Running The Relay Of Women’s Leadership
A single moment can change the trajectory of a life. For Kelli Williams, it was being told to quiet down while advocating for her team—and choosing instead to walk out and walk toward her purpose. What unfolds from there is an unflinching, hope-filled story of teen motherhood, corporate firsts, a public breaking point, and the quiet rebuilding that led to a mission-driven consultancy, executive coaching, and a voice that refuses to shrink.
We start with momentum—celebrating WomenVenture and the idea of leadership as a relay where each generation runs its leg. From there, Kelli opens the door on what it meant to be the first woman and first Black strategic leader in a family-owned manufacturer, the subtle pressure to assimilate, and the moment she decided her daughter’s future mattered more than any title. She lays out how entrepreneurship began with no safety net, then found form through fractional strategy for mission-driven organizations, clear boundaries that protect deep work, and storytelling that gives others permission to speak the hard truths.
The conversation goes deeper. Kelli shares a rock-bottom chapter: placing her newborn son for adoption at 16, finding her voice within the legal window, and the layered grace of bringing him home—joy, harm, and healing. Faith and community are constant threads, from Catholic Charities to mentoring teen moms to navigating seasons of parenting with intention. Her wildflowers metaphor reframes both kids and leaders: growth depends on the right soil, light, and care. Practical guidance follows for anyone considering entrepreneurship—pilot your idea, watch your energy, honor timing, and remember that a no today isn’t a no forever.
Kelli is now building Legacy Rising, coaching women and allies, speaking on finding joy through life’s journeys, and writing Dear Daughter, a love letter to the next generation of women in business. If this story moved you, share it with someone who needs courage to take their next step, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find us. Subscribe for more candid, purpose-driven conversations—and tell us: what boundary are you setting this week?
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