Success doesn’t come from chasing comfort, it comes from confronting yourself and choosing to grow anyway.
In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Hufford, former principal turned content strategist and founder of Growth Sprints. Brendan opens up about the lessons that shaped him, from growing up in a single-parent household and learning the value of drive, to finding balance between ambition, family, and self-awareness.
They talk about the discipline that comes from martial arts and CrossFit, the humility of parenting four boys, and how sobriety forced Brendan to face life with clarity and intention. Brendan shares what it means to trade rage for resilience, how writing became therapy, and why strength: physical, emotional, and creative, is only meaningful when it’s used to care for others.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:25) Brendan's background in education
(02:33) From principal to content strategist
(08:47) Brendan's MMA and Jiu-Jitsu journey
(14:26) Balancing ambition and family life
(23:59) The chaos of raising boys
(24:46) Parenting challenges and reflections
(27:44) Teaching and learning psychology
(29:21) The world of online marketing
(31:42) The power of writing and journaling
(37:05) Rapid fire questions
Connect with my guest:
Brendan Hufford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanhufford/
Explore Growth Sprints: https://growthsprints.co/
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Docebo: https://www.docebo.com/
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
"Being remarkable in marketing doesn’t mean playing it safe, it means standing out in a world that’s become too comfortable with bland."
In this episode, I sit down with Adam Singer, VP of Marketing at AdQuick, longtime digital thinker, and the writer behind Hot Takes on Substack. Adam opens up about his path through tech and marketing: from early days on FriendFeed to leading at Google, to now challenging how brands approach creativity and culture.
We talk about the dangers of marketing blandification, the balance between free speech and corporate identity, and how sobriety reshaped his persistence and clarity. Adam shares how hobbies like music became an anchor, why transcendence matters in a world of outrage culture, and what he’s learned about living with purpose instead of numbing.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(04:47) Navigating controversial opinions online
(12:19) The “blandification” of marketing
(14:11) Sobriety and persistence
(17:46) The impact of substance use on creativity
(19:49) Personal journey to sobriety
(21:14) Finding and valuing hobbies
(22:12) The importance of family and personal growth
(25:59) The role of transcendence in modern life
(31:29) Marketing narratives vs. real-world impact
Connect with my guest:
Adam Singer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamsinger/
Explore AdQuick: https://www.adquick.com/
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Docebo: https://www.docebo.com/
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
"You have to live well to be productive and work well.”
In this episode, I chat with Joe Ciarallo, VP of Communications at Wellhub, as we talk about how balancing passions like music and fitness impacts mental well-being and work performance. Joe opens up about his career journey from Buddy Media to Salesforce and now WellHub, and how staying connected to music and exercise has been key to maintaining his mental health in high-pressure environments.
We discuss the importance of creating boundaries between work and personal life, the lessons he’s learned from fatherhood, and how music serves as a creative outlet and emotional reset. Joe shares his perspective on the benefits of routine, the impact of moving across the country, and why self-care practices can lead to a better, more sustainable work life.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:15) Music and fitness in daily life
(03:02) Career shifts: Buddy Media to Salesforce
(05:45) Boundaries in work and life
(08:30) Fatherhood, leadership, and growth
(11:00) East Coast to West Coast perspective shift
(14:50) Music as creative outlet and reset
(17:40) Routine, self-care, and mental health
(21:12) Fatherhood: Patience and self-awareness
Connect with my guest:
Joe Ciarallo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeciarallo/
Explore Wellhub: https://wellhub.com/
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Docebo: https://www.docebo.com/
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
"Just because you go to therapy doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you—it means you’re building tools to navigate life."
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Huber, VP of Marketing at UserEvidence, former hockey captain, and one of the most thoughtful voices in B2B. Mark opens up about the experiences that shaped him—from hiding his ADHD diagnosis to embracing therapy after personal and professional burnout.
