We were lucky to catch up with Trent Keel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Trent, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

Creating a more inclusive workplace requires intentional effort and a commitment to fostering environments where everyone feels safe and empowered to be their authentic selves. My journey at Henkel North America and my involvement in various initiatives have significantly shaped my view on this matter.

At Henkel, leaders genuinely provide employees with the autonomy to explore and innovate without the fear of failure. This culture of trust and support has been instrumental in creating a safe space for creativity and self-expression. As the president of Henkel’s PRIDE Employee Resource Group (ERG) and a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council, I’ve had the opportunity to directly contribute to these efforts. Unlike previous experiences where DEI councils were more symbolic, at Henkel, we see real action and meaningful progress. This connection to leadership and collaboration with colleagues globally has been vital in advancing our DEI goals.

One pivotal aspect of fostering an inclusive workplace is ensuring that policies, programs, and events genuinely support and celebrate diversity. At Henkel, we’ve implemented initiatives that provide real support to our LGBTQ+ community, helping individuals come into their own authentic selves. This hands-on approach is what makes the impact significant and lasting.

Beyond my work at Henkel, I’ve dedicated time to mentoring high-achieving LGBTQ+ undergraduates through Out for Undergrad, where I help students navigate their career paths and address their concerns. Additionally, I volunteer with OutLoud Sports, ROMBA, and The Trevor Project. These experiences have reinforced the importance of community and support in building inclusive environments.

In summary, my advice for creating a more inclusive workplace is to actively engage in initiatives that support diversity, ensure leadership buy-in, and create safe spaces for employees to express themselves. These efforts not only enrich the workplace culture but also drive innovation and collaboration, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Trent, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not know me, I’m Trent Keel, currently on my third career. I began as a professional dancer and singer, transitioned to working behind the chair as a hairstylist, and now I hold the position of Director of Integrated Marketing for Pravana, a leading professional hair care brand under Henkel Corporation, the second-largest beauty company in the world.

My connection to the beauty industry runs deep, having grown up in my mother’s salon. From a young age, I was immersed in the salon environment, helping with tasks like holding foils, sweeping hair, and folding laundry. This early exposure instilled in me the belief that “if you look good, you feel good.” In parallel, my passion for dance allowed me to express my creativity and shaped my understanding of self-expression through performance. This artistic journey took me from my hometown in Oklahoma to Los Angeles, where I performed globally and maintained a home base working part-time as a hairstylist.

As the dance world often sees performers ‘age out’ in their late 20s, I transitioned to focusing full-time on hair styling. After two years behind the chair, I sought new opportunities and found my passion for education by teaching at the Paul Mitchell Academy in LA. This role evolved into a position on the corporate education team, where I traveled across the country to work with stylists and salon owners, helping to enhance their businesses. During this time, I also collaborated with my mentor on various photoshoots and television appearances, further expanding my experience.

My journey continued as I joined Wella’s social media team, where I brought my hands-on stylist experience to the marketing realm. I played a crucial role in bridging the gap between professional styling and digital marketing, which included influencer marketing and eCommerce.

In my current role at Henkel, I oversee Pravana’s go-to-market strategy across all digital and eCommerce channels. With over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, I bring a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking. I specialize in creating and executing successful digital campaigns that enhance brand visibility, awareness, community, and sales. My expertise spans education, digital marketing, social media, influencer relations, creative direction, and eCommerce, allowing me to deliver measurable results. My passion for end-to-end marketing strategy and data analytics enables me to continuously optimize and improve marketing initiatives to achieve business goals.

What sets me apart is my diverse background and my dedication to creating safe, inclusive spaces both within and outside the workplace. As the president of Henkel’s PRIDE ERG and a member of the DEI Council, I actively support initiatives that foster diversity and inclusion. Additionally, I mentor LGBTQ+ undergraduates through Out for Undergrad and volunteer with OutLoud Sports, ROMBA, and The Trevor Project.

What I’m most proud of is the ability to blend my creative and professional experiences to drive impactful results in the beauty industry. I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is not just about marketing products but also about empowering individuals to express their true selves and fostering communities where everyone can thrive.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

For me, managing a team and maintaining high morale all comes down to leveraging situational leadership. Managing a team and maintaining high morale requires a dynamic and adaptable approach. As Director of Integrated Marketing for Pravana, I’ve found the principles of situational leadership, developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard, to be invaluable. This approach emphasizes adapting leadership techniques to the specific needs and development levels of team members.

For instance, we recently undertook two innovative projects requiring diverse competencies. The first project manager, a seasoned veteran, needed minimal oversight. I adopted a delegating approach, providing autonomy and supporting him with resources. This empowered him to take ownership, fostering accountability and high morale.

Conversely, the second project manager was new to the technical aspects. I chose a coaching approach, providing detailed instructions, mentoring closely, and gradually increasing her independence. Regular discussions focused on what was working, what needed to change, and what support she required. This approach built her confidence and skills, boosting morale.

Modern teams are diverse in skills, experiences, and expectations. Situational leadership provides a framework for understanding and addressing these needs, creating an environment where every team member can thrive. Leaders who adapt their approach show empathy, understanding, and respect, significantly boosting team morale and productivity.

Navigating organizational change is another area where situational leadership excels. Leaders must guide their teams through constant changes driven by technological advancements and market dynamics. By assessing the team’s readiness for change and adjusting the leadership style accordingly, situational leaders can effectively steer their teams through uncertainties.

Moreover, situational leadership is crucial for developing future leaders. Personalized guidance encourages leadership skill growth among team members, strengthening the organization’s leadership pipeline. This approach fosters a learning culture, promoting continuous skill development and enhancing organizational adaptability.

In conclusion, situational leadership is a powerful toolkit for today’s leaders. By mastering these practices, leaders can navigate modern workplace complexities, drive team performance, and build resilient, agile organizations capable of thriving in an uncertain future.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my life was transitioning from a professional dancer and teacher to a marketing professional. My journey began with a deep passion for dance in my youth, a path that allowed me to travel the world, perform on stages across all seven continents, and work on cruise ships with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. These experiences enriched me culturally and honed my people skills, shaping my understanding and appreciation of different perspectives.

However, as much as I loved dance, I realized that it wasn’t a sustainable career for the long term. The physical demands and the reality of “aging out” in the dance world led me to consider other options. During this time, I was also working part-time as a hairstylist, a profession that always intrigued me, having grown up in my mother’s salon. I knew I had to make a tough decision to secure a steadier career that would support me for the rest of my life.

Letting go of dance was one of the hardest sacrifices I’ve ever made. It meant leaving behind a part of my identity and a world that I was deeply passionate about. But it also opened the door to new opportunities. I transitioned into the beauty industry full-time, starting as a hairstylist and then moving into education as an instructor at the Paul Mitchell Academy in LA. This role allowed me to combine my love for teaching with my skills in hairstyling, and it eventually led me to corporate education roles where I traveled across the country to work with stylists and salon owners.

The pivot didn’t stop there. I joined Wella’s social media team, bringing my hands-on stylist experience to the marketing realm. This role expanded my expertise in digital marketing, influencer marketing, and eCommerce. My diverse background in performance, education, and hands-on styling uniquely positioned me to contribute a creative and strategic perspective to the marketing team.

Today, as the Director of Integrated Marketing for Pravana at Henkel, I oversee the brand’s go-to-market strategy across all digital and eCommerce channels. The skills I developed as a dancer, teacher, and stylist have been invaluable in my current role. Leading teams, understanding diverse customer needs, and driving successful marketing campaigns all stem from my early experiences traveling the world and working with people from all walks of life.

This pivot wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the willingness to embrace new challenges. While I had to sacrifice my first love, dance, I gained a rewarding career that allows me to lead with creativity, empathy, and a deep understanding of diverse perspectives. These experiences have not only shaped my career but also reinforced my belief in the power of pivoting to find new and fulfilling paths.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/trentkeel
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/trentkeel