View From the Top

Jaime Taets
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Management

What happens after you’ve achieved everything you thought you wanted? For many leaders, reaching the summit brings unexpected questions: What’s next? How do I find fulfillment now? Hosted by Jaime Taets, View From the Top explores the untold side of success, the wins, the stumbles, and the inner work that begins after the climb. Through candid conversations with high-achievers, you’ll discover how they redefined success, navigated crossroads, and found renewed purpose. If you’re a leader who feels stuck, unfulfilled, or ready for your next chapter, this podcast offers inspiration and practical insights to help you chart the path forward. Success isn’t static. The hardest work starts at the top. Join us for stories that will challenge your thinking and ignite your next move.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    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 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 purpose Resources 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

    30 min

  2. May 12

    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 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 mindset Resources 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

    38 min

  3. Apr 21

    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 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 legacy Resources 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

    37 min

  4. Mar 31

    Find Joy, Even in the Hard Times with Kelli Williams

    Episode SummaryWhat 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 LearnWhy resilience is more than pushing through difficult momentsHow personal trauma and past experiences shape leadership behaviorsThe power of vulnerability and storytelling in serving and inspiring othersWhy many leaders struggle with identity shifts as they grow and evolveHow guilt and people-pleasing can quietly influence leadership decisionsSimple practices that help leaders regulate energy and manage stressWhy redefining success through joy creates a more sustainable and fulfilling lifeResourcesConnect with Kelli: LinkedInFollow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

    40 min

  5. Mar 10

    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 burnoutHow to protect your energy as a leader and model healthy boundaries for othersThe mindset and reflection practices that make leadership sustainableLessons from climbing the ranks from apprentice to CEO over 26 yearsHow to balance ambition with alignment to prevent exhaustion and maintain enduranceThe importance of community, peer groups, and coaching in sustaining confidence and clarityPractical energy audits and habits to sharpen performance and personal presence Resources: Connect with Josh: LinkedIn | Greiner ConstructionFollow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

    30 min

  6. Feb 17

    The Point Is Not to Have All the Answers with Hillary Spreizer

    Episode Summary What if burnout isn’t about how much you can handle, but how your leadership system is structured? In this episode of View From the Top, Jaime sits down with Hillary Spreizer, CEO and owner of Latitude Group, to explore why burnout is a signal and a starting point for stronger leadership. Hillary shares her journey from recruiter to business owner, navigating the challenges of company ownership, post-covid growth, and the hidden pressures that come with leading others. They discuss mindset shifts, unlearning scarcity, building resiliency, and practicing intentional leadership to prevent burnout and sustain energy. This conversation is packed with tactical takeaways for leaders looking to reclaim clarity, maintain energy, and lead with presence even when everything feels chaotic. What You’ll Learn Why burnout is rarely about capacity and what it really signals about your leadership systemThe power of practicing resilience for yourself and your teamHow to turn anxiety into a flag for alignment rather than a sign of weaknessWhy saying “I don’t know” and staying in motion is a leadership superpowerEnergy rituals and habits that keep leaders grounded and focusedThe importance of unlearning scarcity, prioritizing quality over quantity, and delegating effectivelyHow to redefine success beyond milestones, titles, or external achievements Resources Connect with Hillary: LinkedIn | Latitude GroupFollow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

    44 min

  7. Feb 3

    Create Trust with Yourself First with Ashley Hawks

    Episode Summary How do you redefine success, find balance, and reconnect to what truly matters after reaching the top? In this episode of View From the Top, Jaime is joined by Ashley Hawks, serial entrepreneur and owner of SOAR Leadership Groups, to explore the inner work that builds trust with yourself and fuels sustainable success. Ashley shares her journey from early entrepreneurship, selling her company to David’s Bridal, to navigating corporate life, health challenges, and burnout, and ultimately creating a business and life aligned with her purpose. They discuss mindset shifts, energy rituals, and the power of community to help leaders thrive without sacrificing joy, relationships, or health. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward while maintaining your well-being, this conversation offers practical guidance for reclaiming trust, clarity, and balance. What You’ll Learn: How building trust with yourself is foundational to sustainable successThe role of community and intentional relationships in personal and professional growthMindset practices for radical accountability and energy managementHow to identify and overcome limiting beliefs and inner voicesStrategies for balancing career ambitions with health, family, and joyWhy small, consistent actions create momentum and confidenceHow to redefine success beyond titles, salary, and external achievements Resources: Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn | SOAR Leadership GroupsFollow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

    50 min

  8. Jan 13

    Move from Performative to Productive with Erin Newkirk

    Episode Summary What does it really take to lead without burning out? In this episode of View From the Top, Jaime sits down with Erin Newkirk to explore the inner work most leaders overlook, but cannot afford to ignore. From career pivots to energy management, Erin shows why alignment isn’t just a “nice-to-have” skill, it’s the foundation of sustained success. They dig into mindset shifts, daily rituals, and practical practices that make leadership sustainable instead of draining. Erin tells about navigating corporate, entrepreneurial, and advisory roles, and how she approaches transitions with clarity rather than chaos. If you’ve ever felt stuck, misaligned, or uncertain about your next move, this conversation will challenge you to pause, reflect, and take your next step with intention. What You’ll Learn: Why alignment, not just ambition, is the key to leadership successHow to manage energy and prevent burnout in high-pressure rolesThe mindset practices Erin uses daily to stay grounded and productiveWhy curiosity and creativity are essential tools for navigating changeLessons from career pivots that span corporate and entrepreneurial worldsThe importance of leading with love, both for yourself and your teamHow to build lasting impact without getting lost in performative work Resources: Connect with Erin: LinkedIn | erinnewkirk.comFollow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

    39 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

What happens after you’ve achieved everything you thought you wanted? For many leaders, reaching the summit brings unexpected questions: What’s next? How do I find fulfillment now? Hosted by Jaime Taets, View From the Top explores the untold side of success, the wins, the stumbles, and the inner work that begins after the climb. Through candid conversations with high-achievers, you’ll discover how they redefined success, navigated crossroads, and found renewed purpose. If you’re a leader who feels stuck, unfulfilled, or ready for your next chapter, this podcast offers inspiration and practical insights to help you chart the path forward. Success isn’t static. The hardest work starts at the top. Join us for stories that will challenge your thinking and ignite your next move.

Information

  • Creator
    Jaime Taets
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jaime Taets
  • Show Website
    View From the Top