We talk about how routine and team sports built grit, the pressure of competitive environments, and the silence around mental health at work. Mark shares the story of losing a close friend to suicide before college, how that grief changed his perspective, and why remembrance is key to healing.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:00) Discovering ADHD and embracing it
(05:40) Daily routines and structure
(07:39) What hockey teaches you about grit
(13:20) The turning point that led to therapy
(18:18) Finding the right therapist
(19:40) Remembering a friend and honoring his legacy
(26:01) Grief, perspective, and personal growth
(29:21) Walking as escape, clarity, and creativity
Connect with my guest:
Mark Huber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markehuber/
Explore UserEvidence: https://userevidence.com/
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Docebo: https://www.docebo.com/
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
“Brand is the one thing you can control to be different from the rest.”
In this episode, I sit down with Drew Brucker, creative marketer, AI experimenter, and Head of Brand and Content at Goldcast. Drew shares the journey behind his unconventional leap from VP-track leadership to solopreneur exploration—all while raising twin daughters and tinkering with Midjourney prompts.
We talk about the hard conversations that come with leaving stability behind, the rise of AI-assisted creativity, and the real meaning of career success. Drew opens up about his philosophy on focus, fatherhood, and why design, not just demand, might be the missing link in modern B2B marketing. Drew also shares his thoughts on what B2B can learn from the art world, why your brand is your second product, and how deep playlists and vision boards actually shape the future of work.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:52) Drew’s journey into AI and photography
(03:48) Exploring the solopreneur path
(06:51) Balancing career and family
(24:29) Exploring Spotify playlists and LinkedIn
(25:08) The “coolness” of B2B SaaS marketing
(26:25) Risk tolerance and creativity in marketing
(29:25) Balancing brand and revenue marketing
(43:02) Creative pursuits and personal passions
Connect with my guest:
Drew Brucker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewbrucker/
Drew Brucker on X: https://x.com/dcbruck
Explore Drew’s website: https://www.drewcbrucker.com
Explore Goldcast: https://www.goldcast.io
Check out Drew’s Substack, Imagine Lab: https://unsubscribehere.substack.com/
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Docebo: https://www.docebo.com/
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
“Failure is not a word that I use very often. It's not even a word that comes up in my negative self-talk.”
In this episode, I sit down with LeTísha Shaw, a transformational marketer and former mechanical engineer turned product marketing leader at UserTesting. She shares her nonlinear career path—from building decks with her dad and shaping Disney’s early streaming strategy to learning quantum physics on YouTube and perfecting gluten-free Belgian waffles through trial and error. LeTísha opens up about parenting, self-reflection, and the lessons she’s picked up from experimenting in every part of life.
We talk about why she avoids the word “failure,” how she’s raising her daughter to value authenticity, and what it means to embrace growth without chasing perfection. Along the way, we get into herb gardening mishaps, hot yoga, salsa dancing, bath bomb productivity hacks, and the joyful chaos of living as a self-described “mixologist of life.”
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:40) LeTísha’s transition from engineering to marketing
(02:27) Disney experience and media evolution
(04:13) Personal interests and hobbies
(05:24) Navigating career transitions
(09:52) Influence of family and early life
(18:58) Reframing failure
(20:04) Overcoming stage fright
(25:05) Learning a new language
(27:46) Hobbies, bath bombs, and the "mixology of life"
Connect with my guest:
LeTísha Shaw on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/letishashaw/
Explore UserTesting: https://www.usertesting.com/
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Docebo: https://www.docebo.com/
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
“I do not think about legacy. I just hope that my kids will carry forward a few of the values that will be important forever, like honesty.”
In this episode, I sit down with Adam Schoenfeld, CEO and co-founder of Keyplay, multi-time founder, ICP obsessive, and proud dad of two. We dive deep into what it means to build something meaningful—both in business and at home.
