Evolving to Exceptional with Jessica Tietjen

Leading Through Adversity: Building Resilience & Empowering Teams with Nikki Thompson (Part 2)

In the conclusion of our conversation, Jessica Tietjen and Nikki Thompson dive deeper into the how of building resilient, empowered teams. Building on the leadership mindset shifts discussed in Part 1, Nikki shares practical strategies for creating environments where trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility thrive.We discuss:•How leaders can create psychological safety that allows teams to take risks and grow.•Practical tools for empowering team members to step up and own their expertise.•Why delegation is not a loss of control—but a powerful leadership strategy.•How resilience in leadership ripples out to positively impact the entire organization.Whether you’re leading through change or striving to prevent burnout, this episode offers actionable steps you can take to strengthen your leadership and your team’s success.About Nikki Thompson: Nikki Thompson is a passionate People Development leader with over a decade of experience designing transformative learning experiences that empower individuals and teams. Known for her strategic mindset and commitment to continuous growth, Nikki excels at identifying strengths, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation across organizations. She champions inclusive leadership; values open communication and is dedicated to creating environments where others can thrive. At the heart of her work is a belief in the power of human potential—and a mission to inspire hope, growth, and lasting impact. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-thompson/ Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings Website -⁠ https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/⁠LinkedIn -⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/⁠Instagram -⁠ https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj⁠Facebook -⁠ https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573⁠Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book -⁠ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/⁠Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at:⁠ https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload⁠

Leading Through Adversity: Building Resilience & Empowering Teams with Nikki Thompson (Part 1)

In this first part of our conversation, host Jessica Tietjen welcomes Nikki Thompson, Director of Training and Development at Code Consultants, Inc., to share her powerful story of growth through adversity. Nikki opens up about the challenges that shaped her leadership journey and the moments that tested her capacity to lead with resilience.We explore:The life and career experiences that taught Nikki the value of resilience.Why “resilience” is more than just bouncing back—it’s building strength for what’s ahead.How leaders can shift from holding all the responsibility themselves to leveraging the strengths of others.The mindset changes that create healthier, more sustainable leadership.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the personal side of resilience and the leadership habits that make it possible.About Nikki Thompson: Nikki Thompson is a passionate People Development leader with over a decade of experience designing transformative learning experiences that empower individuals and teams. Known for her strategic mindset and commitment to continuous growth, Nikki excels at identifying strengths, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation across organizations. She champions inclusive leadership; values open communication and is dedicated to creating environments where others can thrive. At the heart of her work is a belief in the power of human potential—and a mission to inspire hope, growth, and lasting impact. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-thompson/Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings Website -⁠ https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/⁠LinkedIn -⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/⁠Instagram -⁠ https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj⁠Facebook -⁠ https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573⁠Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book -⁠ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/⁠Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at:⁠ https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload⁠

From Boss to Coach: Leading Through Listening, Regulation, & Real Connection with Kelly Bosak (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Jessica and Kelly explore what it really means to lead through regulation, repair, and real connection. They dive into how nervous system states affect leadership communication, why emotional regulation is the key to productivity, and how leaders can repair trust after a rupture. Plus, Jessica shares personal stories and practical examples (including parenting!) that highlight how presence and partnership change everything.What You’ll Learn in Part 2:How emotional regulation impacts your conversations—and your credibilityWhat to do after a rupture or emotionally charged momentWhy partnering (not just coaching) might be the leadership skill of the futureThe science behind nervous system states and why 2.5 minutes of breathing can change a meetingHow to bring your full-body wisdom into the workplace for real resultsThis episode is a must-listen for any leader ready to create more powerful, meaningful, and impactful conversations—at work and at home.About Kelly Bosak: Kelly Bosak has beyond 20 years of experience and expertise in human resources to include learning and development, talent acquisition, total rewards, and performance management. She is currently the Chief People Officer at Lettermen’s Energy. During Kelly’s career, she was honored as a member of the 40 under 40 class by Ingram’s magazine, received a Best Practices award from the Association for Talent Development, and facilitated a press conference with Tom Watson and George Brett. Kelly is a Past President of the Society for Human Resource Management of Greater Kansas City chapter and serves on the leadership council of the Mid America ALS Association. Kelly holds a BS in Human Resources from Kansas State University and maintains the SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and CAALF™ (Certified Art of Active Listening Facilitator) credentials.Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings Website -⁠ https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/⁠LinkedIn -⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/⁠Instagram -⁠ https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj⁠Facebook -⁠ https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573⁠Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book -⁠ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/⁠Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at:⁠ https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload⁠

