We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Samantha Kennelly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Samantha below.

Samantha , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In 2021, right after I turned 30, I took the risk of leaving a comfortable, full time job I loved to move states and begin my next journey as a leadership coach and team development consultant. I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur, I thought I was someone who needed to have structure and consistency to be successful. However, after life and work was greatly disrupted and impacted by Covid, I realized that this was just a story I was telling myself; a narrative that I had built based on others’ ideals and expectations. As I am sure many did during this time, I learned so much more about who I am and which environments are most supportive, allowing me to operate at my best and thrive. As a coach, I had to ask myself “What energizes me? What fuels me?” and I realized that I was so focused on doing what I thought was “right”, I wasn’t fully listening to the most important person, myself. Once I made the decision to leave and continue to do the work I love as an independent contractor, a huge weight was lifted; I felt free. Three years later, I feel so grounded in who I am and the work I am meant to be doing. My hope is that I can continue to work with individuals who might feel stuck and need a safe space to dream and explore what could be next so that they can continue to create a life and career that aligns with what lights them up.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Like many, I am on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. I was raised by a community who taught me the power of building meaningful relationships to help guide us through life. With a background and experience in Positive (Strengths) Psychology and a passion and curiosity for people, I have always been fascinated by human behavior.

While working on my master’s degree and working as a graduate student, I discovered CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder), a behavioral tool that identifies our natural talents and unique potential, how I viewed myself completely evolved. It was during this time when I was asked to help launch the one and only Clifton Strengths Institute (CSI), funded by Gallup and the Clifton Foundation. I dedicated 5+ years to leading and building a program that prepares college students to successfully navigate life after college. To date, the program has impacted 6,000+ individuals.

When I left the University to pursue my purpose as a leadership coach and consultant, I began working with WYLD Leadership, a boutique organizational development company composed of master facilitators, scientists, and experience designers. WYLD supports individuals and teams in transforming the way they communicate, collaborate, and lead. We are known for our personalized curriculum creation that combines cutting-edge behavioral research with a holistic approach.

As a Gallup-Certified Strengths coach, I get great joy from disrupting the traditional focus of the workplace and human development by tailoring my coaching and curriculum to support each participant around their unique Strengths and curiosities. I love working with young adults, early-mid career professionals, and entrepreneurs who are looking to choose and craft their jobs around their natural talents, passions, and values. Through workshops, coaching, speaking engagements, and retreats, I have worked with over 4,000 individuals across industries.

Through my services of one-on-one leadership / career coaching, team workshops and retreats, keynote speaking, and now wedding coordinating and officiating, I desire to create spaces that elicit meaningful connections to guide others along their own journey of self-discovery and designing a well-lived life and career.

We all have a story and sharing that story allows us to build connection: “Connection is why we’re here; it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives”(Brené Brown).

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

When I really embraced and shared who I am, I was able to connect with potential clients on a deeper level. I truly believe that everyone needs a coach at some stage in their life and it is all about finding the right fit.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

To be a great manager, we need to know ourselves. We need to understand our Strengths and how we best connect with others. Managing people and maintaining high morale needs to be individualized to each person; not everyone is motived in the same way. Great managers take the time to get to know their people and understand what they need to thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wyldleadership.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-kennelly/