About Evolving to Exceptional with Jessica Tietjen
Are you a current or aspiring leader or in HR/talent management? Many workplaces have challenges with employee engagement, performance, & well-being leading to turnover, quiet quitting, & decreased productivity/performance. Many are struggling with these challenges leading to higher stress/burnout. Join Jessica as we address the challenges & solutions for evolving our workplace cultures, people, and ourselves to create exceptional results & experiences. If you want to reach peak performance to create exceptional results in your life and business, don’t miss an episode!
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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-thompson/)
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem (https://amzn.to/3PKBFem)
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings (https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings)
Website - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/ (> https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj (https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenjd/)
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573 (https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573)
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/ (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/)
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload (https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload)
19 Aug 2025
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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-thompson/)
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem (https://amzn.to/3PKBFem)
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings (https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings)
Website - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/ (> https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj (https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenjd/)
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573 (https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573)
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/ (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/)
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload (https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload)
12 Aug 2025
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 credibility
What to do after a rupture or emotionally charged moment
Why partnering (not just coaching) might be the leadership skill of the future
The science behind nervous system states and why 2.5 minutes of breathing can change a meeting
How to bring your full-body wisdom into the workplace for real results
This 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 (https://amzn.to/3PKBFem)
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings (https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings)
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/ ( rel=)
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-tietjen-913b7a13/)
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj (https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenjd/)
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573 (https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573)
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/ (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/)
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload (https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload)
Who has been a guest on Evolving to Exceptional with Jessica Tietjen
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Sarah Jamison
Jeff Ilko
Melissa Paulitsch
Ryan McCrea
Dr Debbie Regnaud
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
45,734
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
16 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 68 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
59
Social presence
100
YouTube
72
Engagement
71
Contact Evolving to Exceptional with Jessica Tietjen
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