"The Fearless Leadership That Allowed Me to Grow." - Celeste Kelly

11/01/23 • 21 min

On this episode of Leadership Level Up, Celeste Kelly returns to the show to chat with Jeff and Brian about leadership, her career, and the people that have helped her along the way. She emphasizes the importance of leaders who don't set limits on what can be achieved, fostering a culture of limitless possibilities.
She cites an example that involves an unexpected call from the White House, which led to the opportunity to work with president Gerald Ford. This episode revolves around the idea that effective leaders don't shy away from significant challenges; they embrace them, creating an environment where people can achieve what they initially didn’t find possible.
Celeste's journey highlights the transformative power of fearless leadership. She advises listeners to always give your best and approach tasks with thorough preparation, ultimately emphasizing that success is not about individual glory but collective achievement. Be sure to subscribe to Leadership Level Up so you don't miss future conversations with great leaders
MEET YOUR GUEST
Celeste Kelly boasts 40 years of experience as a senior communications executive, with experience in corporate and broadcast communications, public relations, and end-to-end event management for global markets. Throughout her career, she produced and hosted engaging programs with celebrities and newsmakers, and pioneered groundbreaking community outreach initiatives.
As Vice President of Development and Public Relations for the Kidney Cancer Association, Celeste Kelly secured major gifts from global corporations and individuals and organized international physician symposia. She continues to offer comprehensive media, public relations, and event planning services through C! Communications, while also cherishing her role as a proud mother and grandmother.

Previous Episode

Leadership Can Transform Not Only A Sports League, But Also The Communities It Touches - Evelyn Magley

Join hosts Jeff Williamson and Brian Prairie as they sit down with a true trailblazer, Evelyn Magley, on this episode of Leadership Level Up. Magley made history as she became the first African American woman CEO of a men's professional sports league, 'The Basketball League.' In a captivating conversation, Jeff and Brian delve into the core of leadership, exploring Evelyn's leadership style and the lessons you can glean from her incredible journey.
Evelyn's leadership philosophy is simple yet profound—lead by example. She shares how her experiences as an educator and now as a league CEO have taught her the importance of setting the standard for others. With 49 teams in the league, Evelyn reveals the power of a strong onboarding process, community engagement, and fostering a culture that emphasizes values beyond performance on the court.
Discover how 'The Basketball League' is about more than just basketball; it's a force for positive change and community-building. Magley's emphasis on financial literacy, community outreach, and empowering players to be ambassadors for change sets an inspiring example for leaders.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into how leadership can transform not only a sports league, but also the communities it touches. This episode underscores the incredible impact of investing in players and communities, and how sports can serve as a powerful platform for a broader message.
Be sure to subscribe to Leadership Level Up so you don't miss future conversations with great leaders!
MEET YOUR GUEST
Evelyn Magley, a pioneering leader, made history as the first female owner of a professional sports league. Co-founding The Basketball League (TBL) with her husband in 2019, she has been a beacon of inspiration.
With faith as her guide, Evelyn Magley focuses on empowering young athletes with life skills, financial literacy, and community outreach.
Born in Kansas, she was the first African American homecoming queen at her high school and went on to graduate from The University of Kansas. She is a renowned keynote speaker, sharing her wisdom on leadership and professional development.
Her life's mission is to build stronger communities, promote financial literacy, and inspire future leaders with messages of kindness, love, understanding, and respect.

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The Leader Doesn't Have To Be The One Speaking. - Jeff Christian

On this episode of Leadership Level Up, Jeff Williamson welcomes Jeff Christian to the show! As the CEO and founder of C4 Leaders, a nonprofit organization, Christian brings a wealth of experience from diverse roles, including coaching and nursing.
Uncover the core principles of effective leadership as Christian highlights the 'Four Cs' behind his organization: communication, chemistry, consistency, and creativity. He emphasizes the transformative power of active listening, which he says fosters an environment where team members feel acknowledged and valued.
Drawing from personal experiences, Christian reflects on pivotal life lessons, sharing advice to his younger self as well as describing the nuances of parenting. Explore the significance of creating the space that allows individuals to learn as well as the importance of offering unconditional love for personal growth, both in leadership and in life.
Be sure to subscribe to Leadership Level Up so you don't miss future conversations with great leaders!
MEET YOUR GUEST

Jeff Christian, founder of C4 Leaders, draws on his upbringing in Campbell, California, where his mother's example instilled the value of service. His 'Pizza Day Series' helps aspiring leaders by sharing life's values through pizza-making, emphasizing personal growth through the principles of communication, chemistry, consistency, and creativity (C4).
His background includes nursing, coaching, and leadership consultation. Jeff's work centers on nurturing minds, bodies, and spirits, emphasizing that success comes from doing things the right way, both in sports and in life.