In this conversation, I interview Kelly Nagel, a former corporate executive, about her experiences in corporate America and the importance of authenticity. We discuss the challenges of not being one’s authentic self in the workplace and the impact it can have on mental health. 

We also explore the effects of over-scheduling and not being fully present in one’s personal life. Kelly shares her journey of recognizing burnout and making changes to prioritize self-care. Kelly discusses her plans to maintain her own agenda and not let a company dictate her life. Kelly discusses her decision to take a bet on herself and be intentional in her career. She emphasizes the importance of protecting your calendar and prioritizing your most important work. 

Kelly also shares the three D’s: do it, defer it, delegate it, as a strategy for managing tasks. The conversation delves into the topic of letting go of ego and finding joy outside of work. Kelly encourages listeners to be clear and intentional in their next chapter and to focus on work-life integration and finding balance. The conversation concludes with a discussion on writing your obituary and defining your legacy, as well as the European perspective on work and life.

00:00 Introduction of Kelly Nagel

09:03 A Day in the Life of Kelly Nagel

13:29 Dealing with Burnout and Making Changes

22:01 Becoming a Reformed Corporate Executive

22:28 Taking a Bet on Yourself

24:08 Protecting Your Calendar

31:19 Being Intentional and Clear in Your Next Chapter

35:30 Work-Life Integration and Finding Balance

40:12 Writing Your Obituary and Defining Your Legacy

Kelly’s career has been centered around the IT industry for nearly 30 years, and she has worked her way up from sales representative to Regional President of the global leader in professional audio technology.

While at Jabra, she was part of global leadership team promoting a culture that supports and empowers employees through a combination of formal and informal mentorship programs. She also served on their Executive DEI Committee and led the Women’s Employee Resource Group. She recently became an Advisory Board member with The WIT Network, working to promote the advancement of women in technology.

Kelly is first and foremost a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a friend. She is currently taking a career “pause” after many successful years leading various technology organizations.