From Boss to Coach: Leading Through Listening, Regulation, & Real Connection with Kelly Bosak (Part 1)

In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, Jessica sits down with Chief People Officer Kelly Bosak for a deep conversation about how leaders can shift from being task-driven bosses to transformational coaches. Together, they explore how active listening, emotional insight, and coaching-style questions can create truly human-centric leadership. Discover why burnout might really be boredom, how to develop embodied presence, and why listening for what’s not being said can change your leadership forever.What You’ll Learn in Part 1:The difference between intellect and insight—and why insight leads to lasting changeHow to become the kind of leader who inspires and unlocks potentialWhat it means to listen with your whole body (head, heart, and gut)The connection between emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and high performanceWhy traditional “soft skills” are actually some of the hardest and most essentialDon’t miss Part 2, where we dive into how to regulate your nervous system, repair ruptures, and lead with emotional presence.About Kelly Bosak: Kelly Bosak has beyond 20 years of experience and expertise in human resources to include learning and development, talent acquisition, total rewards, and performance management. She is currently the Chief People Officer at Lettermen’s Energy. During Kelly’s career she was honored as a member of the 40 under 40 class by Ingram’s magazine, received a Best Practices award from the Association for Talent Development, and facilitated a press conference with Tom Watson and George Brett. Kelly is a Past President of the Society for Human Resource Management of Greater Kansas City chapter and serves on the leadership council of the Mid America ALS Association. Kelly holds a BS in Human Resources from Kansas State University and maintains the SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and CAALF™ (Certified Art of Active Listening Facilitator) credentials.Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings Website -⁠ https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/⁠LinkedIn -⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/⁠Instagram -⁠ https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj⁠Facebook -⁠ https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573⁠Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book -⁠ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/⁠Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at:⁠ https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload⁠

Human-Centered Performance: From Reviews to Real Conversations with Keri Smith (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Keri Smith returns to explore the deeper layers of building a feedback culture rooted in emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and human connection. Jessica and Keri dive into the neuroscience behind performance conversations, the role of leadership capacity, and how horizontal, partnership-based dialogues are reshaping their workplace. Learn what makes feedback coherent and transformative—and how investing in people truly leads to business success.A must-listen for HR leaders, people managers, and anyone ready to elevate how we grow performance in the workplace.About Keri Smith: As Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Keri leads the HHHunt Human Resources function. She has led the Learning and Development function for HHHunt for over 8 years and was the first Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) for our Apartment Living and Properties Construction teams in 2017. She has led the transformation to incorporate Insights Discovery into our everyday language, spearheaded and become a brand ambassador for HHHunt’s team member engagement process, created and implemented the new Cme and Contribution Assessment Tool and guided the HRBP team in their roles. This includes management and oversight of HHHunt University (an internal education platform), belonging and wellness, recognition, and team member relations. Keri joined HHHunt in 2015 after a 20-year career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. She began her career as a bank examiner but shifted to HR and learning and development after discovering her passion around teaching, coaching, and developing others. Keri is accredited in Insights Discovery, Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Emotional Intelligence. A graduate of Missouri State University and SHRM SCP certified, she now lives in St. Louis, Missouri after spending 25 years in Richmond, Virginia and remains a huge fan of her hometown St. Louis Cardinals.Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings Website -⁠ https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/⁠LinkedIn -⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/⁠Instagram -⁠ https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj⁠Facebook -⁠ https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573⁠Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book -⁠ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/⁠Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at:⁠ https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload⁠