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Evolving to Exceptional with Jessica Tietjen
Evolving to Exceptional with Jessica Tietjen episodes
- Unleashing Human Potential at Work: What Pets Can Teach Us About Leadership & Culture with Melissa Paulitsch
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 workplace culture.
Together, they dive into:
The power of relationship-based leadership
How clear communication and emotional safety improve team performance
Surprising lessons from pet training that apply to developing people
Strategies for long-term employee retention and satisfaction
The role of technology in enhancing both the employee and customer experience
Whether you're a pet lover, a people leader, or both, this episode offers practical takeaways to help you create more compassionate, connected, and effective workplaces.
Listen now to discover how honoring the human-animal bond can elevate your leadership and workplace culture.
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/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy 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
44 min - Beyond Reviews: Rethinking Performance Conversations with Ryan McCrea
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
Shifting toward continuous, human-centered feedback
The role of trust, psychological safety, and growth mindset in creating a thriving performance culture
Practical strategies to replace outdated review systems with real-time, meaningful conversations
Ryan shares his firsthand experience leading performance transformation initiatives—and offers a blueprint for leaders ready to move from evaluation to evolution.
Tune in to discover how shifting your approach to performance conversations can unlock greater engagement, development, and results across your organization.
Connect with Ryan McCrea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmccrea/
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/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy 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
48 min - Leading Through Chaos: Resilience and Insight from the Nonprofit Frontlines with Dr. Debbie Regnaud
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-awareness is essential for resilient leadership
Practical mental health strategies for supporting teams and avoiding burnout
Tools for emotional regulation and stress management in high-pressure environments
Whether you lead a nonprofit, support a mission-driven team, or simply want to navigate uncertainty with more calm and clarity, this conversation offers tangible takeaways for staying grounded and engaged.
Tune in to discover how to lead with resilience, support your people, and build a thriving culture—even in the face of chaos.
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/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy 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
48 min - Breaking the Cycle: Rhoda Banks on Trauma & Triumph (Part 2)
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 responses—and how she’s learned to navigate these patterns with greater self-awareness. Together, we explore how embodied safety, cultural competence, and human-centric leadership can transform not only individual leaders but entire workplace cultures.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How trauma responses like fawning and freezing show up at work
The role of somatic awareness in creating true psychological safety
Why cultural and emotional competence are essential leadership skills
Rhoda’s reflections on her memoir Daughter of an Assassin
Final advice on rewriting limiting beliefs and embracing coaching
If you’ve ever struggled to reconcile your past with your present role as a leader—or want to build environments where people can truly thrive—this episode is for you.
Purchase Rhoda's brand new book, Daughter of an Assassin, here: https://a.co/d/fl5Jpg2
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/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy 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
45 min - Breaking the Cycle: Rhoda Banks on Trauma & Triumph (Part 1)
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 shaped her relationships, leadership, and deep commitment to healing work—both personal and professional.
This conversation dives into:
The complex duality of growing up in a household with both love and danger
The lasting impact of childhood attachment and trauma
Why leaders must understand the role of trauma in workplace dynamics
A behind-the-scenes look at Rhoda’s upcoming memoir and the healing it offers others
Join us next week for part two of this episode—don’t miss what’s next as Rhoda reveals more about how we can all break cycles, rewrite legacies, and lead with deeper awareness.
Purchase Rhoda's brand new book, Daughter of an Assassin, here: https://a.co/d/fl5Jpg2
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/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy 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
15 min - The Capacity Collapse: Why Organizations Must Rethink How They Support Their People
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 people feel maxed out despite their best efforts and reveal how traditional systems are designed to extract performance instead of nurturing human capacity. It's time to flip the script.
You’ll learn:
What capacity collapse really is and how to spot it
Why burnout isn’t just about workload—it’s about systemic design
How a simple "jar" analogy explains the overload we all feel
What organizations must reimagine to support true performance and well-being
How leaders can begin restoring capacity with strategic system upgrades
Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or high-performer feeling the pressure, this episode will shift how you see workplace stress—and empower you to create healthier, high-capacity teams.
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/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy 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
14 min - Confusion Causes Chaos: Why Our Brains Need Clarity
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 dissonance—and how to overcome it. I’ll walk you through practical strategies to create coherence, regulate your nervous system, and engage your full intelligence to navigate complexity with compassion, creativity, and courage.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to find your footing in a fast-changing world, this episode offers the tools to help you transform your experiences and lead with greater clarity.
What You'll Learn:
Why clarity is critical for brain function
How chaos and unpredictability impact leadership and decision-making
The role of cognitive dissonance, bias, and overwhelm
How to engage your head, heart, and gut intelligences
Practical steps for creating clarity and navigating complexity
How compassion, creativity, and courage can reshape your approach
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/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy 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
16 min - Right People, Right Goals NOT Right People, Right Roles
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 success.
You’ll learn: Why traditional role-based structures are no longer effective
How to set customized, strengths-based goals that drive performance
What an ORG document is and how to use it to clarify responsibilities
Real-life examples of how tailored goals boost motivation and achievement
Actionable tips to increase clarity, alignment, and impact on your team
Whether you're an HR leader, manager, or team builder, this episode will help you reimagine how to maximize your team's potential through modern goal-setting strategies.
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/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy 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
8 min - I’m fine. It’s fine. It’s all fine.
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, emotional suppression, and high-functioning numbness—can take over, even when we believe we’re in control.
This episode invites listeners to:
Recognize their own survival patterns
Understand the neuroscience behind them
Begin the journey of emotional healing and rewiring
Move from unconscious reaction to intentional response
What You’ll Learn:
Why our bodies react automatically during stress and trauma
How early childhood experiences shape lifelong coping patterns
The hidden cost of being "the strong one"
Practical steps to start healing, rewiring, and choosing a healthier response
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/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy 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
9 min - Calling on the Conscious Human Beings
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 our ability to think clearly, foster meaningful relationships, and act with purpose. She reveals how tapping into your **three neural intelligences—your head, heart, and gut—**can unlock your creativity, compassion, and courage even in the toughest times.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Why chaos and conflict trigger our unconscious survival patterns
How to recognize when you’re reacting vs. consciously responding
Practical strategies to regulate your nervous system and stay balanced
How to align your head, heart, and gut brains for wiser decision-making
Why supportive relationships are key to thriving through uncertainty
Jessica also shares a heartfelt analogy from a favorite children’s story, reminding us that even in the darkest times, we have the opportunity to grow, evolve, and emerge stronger than before.
Tune in to learn how to consciously navigate stress, set wise expectations, and embody your best self—even when the world feels unsteady.
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/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy 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
13 min
About Evolving to Exceptional with Jessica Tietjen
From the publisher's feed
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!