Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Kelley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nicole, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story, but too often society overlooks the risks taken and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
This sense of adventure carried into adulthood. After growing up in Austin, I took a leap of faith and moved to Washington, DC, for college. I wanted a bigger stage to grow and connect, and DC challenged me to think globally and engage with diverse perspectives. After that, I made the bold decision to leave my corporate job in New York City—arguably the safe and conventional choice—and move across the country to California. That move felt both exciting and unnerving, but it ultimately landed me at a career-defining startup where I gained invaluable entrepreneurial and operational experience leading teams and building systems for seven years.
Perhaps the biggest risk came when I left the corporate world altogether. I had climbed the ladder, checked all the boxes of conventional success, and yet, I was burnt out, managing chronic anxiety and feeling wildly unfulfilled. Stepping away from the security of a traditional career path to start my own coaching practice was a little terrifying and also exhilarating. I didn’t have all the answers, and there were, and still are, moments of doubt, but the opportunity to create a life and business aligned with my values has made every challenge worth it. That risk opened doors to a purpose-driven career where I now help others find clarity, balance, and fulfillment while reaching levels of success in their careers they never thought possible.
For me, risk-taking is not about recklessness, but about trusting the process, even when the path is uncertain. I’ve learned that the greatest rewards come when you lean into the unknown. Every leap has brought unexpected growth, invaluable lessons, and a deeper sense of alignment with who I am. That’s what keeps me adventuring—life has shown me that the best doors are often the ones you can’t see until you take the first step.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
For sure! I’m Nicole Kelley, and I like to think of myself as someone who helps others bridge the gap between career ambition and mindfulness. My career began in corporate America and evolved into the fast-paced world of tech startups, where I led teams across functions like Sales, Marketing, and Operations. On the outside, everything seemed great—I was checking off all the traditional markers of success. But on the inside, I was grappling with burnout, anxiety, and the growing realization that I was losing sight of myself in the process of climbing the corporate ladder.
I reached a moment where I knew I had to make a change. I found space and clarity through the practice of yoga, which became the cornerstone of my own personal transformation. Through yoga, I didn’t just regain balance—I created space to redefine what success looks like for me (something I continue to work on everyday). That’s when I decided to leave the corporate world and dedicate my life to helping others navigate similar challenges.
Today, I’m an executive leadership and fulfillment coach helping professionals and teams reconnect with their purpose and achieve their goals without sacrificing their well-being. My coaching style combines practical leadership strategies and tools with a deeply human approach—because I believe you don’t have to choose between bottom line results and a sense of joy. Lucky for me, I even get to teach yoga as well.
What I’m most proud of is seeing my clients realize that the answers they’re looking for are already within them. Every. Single. Time. My role is to guide, challenge, and support them as they unlock their potential and chart a path that feels right for them. I want people to know that it’s okay to step away from “the way things have always been done” and create your own definition of success—one that truly aligns with your own personal values and greatest aspirations.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team effectively requires a balance of empathy, clear communication, and alignment with shared goals. You have to prioritize understanding your team members’ individual strengths and aspirations. Managing a team is like building a 1000 piece puzzle — by prioritizing the good of the team rather than any one person (including yourself), you can create an environment where each team member feels valued and heard and intrinsically motivated to do their best work. I encourage open dialogue, provide direct and constructive feedback often, and celebrate successes collectively. By fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect, we can build team morale and also drive productivity and fulfillment.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A significant lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that relentless grit and determination are the primary drivers of success. Early in my career, I believed that pushing harder and sacrificing personal well-being were necessary to achieve professional goals. However, this approach eventually led to burnout and a sense of disconnection from my core values. I lost touch with myself in favor of climbing corporate ladders, and eventually reached a tipping point where I knew I couldn’t carryon working that way. Through introspection and a transformative experiences including the development of my own yoga and meditation practice, I learned that true success (for me) stems from aligning actions with purpose, embracing empathy, and maintaining a holistic balance between all dimensions of our life. Short-term minded folks may see this as taking time away from immediate delivery of results, but in reality, long-term minded leaders know that this shift will have huge rewards in the long run. This shift not only rejuvenated my career but also enhanced my ability to lead and inspire others more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nicole-kelley.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegkelley/
Image Credits
Amy Thompson Photography