Evolving to Exceptional with Jessica Tietjen

In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, we explore why it’s time to evolve from the outdated “right people in the right roles” mindset to a more agile and effective strategy: “right people, right goals.”

As roles become harder to define in today’s dynamic work environment, organizations must focus on individual strengths, personalized outcomes, and clearly defined goals to drive engagement, productivity, and succ...

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

Through the lens of a recent family medical emergency, Jessica shares how these ingrained responses—like self-sacrifice, emoti...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by chaos and confusion? Wondering how to stay grounded and make wise, conscious decisions amidst it all?

In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, Jessica Tietjen delivers a powerful call to action for conscious leaders, growth-minded individuals, and anyone craving clarity and connection in today’s unpredictable world.

Jessica explores how chronic stress and survival instincts hijack...

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, how discrimination and exclusion ...

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 overwhelm make reactive states more l...

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 power of compassionate witnessing in...

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 limiting and divisive.

-How to shift from ju...

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 teams. Learn how to build genuine conne...

Description: In this week's episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, host Jessica Tietjen welcomes HR expert Tarry Gerling to discuss the intricacies of building a connected and productive culture in a fully remote work environment. As organizations face the challenge of transitioning back to office spaces, Tarry shares his insights on how to effectively manage both in-person and remote settings. Tune in to explore the i...

Join host Jessica Tietjen in this week's episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast as she delves into her unique year-end review for 2024. Jessica shares her profound insights, reflecting on the challenges and unexpected events that marked her year. Using her REAL Reflection technique, Jessica explores how inner growth and personal transformation can lead to profound changes in our lives. This episode emphasizes the signif...

Struggling with seasonal depression, emotional triggers, or past trauma resurfacing in December? You're not alone. In this deeply personal episode, host Jessica Tietjen shares her experience with the freeze response, nervous system dysregulation, and trauma patterns that made December an incredibly difficult time.

Jessica explores how unconscious trauma responses can shape our behaviors and mental state, and how trauma-inf...

In this episode of the 'Evolving to Exceptional' podcast, host Jessica Tietjen delves into the importance of understanding and articulating personal values in an ever-changing and chaotic world. She discusses the alarming recent events that highlight the need for strong values, the distinction between values and desires, and how values shape our actions and decisions. Jessica provides practical steps for identifying and liv...

In this week's episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, host Jessica Tietjen delivers a powerful message to CEOs, executive leaders, and board members. Inspired by the murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, she urges leaders to reflect on their roles and responsibilities amid growing societal frustration. Jessica explores the emotional and psychological responses leaders might experience and challenges them to consider thei...

Part 2 of a two-part episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast. Join host Jessica Tietjen as she welcomes Dr. Amy Narishkin, an expert in cultural intelligence. In a world struggling with polarization and difficult conversations, Amy shares her compelling journey and expertise in guiding leaders to become confident communicators. From discussing the impact of cultural contexts on communication to revealing practical ways to bu...

Part 1 of a two-part episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast. Join host Jessica Tietjen as she welcomes Dr. Amy Narishkin, an expert in cultural intelligence. In a world struggling with polarization and difficult conversations, Amy shares her compelling journey and expertise in guiding leaders to become confident communicators. From discussing the impact of cultural contexts on communication to revealing practical ways to bu...

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In this episode of 'Evolving to Exceptional,' host Jessica Tietjen welcomes leadership and executive coach Lynell Shattls. They discuss the critical role of community for leaders and individuals, especially in today's often isolating world. Lynell shares her extensive background in coaching mid-level leaders, her approach to whole-person coaching, and the launch of her new group coaching program. The episode delves in...

In this episode of the 'Evolving to Exceptional' podcast, the host delves into the overwhelming feeling of wanting to quit and the importance of confronting emotions head-on. Sharing a personal experience of emotional breakdown and the vital role of compassionate witnesses, the episode emphasizes the necessity of community and support systems in personal and professional growth. It concludes with the introduction of a new performan...

In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, host Jessica Tietjen explores effective strategies for driving change within established organizations with special guest Derek Temper, Vice President of Human Resources at Gateway Dealer Network. Derek, an HR leader with extensive cross-industry experience, shares real-world insights on business adaptability, fostering strong employee alignment, and overcoming biological resi...

In this special episode, Jessica Tietjen delves into the complexities of eliminating extremism by sharing personal stories, including her grandfather's legacy in navigating religious divides, and emphasizing the importance of moderation, empathy, and healthy debate. Reflecting on recent election results, she explores how we can better engage in meaningful dialogue, recognize our shared humanity, and strive for fulfillment through b...