Meet Kelly Knowles | Inner Leadership Coach, Author and Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Knowles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, is there something you believe many others might not?
I have found that this statement often implies the inability to do something so you have to be “inauthentic” while making the effort. Let me offer that we often do things we have not done before! That’s how we learn and grow. I could not “fake” tying my shoes unless I just created an absolute mess. I cannot fake driving – even thought some might think my driving is pretty improvisational haha! There is a need for us to be authentic – especially as leaders. We can be capable and still admit that we are figuring some things out. By the way, if you are a member of the “I Have to Figure It All Out By Myself” club – may I recommend that it is a terrible club and revoke your membership immediately! We are better together.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
First of all, I’ve learned that a career is often not a linear path. In my generation, we were taught that you go to work somewhere and “climb the ladder.” What I have learned is that there are many ladders. We may move up one ladder only to begin on the first rung of the next one. We may jump from the middle of a ladder to a different ladder. All the while – I am remembering this thought, “New Levels | New Devils.” That is an image I use in a coaching series I created specifically for young professionals.

If you ask if my career has been easy – I’ll say, “It depends.” I’m grateful to have the opportunity for an education and to pursue my goals. I have not always been as successful as I envisioned – but I have also had to learn how to Define success. That means different things to different people. Not everyone gets that. I’m grateful that for the majority of my career, I have worked in nice places and surroundings. My late father encouraged education so that we would not have to work in places where “there are rats as big as cats.” How is that for a statement? But – in his effort to take care of his family he did.

Recently, I was able to publish a book (and Audible too!) that I started in my 20s. While it was a struggle and I continue to practice ways to promote it and get the word out – I am incredibly honored at the response to the book and how many people have told me that it impacted them for the positive. I’m also honored to work with people both personally and professionally that encourage me. More than anything, I’m grateful for my faith which proves daily that it is truly the purpose-driven life that is most rewarding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would be most interested in their mood. The Nashville area truly has something for everyone. Need some culture and beauty? Go to Cheekwood. That place continues to provide year-round attractions – but my favorite place when I go is just to visit the museum. Some people love the grounds, but the ability to be in a place with art (when I have little education around it) is pleasant for me.

We have to EAT! So I would peruse the new places in town. The city is growing so much! Just this week, a colleague and I ate at Chauhan Ale and Masala House. I know very little about Indian food (except naan bread is always a treat) and the meal was fantastic. There is always the tried and true as well – I have never had a bad meal at Etch. It’s elegant without being ostentatious.

Finally – let’s go hear some music! No matter where you go – someone can flat out “Sang”

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In the past, the first person I would have said was my late father. My dad was always exemplifying that you can be a lifelong learner and continue to reach for your goals no matter what. As an electrician and welder, he pushed hard to keep his certifications up and his record was exemplary. Even when he was very ill and could barely walk, he kept writing down the dates for new certifications. I found the “list” on the inside of a kitchen cabinet he claimed for his “office space.” I love that he kept pushing to do his best no matter what. I also think my mom is deserving of some “Shoutout.” Recently, I received a letter from a man who knew my mom when she was a teen. He and I have connected since we are both writers – and he has shared with me some of my mom’s early life experiences. She does not ever call herself a victim despite an incredibly difficult childhood that includes parental abandonment and so much more. She never let herself be a victim and always strived to go above. She continues to be a matriarch of the family and a rock to many. As he put it, she might be the most “self-made” person he has ever met. I concur.

Website: www.kellyknowles.net

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kellykconsulting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KellyKConsulting

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kellykconsult

Other: Book: https://www.amazon.com/Chin-Hairs-Other-Things-Didnt/dp/B0BBJLLLF5