Client Testimonials
Trusted Advisor Testimonials
“What I get about you is that from a young age you were bright, you were precocious, you saw things that most people couldnāt see, and you werenāt afraid to say things that other people were afraid to say. You watched the Beatles being successful, and unlike others who wanted to be The Beatles, you said āI want to be the person behind the Beatlesā. You think differently. No surprise that if we fast forward a little bit, when you thought āI need a mentorā you sought out Steve Jobs. You aim high when youāre doing anything; go big or go home. You sought out Steve Jobs because, even from a young age, you knew you could approach anyone if you come from a place that Iāve got something of value for you ā or I know something about you ā this isnāt someone trying to take something from them.
Aiming high and being fearless about opening doors is what makes you a super-connector. Itās who youāve always been. Youāre a super-connector in two ways ā 1) in how youāre not afraid to connect with people, but 2) from a young age you saw there was an overlap between content and technology, Hollywood and Silicon Valley, and you operated at that thin sliver between them ā literally driving and thriving at the cutting edge of that convergence early on before most could envision them coming together. You have a super-power of connecting ideas and concepts from different worlds.”
Read More ā¼“You were told at a young age āyou canāt do thisā. You went to Hollywood to be a record producer, and people said no āwomen canāt do thisā. Sometimes this was verbal, but I imagine more often than not it was simply through their actions. āOh yes, please come in’ ā but their actions said āno way, youāre not getting throughā. So you learned to take shortcuts to achieve your goals. You were able to see possibilities that no one else could. You have a super-power as a connector; you aim high, you take shortcuts, and you see possibilities on behalf of yourself and your clients ā you cut right through. You immerse yourself in any world you want to go into ā learning, studying, growing ā and you have this mindset that nothing will stop you because you have value to add to others and youād be remiss if you didnāt do that. You also have a really fascinating doctrine. You love to work with brilliant people, super smart, highly talented, genius types ā and you have a track record of doing so. And what you create are genius conversations. The kind of conversations that super smart individuals canāt have with most people because you get them.
What most people donāt know about you is that way of living, which is inspiring for most people, is so exhausting that on a day-to-day basis you could feel bone tired. Youāre extraordinarily good at helping others to filter out opportunities that might drain them, to say no to things that would take away their energy. But of course weāre so often gifted at teaching others what we struggle with ourselves. And your journey, which I encourage you to share with others openly (they need to hear the real you), youāre walking into the creation of the next stage of your life from this place of a question, āwhat would ease and grace doā. āCause you know how to be super successful and be burnt out and youāre not doing that again. But to be highly successful with ease and grace, now thatās a journey youāre on and if anyone is reading, listening or watching these words as you share them, then your invitation is to come along on that journey too. Youāll help them fly, step more into their genius than ever before, with a sense of ease and grace so that it looks and feels effortless.”
– Rich Litvin
Owner, The Litvin Group
Coach to World Class Top Performers
āI have worked with Kelli for over twenty-five years on a variety of media related projects. Kelli is a consummate strategic alliances professional, and maintains an impressive network of entertainment and technology professionals. Kelli delivers significant value in connecting key influencers and decision makers.Kelliās experience at the heart of the music and technology convergence is renowned and highly respected. She has superior relationships with decision makers in the space, and with major artists alike. Given the power to forge partnerships and strategic deals, her work is simply unparalleled. I have in the past, and will continue to recommend Kelli to all my Fortune 100 clients. Simply put, I trust & rely on her; one of my favorite people.ā
– Ty Roberts
Co- Founder & CSO, Gracenote
Former CTO, Universal Music Group
āKelli is your universal adapter; the only one you need. If you need to get connected to influencers and innovators in digital music, media & entertainment, Kelli will get you hooked up.ā
– Todd Rundgren
Pioneering Musician, Record Producer & Tech Visionary
“Kelli Richards is an important resource in my world! Many are the times that I have benefitted from her insights, advice and connections. Sheās particularly helpful to those who are contemplating their ‘second act’ in life & work.ā
– Stewart Copeland
Musician, Composer & Drummer for The Police
āKelli is an extraordinary entrepreneur with a successful track record in the corporate world. She has a phenomenal grasp of holistic principles and is now turning her attention to working with people who would like to expand their business while also expanding their inner life. I trust that anyone who chooses to work with Kelli, will grow spiritually, materially, and professionally. And most of all your life will be better.ā
– Alan Cohen
Best-Selling Author, Master Coach
āKelli has a unique set of skills that are helpful to both corporate leaders and entrepreneurs alike. She combines the ability to understand where her clients are coming from (strategic insight), with āout of the boxā thinking ā essentially helping one design a unique go-forward plan for life at work and or personal life. She practices āintegrationā ā assisting her clients to integrate their strengths, experiences and dreams into a focused plan of attack. She is a great strategic brainstormer ā and also has many unique ideas & suggestions for practical implementation of plans.
