Conversations with the Inspiring Kelly Stevens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Stevens.

Kelly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up with international parents who flew me across oceans before I could walk, and that love for travel lives on in me today. I just got back from an adventure in Panama a few days ago! I’m naturally curious and love meeting new people and hearing their stories. What I appreciate about travel is the opportunity it affords to try on new perspectives. I also love that when you’re abroad, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with a local or fellow traveler in ways we would never do at home. The connection you can make with someone in a few short hours can last a lifetime.

This curiosity is what drives me today in my work and beyond. I’m always looking to connect with people and quickly get past the “what do you do for work” and learn about their story and passions.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In the grand scheme of things, it’s been a smooth road, and I feel truly blessed, but there are certainly times it hasn’t felt that way! I can think of MANY times I’ve shed tears of frustration and anger and embarrassment and disappointment. When you’re going for big dreams, it’s hard to find balance in all the things – work, health, family, friends, partners, hobbies. I’ve come to the conclusion we never really find “balance.” Balance is just finding small ways to feel more grounded when everything around you is crazy, which it always is.

I’ve been blessed with some amazing female leaders in my career who have had a huge impact on my journey and success. They were my champions both in and outside the office and set an example of what it means to be a leader. I would advise young women to not settle for mediocre leaders on your team or in your organization. Surround yourself with people who you believe in and who inspire you, challenge you, and support you. You deserve it, and I promise it’s out there.

What should we know about KIN? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My most recent endeavor has been to create KIN, a professional community of badass women leaders in Denver that focuses on the person. My co-founder Meridith Marshall and I started KIN to help women leaders connect and be the leaders they want to be. We offer a variety of programming including monthly KIN Meetups and KIN Collective, a six-part experience focused on clarity, connection, and growth. Our diverse community is made up of women from across all industries from education to technology to healthcare to finance, as well as many entrepreneurs.

When you come to a KIN event, we don’t ask you to write your name or company on your name tag. Instead, you’re invited to bring whatever version of yourself you’d like to bring to our event. You’re invited to bring your amazing career and your personal passions, as well as the person who’s having a wonderful week or the person who might be going through a hard time. Our programs, which are kept intentionally small, include inspiring speakers and facilitated conversations to help build meaningful connections that lead to future friendships and business partnerships.

I’ve had women come up to me after just one event in tears, telling me they didn’t know how much they needed our community. I think these reactions are indications that we can all benefit from slowing down, finding real connection, and being given permission to be our true selves.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
This is a tough one – I’m inspired by so many women in my life! I’m inspired by my mom who taught me that family is everything, my twin sister, Kim, who constantly reminds me of what it means to be selfless, and my Aunt Liz who has always been a mentor of mine. I’ve also had the honor of working with some amazing badass women. These ladies are all a combination of intellect, class, and confidence, and they will forever inspire me as I continue to grow into the leader I want to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kinconnected.com
• Email: hello@kinconnected.com
• Instagram: @KIN_connected @kellystevensinspiration
• Facebook: /KINconnected

Image Credit:
Headshot: Art of Her

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