MEET
Steph Kelly
You've Got To Look At The Whole Picture.
I work with entrepreneurs and leaders helping them get from where they are, to where they want to be. I use creative tools to help clients tackle limiting beliefs, quiet their inner critic and give up the comparison game. While this may not seem business related at first glance, learning to regulate your nervous system, and operate from power rather than fear has more impact on your business (and your life) than any systems review.
You’re a whole person, not just a business or a career. If you want to level-up, you’ve got to approach things holistically, taking into account the full picture top to bottom.
Working with me gives you the best of both worlds; part life coach and part business consultant- together we’ll work on all of the areas of your life that are causing frustration and wasted energy. 15 years as an award-winning marketing and communications professional provided me with a wealth of business acumen to share, and the coaching tools mean that my clients are fully empowered to take control of their futures, without all of the fear and doubt.
About Steph
After 15 years as an award-winning marketing and communications professional, the burnout was real. The Sunday Scaries were out of control, and I felt guilty and distracted when I'd try and take time off. Between a body battling a chronic illness, and back-to-back years of fertility treatments, I was snowed under by a perfect storm of personal and professional stressors. I had officially hit peak Type-A burnout and was one minor inconvenience away from spontaneously combusting.
I was a bad, rom-com movie trope - the early 30’s overachieving woman.
Picture it - a whirlwind in a blazer, cell phone glued to her ear, red bull in hand, always working, always stressed, always busy. Always talking about being stressed and busy - and damn proud of it.
I knew I wasn't feeling like myself, but I figured if I just pushed harder, eventually I’d get through it. Turns out, powering through burnout is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline. The house of carefully stacked cards finally came tumbling down, taking me with it. All of that focus and motivation were gone, I no longer recognized the exhausted-looking woman in the mirror, and there was no choice but to find a new way forward.
I had no idea there was someone that would help you reset your life *before* it falls apart and you need a clinician. If only I’d known that was an option earlier, I might have saved myself a few very hard years. Now, I am finally living a life that feels true to me. One where my primary motivation technique doesn't involve internal threats of shame and embarrassment.
Coaching taught me two things that changed the game:
It turns out that you can treat yourself with kindness and still push yourself to achieve. These are not mutually exclusive concepts, in fact you’re more likely to take risks and reach your goals if your inner voice isn’t taunting you in the background. Who knew? (Hint: not me)
If you want to make changes, you’ve got to run in the direction of discomfort, not away from it.
Coaching Toolkit:
- Wayfinder Life Coach certified by Martha Beck, PhD, a Harvard-trained sociologist, world-renowned coach and New York Times Best-selling author. (This program is accredited by the International Coaching Federation.)
- Internal Family Systems Therapy - Open Circle Training: A 6-month introduction to the Internal Family Systems model of therapy, a therapeutic approach taught by creator Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, Clinical Specialist Psychotherapist Toni Herbine-Blank and IFS expert and author, Pamela Krause
- Associate Certified Coach (ACC™) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This certification from the leading global organization for coaches and coaching is seen as 'The Gold Standard of Professional Coaching.'
- Coaching for Self Leadership: An Introduction to coaching through the Internal Family Systems lense taught by PCC certified coaches Brian Jaudon and Gutherie Sayen
- Mindful Self Compassion Core Skills taught by Kristen Neff, PhD, professor and author, as well as Dr. Chris Germer, clinical psychologist, lecturer and author. Both are co-founders of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion
- The Power of Self Compassion also created and taught by Kristen Neff, and Dr. Chris Germer
- Working with Core Beliefs of “Never Good Enough” course presented by The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine presented by Dr. Kelly McGonigal, Ron Siegel, Dr. Rick Hanson, Dr. Steven Hayes and others
The Highlight Reel
Looking for more about my professional experience?
I Know How to Spread The Word
After executing public relations and crisis communications plans for record labels, international charities, festivals, and household entertainment brands, I know how to get people talking. At their base, PR & marketing have a surprising amount of overlap with coaching - it's all about finding the right audience and understanding what motivates and sparks joy for them.
Audience Whisperer
Blueprint and Hubspot certified, I’ve worked in digital strategy since the industry was sure Instagram would never catch on. From festivals and non-profits, to entertainment venues and restaurants, I’ve strategically placed over $15 million of digital advertising, developing strategies to find the right audience, with meaningful ad spots that move the bottom line for clients across industries, and uniting brands with audiences who get them.
Fixer. Smoother. Crisis Strategist.
Over the last 15 years I have become known as the go-to when you’re in a tricky situation. Whether it’s navigating a long-standing conflict, managing your reputation issues, handling a seriously displeased client, negotiating a tough deal, or finding just the right motivation to get two sides of an issue to work together- essentially, I have a knack for knowing how to motivate people, get them onside, and keep them moving forward with their eyes on the prize.
Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork
After creating and managing private and public sector teams of all sizes, I know that well functioning, communicative teams change the trajectory of an organization. I love working with a team to find roles that align with natural talents and skills, while giving a gentle push to step outside comfort zones and explore new territory. Working with leaders to refine their managment skills and nurture their talent pool is one of my favourite things.
Sharing is Caring: I’ve Got a Guy
My first mentor taught me the value of connection, and developing relationships across networks. Because of that, I’m known as the “I’ve got a guy” person in my network, because I love nothing more than introducing two amazing people that I know can help each other out. My network is your network, the more the merrier. If I’ve got someone in my Rolodex that can help you, I’d be thrilled to give a warm handshake.
Community Give Back.
Giving back to my community is hugely important to me, so I have prioritized working with organizations that align with my values. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of managing fundraising events and campaigns that have raised millions of dollars for charities, and increasing sponsorship revenue an average of 200%. Ask me about the hilarity of personally selecting an event outfit for Richard Simmons, it’s a good one.
Spoiler: I went with the gold lamé shorts with a matching peacock themed tank top, obviously.
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