She is thoughtful in how she applies her contacts and connections, and I am repeatedly amazed at how many of her introductions have been ādirect hitsā for what weāve been working to accomplish togetherā.
– Randy Haykin
Silicon Valley Exec, Venture Capitalist, Winemaker,
Philanthropist and Founder of The Gratitude Network
āIāve known Kelli for many years, and one thing I can say for sure is that she understands established artists ā sheās spent a huge amount of her career and energies supporting us by participating in the development of new technologies, new distribution strategies, new ways for us to engage directly with our fans, and new ways to monetize our work and our brands. As importantly, she resonates with us as artists ā she understands at a deep visceral level what makes us tick, and is deeply & authentically committed to serving us to truly be working and living in a way that serves our deepest passions & is most fulfilling. Sheās a gifted strategist and well-connected. If youāre an established musician, you could do no better than to explore the gifts of having a navigator, guide and trusted advisor in Kelli by your side.”
– Craig Chaquico
Platinum-Selling Lead Guitarist, Jefferson Starship, & Award-Winning Solo Acoustic Guitarist
āKelli is a trusted advisor and connector in my career and life. Having been relatively successful in my corner of the music business, after selling a company I wanted to explore new opportunities in work and life. Working with Kelli gave me the insight and freedom to enact a number of creative endeavors I had been putting off for too long. She has also provided me with connections to leaders and influencers across Music and Tech to create my next adventure. Regularly connecting with Kelli has been truly transformative for me. I’ve learned how to maintain an effective work-life balance, and am now able to appreciate and enjoy those small moments that make life worthwhile and that matter the most to me.ā
– Matt Adell
Former Chief Digital Officer, Native Instruments
Founder & CEO, Metapop
Former CEO, Beatport
āKelli has been an invaluable resource to me as Iāve made the transition from corporate executive to tech startup entrepreneur, providing valuable guidance to me both personally and professionally. With her extensive business and cross-industry experience, she asks just the right questions to get me thinking about my business in new and impactful ways. She also provides excellent and insightful recommendations both about strategy and execution. One of her greatest talents is her ability to help you get clear and more focused around your goals, while also ensuring that you maintain a healthy and balanced life. She is also a super connector, and is incredibly generous about making introductions to influential people who can help advance your business. I highly recommend Kelli to anyone thatās looking to accelerate their business, get clarity on their personal or professional direction (their ānext moveā), and is serious about performing at their top of their game in all areas of their life.”
– Trisha Bright
Founder & CEO, GoodSocial, Inc.
āBeing an independent creative person can sometimes be a treacherous road filled with potholes, peaks and valleys. At various times in my own freelance career Iāve found myself stranded at the intersection of doubt and uncertainty, unsure about my next step. On several of these occasions Kelli has given me valuable insights and advice that have gently nudged me back on my path. She āgets meā, and she has the experience, the contacts and the credibility to back up her priceless wisdom & invaluable insights.ā
– Paul Myers
Author and Musician
āI hired Kelli as an advisor to help me assert myself as the business leader I know I’m destined to become. Her creativity, patience, and loyalty were exactly what I needed as she challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. Kelli has continued to work tirelessly to help me achieve both my personal and professional goals.ā
– Maci Peterson Philitas
Founder & CEO, On Second Thought
āWorking with Kelli greatly accelerated and brought my dream of a career switch to reality. She has many tools immediately ready at her disposal. To name just a few: perspective, connections, confidence and a belief in me and in what was possible. What helped me the most was maintaining a clear sense of where I was going and what I had already accomplished during my rapid transformation, the connections that she was able to facilitate that made my switch effortless, and her belief in my ability to do what I had set out to do — and more. Iām grateful!ā
– Keith Elliott
Post Production Technical Director, Ringling College of Art & Design
Owner & Audio Engineer, Resonant Rhythm
“My late father was the Co-founder and President of the Sheraton Hotel Chain, and he used to say, āOne good idea can change your life.ā Kelli Richards is the kind of person who provides you with a great, free-flowing abundance of good ideas that can help you identify and move closer to your most important goals. I admire her, I trust her, I respect her, and Iām continuously amazed by her insights and wisdom.” View video version.
Mitzi Perdue
President and Founder of Win This Fight, Stop Human Trafficking Now!
“Kelli has a rare combination of business acumen as well as emotional intelligence, providing special and valuable insights for creative innovators and their work. Her perspective helped clarify my own thinking around my wants and needs, and she was able to see possibilities and strengths in my history and self that I had overlooked, as well as new opportunities I hadnāt considered. Ultimately, our work together helped lead me to a new job and a new outlook.”
– Anu Kirk
Long-time music/entertainment/tech entrepreneur and musician
“When Kelli and I began our journey together, I was so anxious to make a name for myself and to create greater alignment between who I am as a person and what I do in the world. I was in a perpetual knot of confusion, anxiety and stress. I am confident that working with Kelli spared me YEARS of wandering in the wilderness in my journey toward self-actualization and self-transcendence.
I can now say: I am a recognized global change maker who makes a positive difference on several scales. The impact of my projects is felt in nations, cities, and communities around the globe. I am a sought-after coach, consultant, and speaker who has been invited to share my voice and experiences internationally. Iāve been asked to help advise on global initiatives that advance humanity and usher us into a newer, better future. Itās what Iāve dreamed of and so much more.
This wouldnāt have been possible without much of the foundational work Kelli and I did on my relationship to self, my relationship to my past, and a re-alignment with the best version of myself. My deep work with Kelli helped me better identify and re-engage in the many places in my life where I was stuck and surrendering my personal power. With her support, I made powerful strides in re-balancing several key dynamics I was unknowingly creating and perpetuating.
By working with someone of Kelliās level of awareness, achievement, and insight – she helped me get out of my own way to identify and claim my place and my sovereignty – something that’s eluded me for more than 15 years! This was huge.
Lastly, Kelli helped me to accept and embrace that my impact is meant to be – and in fact, must be – collective, global, and intergenerational. Whenever I doubted myself, fearing I was being self-important or grandiose (or just plain scared of living into my full potential), she would set me straight every time. She cares deeply and really believes in me and my success wholeheartedly. Thank you, Kelli, for helping me set the trajectory for my next chapter, and beyond! “
– Abby Lehman
Abby Lehman, LLC
“Kelli helped me bridge the gap from the corporate world to becoming an entrepreneur during the pandemic whileĀ raising two toddlers. Ā No small feat! Ā She empowered me to design a multi-spoke business plan that included passive revenue streams.Ā She challenged me at every turn while empowering me to listen to my inner voice and follow my dreams. I could not have spread my wings without her being the wind in my sails as I successfully launched two complementary businesses with two unique differentiators. Iāve gone on to author and publish a best-selling book and to realize my dream of creating a line of dolls that reinforce my brand and message for the next generation of women leaders; both of these would have been more challenging to manifest without Kelliās guidance and encouragement. Kelli has positioned me to be the best I can be whileĀ continuing to lead with courage and confidence withĀ bravery as my shield.”
– Gayle Keller
International Bestselling Author
āProbably the most beneficial thing in working with Kelli has been that Iāve had someone I trust/respect who I share similar belief system with to touch bases with as a high-level thinker/conspirer and āoutside eyeā. I have also appreciated and benefited from the accountability structure she has created for me. Iām noticing time more (valuing it more, enjoying it more, worrying about it less, but also being cognizant of using it well) as a result. Iām acutely aware of the progress that Iāve made in personal and professional growth as a result of our work, and am grateful for the partnerships and connections Iāve made courtesy of Kelliās intros that are (and will be) valuable to me in future ventures and endeavors.ā
– Jamie Hultgren
Creative Director/Buyer/Fashion Designer, Enze Apparel
“I engaged Kelli during a pivotal time during my career, and I cannot imagine having navigated so many storms without her unwavering support and guidance. She helped me refind my conviction and “use my power” as I moved from a large corporate role to a CEO role. During each of our sessions she would offer great ideas to stay ahead of the curve and in control of my story and messaging. She pushed me further and higher than anyone I’ve ever worked with before. For anyone at a crossroads or in need of a career boost, Kelli is unparalleled. I value her real world perspective and because she comes from direct experience her advice is relevant, actionable and effective. I wouldn’t be where I am now without Kelli’s support!ā
– Shauna McIntyre
CEO, Sense Photonics
“I have known Kelli for well over a decade. I consider her to be one of our generationās greatest and most innovative technology leaders. Kelli is a forward thinker who keeps us all motivated with her positive and ethical values. Iām proud to have maintained a healthy long term business relationship with her, and am honored to call her an advisor and a friend.”
– Eren Niazi
CEO, Open Source Storage
āKelliās guidance has showed me creative and inspired possibilities Iād never have considered to take my brand/presence to the national stage as a political analyst and commentator. As importantly, sheās taught me to believe in myself, how to get out of my own way, and to think and act on a grander scale. Sheās opened doors to opportunities and influencers for me that I never dreamed I could engage with & Iām truly grateful.ā
– Joyce Stoer Cordi
Radio Talk Show Host & Founder, Reimagine America
āKelli is a true visionary. Her insights and advice provided game-changing direction for me and my organization during a key transition period. She is a true connector of people across nearly every industry and does an incredible job of opening up possibilities. She is a joy to work with!ā
– Dr Shoshana Ungerleider
MD & Founder, End Well
āKelli is an incredible strategic partner for anyone who wants to embark on a new career &/or life path ā or significantly redesign their existing one. She believes in your talents but she also can see blind spots or hidden mis-perceptions that may be holding you back. Kelli helped me to gain confidence in myself and together we created a strategy that could bring feasible results as I move from being a consultant to a coach. Her approach with me was to tap into my growth mindset and to set up a plan to come up with the results by supporting key milestones and celebrating achievements. Kelli is a fun and enjoyable person to work with. She is truly a trusted partner for someone who wants to reach their next level of personal and professional mastery.”
– Elena Vassilieva
Scrum Expert & Agile Coach
āKelli, youāre a great business coach, and anybody whoās even remotely related to your field of entertainment or technology, or music particularly, they need to call you, no doubt about it.ā
– Libby Gill
Branding Expert and CEO of Libby Gill & Co.
āIāve had the distinct pleasure of being mentored and coached by Kelli. During our time working together I found Kelli to be very professional, insightful, tough and extremely helpful. She helped me in multiple areas of my life and we systematically worked on improving each of these areas with education, instruction and goal management. I can say with 100% confidence that I would not have achieved the level of success that I did without Kelliās help. The change in both my professional and personal life has been nothing short of dramatic.ā
Bob S.
San Jose, CA
āKelliās wholehearted support and belief in me absolutely made the difference in my success as she coached me to a level of vibrancy and authenticity in my life that I didnāt know were possible! As Kelli held me accountable, my self-responsibility escalated to that of outstanding. Kelliās encouragement motivated and challenged me to really stretch my goals and continue to take on more each week. Her compassion created a safe area for me to courageously face my fears and vulnerabilities, guiding me to a place of amazing empowerment. Thanks to Kelliās excellent coaching every area of my life is now fun, fulfilling, inspired and purposeful.ā
– Linda K.
La Jolla, CA
āKelli is a very clear, honest, and direct life coach. Her intuitive presence empowered me to reach deep inside myself to find my own answers. Kelliās laser-focused attention led me to deeper clarity around my authentic self. Throughout our journey together, I experienced her support as unwavering and profoundly wise. Iāll always be grateful for Kelli in my life.ā
– Michele L.
Tiburon, CA
āKelliās guidance and support was instrumental in getting me on track for the life Iāve been dreaming of. In the months we worked together, I bought a house, lost weight, increased communication in my relationships and got clarity around my goals and the subsequent requirements to achieve them.ā
– Sarah C.
Mountain View, CA
āKelli is committed to excellence and success and shows this in her coaching through rigorous and unflinching honesty that goes bone deep. I found her to be extremely supportive and I accomplished an incredible amount in the time that I was coached by her.ā