View From The Top With Jaime Taets

Jaime Taets, Owner, President & Founder

You climbed the mountain. You hit the title, the corner office, the seven figures, the "I made it" moment you spent your whole career chasing. So why does it feel like something's still missing? View From the Top with Jaime Taets is the leadership podcast for high-achievers who got everything they wanted and are still asking, "Now what?" This isn't another success podcast selling you the highlight reel. It's the conversation nobody has once you've already won — the identity crisis after the promotion, the burnout underneath the LinkedIn post, the quiet dread of building a life you no longer recognize as your own. Hosted by leadership expert and executive coach Jaime Taets, View From the Top sits down with founders, CEOs, former pro athletes, agency owners, and high-performing leaders who reached the summit — and then had to figure out what actually comes next. Guests don't recite polished playbooks. They get real about the stumbles: careers lost to a housing crisis, identity shattered by a career-ending injury, burnout mistaken for ambition, trust broken and rebuilt from the inside out. Why leaders keep hitting play: 1. It names the thing you're not supposed to say out loud. Success isn't static, and the hardest work often starts after you've "made it." If you're a leader who feels stuck, unfulfilled, restless, or quietly resentful of a life that looks perfect from the outside, this show gives language to what you've been feeling alone. 2. It's tactical, not just inspirational. Every episode delivers frameworks you can use immediately — energy audits for sustainable leadership, how to separate your identity from your achievements, how to filter outside opinions without losing your vision, how to spot the difference between the fear you choose and the fear that chooses you. 3. The guests have actually been there. This isn't theory from consultants who've never led a team through crisis. Listeners have heard from a crisis-communications founder who rebuilt her career and her family through her son's cancer diagnosis, a Super Bowl champion who had to find purpose beyond the game that defined him, and CEOs who scaled companies while quietly unlearning scarcity, guilt, and the compulsion to have all the answers. 4. It reframes burnout as a leadership signal, not a personal failure. Instead of glorifying the grind, View From the Top treats exhaustion as data — a signal about how your leadership system, boundaries, and energy management actually work, and what needs to change. 5. It's built for the leader who's ready for their next chapter. Whether you're navigating a career pivot, recovering from a burnout season, questioning what success even means anymore, or trying to lead with more presence and less performance, this show offers a roadmap, not just a pep talk. Who should listen to View From the Top: Executives, founders, entrepreneurs, coaches, and high-performing professionals who've achieved external success but feel an internal gap. If you Google "why do I feel empty after success," "leadership burnout recovery," "how to redefine success as a leader," or "podcast for high achievers who feel stuck," this is the show built for exactly that search. What you'll actually learn: How to rebuild trust with yourself after burnout, betrayal, or loss of identityHow to separate who you are from what you've achievedPractical energy management and boundary-setting for leaders under constant pressureHow resilience is built before the crisis, not during itWhy the leaders who seem to have it all together are often the ones asking the hardest questions in privatewww.jaimetaets.com

  1. 3d ago

    From Problem Solver to Coach: Matt Ropchak on Redefining Leadership Success

    Leadership development doesn't happen where you're comfortable. Matt Ropchak shares why the biggest breakthroughs begin the moment you stop keeping both feet in the familiar. Leadership development isn't about collecting promotions. It's about growing through uncertainty, embracing discomfort, and developing people instead of simply solving problems. Matt Ropchak shares the experiences that reshaped his leadership, from overcoming imposter syndrome to surviving a life-changing heart attack that redefined his perspective on success. Together, Matt and Jaime explore why leaders should embrace change, coach instead of always providing the answers, and build a legacy by developing others. Whether you're leading through uncertainty or redefining success, this episode offers practical leadership insights. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 Welcome and why growth starts outside your comfort zone 02:18 Meet Matt Ropchak 06:15 Don't keep both of your feet in the familiar 12:40 From imposter syndrome to confident leadership 20:08 Coaching instead of providing all the answers 27:54 Leadership, priorities, and making difficult decisions 34:31 The life-changing health event that shifted everything 42:05 Redefining success and building a lasting legacy 48:10 Leadership habits, mindset, and final reflections Guest Bio Matt Ropchak is an executive leader with nearly three decades of experience leading engineering, operations, and supply chain organizations. He helps organizations build high-performing teams through authentic leadership and resilience. Quotes from the Episode "Don't keep both of your feet in the familiar." "Coach more. Solve less." "Your legacy is measured by the leaders you help grow." Leadership Insights What is leadership development? Leadership development is the ongoing process of building the mindset, skills, and behaviors needed to lead people effectively. It includes self-awareness, coaching others, sound decision-making, and continuous growth through new challenges. Why is stepping outside your comfort zone important for leaders? Leaders grow by intentionally taking on unfamiliar challenges. Stepping beyond what's comfortable builds confidence, adaptability, and stronger decision-making while preparing leaders to navigate change. Resources Connect with Matt Ropchak on LinkedInLearn more about Jaime Taets and Keystone Group International: https://jaimetaets.comExplore Jaime's Executive Retreats: https://jaimetaets.com/executive-retreats/Follow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and FacebookIf this episode challenged the way you think about leadership development, share it with another leader who could benefit from these insights. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about leadership, executive growth, and building organizations where people and performance thrive. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets

  2. Aug 3

    There’s No One Right Way: Lindsay Holden on Building Odele and Leading with Intuition

    You don't need to have everything figured out before taking the next step. Lindsay Holden shares why trusting your instincts, embracing progress over perfection, and believing in your vision can lead to extraordinary growth. Building a successful business isn't about having all the answers. It's about staying curious, making decisions with confidence, and continuing to move forward even when the path isn't clear. In this episode, Lindsay Holden, Co-Founder of Odele Beauty, shares her journey from leading merchandising at Target to building one of the fastest-growing hair care brands in mass retail. She and Jaime discuss trusting your intuition, navigating the shift from founder to leader, balancing growth with personal priorities, and why there is no single formula for success. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or preparing for your next big leap, this conversation offers practical leadership insights grounded in real experience. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 Welcome and introducing Lindsay Holden 02:15 Leaving corporate life to build Odele 08:42 Building a brand with purpose and accessibility 15:10 Progress over perfection in entrepreneurship 22:18 Transitioning from founder to leader 30:40 Protecting creativity, energy, and relationships 38:12 Learning to trust your intuition 46:05 There's no one right way to build success 51:30 Bonus Round Guest Bio Lindsay Holden is the Co-Founder of Odele Beauty, a fast-growing hair care brand redefining premium products at accessible prices. After spending eight years as a merchant at Target, she co-founded Odele in 2020, growing the company to more than 15,000 retail locations nationwide. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, authentic leadership, and building brands that combine purpose, performance, and accessibility. Quotes from the Episode "Progress over perfection." "There's no one right way to do anything." "Trust your intuition." Leadership Insights Why is trusting your intuition important in leadership? Strong leaders gather advice, but they don't ignore their own experience. Trusting your instincts allows you to make confident decisions while staying true to your values, especially during periods of growth and uncertainty. What does progress over perfection mean? Waiting for perfect conditions often slows growth. Leaders who embrace progress over perfection learn from mistakes, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward instead of becoming stuck by fear or unrealistic expectations. Resources Connect with Lindsay Holden on LinkedInLearn more about Odele BeautyLearn more about Jaime Taets and Keystone Group International: https://jaimetaets.comExplore Jaime's Executive Retreats: https://jaimetaets.com/executive-retreats/Follow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and FacebookIf this episode encouraged you to dream bigger and trust your own leadership journey, share it with someone who needs the reminder. Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about leadership, growth, and building organizations where people and performance thrive. Will see you at the top, and beyond. Jaime Taets

  3. Aug 3

    You Have the Right to Dream with Andrea Sullivan

    What if the next level of success requires letting go of the identity that got you here? In this episode of View From the Top, Jaime sits down with Andrea Sullivan, entrepreneur, former global CMO, and co-founder of VYVE, to explore the connection between identity, fulfillment, and sustainable success. Andrea shares her journey from a successful corporate career in New York City to building a business centered on helping leaders become their best and happiest selves. Along the way, she learned that achievement alone does not create fulfillment. Real growth often begins when we stop performing for others and start embracing who we truly are. Together, they discuss identity shifts, personal reinvention, community, leadership, and why so many high achievers struggle to give themselves permission to pursue the dreams that still feel out of reach. If you've ever felt stuck between who you've been and who you're becoming, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that growth begins when you stop limiting yourself to the labels you've collected along the way. What You'll Learn Why many high achievers struggle to give themselves permission to dream biggerHow identity can become the very thing holding you back from your next chapterThe difference between performative success and authentic fulfillmentWhy surrounding yourself with the right community accelerates growthHow to recognize and quiet your critical inner voiceThe role vulnerability plays in leadership and personal transformationWhy letting go of titles and external validation can be liberatingHow to navigate major life and career transitions with confidenceWhy becoming more human may be the key leadership skill of the futureResources Connect with Andrea: LinkedIn | VYVEFollow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