Adam opens up about raising entrepreneurial kids, why he deletes every app from his phone during vacation, and how his 92-year-old grandfather continues to shape his values today. We talk about startup life, presence over perfection, and the surprising power of letting your daughter “just cook.” We also cover his daughter’s Etsy dreams, what golf taught him about discipline, and why legacy might not be about a name on a building—but about being remembered for telling the truth, even when it’s hard.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:36) Reflecting on time and parenting
(02:29) Adam's entrepreneurial journey
(03:37) Balancing work and family life
(07:07) The influence of family values
(11:34) Legacy and life lessons
(20:08) Advice to 21-year-old self
Connect with my guest:
Adam Schoenfeld on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamschoenfeld/
Explore Keyplay: https://keyplay.io/
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Docebo: https://www.docebo.com/
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
"What's more important—helping someone write a cold email or paying attention to a kid who's excited to come home and tell you the score on their test?"
In this episode, I speak with Jen Allen-Knuth, founder of DemandJen, sales educator, LinkedIn powerhouse, and rescue dog evangelist. We talk about what it means to truly show up—not just in work, but in family, in grief, and in life. Jen opens up about becoming a stepmom to four kids, how that role helped her finally disconnect from hustle culture, and what losing her dad taught her about hard work, legacy, and humor.
We also cover her unexpected rise as a dog rescue advocate, the real reason she left corporate roles, and how a conversation with Amy Volas finally pushed her to bet on herself. This one’s for anyone figuring out how to find meaning outside of metrics—or just trying to stop writing cold emails long enough to live a little.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:49) Internet friendships and social anxiety
(04:24) Balancing work and personal life
(05:28) Step-parenting and personal growth
(18:34) From Dalmatian to Pit bulls
(20:20) The ferret named Ernesto DePantolano
(21:05) Discovering the world of rescue dogs
(22:33) Using social media for a cause
(24:05) Balancing work and passion
(24:39) Volunteering and making a difference
(27:36) Advice to younger self
Connect with my guest:
Jen Allen-Knuth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demandjen1/
Explore DemandJen: https://demandjen.com
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Docebo: https://www.docebo.com/
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
“You have to show up. Creativity doesn’t just happen—you make it happen.”
In this episode, I speak with Rob Joyner, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Centerbase and a self-taught artist who turned a garage experiment into a thriving creative career. By day, Rob helps lead a legal tech company. By early morning, he’s in his studio, pushing the boundaries of abstract art with layers, texture, and movement.
Rob shares how painting became his way to manage anxiety, why early mornings are his secret weapon, and how a simple trip to Michael’s turned into a six-figure art business. He also talks about navigating parenthood while juggling multiple passions, building a brand without relying on galleries, and why saying yes led to a $36,000 day.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:00) Discovering art and the impact on anxiety
(02:58) The journey from hobby to professional artist
(05:00) Developing a unique artistic style
(07:00) The breakthrough moment in Rob’s art career
(09:00) Navigating the art world and gallery experiences
(12:00) The benefits of early morning creativity
(15:00) Balancing career, art, and family life
(18:00) How to find a meaningful hobby
(20:00) Prioritizing family while managing a career
(24:00) The importance of setting boundaries and being present
Connect with my guest:
Rob Joyner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-joyner/
Explore Centerbase: https://centerbase.com/Rob Joyner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintedjoyner/
Explore Rob’s art: https://paintedjoyner.com/
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Docebo: https://www.docebo.com
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
“I’m not dying for your cold email sins.”
In this episode, I speak with Jordan Crawford, founder of Blueprint and an advisor at Clay, who’s shaking up the world of B2B sales with a data-driven approach to outbound strategy. By day, Jordan helps revenue teams escape broken outreach models. By night (and probably early morning), he’s deep in the world of AI, segmentation, and scalable personalization.
