 07:30 When success looks right but doesn't feel right 10:39 You have the right to dream and change 13:50 Why the rooms you're in shape your growth 14:47 Letting go of titles, achievement, and external validation 17:09 Discovering who you are beyond serving others 19:44 Redefining success and releasing the CMO identity 22:15 Why what got you here won't get you there 25:29 Finding grounding through running and active meditatio 28:16 You don't have to navigate your next chapter alone 32:06 Trusting your intuition 33:26 Andrea's message for leaders Guest Bio Andrea Sullivan is the CEO and Co-founder of vYve, a company focused on helping entrepreneurs and C-suite leaders become their best and happiest selves. She previously served as Chief Marketing Officer at VaynerX and Interbrand, building a career around branding, leadership, and helping organizations and leaders grow. Through vYve, Andrea helps high-performing leaders explore where they may be stuck, identify what is holding them back, and design their next chapter with greater clarity and authenticity. Quotes from the Episode "You have the right to dream and to realize those dreams." "What got us here is definitely not going to be getting us to wherever it is that we're going." "We're not in this alone." Leadership Insights What is personal growth? Personal growth is the ongoing process of becoming more self-aware, resilient, and intentional about who you are and what you want next. Andrea's story shows that growth can mean letting go of an identity built around titles, achievements, and external expectations so you can make room for a more authentic version of yourself. Why can identity hold successful leaders back? When titles, achievements, reputation, and external validation become part of how leaders define themselves, letting go of them can feel like losing part of who they are. Andrea's experience shows that releasing an old identity can create space to dream again, trust your intuition, and step into a new chapter. Resources Learn more about vYve and its community for entrepreneurs and leaders. Learn more about Jaime Taets and her leadership work. Explore Jaime's Women's Executive Retreats . Explore Keystone Group International and its leadership, culture, and organizational growth work. Follow Jaime on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook If this conversation challenged the way you think about personal growth, identity, or success, share it with another leader who could benefit from these insights. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about leadership, personal growth, resilience, and becoming the person you're meant to be. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets

August 3, 2026Episode 830 min

The Fear You Choose: Resilience Lessons with Kristi Piehl

Resilience isn't built only when life gets hard. Kristi Piehl explains why choosing difficult things when you can may prepare you for the fear you can't choose. Kristi Piehl, Founder and CEO of Media Minefield, joins Jaime Taets for a vulnerable conversation about resilience, fear, leadership, identity, and the moments that force us to rethink what matters most. After losing her television news career during the 2008 economic crisis, Kristi spent nearly two years figuring out what came next before founding Media Minefield. Years later, her son's cancer diagnosis created another life-changing moment that reshaped her perspective on family, work, success, and what truly matters. Through both experiences, Kristi learned to control what she could control, lean on community, and choose the hard things when they were still a choice. Jaime and Kristi discuss how difficult experiences can clarify your values rather than completely change who you are. They explore why leaders need to know who they are, why you cannot go through hard times alone, how relationships can change during adversity, and why success can ultimately mean having the freedom to make meaningful choices and help others. Timestamped Chapters 0:00 From Job Loss to Finding a New Path 2:35 From TV News Reporter to Entrepreneur 7:51 Control What You Can Control 9:26 Choose Hard Before Life Chooses It for You 11:23 When Adversity Reveals What Really Matters 12:59 Success = Freedom 16:32 Know Who You Are Before You Lead Others 21:22 Take the Next Right Step 23:28 The Fear You Choose vs. The Fear That Chooses You 28:26 Be Yourself, Lean Into It, and Leave a Trail Guest Bio Kristi Piehl is the Founder and CEO of Media Minefield, a national award-winning public relations firm specializing in media relations, executive social media, reputation management, crisis communication, and training. Before launching Media Minefield in 2010, Kristi spent 12 years as an Emmy Award-winning television news reporter. She is also the author of Flip Your Script: Own Your Story & Unlock the Positive Power of Social Media , host of the Flip Your Script podcast, an experienced keynote speaker, and a Forbes Councils contributor. Kristi has been recognized with multiple PRNEWS awards and named one of Minnesota's 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders. She earned her Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business School. Quotes from the Episode "Choose hard when it's a choice." "Success equals freedom." "If you choose fear when you can, you are more ready to be available for the fear that chooses you." Leadership Insights What is resilience? Resilience is the ability to adapt, recover, and continue moving forward when faced with difficult circumstances. Kristi's experience shows that resilience can be strengthened before a crisis by intentionally choosing challenges, building supportive relationships, and learning how to focus energy on what you can control. How can leaders build resilience before a crisis? Leaders can build resilience by doing difficult things while they still have a choice, trying unfamiliar experiences, strengthening their relationships, and developing a clear understanding of their values. Kristi argues that practicing hard things in ordinary moments can make you more prepared when circumstances become genuinely difficult. How can difficult experiences change leadership? Difficult experiences can clarify what matters most without requiring someone to become an entirely different person. For Kristi, adversity reinforced the importance of family, meaningful work, authentic leadership, and using her position to help others. Resources Learn more about Kristi Piehl and her work in leadership, media, and storytelling. Explore Media Minefield , Kristi’s public relations and reputation management agency. Listen to Flip Your Script , Kristi’s podcast about transformation, storytelling, and using social media for positive impact. Learn more about Jaime Taets and her work in leadership development and organizational growth. Explore Jaime’s Women’s Executive Retreats , focused on dreams, fears, purpose, and meaningful change. Follow Jaime on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook If this conversation challenged the way you think about resilience, fear, or the hard things in life, share it with another leader who could benefit from these insights. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about leadership, resilience, and the journey from success to significance. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets

August 3, 2026Episode 737 min

Filter the Voices Holding You Back with Giselle Ugarte

You control more than you think. Giselle Ugarte shares why you're more powerful than you realize and how to stop giving your power away to other people's opinions. Giselle Ugarte, performance coach, international speaker, and executive coach, joins Jaime Taets for a candid conversation about control, confidence, authenticity, and the pressure of other people's expectations. After leaving college without a plan, Giselle reinvented herself multiple times before launching her own business during the pandemic. She opens up about difficult seasons involving mental health, illness, and identity — and how those experiences taught her to take responsibility for what she can control. She also shares a powerful mindset shift: "Respectfully, you are not my audience." Not everyone who loves you or has an opinion about your choices is qualified to advise you on where you're going next. Jaime and Giselle discuss how to filter outside opinions, ask for the support you need, and build a circle that helps you grow. They explore why authentic connection requires someone to go first, how vulnerability creates a ripple effect, and why success is ultimately about using what you've been given to make a positive impact on others. Timestamped Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Giselle Ugarte 3:05 From TV Host to Entrepreneur: Reinventing Yourself 7:00 The Importance of Being Seen and Sharing Your Story 9:00 Health Struggles and Showing Up Authentically 13:23 Changing Your Identity and Your Circle 16:00 How to Handle Criticism Without Becoming Defensive 19:12 Letting Go of Family Approval 22:58 "Respectfully, You Are Not My Audience" 25:22 Redefining Success and Creating a Ripple Effect 29:19 Protecting Your Energy and Building a Reflection Practice 34:31 Ask for the Support You Need Guest Bio Giselle Ugarte is a performance coach, international speaker, executive coach, and professional speaker. Her career has included television hosting, multiple career reinventions, and launching her own business during the pandemic. Her work centers on confidence, trusting yourself, authenticity, purpose, and helping people recognize their full potential. Giselle is also the creator of Action-Forward Coaching, a confidence and communication boot camp designed to help you be seen and heard. Quotes from the Episode "Respectfully, you are not my audience." "You are in more control than you think." "Ask for what you need." Leadership Insights What does "control more than you think" mean? "You control more than you think" means recognizing the areas of your life where you can take responsibility instead of giving all of your power to circumstances, other people, or outside opinions. Giselle encourages listeners to focus on what they can influence, ask for the support they need, and take ownership of the choices available to them. How do you know whose advice to listen to? Not everyone who gives you advice is qualified to guide your next move. Giselle's framework is to ask whether the person is your audience or a mentor: have they done what you're trying to do, or are they someone you actually want to serve? If not, their opinion may not deserve the weight you're giving it. Why is it important to ask for support? Many people expect others to read their minds and then feel disappointed when support doesn't come. Giselle explains that asking for help is part of taking responsibility. If you need encouragement, accountability, or a cheerleader, you have to name it and ask for it. Resources Connect with Giselle Ugarte: giselleugarte.com | Hub for performance coaching, speaking, and her newsletter. Follow Giselle on Instagram and LinkedIn Action-Forward Coaching | A confidence and communication boot camp to help you be seen and heard. Learn more about Jaime Taets and her work in leadership development and organizational growth. Explore Jaime’s Women’s Executive Retreats , focused on dreams, fears, purpose, and meaningful change. Follow Jaime on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook If you have been waiting for permission to stop letting other people's opinions define your path, this is your sign. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that they are in more control than they think. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about control, confidence, and the journey from success to significance. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets

August 3, 2026Episode 637 min

Find the Consistency through the Peaks and Valleys with Ben Utecht

Leadership through adversity is not about avoiding the valley. It is about building a foundation strong enough to keep you moving through it. Ben Utecht, former NFL tight end, Super Bowl champion, speaker, author, and culture expert, joins Jaime Taets for a conversation about fear, failure, preparation, belief, identity, and the peaks and valleys that shape a meaningful life. Ben shares the story of going from a potential first-round NFL draft pick to an undrafted free agent after a devastating injury and then receiving an unexpected call from Tony Dungy and the Indianapolis Colts. His journey ultimately led him to the NFL, a Super Bowl championship, a career in speaking and culture, and his book The Champion's Creed. But the real story is not the highlight reel. It is what happened in between. Jaime and Ben explore what it means to stay grounded when you are at the top, rebuild yourself when you are in the valley, and stop allowing achievements to define your identity. They discuss how preparation builds confidence, why surrender can be a catalyst for winning, and how leaders can build a foundation of beliefs they can return to in difficult seasons. Timestamped Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Ben Utecht 2:36 From Minnesota to the NFL with Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy 7:11 Discovering Purpose Beyond Achievement 9:56 Fear of Failure and the Voice of Self-Doubt 12:16 From Potential First-Round Pick to Undrafted Free Agent 14:58 The Unexpected Call from Tony Dungy 16:59 Finding Consistency Through Peaks and Valleys 18:36 Navigating Identity Shifts 22:56 Redefining Success and Letting Go of Materialism 25:22 Why Surrender Is a Catalyst for Winning 29:38 Building a Foundation You Can Return To Guest Bio Ben Utecht is a former NFL tight end, Super Bowl champion, speaker, author, entrepreneur, and culture expert. He played for the Indianapolis Colts, won Super Bowl XLI, and learned under legendary coach Tony Dungy. After football, Ben built a career focused on leadership, organizational culture, personal development, and transforming people. He is the author of The Champion's Creed: Transform Your Culture Through the Power of Belief. Ben's work centers on the idea that organizations will always have a culture, either by design or by default, and leaders have the opportunity to intentionally build one that transforms people. Quotes from the Episode "Find the consistency through the peaks and valleys." "Believe." "Surrender is actually the catalyst for winning." Leadership Insights What is leadership through adversity? Leadership through adversity is the ability to remain grounded, make purposeful decisions, and continue leading when circumstances become difficult. Ben Utecht's story shows how preparation, belief, values, and endurance can give leaders a foundation to rely on during uncertain or challenging seasons. Why is preparation important for overcoming adversity? Preparation creates confidence because it gives people something concrete to fall back on when fear and uncertainty appear. Ben explains that his preparation in sports, through film study, training, and repetition, helped quiet self-doubt and gave him confidence when facing difficult situations. How can leaders build a foundation for hard times? Leaders can build a foundation by clarifying what they believe, writing down their values, and creating a personal creed they can return to. Ben explains that when you are in the valley, having objective truths you have already defined can pull you out of fear and uncertainty. Resources Connect with Ben: ben@ben-utecht.com Follow Ben on LinkedIn for culture and leadership insights Book: The Champion's Creed: Transform Your Culture Through the Power of Belief Learn more about Jaime Taets and her work in leadership development and organizational growth. Explore Jaime’s Women’s Executive Retreats , focused on dreams, fears, purpose, and meaningful change. Follow Jaime on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook If you have ever wondered how to stay grounded through the highs and lows of leadership, this conversation is for you. Share it with someone who needs to be reminded that consistency is found in the peaks and valleys. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about leadership, resilience, and the journey from success to significance. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets

August 3, 2026Episode 539 min

Find Joy, Even in the Hard Times with Kelli Williams

Redefining success through joy means learning that resilience is not always about pushing harder. It is knowing when to pause, heal, and find joy in the storm. Kelli Williams, healing-informed executive coach, business and marketing strategist, storyteller, and former nonprofit leader, joins Jaime Taets for a conversation about resilience, identity, guilt, people-pleasing, and redefining what success really means. Kelli opens up about the experiences that shaped her leadership, including being a teenage mother, navigating major career transitions, surviving domestic abuse, and leading a nonprofit through a crisis involving national attention, threats, and fear for her family. She shares how those moments taught her the difference between being strong and being resilient. Jaime and Kelli explore why resilience can mean resting instead of pushing through, how trauma responses show up in leadership, and why leaders need to give themselves permission to say, "I am not okay." They discuss how identity shifts over time, why guilt and people-pleasing can become exhausting patterns, and how finding joy in the storm is a choice leaders can make. Timestamped Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Kelli Williams 2:00 From Suffering to Wisdom to Service 4:00 The Hidden Stories Behind the Highlight Reel 6:00 Kelli Shares Her Experience as a Domestic Abuse Survivor 9:00 Leading Through Crisis, Fear, and National Attention 13:00 Why Being Strong Is Not Always the Same as Being Resilient 15:00 Learning to Give Yourself Permission to Pause 18:00 Understanding Trauma Responses and Healing 21:00 Identity Shifts and Shedding Old Versions of Yourself 25:00 Unlearning Guilt, Perfectionism, and People-Pleasing 29:00 Redefining Success Through Happiness and Joy Guest Bio Kelli Williams is a healing-informed executive coach, business and marketing strategist, storyteller, and former nonprofit leader. Her work centers on helping people understand their stories, navigate change, build meaningful connections, and use their experiences to serve and inspire others. Kelli is also working on her first book, described as a love letter to the next generation of women in business, while continuing her work through coaching, storytelling, workshops, and teaching. Quotes from the Episode "Resilience can be being softer." "We can be in the storm and find joy at the same time." "It doesn't have to work out perfectly for you to be okay." Leadership Insights What is resilience? Resilience is the ability to move through adversity while continuing to adapt, heal, and move forward. Kelli explains that resilience is not necessarily about staying strong during a crisis. It can also mean recognizing when you are tired, giving yourself permission to pause, and learning how to respond differently to difficult experiences. How can leaders find joy during difficult times? Leaders can find joy during difficult times by allowing themselves to acknowledge what they are experiencing instead of constantly forcing themselves to push through. Small practices such as movement, breathing, personal check-ins, and identifying moments of hope can help leaders reconnect with themselves while navigating uncertainty. Why do leaders struggle with identity shifts? As leaders grow, their identities naturally evolve. Kelli discusses how being a teenage mother, nonprofit leader, founder, or high-performing professional can become part of how someone defines themselves, but those identities do not have to determine who they are forever. Growth often requires shedding old identities without pretending those experiences never happened. Resources Connect with Kelli Williams on Linkedin Connect with Kelli Williams: legacyrising.com Explore Jaime's Women's Executive Retreats . Explore Keystone Group International and its leadership, culture, and organizational growth work. Follow Jaime on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook If you have been waiting for permission to pause, rest, and find joy in the middle of the storm, this is your sign. Share this episode with someone who needs to be reminded that they do not have to be okay all the time to be a strong leader. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about resilience, joy, and the journey from success to significance. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets

August 3, 2026Episode 429 min

Leadership Burnout: You Don't Get Extra Credit for Exhaustion with Josh Helgeson

Leadership burnout does not always happen when everything falls apart. Sometimes it happens when everything is going right, but the pace, pressure, and responsibility are no longer sustainable. Josh Helgesen, CEO and majority owner of Greiner Construction, joins Jaime Taets to talk about the hidden weight of leadership, energy management, self-leadership, and the cost of confusing exhaustion with success. Josh shares his 26-year journey from apprentice carpenter to CEO, what changed when he realized he was strong for everyone else but was not refueling himself, and why sustainable leadership requires more than ambition. Jaime and Josh explore what it means to recognize an unsustainable pace before a crisis hits, how to protect white space, and why the climb does not have to mean climbing harder. Sometimes, you need to climb smarter. Timestamped Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Josh Helgesen 2:07 The Hidden Climb of Leadership 3:21 From Apprentice Carpenter to CEO 8:05 The People Who Shape Your Leadership 9:50 The Climb Moment: When Everything Was Working 11:21 Recognizing an Unsustainable Pace 13:09 When Leadership Starts Affecting Home 16:11 Letting Go of Being the One Who Carries Everything 17:10 Redefining Success as Alignment and Endurance 18:40 Protecting White Space and Auditing Your Energy 22:27 Ambition, Alignment, and Self-Leadership Guest Bio Josh Helgesen is the CEO and majority owner of Greiner Construction. He began his career with the company 26 years ago as an apprentice carpenter and worked his way through roles including foreman, superintendent, field leadership, ownership, and ultimately CEO. His leadership journey is a powerful example of how career growth is built through opportunity, experience, relationships, mentorship, peer groups, coaching, and the willingness to keep learning. Josh now focuses not only on leading the business but also on becoming a better leader, father, husband, and human being. Quotes from the Episode "You don't get extra credit for exhaustion." "Ambition without alignment will cost you." "Protect your energy. Everyone you lead feels it." Leadership Insights What is leadership burnout? Leadership burnout is the exhaustion that can develop when sustained pressure, responsibility, and ambition are not balanced with recovery, boundaries, and personal well-being. Josh emphasizes that pressure itself is not necessarily the problem. The danger comes from unmanaged pressure and an unsustainable pace. What is self-leadership? Self-leadership starts with managing yourself before trying to manage everyone and everything around you. For Josh, that means understanding your energy, recognizing your limits, reflecting before reacting, and making sure your ambition remains aligned with the life and relationships you want to protect. How can leaders recognize an unsustainable pace? Leaders can recognize an unsustainable pace when they notice subtle signs such as less patience, internal tension, constant go mode, and the feeling of being strong for everyone else but not refueling themselves. Josh explains that these signs often appear when everything looks successful on paper, making them easy to ignore. Resources Connect with Josh Helgesen on LinkedIn Learn more about Greiner Construction Explore Jaime's Women's Executive Retreats . Explore Keystone Group International and its leadership, culture, and organizational growth work. Follow Jaime on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook If you have ever felt like you are strong for everyone else but not refueling yourself, this conversation is for you. Share it with someone who needs to be reminded that they do not get extra credit for exhaustion. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about leadership, energy management, and the journey from success to significance. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets

August 3, 2026Episode 344 min

The Point Is Not to Have All the Answers with Hillary Spreizer

The point is not to have all the answers. Hillary Spreizer shares why leadership success is not about being the smartest person in the room. Hillary Spreizer, CEO and owner of Latitude Group, joins Jaime Taets for a brutally honest conversation about what leadership really looks like when the wins are happening but you are falling apart behind the scenes. She shares how buying a company, navigating post-COVID growth, and constantly chasing the next milestone forced her to rethink burnout, resilience, success, and what it actually means to lead. Jaime and Hillary explore why burnout can be a signal of misalignment, not just a capacity problem. They discuss how leaders can build resilience through practice, why anxiety is a flag and not proof that you are broken, and why the point is not to have all the answers. Timestamped Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Hillary Spreizer 2:53 From Recruiter to CEO and Business Owner 4:49 Creating Resilience and Movement During Chaos 8:13 The Unremarkable Story Behind Success 11:01 Buying a Company and Confronting Imposter Syndrome 12:49 When Success and Burnout Happen at the Same Time 14:47 The Wake-Up Call: This Is a Problem 16:22 Redefining Success Beyond Milestones 18:44 Unlearning Scarcity and Choosing Abundance 20:55 Anxiety as a Flag, Not Proof That You're Broken 27:07 Why the Point Is Not to Have All the Answers Guest Bio Hillary Spreizer is the CEO and owner of Latitude Group, where she has built her career from recruiter to manager, salesperson, sales leader, and ultimately business owner. After purchasing the company from its founder, Hillary navigated the realities of ownership, post-COVID growth, burnout, and the pressure of leading an organization through uncertainty. Her leadership philosophy centers on abundance, resilience, intentional movement, and bringing the right people into the room rather than trying to personally have every answer. Quotes from the Episode "The point is that I don't have the answers." "I don't have all the answers. We're just gonna figure it out." "It is illogical that you have peaked." Leadership Insights What is leadership burnout? Leadership burnout is a state of exhaustion and disconnection that can occur when the way a leader is operating is no longer aligned with their capacity, values, or leadership system. In Hillary's experience, burnout was not simply about the company performing poorly. The company was doing well while she was struggling internally. Recognizing the signal and reassessing alignment can be an important starting point for change. How can leaders build resilience? Leaders can build resilience by practicing intentional movement through uncertainty instead of waiting until a crisis happens. That means repeatedly identifying what can be controlled, clarifying accountability and success, creating space for people when needed, and continuing to make thoughtful progress even when the final answer is not clear. Why is it important to stop trying to have all the answers? Leaders who believe they must have all the answers often become the bottleneck in their organizations. Hillary explains that the point is not to be the smartest person in the room. It is to bring the right people into the room and create an environment where movement and progress can happen, even in uncertainty. Resources Connect with Hillary Spreizer on LinkedIn Explore Latitude Group Explore Jaime's Women's Executive Retreats . Explore Keystone Group International and its leadership, culture, and organizational growth work. Follow Jaime on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook If you have ever felt the weight of believing you need to have all the answers, this conversation is your permission slip to let that go. Share it with a leader who needs to be reminded that leadership is about building the room, not being the smartest person in it. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about resilience, leadership, and the journey from success to significance. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets