SuperPower 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 Chapters00:00 Welcome and why growth starts outside your comfort zone02:11 Meet Matt Ropchak03:44 Don't keep both of your feet in the familiar08: 57 From imposter syndrome to confident leadership11: 13 Coaching instead of providing all the answers15:13 Leadership, priorities, and making difficult decisions22:50 The life-changing health event that shifted everything30:11 Redefining success and building a lasting legacy39:05 Leadership habits, mindset, and final reflectionsGuest BioMatt 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 InsightsWhat 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.ResourcesConnect with Matt Ropchak on LinkedInLearn more about Jaime Taets and Keystone Group International: https://jaimetaets.comExplore Jaime's Executive Retreats: https://jaimetaets.com/executive-retreats/Follow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and FacebookIf 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

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 Chapters00:00 Welcome and introducing Lindsay Holden02:15 Leaving corporate life to build Odele08:42 Building a brand with purpose and accessibility15:10 Progress over perfection in entrepreneurship22:18 Transitioning from founder to leader30:40 Protecting creativity, energy, and relationships38:12 Learning to trust your intuition46:05 There's no one right way to build success51:30 Bonus RoundGuest BioLindsay 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 InsightsWhy 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.ResourcesConnect with Lindsay Holden on LinkedInLearn more about Odele BeautyLearn more about Jaime Taets and Keystone Group International: https://jaimetaets.comExplore Jaime's Executive Retreats: https://jaimetaets.com/executive-retreats/Follow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and FacebookIf 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

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 shifts06:04 From corporate leadership to building vYve07:30 When success looks right but doesn't feel right10:39 You have the right to dream and change13:50 Why the rooms you're in shape your growth14:47 Letting go of titles, achievement, and external validation17:09 Discovering who you are beyond serving others19:44 Redefining success and releasing the CMO identity22:15 Why what got you here won't get you there25:29 Finding grounding through running and active meditatio28:16 You don't have to navigate your next chapter alone32:06 Trusting your intuition33:26 Andrea's message for leaders Guest BioAndrea 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.ResourcesLearn 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 FacebookIf 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

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 Chapters0:00 From Job Loss to Finding a New Path 2:35 From TV News Reporter to Entrepreneur7:51 Control What You Can Control9:26 Choose Hard Before Life Chooses It for You11:23 When Adversity Reveals What Really Matters12:59 Success = Freedom16:32 Know Who You Are Before You Lead Others21:22 Take the Next Right Step23:28 The Fear You Choose vs. The Fear That Chooses You28:26 Be Yourself, Lean Into It, and Leave a TrailGuest BioKristi 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 InsightsWhat 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.ResourcesLearn 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 FacebookIf 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

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 Chapters0:00 Introduction to Giselle Ugarte3:05 From TV Host to Entrepreneur: Reinventing Yourself7:00 The Importance of Being Seen and Sharing Your Story9:00 Health Struggles and Showing Up Authentically13:23 Changing Your Identity and Your Circle16:00 How to Handle Criticism Without Becoming Defensive19:12 Letting Go of Family Approval22:58 "Respectfully, You Are Not My Audience"25:22 Redefining Success and Creating a Ripple Effect29:19 Protecting Your Energy and Building a Reflection Practice34:31 Ask for the Support You NeedGuest BioGiselle 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 InsightsWhat 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.ResourcesConnect with Giselle Ugarte: giselleugarte.com | Hub for performance coaching, speaking, and her newsletter.Follow Giselle on Instagram and LinkedInAction-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 FacebookIf 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

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 Chapters0:00 Introduction to Ben Utecht2:36 From Minnesota to the NFL with Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy7:11 Discovering Purpose Beyond Achievement9:56 Fear of Failure and the Voice of Self-Doubt12:16 From Potential First-Round Pick to Undrafted Free Agent14:58 The Unexpected Call from Tony Dungy16:59 Finding Consistency Through Peaks and Valleys18:36 Navigating Identity Shifts22:56 Redefining Success and Letting Go of Materialism25:22 Why Surrender Is a Catalyst for Winning29:38 Building a Foundation You Can Return ToGuest BioBen 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 InsightsWhat 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.ResourcesConnect with Ben: ben@ben-utecht.comFollow Ben on LinkedIn for culture and leadership insightsBook: 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 FacebookIf 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