Jordan shares why most outbound sales motions are fundamentally flawed, how AI is both the problem and the solution, and why the best revenue teams are ditching generic intent data in favor of highly specific insights. He also talks about why SDRs hold the real keys to better messaging, how “shiny object syndrome” is leading teams astray, and why being too broad is the fastest way to fail.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:22) Understanding the role of a Go-To-Market Engineer
(05:04) Challenges in modern marketing tools
(15:09) Crafting effective marketing messages
(19:15) The rise of shiny object syndrome in marketing
(20:08) Vertical SaaS - the key to effective outreach
(21:34) The importance of human insight in marketing
(28:03) Leveraging AI for targeted marketing campaigns
(32:28) Practical steps for implementing AI in marketing
Connect with my guest:
Jordan Crawford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordancrawford
Explore Blueprint: https://blueprintgtm.com
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Jellyfish: https://www.jellyfish.co
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
“Is my life easy? Absolutely not. But did I know what I was signing up for? 100%.”
In this episode, I speak with Elaine Zelby, Co-Founder and CRO of Tofu, an entrepreneur who thrives on speed, efficiency, and deep curiosity. By day, Elaine is building a company, and by night, she’s balancing family life, maker projects, and her relentless pursuit of learning.
Elaine shares how she ruthlessly prioritizes time while co-founding a startup, raising two kids, and supporting her husband’s solo founder journey—all while still making space for creativity. She opens up about her dream of creating an adult maker camp, her obsession with food and backpacking, and how she lived life at 3X speed (literally, when consuming content). She also dives into her early career pivots, why technical thinking is essential in any role, and how giving away her time for free built her career.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:17) Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship
(03:16) Daily routine and time management
(06:14) Unplugging and hobbies
(08:16) Wood and metal crafting
(11:17) Newsletter and business ideas
(17:32) Foodie adventures and favorite spots
(20:44) Elaine gives career advice
Connect with my guest:
Elaine Zelby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainezelby
Explore Tofu: https://www.tofuhq.com
Elaine’s “3 Things” Newsletter: https://zelby.substack.com/
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Jellyfish: https://www.jellyfish.co
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
“No one has a perfect answer. You might as well just try something and see versus getting hung up on always doing things perfectly.”
In this episode, I speak with Natalie Marcotullio, Head of Growth and Operations at Navattic. From launching a laptop rental side hustle in college to leading growth at a high-speed startup, Natalie is no stranger to uncertainty, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Natalie shares how she keeps burnout at bay, sets boundaries in a fast-paced world, and why her parents (a Fortune 1000 exec and a kindergarten teacher) shaped her leadership style more than any job ever could. She also talks about her deep love for New York, why running the 800-meter race is pure torture, and the underrated power of just figuring it out.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:18) Managing stress and learning from family
(01:58) How to onboard new team members
(04:18) Balancing work and personal life
(05:28) The importance of physical fitness
(13:05) Natalie's entrepreneurial journey
(17:38) Love for New York and Italy
(21:43) Why startup marketing isn’t for everyone
Connect with my guest:
Natalie Marcotullio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-marcotullio/
Explore Navattic: https://www.navattic.com/
Connect with me:
Kyle Lacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelacy/
Explore Jellyfish: https://www.jellyfish.co
Produced by our partner, Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=rev-diaries
One day, your parents are driving you to practice, packing your lunch, and making sure you don’t burn down the house. Then suddenly, you’re the one driving to practice, packing lunches, and wondering when you became the adult in the room.
In this episode of Revenue Diaries, Shali Reed joins me for a candid conversation about the shift that happens when you go from being someone’s kid to being someone’s parent.
We talk about:
✅ The moment you realize your parents were never all-knowing—they were just doing their best.
✅ Anticipatory grief—what happens when you realize time is moving forward, and there’s no slowing it down.
✅ Blending cultures and traditions in parenting.
✅ The ongoing battle over Pop-Tarts in the Reed household.
This one got personal. Give it a listen.
In this episode of The Revenue Diaries, Kyle Lacy talks with Kyle Norton, a CRO balancing the competitive drive of a sales leader with his commitment to being a present and thoughtful father. From martial arts to mindfulness, they explore how physical and mental health drive performance at work and home.
