We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Roehm recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kelly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?
The most important lesson I learned in my career, and one I carry with me as a business owner, is the power of being my own advocate. Early in my career, I was in a role where I was doing exceptional work, taking on extra projects, and driving meaningful outcomes for the organization. But somehow, when it came time for promotions or recognition, I found myself waiting for someone else to notice my contributions. That moment of frustration and reflection was pivotal.
One particular experience stands out: I had been tasked with leading a high-profile project that required collaboration across multiple departments. It was a success, but in the final presentation, I realized my name wasn’t mentioned. My immediate reaction was disappointment, but then I asked myself, Have I been clear about the role I played? Have I articulated my value?
The truth was, I hadn’t. I assumed my work would speak for itself, but I learned that advocating for yourself doesn’t mean arrogance—it means clarity. It’s about showing others how your contributions align with shared goals and outcomes.
That experience taught me how to articulate my impact, negotiate for what I deserved, and build relationships that supported mutual growth. Now, as a business owner, I help my clients do the same. Advocacy isn’t just about asking for what you want; it’s also about showing up with confidence, clarity, and a growth mindset.
I teach my clients to think about their careers like a product launch—you need to be clear on the value you bring, your unique strengths, and why others should invest in you. Whether it’s for a promotion, a new role, or simply recognition, the key is to make your case with impact and confidence.
That moment—where I decided to step up and speak for myself—changed the trajectory of my career and laid the foundation for the work I do today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who haven’t come across my work before, my name is Kelly Roehm, and I specialize in helping professionals take control of their careers through resume writing, career coaching, and personal branding. My goal is simple yet powerful: to empower people to see their own worth, advocate for themselves, and build careers that align with their values and aspirations.
My journey into this industry wasn’t a straight path—it was shaped by my own career pivots and moments of reflection. After working in leadership roles where I built and scaled programs focused on social-emotional learning, clinical care, and professional development, I realized my true passion was helping individuals thrive in their own careers. I started by writing resumes for friends and colleagues, and I saw firsthand how a well-crafted narrative could change the way they viewed themselves and their professional potential.
Today, I provide a full suite of career services, including customized resumes, story-driven LinkedIn profiles, career coaching, and interview preparation. I help my clients articulate their unique value, navigate career transitions, and build confidence in advocating for what they deserve. My work is rooted in collaboration, grit, and positivity, ensuring every client feels seen, supported, and equipped to tackle their goals.
What sets my brand apart is the holistic approach I bring to career strategy. I’m not just helping people land jobs; I’m helping them define what fulfillment means for them and create actionable plans to achieve it. My clients leave not just with polished documents but with a clearer understanding of their value, stronger self-advocacy skills, and tools to navigate their careers long-term.
One of the things I’m most proud of is watching my clients succeed—not just in securing new roles but in growing into leaders, decision-makers, and advocates in their own lives. Whether it’s helping someone negotiate a higher salary, find a remote role that supports their family life, or finally feel confident enough to step into a leadership position, those wins are why I do what I do.
What I’d love for potential clients and followers to know about me and my work is that I’m here for the big picture. I believe your career is one of the most personal and impactful parts of your life, and it deserves care, strategy, and attention. My work isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions—it’s about empowering people to own their story, embrace their strengths, and take their career to the next level with confidence.
If you’re ready to turn ambition into achievement, I’m here to help.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building an audience on LinkedIn has been one of the most rewarding aspects in my business. For me, it’s never been about chasing numbers or creating content for the sake of visibility (there’s already way too much of that on LinkedIn!); for me, it’s always been about connection, value, and authenticity.
When I first started sharing on LinkedIn, I focused on topics I’m deeply passionate about: self-advocacy, career growth, and building grit in the workplace. My approach has always been to meet people where they are and offer practical, actionable advice. Whether it’s a quick tip for crafting a stronger resume, a reminder to negotiate for what you deserve, or a reflection on overcoming career challenges, I aim to create content that resonates with people on a human level.
One of the most effective strategies I’ve found is engaging directly with my audience. LinkedIn is a two-way conversation, not a megaphone. I make a point to respond to comments, ask questions, and share insights that foster dialogue. I also prioritize storytelling—sharing my own experiences and lessons learned, because I believe vulnerability and relatability build trust.
Another key part of growing my audience has been consistency. I show up regularly to share insights, celebrate client wins, and discuss trends I’m seeing in the job market. Over time, this consistency has built credibility and allowed me to form meaningful connections with professionals across industries.
What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve cultivated. My audience is filled with individuals who are ambitious, reflective, and eager to take charge of their careers. I often receive messages from people who say my content helped them feel seen or gave them the courage to take the next step in their journey, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.
Ultimately, my goal on LinkedIn is to provide value and spark conversations that help people grow in their careers and lives. It’s not about me and what I think, it’s about creating a space where others can find guidance, inspiration, and encouragement.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the most significant pivots in my life was the transition from a corporate role to starting my own business. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but it was one that transformed not just my career but my sense of purpose and autonomy.
I had spent years in leadership roles where I thrived on building programs, coaching teams, and driving results. But there was a moment when I realized that the structured confines of corporate life weren’t fully aligned with how I wanted to show up in my work. I loved helping people achieve their potential, but I found myself wanting to do it on my own terms.
The catalyst for the pivot came during a period of self-doubt. I had been in the corporate world for nearly 20 years and I had exceeded the point of burn out. I was working 10-12 hour days every day and had lost total sight of who I was, my values, my goals, and what I actually wanted from work. I knew that I was really good at finding potential and ambition in others, so I started writing resumes and coaching clients as a side hustle.
What started as a side project quickly grew into something bigger. The more I leaned into the work, the clearer it became that this wasn’t just a stopgap—it was my calling. I realized I could build something of my own that aligned with my values, leveraged my strengths, and made a real difference in people’s lives.
The pivot wasn’t easy. I had to navigate the challenges of running a business, learning marketing, operations, and client management, while building trust in myself as an entrepreneur. But every step reinforced that I was on the right path.
Looking back, this pivot taught me the value of resilience and self-trust. It showed me that even when a path feels uncertain, leaning into your strengths and passion can lead to something extraordinary. Today, as a business owner, I get to help others navigate their own pivots, whether they’re shifting roles, industries, or mindsets.
This journey reminds me that the most transformative growth often comes from embracing the unknown and turning it into an opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theresumerealist.com
- Instagram: @theresumerealist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellylroehm/
- Other: https://getreal.theresumerealist.com
Image Credits
Amanda Lippert