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 Chapters0:00 Introduction to Kelli Williams2:00 From Suffering to Wisdom to Service4:00 The Hidden Stories Behind the Highlight Reel6:00 Kelli Shares Her Experience as a Domestic Abuse Survivor9:00 Leading Through Crisis, Fear, and National Attention13:00 Why Being Strong Is Not Always the Same as Being Resilient15:00 Learning to Give Yourself Permission to Pause18:00 Understanding Trauma Responses and Healing21:00 Identity Shifts and Shedding Old Versions of Yourself25:00 Unlearning Guilt, Perfectionism, and People-Pleasing29:00 Redefining Success Through Happiness and JoyGuest BioKelli 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 InsightsWhat 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.ResourcesConnect with Kelli Williams on LinkedinConnect 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 FacebookIf 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

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 Chapters0:00 Introduction to Josh Helgesen2:07 The Hidden Climb of Leadership3:21 From Apprentice Carpenter to CEO8:05 The People Who Shape Your Leadership9:50 The Climb Moment: When Everything Was Working11:21 Recognizing an Unsustainable Pace13:09 When Leadership Starts Affecting Home16:11 Letting Go of Being the One Who Carries Everything17:10 Redefining Success as Alignment and Endurance18:40 Protecting White Space and Auditing Your Energy22:27 Ambition, Alignment, and Self-LeadershipGuest BioJosh 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 InsightsWhat 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.ResourcesConnect with Josh Helgesen  on  LinkedIn Learn more about  Greiner ConstructionExplore Jaime's Women's Executive Retreats.Explore Keystone Group International and its leadership, culture, and organizational growth work.Follow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and FacebookIf 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

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 Chapters0:00 Introduction to Hillary Spreizer2:53 From Recruiter to CEO and Business Owner4:49 Creating Resilience and Movement During Chaos8:13 The Unremarkable Story Behind Success11:01 Buying a Company and Confronting Imposter Syndrome12:49 When Success and Burnout Happen at the Same Time14:47 The Wake-Up Call: This Is a Problem16:22 Redefining Success Beyond Milestones18:44 Unlearning Scarcity and Choosing Abundance20:55 Anxiety as a Flag, Not Proof That You're Broken27:07 Why the Point Is Not to Have All the AnswersGuest BioHillary 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 InsightsWhat 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.ResourcesConnect with Hillary Spreizer on LinkedIn Explore Latitude GroupExplore Jaime's Women's Executive Retreats.Explore Keystone Group International and its leadership, culture, and organizational growth work.Follow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and FacebookIf 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

How do you redefine success, find balance, and reconnect to what truly matters after reaching the top? In this episode of View From the Top, Jaime is joined by Ashley Hawks, serial entrepreneur and owner of SOAR Leadership Groups, to explore the inner work that builds trust with yourself and fuels sustainable success.Ashley shares her journey from early entrepreneurship, selling her company to David's Bridal, to navigating corporate life, health challenges, and burnout, and ultimately creating a business and life aligned with her purpose. They discuss mindset shifts, energy rituals, and the power of community to help leaders thrive without sacrificing joy, relationships, or health.If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward while maintaining your well-being, this conversation offers practical guidance for reclaiming trust, clarity, and balance.What You'll Learn:How building trust with yourself is foundational to sustainable successThe role of community and intentional relationships in personal and professional growthMindset practices for radical accountability and energy managementHow to identify and overcome limiting beliefs and inner voicesStrategies for balancing career ambitions with health, family, and joyWhy small, consistent actions create momentum and confidenceHow to redefine success beyond titles, salary, and external achievementsResources:Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn | SOAR Leadership GroupsFollow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