Kyle Norton shares his journey from competitive martial arts to rediscovering his fitness and identity during the pandemic. With insights on habit-building, family life, and the philosophy of "slow is smooth, smooth is fast," this episode is packed with practical advice for leaders juggling high-pressure roles. They also explore the importance of mindfulness, the lessons learned from failure, and balancing passion with pragmatism.
Tune in to hear personal stories about family traditions, parenting challenges, and why Kyle's mantra is all about progress over perfection. Whether you're looking for inspiration, wellness tips, or just a good laugh, this episode has it all.
💡 Topics Covered:
Building daily habits for physical and mental health
The competitive spirit in work and life
Lessons from martial arts and starting a business
Parenting, mindfulness, and maintaining perspective
Don't miss this raw and inspiring conversation between two Kyles! 🌟
In this deeply moving episode, Kyle Lacy speaks with Dave Sims, Chief Marketing Officer of Austin Fitness Group and a lifelong triathlete. Dave shares his journey through the challenges of navigating family trauma, including his ex-wife’s struggle with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders, her tragic suicide, and the lasting impact on their family.
The conversation highlights the importance of fitness as a tool for mental health, the complexities of coping with trauma, and the strength it takes to rebuild relationships. Dave also discusses his podcast, Over the Borderline, which serves as both a therapeutic outlet and a resource for others dealing with mental health struggles and family challenges.
The Role of Fitness in Mental Health:
For Dave, triathlons, cycling, and Orange Theory Fitness have been lifelines during difficult times, offering a sense of control, peace, and mental clarity.
He advocates for physical activity as a crucial element of mental health, encouraging others to start, even with small steps.
Addressing Suicide and Its Aftermath:
Dave candidly shares the devastating impact of his ex-wife’s suicide, a loss that profoundly shaped his family’s recovery and his daughters' ongoing challenges with grief and anxiety.
He stresses the importance of open conversations about suicide and mental health to support those affected.
Family Resilience Through Trauma:
After years of estrangement and emotional challenges, Dave reconnected with his daughters, rebuilding trust and love.
His podcast, Over the Borderline, chronicles their shared experiences and provides hope to others navigating family trauma and complex relationships.
Therapy and Mental Health Resources:
Therapy, while challenging to access and maintain, was critical for Dave and his daughters in processing their experiences and moving forward.
He emphasizes the need for persistence in finding the right therapist and the value of ongoing support.
Mental Health in Professional Spaces:
Dave reflects on the difficulty of addressing personal mental health challenges in the workplace, particularly for men in leadership roles.
He advocates for fostering environments where employees feel safe seeking help without fear of stigma.
Breaking the Stigma Through Storytelling:
Dave’s podcast offers a raw and honest exploration of mental health, alcoholism, and family dynamics.
By sharing his story, he hopes to connect with others, reduce isolation, and shine a light on the path to healing.
Instagram: @dave.in.austin
LinkedIn: Dave Sims
This episode is a poignant reminder of the importance of resilience, mental health advocacy, and the power of sharing our stories—even through life’s darkest moments. Listen to the full conversation for an inspiring account of navigating trauma and finding strength through connection and action.
In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Perkins to talk about everything but work—or at least, that’s the goal. From embracing baldness to marathon training to Bruce Springsteen concerts, we cover it all. There’s plenty of humor, life lessons, and takeaways that sneak into the conversation.
The Bald Truth
Jeff shares his journey of accepting baldness after trying every hair-loss treatment under the sun. Spoiler: shaving your head saves a ton of time, and a good razor (or a great ad for one) makes all the difference.
Springsteen’s Secret Sauce
Jeff is a diehard Bruce Springsteen fan with 34 concerts under his belt. He breaks down why Bruce’s ability to connect deeply with his audience inspires him both personally and professionally. Pro tip: Jeff’s marathon playlists feature Born to Run and Badlands to keep him moving.
