Isn’t it Lovely To Identify a Need and Respond? Special Guest: Kerri Tietgen
“…everybody fears being ‘the only’…but everybody has that, and if we can take that and turn it around to being really special and what makes us unique and a differentiator it’s so empowering…the thing about being ‘the only’ makes us so alone, but it’s really the one thing that unifies everyone.”
Rachel and Tracy catapult into Season 4 by welcoming Kerri Tietgen, CEO of EmBe (formerly Sioux Falls’ YWCA), to the podcast for a powerful conversation encompassing everything from being a “student of stories and people” to transforming a community. Kerri discusses growing up in a family that modeled identifying community needs and creating impactful solutions, and also shares the inspiration she derives simply by listening to and valuing people’s stories. Kerri and Tracy discuss growing up as Asian American women and what representation in media means to them and the unifying nature for everyone of being “an only”. Kerri passionately reveals EmBe’s newly revised and refocused vision and values, while inviting listeners to be agents of change in their communities. Tracy uses the term “beautiful” approximately 1,300 times. Rachel reflects on the 100-year history of EmBe and suggests closing out the episode with a Spice Girls song.
Episode Mentions:
EmBe’s Instagram: @embesf
EmBe’s Website: https://www.embe.org/
The Joy Luck Club
Crazy Rich Asians
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
Jessica Shakir Website: https://www.thebeautifulmindacademy.com/
Jessica Shakir Instagram: @jessicashakirbeauty
Kerri Tietgen of Sioux Falls is the current CEO of EmBe. Kerri has 20 plus years of experience in executive leadership roles. Prior to joining EmBe, Kerri was the founder and operator of KT Consulting, as well as Executive Vice President of People & Culture at DocuTAP. She has served a range of organizations of all sizes, industries, and from private, non-profit, and for-profit sectors. Kerri is passionate about building sustainable organizations and coaching others to reach their highest potential. The foundational principle of Kerri’s work is ensuring that “audio matches video” - making sure that the mission, vision, and values of the organization match that of their leader’s behaviors and strategic direction. It is this philosophy that has allowed her to serve a multitude of people and organizations across a variety of industries.
Kerri’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management and Finance from the University of Nebraska and an MBA from the University of South Dakota. She is also SPHR / SHRM-SCP certified. Kerri is currently the Executive Chair of Thrivent Financial’s Member Network Board and the Vice President of Spirit of Joy Church. Kerri’s most important role is wife to her husband, Jeremy, and mother to Cooper (14) and Kennedy (13).