  4. Aug 3

    The Fear You Choose with Kristi Piehl

    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 perspectiveHow losing a career can lead to a more aligned purposeThe importance of sharing your struggles instead of suffering in silenceWhy resilience is built before hard seasons happenHow to focus your energy on what you can actually controlThe difference between the fear you choose and the fear life chooses for youWhy difficult seasons clarify your values and prioritiesHow authenticity creates stronger leadershipThe role relationships play during seasons of crisis and changeWhy success ultimately becomes about freedom, impact, and purposeResources Kristi Piehl official website: kristipiehl.com | Speaker, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Media Minefield. Follow Kristi on Instagram and LinkedInMedia Minefield: media-minefield.com | PR agency helping brands and leaders navigate media, messaging, and crisis communication. Follow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

  5. Aug 3

    You Control More than You Think with Giselle Ugarte

    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 thinkHow to filter opinions and protect your visionThe difference between personal and private sharingWhy authentic connection requires going firstHow identity shifts change your circle and environmentWhy asking for help is a critical leadership skillHow to handle criticism without losing confidenceWhy most people giving advice are not your audienceHow self awareness drives real personal growthSimple practices to manage energy and mindsetResources Connect with Giselle Ugarte: giselleugarte.com | Hub for performance coaching, speaking, and her newsletter.Follow Giselle on Instagram and LinkedInAction-Forward Coaching | A confidence and communication boot camp to help you be seen and heard. Follow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

  6. Aug 3

    Find the Consistency through the Peaks and Valleys with Ben Utecht

    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 itHow preparation builds confidence and silences self-doubtThe importance of separating identity from achievementsHow adversity and setbacks shape long-term successWhy belief is the foundation of leadership and personal growthThe role of culture in transforming individuals and organizationsHow redefining success shifts focus from outcomes to legacyResources Connect with Ben: ben@ben-utecht.comFollow Ben on LinkedIn for culture and leadership insightsBook: The Champion’s Creed: Transform Your Culture Through the Power of BeliefFollow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

You climbed the mountain. You hit the title, the corner office, the seven figures, the "I made it" moment you spent your whole career chasing. So why does it feel like something's still missing? View From the Top with Jaime Taets is the leadership podcast for high-achievers who got everything they wanted and are still asking, "Now what?" This isn't another success podcast selling you the highlight reel. It's the conversation nobody has once you've already won — the identity crisis after the promotion, the burnout underneath the LinkedIn post, the quiet dread of building a life you no longer recognize as your own. Hosted by leadership expert and executive coach Jaime Taets, View From the Top sits down with founders, CEOs, former pro athletes, agency owners, and high-performing leaders who reached the summit — and then had to figure out what actually comes next. Guests don't recite polished playbooks. They get real about the stumbles: careers lost to a housing crisis, identity shattered by a career-ending injury, burnout mistaken for ambition, trust broken and rebuilt from the inside out. Why leaders keep hitting play: 1. It names the thing you're not supposed to say out loud. Success isn't static, and the hardest work often starts after you've "made it." If you're a leader who feels stuck, unfulfilled, restless, or quietly resentful of a life that looks perfect from the outside, this show gives language to what you've been feeling alone. 2. It's tactical, not just inspirational. Every episode delivers frameworks you can use immediately — energy audits for sustainable leadership, how to separate your identity from your achievements, how to filter outside opinions without losing your vision, how to spot the difference between the fear you choose and the fear that chooses you. 3. The guests have actually been there. This isn't theory from consultants who've never led a team through crisis. Listeners have heard from a crisis-communications founder who rebuilt her career and her family through her son's cancer diagnosis, a Super Bowl champion who had to find purpose beyond the game that defined him, and CEOs who scaled companies while quietly unlearning scarcity, guilt, and the compulsion to have all the answers. 4. It reframes burnout as a leadership signal, not a personal failure. Instead of glorifying the grind, View From the Top treats exhaustion as data — a signal about how your leadership system, boundaries, and energy management actually work, and what needs to change. 5. It's built for the leader who's ready for their next chapter. Whether you're navigating a career pivot, recovering from a burnout season, questioning what success even means anymore, or trying to lead with more presence and less performance, this show offers a roadmap, not just a pep talk. Who should listen to View From the Top: Executives, founders, entrepreneurs, coaches, and high-performing professionals who've achieved external success but feel an internal gap. If you Google "why do I feel empty after success," "leadership burnout recovery," "how to redefine success as a leader," or "podcast for high achievers who feel stuck," this is the show built for exactly that search. What you'll actually learn: How to rebuild trust with yourself after burnout, betrayal, or loss of identityHow to separate who you are from what you've achievedPractical energy management and boundary-setting for leaders under constant pressureHow resilience is built before the crisis, not during itWhy the leaders who seem to have it all together are often the ones asking the hardest questions in privatewww.jaimetaets.com