Running as the Ultimate Reset Button
Running isn’t just exercise for Jeff—it’s therapy. After a couple of missed chances to run the NYC Marathon in his twenties, he finally crossed the finish line years later. Now, he swears by the mental clarity, stress relief, and resilience he gets from hitting the pavement.
Leadership Through Optimism
Jeff shares how he navigated leading ParkMobile during a turbulent time. His secret? Optimism, a killer team, and the mindset that tough times are always temporary. (And yes, he talks about the head trash we all deal with—and how to not let it sink you.)
Good Isn’t Good Enough
Whether it’s building ad campaigns or preparing for board meetings, Jeff is a big believer in not settling. His motto? Push back, iterate, and refine until the work is great. You’ll hear why this approach, though painful at times, makes all the difference.
Fitness as a Leadership Hack
Jeff credits daily exercise for making him a better leader. Whether he’s running, crushing it on his Peloton, or hitting up group classes like Orange Theory, fitness gives him energy, focus, and balance in a chaotic world.
Jeff is always dropping insights (and running stories) on LinkedIn. Connect with him there if you want to learn more.
Revenue Diaries is a podcast and videocast hosted by Kyle Lacy, offering a raw and unfiltered look into the personal lives of the country's top revenue leaders. They discuss everything but work—no topic is off-limits, and there are no wrong questions or answers.
The twist? They never see the questions in adv
And we are back after four-year hiatus; it's the second season of the Review Diaries! Today, I sit down with Margaret Kelsey, a marketer, artist, and mom deeply committed to intentionality and creativity in work and life. This conversation dives into the motherhood penalty, the art of balancing professional ambition with personal fulfillment, and how Margaret's artistic practices have helped her reconnect with herself during challenging times. If you've ever wondered how to stay ambitious without losing sight of the joys and challenges of the present, or if you're curious about how art can serve as therapy and exploration, this episode is packed with insights. Margaret shares candid reflections on navigating bias in the workplace, finding balance as a single parent, and redefining success on her own terms. Let's dive in! Top Takeaways Navigating the Motherhood Penalty: Margaret thoughtfully breaks down the subtle and overt workplace biases that women—especially mothers—face. She shares actionable advice on evaluating potential employers for supportive cultures, emphasizing the importance of finding workplaces that align with personal values and family needs. The Power of Artistic Expression: Margaret’s art, from cyanotypes to deconstructed Polaroids, isn't just about creating beautiful pieces—it’s a way to process emotions, explore personal narratives, and reconnect with herself. Her approach highlights the importance of having a creative outlet that is not tied to external validation or monetary success. Defining and Revisiting Values: Margaret’s commitment to her core values—curiosity, creativity, balance, and audacity—guides her decisions in work, art, and life. She shares her practice of revisiting these values regularly, offering a powerful framework for others looking to align their goals with their deeper purpose. A New Take on Ambition: Margaret describes her relationship with ambition as fluid—something she engages with intentionally rather than letting it consume her identity. She reminds us of the importance of honoring the seasons of life, where settling can sometimes be the right move to recharge and refocus. The Long View on Growth: Success isn't about constant acceleration; it's about the long arc of growth. Margaret’s quarterly goal-setting process, rooted in personal values and a vision for the future, is a powerful tool for staying grounded while still striving. My conversation with Margaret reminds us that ambition, creativity, and balance don’t have to exist in conflict. They can coexist if approached with intention. Whether you’re navigating bias in the workplace, managing burnout, or simply trying to survive while pursuing your goals, this episode offers a roadmap for doing so with grace, authenticity, and purpose.
If this conversation resonated with you, check out Margaret’s art on Instagram at @MargaretKelseyArt or on her website at margaretkelsey.art. And don’t forget to reflect on your values—what drives you, and how can you ensure that your goals align with the life you want to live?
Thank you for tuning in to The Revenue Diaries. Until next time, remember to seek balance, nurture curiosity, and never stop growing.