What does it really take to lead without burning out? In this episode of View From the Top, Jaime sits down with Erin Newkirk to explore the inner work most leaders overlook, but cannot afford to ignore. From career pivots to energy management, Erin shows why alignment isn't just a “nice-to-have” skill, it's the foundation of sustained success.They dig into mindset shifts, daily rituals, and practical practices that make leadership sustainable instead of draining. Erin tells about navigating corporate, entrepreneurial, and advisory roles, and how she approaches transitions with clarity rather than chaos.If you've ever felt stuck, misaligned, or uncertain about your next move, this conversation will challenge you to pause, reflect, and take your next step with intention.What You'll Learn:Why alignment, not just ambition, is the key to leadership successHow to manage energy and prevent burnout in high-pressure rolesThe mindset practices Erin uses daily to stay grounded and productiveWhy curiosity and creativity are essential tools for navigating changeLessons from career pivots that span corporate and entrepreneurial worldsThe importance of leading with love, both for yourself and your teamHow to build lasting impact without getting lost in performative workResources:Connect with Erin: LinkedIn | erinnewkirk.comFollow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

View from the Top is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Please do me a huge favor – follow and listen to the first episode out now. I can’t wait to share these new conversations with you. Coming from people who inspire me, and I know will inspire you too. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube

For almost eight years, I have had the privilege of hosting conversations with leaders who achieve incredible things. And earlier this year, I paused. Not because the work was finished, but because I wanted to be intentional about what came next. Today, I'm excited to relaunch the podcast under a new name: View From the Top. This show is for leaders who've reached the summit and realized that success doesn't end there. It evolves. The climb mattered. The stumbles mattered. And often, the most meaningful work begins after achievement. In View From the Top, we'll talk honestly about what it looks like to redefine success, navigate change, and do the inner work that shapes the next chapter of leadership. If you've ever found yourself asking “What's next?”… this space is for you. Follow the podcast and join me for the journey.

Erin Newkirk is the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Caribou Coffee.  Her career journey has been anything but typical and in this episode Erin shares her perspective on leading from the Head, Heart, Gut and Voice to truly create impact as a leader.

Tami Enfield, a Brand Strategist and the founder of Brand Yourself, a consultancy launched in 2011. Not only does she LOVE marketing strategy, it's also her passion. She loves consulting about as much as she loves reading about it. After launching Brand Yourself, she's been told (and tries to embody) that she has a mix … Continue reading Authenticity as a Leadership SuperPower →

Shay Eskew is a world renown endurance athlete, a dad of 5 kids, and a believer that success is on the other side of the uncomfortable things.  His story of overcoming trauma at the age of 8 that significantly changed the trajectory of his life has led him to lead a life that constantly challenges … Continue reading Measure Your Success in Years →

Jill Kalogerson is a lawyer, a construction executive, a founder and owner and a community advocate, in addition to being a mom of 6! Through all of these roles, she has learned a lot about herself and how to live more at her edges so she is constantly challenging herself to grow. Her message is … Continue reading Live At Your Edges →

Klaus Lemke, Managing Principal at Midion, shares his journey to helping organizations and leaders get unstuck by asking different questions and showing them a better way.  So many of us use the same thinking to solve our problems instead of challenging ourselves to think differently and have fearless experimentation. Here is a link to Klaus … Continue reading If You Are in It, You Can't Always See a Better Way →

Megan Lindahl Goodrich is a trauma survivor who writes about her experiences in the book, Beyond Terminal: Processing Childhood Trauma to Reclaim Self. In this episode she shares her journey to healing and how it's helped her step deeper into her leadership and purpose. Trauma does not have to be the thing that defines you, … Continue reading The Power of Your Internal Voice →

Gene Hammett is an executive coach who has lived many lives, including the collapse of his business and the rebuilding of his live. He was drawn to coaching when he realized that he was not a great leader, and through his own development decided that his purpose is to help other leaders on their journeys. … Continue reading Are You Having the Tough Conversations? →

Leah Berend is a force in the private equity and investment world. She joins us to share her perspective on how business has to change, leaders have to lead in a different way and be present in their leadership to produce the results of the future. This podcast will inspire you and give you hope … Continue reading Leadership is a Service Job →

The more we work on ourselves, the more successful we will be in all aspects of our lives. Dawn Dahlby is a successful entrepreneur, speaker and Author of Live WELLthy, and she attributes her success to decades of personal development work. She works on herself so she can be better for those around you. Her … Continue reading Just Own It…Own It All →

As leaders, our job is to not always have the answer, but to model the way forward in how we get to the answer. When we get hung up on being the smartest in the room or feeling like we don't have it all together, we show up in a way that isn't authentic and … Continue reading Model the Way Forward →

Kelly Veit is the CEO of Veit & Company.  She joins us to share her non-traditional career path that has allowed her to use her superpowers to become the leader the organization needs at this phase of their growth.  Kelly's deep commitment to her own growth has helped her ensure she has the skills necessary … Continue reading Never Settle, Dig Deeper →

Kelly Aronson joins the podcast for a second time to share more wisdom and how she is re-inventing herself to keep her passion and energy as a leader.  As our career progresses, it can be easy to get caught on auto-pilot, focusing on issues and what next problem you need to solve.  But you can't … Continue reading Leaders are Dealers of Hope →

David Strohsack has led a successful corporate career, rising through the ranks to now leading a newly acquired company through significant change and transformation. Through it all he has leaned on his internal motivation to be better and do better to help him become a truly conscious leader. Listen in to hear more about his … Continue reading Finding Your Internal Source of Motivation →

As leaders we tend to lead and persuade people with data and logic, but brain science tells us that people are not persuaded by that, they are persuaded by emotion. Sally Zimney, Speaker, Coach and Author helps us understand the impact of sharing simple stories to connect with people and inspire them to take action. … Continue reading Everyone Can Impact Through Story →

Chelsey Paulson, the queen of culture and leadership, and one of my fantastic team members joins us to talk about Happiness. Not from a fluffy perspective, but from a scientific, find the source and focus on it perspective. Our world needs more leaders, more humans who have the tools to find more joy and happiness. … Continue reading 1% Happier →

So…this one is a deep one. Be prepared to laugh, maybe cry a little, but truly be impacted. I'm so grateful to have Mick White, a dear friend of mine on the podcast to share his story around finding his purpose and how he is living into it every day. Find out more about Mick's … Continue reading The Life You Lead Is the Lesson You Teach →

How do you embrace a beginners mindset, how can humility help you create a career and a journey that leaves a legacy? Kanthi Yalamanchili has had a very unique path to success, one that has forced her to use her humility as a superpower to step into new roles where she had no experience and … Continue reading Humility as a Success Superpower →

Many of us spends are days in full execution mode, answering emails, attending meetings and heads down working through issues.  We don't spend much time thinking strategically or planning for the future.  And, even if we are given time in our schedule to think, it's sometimes hard to know where to start.  Mary Rapaport, the … Continue reading How Strong is Your Strategic Thinking Muscle? →

So many times, in life, circumstances happen to us that make us question our worth, deplete our confidence and sometimes knock us down all together.  But what if that “kicked off the wheel” moment is there to help you find strength in new places?  What if it's there to help you build muscle for what's … Continue reading The Beauty in Getting “Kicked Off the Wheel” →

Any successful person will tell you that their career has had many different seasons.  Seasons when you hit the gas and focus on your career and seasons where you are braking and focusing on your own life or your family.  It's normal and being able to make the right choices for you at the right … Continue reading Navigating the Seasons of our Careers →

Leaders of all types and experience levels are feeling restless right now.  We all feel kind of stuck and as our guest Sarah Line describes it, Creating Cages of Comfort.  We know there's more out there, we know there's growth we want to have, and we don't know how to gain the courage to do … Continue reading Permission to go off the Trail →

There is a new tension evolving in the business world.  This tension of restlessness on the side of the employees and frustration from leaders.  We each want more, but we aren't sure what we need.  Our energy is low and it's compounding the issue.  Dena Mayne, COO of Keystone discusses her perspective and guidance on … Continue reading The Impact of Restlessness →

Stephanie interviews CEO and Founder Jaime Taets, and Chief Strategy Officer, Chelsey Paulson about the pure joy as well as agony of writing a book. What it takes to start with an an idea and bring it to life in the form of a book. They share their mindset and details on the writing and … Continue reading What Does it Take to Write A Book? →

How often does fear impact our approach and decisions as leaders? Matt Schwandt joins us and shares his wisdom and approach around leaning into the edge of fear and how it can shift your perspective. Learn more and connect with Matt at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-schwandt-360aba243/ Matt is a seasoned entrepreneur with nearly 10 years of experience as … Continue reading Lean into the Edge →

Leadership is hard sometimes, but when you figure out that your job is to be the coach and not the doer, things get a lot easier. Andy Dulka has honed his leadership skills over his entire career and continue to learn and evolve as a leader. He shares his leadership wisdom with us in this … Continue reading Be Kind to Yourself →

