The Fear You Choose with Kristi Piehl

The Fear You Choose with Kristi Piehl

Episode Summary What happens when the hardest moments of your life completely change how you see fear, resilience, and what truly matters? In this episode of View From the Top, Jaime Taets sits down with entrepreneur, author, and crisis communications expert Kristi Piehl to unpack the defining moments that shaped her journey both personally and professionally. From losing her television news career during the 2008 housing crisis to building Media Minefield into a nationally recognized agency, Kristi shares the behind the scenes reality of reinvention, identity shifts, and learning to move through uncertainty. She also opens up about her son’s cancer diagnosis, the perspective that comes from walking through impossible seasons, and how hardship can clarify your values instead of changing who you are. Together, Jaime and Kristi explore the importance of choosing hard things before life chooses them for you, building resilience before crisis arrives, and learning how to step toward fear instead of away from it. This conversation is a powerful reminder that resilience is not built during easy seasons. It is built every time you choose courage, discomfort, and growth before you are forced to. What You’ll Learn * Why “before and after” moments permanently reshape your perspective * How losing a career can lead to a more aligned purpose * The importance of sharing your struggles instead of suffering in silence * Why resilience is built before hard seasons happen * How to focus your energy on what you can actually control * The difference between the fear you choose and the fear life chooses for you * Why difficult seasons clarify your values and priorities * How authenticity creates stronger leadership * The role relationships play during seasons of crisis and change * Why success ultimately becomes about freedom, impact, and purpose Resources * Kristi Piehl official website: kristipiehl.com [http://kristipiehl.com] | Speaker, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Media Minefield.  * Follow Kristi on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kristipiehl/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristipiehl/] * Media Minefield: media-minefield.com [http://media-minefield.com] | PR agency helping brands and leaders navigate media, messaging, and crisis communication.  * Follow Jaime on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jaime_taets/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimetaets], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jaimeladam]

You Control More than You Think with Giselle Ugarte

Episode Summary What does it really take to take ownership of your life and step into your next level with confidence? In this episode of View From the Top, Jaime Taets sits down with performance coach, speaker, and content creator Giselle Ugarte to unpack what it means to truly take control of your life, your voice, and your direction. From leaving college without a clear plan to building a business during the pandemic, Giselle shares the real behind the scenes of her journey. She opens up about mental health struggles, identity shifts, and the pressure of external opinions. She also shares how learning to filter voices and ask for support changed everything. Together, Jaime and Giselle explore how to navigate growth, outgrow environments, and build the confidence to move forward even when others do not understand your path. This conversation is a direct reminder that you are in control of more than you think and that growth requires responsibility, not permission. What You’ll Learn * Why you are in control of more than you think * How to filter opinions and protect your vision * The difference between personal and private sharing * Why authentic connection requires going first * How identity shifts change your circle and environment * Why asking for help is a critical leadership skill * How to handle criticism without losing confidence * Why most people giving advice are not your audience * How self awareness drives real personal growth * Simple practices to manage energy and mindset Resources * Connect with Giselle Ugarte: giselleugarte.com [http://giselleugarte.com] | Hub for performance coaching, speaking, and her newsletter. * Follow Giselle on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/giselleugarte/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/giselleugarte/] * Action-Forward Coaching [https://action-forward.com] | A confidence and communication boot camp to help you be seen and heard.  * Follow Jaime on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jaime_taets/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimetaets], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jaimeladam]

Find the Consistency through the Peaks and Valleys with Ben Utecht

Episode Summary What does it really take to build a life and leadership style rooted in purpose not just performance? In this episode of View From the Top, Jaime sits down with former NFL player, Super Bowl champion, speaker, and author Ben Utecht to unpack the realities behind success, identity, and leadership. From playing in the NFL and catching passes from Peyton Manning to navigating career-ending injuries and redefining his purpose beyond football, Ben shares the highs and lows that shaped his journey. He opens up about battling fear, overcoming identity loss, and learning how belief not circumstance became the foundation for everything he does today. Together, Jaime and Ben explore the power of culture, the importance of preparation, and how leaders can build environments that don’t just drive results but transform people. This conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about achievement, it's about who you become and how you impact others along the way. What You’ll Learn * Why fear of failure holds many high performers back and how to overcome it * How preparation builds confidence and silences self-doubt * The importance of separating identity from achievements * How adversity and setbacks shape long-term success * Why belief is the foundation of leadership and personal growth * The role of culture in transforming individuals and organizations * How redefining success shifts focus from outcomes to legacy Resources * Connect with Ben: ben@ben-utecht.com [ben@ben-utecht.com] * Follow Ben on LinkedIn for culture and leadership insights * Book: The Champion’s Creed: Transform Your Culture Through the Power of Belief * Follow Jaime on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jaime_taets/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimetaets], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jaimeladam]

Find Joy, Even in the Hard Times with Kelli Williams

EPISODE SUMMARY What if success isn’t about how much you accomplish, but about the joy you experience along the way? In this episode of View From the Top, Jaime sits down with Kelli Williams, entrepreneur, former nonprofit leader, healing-informed executive coach, and storyteller, to explore how leaders can redefine success beyond titles, milestones, and external validation. Kelli shares powerful moments from her journey, including navigating leadership through crisis, surviving domestic abuse, and confronting the hidden pressures that many high-performing leaders carry behind the scenes. Through those experiences, she discovered that resilience isn’t about constantly pushing forward, it’s about learning when to pause, heal, and rebuild. Together, Jaime and Kelli discuss identity shifts, the courage it takes to unlearn guilt and perfectionism, and why following joy may be one of the most powerful leadership strategies of all. This conversation offers an honest look at the emotional and mental side of leadership, and why the path to sustainable success often begins with choosing joy. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN * Why resilience is more than pushing through difficult moments * How personal trauma and past experiences shape leadership behaviors * The power of vulnerability and storytelling in serving and inspiring others * Why many leaders struggle with identity shifts as they grow and evolve * How guilt and people-pleasing can quietly influence leadership decisions * Simple practices that help leaders regulate energy and manage stress * Why redefining success through joy creates a more sustainable and fulfilling life RESOURCES * Connect with Kelli: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelliwilliamsspeaks/] * Follow Jaime on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jaime_taets/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimetaets/], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jaimeladam/]

You Don’t Get Extra Credit for Exhaustion with Josh Helgesen

Episode Summary What does it truly take to lead without burning out? In this episode of View From the Top, Jaime sits down with Josh Helgesen, CEO and majority owner of Greiner Construction, to explore the inner work that sustains high-performing leaders. From managing pressure to protecting your energy, Josh shares how leadership isn’t about controlling everything—it’s about creating alignment, clarity, and resilience. We dive into the unseen moments behind success, navigating career growth while maintaining balance at home, and the mindset shifts that transform how you show up for yourself, your team, and your family. If you’ve ever felt the weight of leadership and wondered how to sustain energy without sacrificing your well-being, this conversation is your guide to leading with purpose and presence. What You’ll Learn: * Why unmanaged pressure, not external demands, is often the real cause of burnout * How to protect your energy as a leader and model healthy boundaries for others * The mindset and reflection practices that make leadership sustainable * Lessons from climbing the ranks from apprentice to CEO over 26 years * How to balance ambition with alignment to prevent exhaustion and maintain endurance * The importance of community, peer groups, and coaching in sustaining confidence and clarity * Practical energy audits and habits to sharpen performance and personal presence Resources: * Connect with Josh: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-helgesen-605b5195/] | Greiner Construction [https://www.facebook.com/GreinerConstruction] * Follow Jaime on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jaime_taets/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimetaets/], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jaimeladam/]