14 Dec Unlocking Growth Through Leadership

Jaime Taets CEO of Keystone Group International shares her leadership strategies, the power of mentoring and how reframing challenges can unlock potential for growth. Jaime, an accomplished leader, speaker, mentor and author, shares insights from her journey—from corporate life to launching her company focused on building leadership cultures.  Jaime’s conversation with Megan Cummings Krueger offers valuable lessons for leaders at all stages. By focusing on personal growth, leveraging strengths, and reframing challenges, leaders can create thriving organizations with resilient cultures.

Intentional Discovery and Purposeful Wandering

Jaime describes her career path as “intentional discovery.” She advises that career paths don’t always follow a linear trajectory. Instead, Jaime sees it as more of a “jungle gym,” where experiences—both challenging and rewarding—help build resilience and clarity. She shares her belief that discomfort often signals a time for change and growth, pushing individuals to reflect on their next move.

Leadership Lessons

In The Culture Climb, Jaime distills her experiences into practical advice for leaders looking to build impactful workplace cultures. She emphasizes two key insights:

• Business Problems Are People Problems

  When businesses face challenges, it often comes down to leadership and clarity around processes and communication. Addressing people problems directly leads to growth.

• Stuck Is a Great Place to Be

  Jaime reframes the feeling of being stuck as an opportunity for reflection and growth. Instead of viewing it as a failure, she sees it as a moment to assess, learn, and pivot toward something better.

The Power of Words and Reframing Perspectives

Jaime highlights the power of language in leadership. For example, she uses the term “portfolio career” to shift the narrative around career paths. Her ability to articulate clear and meaningful concepts helps leaders not only solve their business problems but also reshape their outlook on challenges. As the host of the Superpower Success podcast, Jaime focuses on unique traits that make leaders effective – their superpowers. Jaime encourages leaders to embrace their strengths and leverage them to maximize their impact.

To discover your superpowers, Jaime suggests two practical tools:

• Energy Journal

  Track your energy levels throughout the day to identify activities that energize or drain you.

• Receive Feedback from Trusted Sources

Ask colleagues and mentors for feedback on your strengths to gain a clearer understanding of your unique capabilities.

Advice for Emerging Leaders

Jaime shares advice for leaders: focus on your own development. Instead of worrying about others, invest in becoming the best version of yourself. As you grow, you’ll create a ripple effect that positively influences the people around you.

The Importance of Mentoring

Jaime also emphasizes the value of mentorship, particularly in today’s challenging environment. Mentors help reframe perspectives, offer support during difficult times, and push individuals toward their goals.

About Jaime Taets

Jaime Taets is a dynamic CEO, public speaker, author, and mentor. Jaime is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. She began her career in a leadership role at the largest privately held corporation in the world, but she recognized that her strengths were better suited for a more impactful role outside the corporate structure.

Jaime launched Keystone Group International in 2013. Her firm focuses on leadership development, organizational strategy, and growth through change. Jaime believes that strong leadership and a resilient culture are the cornerstones of sustainable growth. Outside of her work with Keystone, Jaime serves as a board member for several nonprofits, including the National Association of Women Business Owners and Playworks Minnesota. Her influence has earned her recognition on Inc. Magazine’s 200 Top Female Founders list, as well as being named one of the 100 Women to Know in America and a 2022 Notable Female Entrepreneur by Twin Cities Business.

In addition to her leadership consulting, Jaime is the host of the Superpower Success podcast, and author of two books, The Culture Climb and You Are Here: Kick-Ass Inspiration for Navigating Your Journey to Success.