Kelly Kolar has spent her entire career creating spaces that support growth and comfort.  As the Founder of Kolar Design, she has built office, healthcare and other spaces around the world. She shares her leadership journey and what she has learned about how spaces truly create environments where people can thrive. Learn more about Kelly … Continue reading Creating The Space for Culture to Thrive →

Eric Harkins is the President and Founder of GKG Search & Outplacement, a Minneapolis-based consulting firm that helps organizations Get talent, Keep talent & Grow talent. He is also an Amazon #1 best-selling author of: Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn't Suck; How to Get, Keep & Grow Talent. His goal is simple: Help … Continue reading If You're Not Sure, You're Sure →

Missy Chicre, CEO at Menttium joins us and shares her story of how she constantly strives to design the life she wants, not the life that others want for her.  And while that is always a struggle, and takes hard work, she has proven in her career that people will support you and you can … Continue reading Design the Life You Want →

Marney Andes is an Author, Keynote Speaker and Leadership Coach that has taken her Fortune 50 experience and turned that into a career that helps others leaders build their best lives.  In this episode we talk about as leaders how important it is to recognize your own bias and how to use the day to … Continue reading Growth Happens In Reflection →

Michael Levin has been responsible for ghostwriting close to 1000 books.  He helps people bring their message to life to share with the world.  In this this podcast he shares his story and his leadership wisdom with us around how to focus on doing what you want to do and not what you have to … Continue reading Do What You Want To Do, Not What You Have To Do →

Tricia Timm, lawyer, venture investor, author and speaker joins us to share her journey as a Latina in the corporate world and as an immigrant who has worked to find her own voice.  Her guidance is so impactful and can help all of us as leaders creating greater belonging in our own teams and organizations. … Continue reading Show Up To Listen and Not Be Heard →

Simon Bray is a change agent and innovator who has worked with global brands to help them evolve.  He also just happens to be a part of the group that Jaime climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with.  They discuss their passion around leadership and the change that leaders need to be prepared to lead as well as … Continue reading Be The Change You Want to See →

Jaime Taets, CEO, Visionary, and Founder of Keystone Group International talks about her summit to Mt. Kilimanjaro and her lessons learned along the way. Jaime talks about shifting your perspective and putting yourself in situations that make you think differently. In this raw, and authentic podcast, Jaime shares some of her vulnerabilities and experiences from … Continue reading Shift Your Perspective →

Andy Risvold is the owner and founder of Forgotten Star Brewing. He is a serial entrepreneur and shares his leadership lessons and how he focuses on the new leaders to ensure they have the space and support to learn as they transition to leading others. So many organizations and leaders don't take the time to … Continue reading Create The Space For People To Learn →

Alyza Bohbot James, Owner and CEO Alakef Coffee Roasters and City Girl Coffee As owner and CEO of Alakef Coffee Roasters, Alyza leads the specialty coffee roasting company that her family founded in 1990 in Duluth, Minnesota.  Alakef Coffee Roasters today provides responsibly sourced and produced coffee to grocery stores, co-ops, coffee shops, Universities, and … Continue reading Sit In Your Mistakes →

Organizational effectiveness expert Teresa Sande joins us to talk about her own leadership journey and those pivotal moments that shaped her as a leader. She also brings a wealth of insight into getting back to the basics of leadership to be able to lead into this new era, starting with asking yourself how can I … Continue reading How Can I Be Useful? →

Kelly Aronson Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer Kelly is responsible for enterprise information technology strategy and implementation and providing strategic partner support to each of Andersen's divisions and functions. Previously, she was vice president of information technology (IT) responsible for Andersen enterprise customer experience technology (marketing, sales, quote & order, service, and portal). She was also … Continue reading Managing Your Own Energy →

David is the founder and CEO of multiple businesses. Most prominent among them is his longest-running company, ISU Corp. ISU is a custom software solutions company with clients ranging from start-ups to multi-million-dollar conglomerates like General Electric and Heinz. Located in Canada's Silicon Valley, ISU Corp increases entrepreneurs' net profits with exceptional custom software solutions. … Continue reading Learning to Surrender →