We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Knowles recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly, appreciate you joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

As we know, hindsight is 20/20. One thing that I would offer is you are never too young to network. So often, people think about networking and tie it to their work or the corporate world. Or that you have to be an extrovert. I’ll push against those thoughts and say that networking is for everyone! Networking is also not about selling to another. It can be a positive result, but that is not the end goal.

For example I wish I had taken the time to stay in touch with people I met in organizations during college as well as great professors. graduated in a recession and was ready to be done. With that, I did not stay in communication with people who I really enjoyed knowing and it meant when I was ready to network I had to completely rebuild. Many years later I ran into some of those professors at an event and that resulted in my getting to speak and teach at my alma mater. What would have been possible if I had not waited?

Networking can happen in our personal world as well. It’s really all about building relationships and helping each other. I received a great reference for a roof contractor the other day just by talking to someone who used to run restaurants and had to manage all the facility needs.

Successful people I’ve observed over the years have always asked questions and gotten to know people at all levels and walks of life. They are constantly learning and continuing their communications. That’s valuable.

And – it’s never too late!

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?

If I’ve thought about something, I’ve always tried to put action behind it. It doesn’t mean that everything works out or is perfect. But, I try to take action. That has been something I’ve done my entire life. Whether it was turning my child tea table into a desk because I wanted to play “office” and organize things or starting a book study in my home because I could not find a group that was doing it the way I needed it. No matter what role or job I have had, I have found myself helping and encouraging others to take action in their dreams. I heard the other day, you can dream it, but you still have to do the work! I believe they are not exclusive but can work together to do beautiful things for this world.

I know it’s not easy. I was told I wasn’t smart enough to go to college. I did it anyway. It was hard -but I did it. For some…trying to figure out where to go…and the ‘how’ to get there can be confusing. Overwhelming. And make you stop before you even get a chance to start. And that is how I have been helping people in my career and business. To help people discover their roadblocks and remove them so they can make their next steps.

I read something in a book one day that impacted me for life: You Steer Where You Stare

That is a phrase I remember. That is where I help. With my clients…with my friends…and with myself. I work with men and women to help them define their next: goal…plan..vision. What is important is to develop your inner leadership. That means so much when the world is not running so well and even when it is.

What makes me unique, is that I am not a “cookie cutter.” I don’t use a “5-steps to fill in the blank” because we are all unique individuals and one size does not ft all. I’m authentic and transparent – what you see is what you get. Period.

Recently, what I am most proud of is the release of my book: Chin Hairs & Other Things Mama Didn’t Tell You: From Surviving to Thriving in your 20s and 30s. What has made this book so cool is that while I wrote it for women in their 20s and 30s – adult women (and men!) of all ages have been reading this book and enjoying the learning and stories. They have shared it with their friends, bought it for their younger colleagues or daughters and that is just incredible. I remember those years, and not being quite sure how to navigate those beginning yrs of adulthood. I sure wish I had a guide when I was in my 20’s.! (see my previous note on networking..). Helping you discover and define what you would like for your next is something I am so excited to do.

With all of this, the ultimate goal is to help people realize and believe that they are here on this planet for a purpose. That we all matter. Sometimes we have to remove roadblocks (I help!) that enable to you take better action. To paraphrase Steven Pressfield, “Don’t cheat the world of the reason you are here.”

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I was young, my late father would say to me, “They named a street sign after you: One-Way.” That is not a compliment! But, it was his working-class way of reminding me that I had to look at the other side and flex. That I thought I was always right, but likely was not.

It was a good lesson. Some of us just naturally have personalities where we think we are right. And yet, building character along with the desire to be a continuous learner leads us to know there is more. There are other points of view and the input of another can make you smarter and wiser.

I realized that just “reading all of the articles” and doing things my way is not always the path to my version of success.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

For many years, my husband and I had his youngest daughter full-time and his two oldest grandchildren. At about the same time the oldest daughter came back and the children when back to live with her,, the youngest graduated and went on to college. Almost overnight, we went from a home with three kids to none. And I had absolutely no idea what to do. I missed my babies and my youngest stepdaughter who I had helped to raise.. Taking the grandchildren in meant that I gave up a tenure-track college position that was my dream job. But, my schedule and mental health could not raise little ones an keep up with the demands of that kind of job at the same time. It was absolutely the hardest thing I have ever done. I pivoted and found new work – but it took time to find a job that paid what we needed and also had the work/life balance essential to toddlers.

When the kids were gone, my husband and I had to figure out our “next.” Which is why I am so passionate about helping others. I have been there I have lived it and come out on the other side.

Today, those “toddles” are almost 18 and 19 and the youngest stepdaughter is 28. Life changes and we can find way to pivot and move through it positive ways – even when what is happening isn’t what we saw as “the plan.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kellyknowles.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kellykconsult
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KellyKConsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kellykconsulting
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kellykconsult
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kellykconsult