S1 Ep. 03: My Authentic Self Gets the Best Results: Insights from Lisa Kelly- Part 1

What if the secret to unstoppable business growth (and genuine leadership) wasn’t hustle, pedigree, or even the power suit—but radical authenticity? In this episode, you’ll meet Lisa Kelly: business strategist, growth leader, and unapologetic community builder who has shattered glass ceilings in construction technology, steered teams with heart, and now leads as Executive Director of the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation.Join Carrie Hunter and Lisa Kelly as they dig into how being boldly yourself can drive the best results—even when the world expects you to fit in. Hear jaw-dropping stories from the trenches of construction tech, from combating gender bias and harassment, to the sometimes hilarious ways authenticity rewrites the rules in business. Lisa Kelly reveals why the best companies don’t try to serve everyone, how niche focus drives outsized success, and what it really means to integrate values like inclusion and equity into every business decision.If you’re ready for smart strategies, real talk about women uplifting women (over competition), and permission to leave the “fitting in” behind—this conversation is for you.Connect with Lisa Kelly:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramLisa Kelly’s WIP story: ⁠My Authentic Self Gets the Best Results – It's Not That SeriousEpisode timestamped overview:[00:00:05] Lisa Kelly’s multifaceted journey: From construction tech exec to executive director and consultant[00:02:39] Childhood roots: How Lisa’s nerdy, organized younger self shaped her leadership style[00:06:11] Breaking into construction: Early challenges, selling innovation, and falling in love with the industry[00:10:43] Authenticity at work: Embracing individuality, even at Ivy League events[00:15:18] Why moral values (and calling out bias) matter in business—especially in male-dominated industries[00:23:02] Building inclusive teams and overcoming judgments[00:25:37] Coaching others past self-doubt and breaking through limiting beliefs[00:28:38] The power of niche markets and clear ideal client profiles for major business success[00:32:48] Outro and invitation to part 2