Meet Kelly Stevens | Coach, Speaker & Founder of Align Society

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Stevens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I used to think of “balance” as a destination—something that I could achieve if I worked hard enough.

For example, I thought that somehow I was going to make it so that all things—life, work, health, finances, relationships, etc.—would be at a “10” and “balance” would be when I finally succeeded in all of these areas.

Today, I realize that balance is something that is integrated, not static.

Instead of focusing on all the things, I now focus on building a strong foundation to stand on while I navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs. For me, that foundation is made up of mental and physical health, supportive relationships, and deep self-awareness. Having these things helps me navigate as my priorities continue to shift and change.

Balance is less about perfection and more about having confidence and clarity in what’s most important in this season of my life.

What should our readers know about your business?
As an entrepreneur and a coach, my mission is to help women leaders reduce their overwhelm and grow their impact.

For more than 15 years, I held leadership roles in some of Colorado’s most impactful community organizations, including the Denver Metro Chamber, Colorado Office of Economic Development, and Colorado Technology Association. I was deeply committed to that work and am proud of the impact organizations like those have on our state and beyond. I was also the co-founder of KIN—a vibrant community that empowered hundreds of professional women in Denver to grow through personal development and connection.

Five years ago, I reached a turning point. Despite my love for what I did and my “success”, I felt burnt out and unfulfilled. I started to shift my focus to what was next for me. I knew I needed a change, but I had no idea where I was headed next.

First, I stepped away from KIN, and then ultimately, my full-time position and career. I’m proud of the version of me that was able to find the courage to step away even though I had no idea what would come next. This set me on a journey of self-reflection and growth, and eventually I found the confidence to take the leap towards another passion and mission.

Facing the unknown and uncertainty felt daunting and lonely. I sought out the support of family, friends, therapists, coaches, personal trainers, and entrepreneurial communities. For the first time in a long time, I slowed down and made space to listen to myself. Through trying on new business names and service offerings and putting one foot in front of the other, I started to uncover what I was most passionate about doing next. As I reflect, I can see now that the answer was always there, I just needed to give myself permission to see it and fully step into it.

Now, I channel my leadership experience and coaching expertise to help women achieve greater impact by giving them the tools to choose LESS and focus on what matters most. I offer 1:1 coaching and speaking engagements and workshops—and in March, I’m launching Align Society, a coaching program and community designed to help women leaders step into alignment and impact.

My coaching work bridges the personal and the professional, as I believe we need to take care of ourselves personally so that we can show up as our best selves professionally. This is not a “nice-to-have”, it’s a necessity. Growth happens when we start looking inward, and that is at the foundation of my work in helping people align their lives and work with what matters most.

Community has been a through line of my work, and Align Society is the next evolution of my mission—bringing women leaders together to grow, align, and lead with confidence.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love showing friends around Denver and Colorado! Narrowing it down is difficult!

A perfect day in Denver would include a sunrise at Red Rocks and a little hike to follow. (My pup Bentley would join us for this part.)

We’d then indulge in brunch at Snooze at Union Station and take a walk along the river to Confluence Park.

Then, we’d take a walking art tour in RiNo (River North) and pop into the galleries and local shops.

Happy Hour would be at Death & Co with dinner and a show to follow at Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club.

If my friend was in town for a few days, we’d head to the mountains, of course.

My favorite drive is from Denver to Buena Vista/Salida and the views you get of the valley from Kenosha Pass!

We’d first go to Salida to have a meal at the Boathouse on the Arkansas River and explore Salida.

We’d then pop over to a hot springs for the afternoon, and end the day in Buena Vista eating dinner at Wesley & Rose and staying the night at the Surf Hotel. A hike in the morning would be a perfect way to end our time in the mountains before heading back to the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people, organizations, and resources that have supported my journey, especially in the last few years where I’ve made some big life and work shifts.

Communities such as Illume Collective, Tarra, and Powerhouse Women have been a HUGE part of supporting my entrepreneurial journey. The friends and connections I’ve made through those groups have become my work and spiritual running buddies, and I’m grateful for both the support they provide and the inspiration they share.

I also would love to shoutout my twin sister, Kim, who is always so supportive and encouraging through the highs and lows, and my husband, Jackson, whose made space in our life to support my dreams.

Website: https://www.kellystevens.co

Instagram: @thekellystevens

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/kellyannestevens

Image Credits
Shana Yurko, Derk’s Works Photography