Evolving to Exceptional with Jessica Tietjen

In the conclusion of our conversation, Jessica Tietjen and Nikki Thompson dive deeper into the how of building resilient, empowered teams. Building on the leadership mindset shifts discussed in Part 1, Nikki shares practical strategies for creating environments where trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility thrive. We discuss: •How leaders can create psychological safety that allows teams t...

In this first part of our conversation, host Jessica Tietjen welcomes Nikki Thompson, Director of Training and Development at Code Consultants, Inc., to share her powerful story of growth through adversity. Nikki opens up about the challenges that shaped her leadership journey and the moments that tested her capacity to lead with resilience. We explore: The life and career experiences that taught...

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Jessica and Kelly explore what it really means to lead through regulation, repair, and real connection. They dive into how nervous system states affect leadership communication, why emotional regulation is the key to productivity, and how leaders can repair trust after a rupture. Plus, Jessica shares personal stories and practical examples (including parent...

In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional , Jessica sits down with Chief People Officer Kelly Bosak for a deep conversation about how leaders can shift from being task-driven bosses to transformational coaches. Together, they explore how active listening, emotional insight, and coaching-style questions can create truly human-centric leadership. Discover why burnout might really be boredom, how to...

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Keri Smith returns to explore the deeper layers of building a feedback culture rooted in emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and human connection. Jessica and Keri dive into the neuroscience behind performance conversations, the role of leadership capacity, and how horizontal, partnership-based dialogues are reshaping their workplace. Learn what m...

In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional , host Jessica Tietjen talks with Keri Smith, SVP of HR at HHHunt, about how her organization boldly moved away from traditional performance reviews and created a people-centered approach to feedback and development. Discover how they replaced annual evaluations with “CME” conversations and introduced a unique tool for aligning values with growth. Keri sh...

In Part 2 of this insightful conversation, Evolving to Exceptional host Jessica Tietjen and guest Sarah Jamison go even deeper—exploring how self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and emotional intelligence are essential tools for preventing conflict and fostering connection at work. Sarah also shares her powerful personal story of resilience, overcoming a brain tumor and MS diagnosis, and how...

Description : In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional , host Jessica Tietjen welcomes Sarah Jamison, Vice President of Human Resources at a local St. Louis nonprofit and international bestselling author. Together, they explore the growing mental health challenges impacting workplaces and why cultivating a true culture of care is no longer optional—it's essential. Sarah shares her insights f...

Description : In this second part of a powerful two-part conversation, Jessica Tietjen sits down with Jeff Ilko, VP of People + Performance at Switch, go beyond the numbers to explore how compensation, culture, and flexibility are reshaping the modern workplace. It’s no longer just about salaries and benefits—today's workforce is demanding meaningful work, autonomy, and alignment with personal...

Description : In this first part of a powerful two-part conversation, Jessica Tietjen sits down with Jeff Ilko, VP of People + Performance at Switch, to explore the evolving landscape of compensation and benefits in today’s workplace. They dive into the real-world challenges HR leaders face in staying competitive while honoring employee needs, including: Why market studies matter—and how often to...

In this inspiring episode of Evolving to Exceptional , host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Melissa Paulitsch, Human Resources Director at Kennelwood Pet Resorts, to explore the unexpected connections between pet care and people leadership. Melissa shares her unique journey into the pet industry and how her passion for animals has shaped her approach to building a supportive, high-performing workpl...

 In this week’s episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen welcomes back Ryan McCrea for a deep dive into one of the most pressing workplace topics of 2025: revolutionizing performance management. Referencing the latest findings from the Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends Report, Jessica and Ryan explore: Why traditional annual performance reviews are failing today's workforce...

In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Dr. Debbie Regnaud, Vice President of Human Resources at Unleashing Potential, to explore the real-world challenges of leading in the nonprofit sector during times of uncertainty. Drawing from decades of HR experience, Dr. Regnaud shares: How financial instability uniquely impacts nonprofit organizations Why self-aware...

In this powerful continuation of our conversation, Evolving to Exceptional host Jessica Tietjen welcomes back Rhoda Banks—culture and inclusion executive and author of Daughter of an Assassin —to dive deeper into the intersection of trauma, leadership, and workplace dynamics. Rhoda bravely shares how her past trauma showed up in her professional life—through fawn, flight, freeze, and fight respons...

In this powerful episode of the Evolving to Exceptional Podcast , host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Rhoda Banks—culture and inclusion executive, speaker, and author of the new memoir Daughter of an Assassin . Rhoda shares her remarkable life story, growing up in St. Louis in a household shaped by trauma and contradiction. Through vulnerability and insight, she unpacks how her early experiences s...

Feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or running on empty at work? You're not alone — and it's not just personal. It's systemic. In this powerful episode of the Evolving to Exceptional Podcast , host Jessica Tietjen unpacks the concept of “capacity collapse”—a hidden epidemic quietly draining the energy, engagement, and effectiveness of today’s workforce. We explore why so many peop...

Description : In today's world of constant change and uncertainty, clarity isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. In this episode, we dive into why our brains crave clarity, how chaos and confusion impact our decision-making, and how overwhelm disrupts our head, heart, and gut intelligences. You’ll learn how our brains fill in the gaps with biases and past experiences, leading to cognitive dissona...

In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, we explore why it’s time to evolve from the outdated “right people in the right roles” mindset to a more agile and effective strategy: “right people, right goals.” As roles become harder to define in today’s dynamic work environment, organizations must focus on individual strengths , personalized outcomes, and clearly defined goals to drive e...

In this powerful and personal episode, Jessica unpacks the subconscious survival patterns that activate during times of stress, crisis, and emotional overwhelm. Rooted in our earliest life experiences, these patterns often run automatically—guiding how we respond, react, and cope without conscious awareness. Through the lens of a recent family medical emergency, Jessica shares how these ingrained...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by chaos and confusion? Wondering how to stay grounded and make wise, conscious decisions amidst it all? In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, Jessica Tietjen delivers a powerful call to action for conscious leaders, growth-minded individuals, and anyone craving clarity and connection in today’s unpredictable world. Jessica explores how chronic stress...

In today’s episode, we explore an emerging and concerning trend: people expressing hesitation or fear of speaking openly due to potential job repercussions and the current cultural climate. We dive deep into why this fear exists and how it reflects broader issues surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Our conversation unpacks the neuroscience behind implicit biases, h...

How do you move from reacting impulsively to responding with clarity and wisdom? In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen explores how chronic stress lowers our trigger tolerance, leading to unconscious reactions shaped by past experiences. Inspired by a recent SHRM webinar, Jessica shares: -How past patterns influence your emotional and behavioral responses -Why stress and...

How do you find safety when the world feels unpredictable? In this episode, host Jessica Tietjen explores how stress, trauma, and uncertainty impact our nervous system—triggering fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. You’ll learn: How gut intelligence influences decision-making & emotional regulation Practical tools like balanced breathing & somatic practices to regain control The powe...

In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen explores the harmful effects of labeling people as simply "good" or "bad." Inspired by her book Good Choice, Bad Choice, Jessica explains how shifting our focus from labels to choices can improve leadership, relationships, and personal growth.  In This Episode, You’ll Learn: -Why black-and-white thinking is limiti...

Description : In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, host Jessica Tietjen and guest, Tarry Gerling, explore how gut intelligence influences our core identity, self-preservation instincts, and leadership behaviors. They break down common misconceptions about emotional intelligence, the hidden costs of inauthenticity in the workplace, and why trust and empathy are essential for high-performing tea...