Welcome to our WBE Spotlight Series! Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Jaime Taets, Founder & CEO of Keystone Group International. Join us as we delve into Jaime’s entrepreneurial journey and uncover the driving force behind her success in the management consulting industry.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Jaime’s experience begins in a corporate role at the largest privately-held corporation in the world. Thirteen years into that journey, she was comfortably uncomfortable. Having held various leadership roles, Jaime recognized that her strengths and approach would be better utilized outside the corporate world. Stepping out confidently while facing her own fears, she left that job and launched Keystone Group International in 2013. Jaime Taets stands out as an example of leadership and innovation, marking her as one of the most influential women of 2024. With a distinguished career that transitioned from corporate America to entrepreneurial success, Jaime embodies the spirit of resilience and empowerment.
What is a business milestone or achievement that you are most proud of?
Recently celebrated 10 years of business, women owned and operated. I’ve written 2 books; my last book was recognized as an Amazon best seller and recently won an Axiom Business Book Awards Gold in Company Culture Award. I launched a podcast that will soon be celebrating 7 years! I summitted Mount Kilimanjaro on a solo trip, to push myself as a business leader, and expand personally and professionally.
What challenges have you faced as a woman business owner, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was the decision to leave my corporate job, to chase my entrepreneurial dreams and 6 months later finding myself in the middle of a divorce. My safety net was completely removed and it forced me to grow up very quickly as an entrepreneur as I had no other choice. It also taught me a lot about myself, what I was capable of and how to look at risk. As an entrepreneur, I feel like the journey is full of challenges, from making strategic hiring decisions, to new products or services and you have to ensure you have the right risk tolerance set so that you protect your business but also don’t stagnate and avoid making big decisions due to risk. The statistics are not in our favor as female business owners, so we have to put some of that aside to overcome the stress that is associated with taking on the next challenge. I’ve learned some great tools and approaches to help me face challenges with more of a growth mindset and to see past the challenge instead of focusing on the challenge itself.
What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
My entrepreneurial journey as a woman underscores the importance of authenticity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. Jaime’s favorite quote, “The two most important days in your life, are the day you were born and the day you find out why,” mirrors her life’s mission to inspire change and empower individuals to discover their true potential. Jaime is a timeless inspiration for women entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders globally.
Keystone Group International
For a decade, Keystone Group International has been at the forefront of business transformation, specializing in the delicate balance between human dynamics and business objectives. Their individualized approach to strategic growth has helped countless organizations revolutionize their operations while fostering stronger company cultures. By focusing on the intersection of human needs and business goals, they deliver tailored solutions that create lasting impact and measurable results for their clients.
My entrepreneurial journey as a woman underscores the importance of authenticity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership