Meet Jenell Kelly | Keynote Speaker, #1 Best Selling Author, Mindset Mastery Expert

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

Hi Jenell, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has always had a different meaning for me. Growing up with social anxiety, what others saw as everyday decisions—raising a hand in class, joining a sports team, auditioning for a play—felt like monumental acts of courage. These weren’t just decisions, they were emotional leaps. Every moment that required me to be seen, to speak up, or to engage felt like I was standing at the edge of something unknown. But I learned early on that if I wanted a life beyond fear, I’d have to take risks others didn’t even notice.

That mindset shaped the way I approach my life and career. Moving from Philadelphia to Florida with nothing but my belongings and a hunger for more was one of my first major leaps into the unknown. I wasn’t chasing a job or a guarantee—I was chasing possibility. I knew that if I stayed in the familiar, I’d shrink. And if I wanted to expand I had to go where expansion was possible, even if it meant leaving comfort behind.

As an adult, risk became something I not only embraced, but depended on. I faced unimaginable challenges: a surgically induced posterior stroke. Years of recovery from being partially paralyzed, surrounded by medical professionals who told me I’d never be fully functional again. In those moments, the biggest risk wasn’t physical—it was energetic. I had to choose whether to believe them or to believe in myself. I declined disability, refused to absorb the well-meaning but limiting projections, and committed to healing. That wasn’t just a recovery—it was a reclamation of my power.

Walking away from a 26-year career in healthcare—stable, respected, secure—to start my own business with no investors and no safety net was another massive leap. But I knew I was being called to more. I always say: I didn’t have the luxury of perfect timing. I pursued some of the most life-changing certifications and training when my bank account was nearly empty and life didn’t “afford” me the space to invest. But I invested anyway—because I believed in the return on becoming who I was meant to be.

Risk, to me, is less about loss and more about alignment. You risk comfort for authenticity. You risk approval for purpose. You risk the known for the truth of what’s calling you. Sometimes that means letting go of people, places, and patterns that no longer serve you—even when they’ve defined you. But the real magic happens when you realize: when you’re connected to your highest self, to God, to the truth within you, there is no real risk. There’s only the illusion of what you think you’re giving up, and the reality of everything you’re gaining.

So much of what we call “risk” is just fear of letting go of the familiar. But when you’ve walked through trauma, paralysis, financial instability, and the dismantling of your identity—and still come out whole—you learn to trust the unknown. You learn to bet on yourself, again and again. Because the greatest risk is staying stuck in a life that doesn’t reflect your truth.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Let’s be real—it hasn’t been easy. But it’s been worth it.

I’m the founder of Let’s Go 180°, a transformational business and mindset company created to help entrepreneurs, professionals, and legacy-driven leaders master their mind, elevate their message, and scale their impact. What sets us apart is that we don’t just teach strategy—we develop the inner edge required to sustain success. We merge mindset, clarity, emotional intelligence, and business scaling into one powerful movement that’s activating visionaries across the globe.

Before this, I spent over three decades as a trauma nurse in some of the most intense emergency rooms in South Florida. I know what burnout looks like. I know what it feels like to check every box, yet feel empty inside. That personal rock-bottom was the beginning of my rise. And no, it wasn’t easy. I had to completely rewire my identity, beliefs, and relationship with fear. But Network Marketing opened the first door. It was the bridge that helped me walk away from burnout and into the world of entrepreneurship with confidence, leadership, and a mission-driven heart.

What I’m most proud of?
Watching women—and now men—remember who they are. Seeing people go from stuck and stressed to so lit up with vision they can’t sleep. That’s what drives me.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way?

First, clarity comes from movement—not overthinking. You don’t need all the answers to start. Too many people wait for confidence to show up before they take the leap, but confidence is a byproduct of taking courageous action.

Second, your environment will either stretch you or suffocate you. Surrounding myself with bold thinkers, mentors, and aligned communities changed everything. Growth requires proximity to greatness.

And third, you don’t have to wait until it’s perfect. Start with what you have, where you are, and allow yourself to evolve in public. Your power isn’t in the perfection—it’s in the decision to keep going, no matter what.
What I want the world to know is this:
You were never meant to live in maintenance mode. You were made for impact. Your story, your voice, and your vision matter more than you know. And when you partner with the right people who challenge you to rise? Everything changes.

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.
If my best friend were visiting South Florida for a week, I’d make sure it was a soul-nourishing, high-vibe, unforgettable experience from start to finish. We’d kick things off with a warm welcome at the airport, grab smoothies and light bites from Press & Grind Café, then head straight to Bahia Mar Marina for a private sunset yacht cruise—because what better way to set the tone than with vision-board vibes and champagne on the water? That evening, we’d dine at YOLO Fort Lauderdale, where the energy is always vibrant, and toast to the week ahead.

The next day would be all about aligning with purpose—starting with a beachside meditation and journaling session on Fort Lauderdale Beach. After soaking in the ocean energy, we’d brunch at The Alchemist in Wilton Manors, known for its artistic atmosphere and conversation-inspiring ambiance. In the afternoon, we’d head to The Standard Miami for spa treatments, steam rooms, and stillness before wrapping the day with dinner at Planta Queen in Coconut Grove—delicious, plant-based, and full of glam.

Midweek, we’d step into boss-mode with a visit to The LAB Miami, a hub for creators and entrepreneurs. After a productive co-working session, we’d grab lunch at Pura Vida before heading to the Miami Design District for boutique shopping and an impromptu photoshoot. That evening, we’d enjoy rooftop cocktails and live music at Astra Wynwood, soaking in the magic of Miami under the stars.

For Day 4, I’d plan a blend of heart work and healing. We’d start the morning with a powerful breathwork or sound healing session, followed by a nourishing lunch at Green Bar Kitchen. After some quiet beach or pool time, we’d close out the day with a beautiful dinner at Casa Sensei, enjoying fusion cuisine and great conversation with some of South Florida’s most inspiring women.

Next, it’s time for an epic excursion! We’d head to Key Largo for a day of snorkeling, sunshine, and floating at the sandbar with music and a cooler full of clean snacks. On the way back, we’d stop for dinner at Morada Bay Beach Café—an oceanside gem with toes-in-the-sand dining and tiki torch glow that feels straight out of a dream.

By Day 6, it’s all about creativity, connection, and community. We’d kick off the morning at The Colombian Coffee House in Boca for my Chicks & Coffee event—where collaboration and heart-led conversation are always on the menu. Later, we’d explore Wynwood Walls, taking in the street art and inspiration before wrapping the night with a final dinner at Dune by Laurent Tourondel, enjoying elegant beachfront dining and sunset views.

On our final day, we’d go for a reflective morning walk through Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, grounding ourselves before one last brunch at The Foxy Brown. And of course, there would be hugs, laughter, and a little gift to take home—a reminder of a week filled with beauty, alignment, and joy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that success is never a solo journey. So much of where I am today is because of the love, belief, mentorship, and fierce encouragement of others who saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself. Network Marketing was the catalyst that changed my life—it became the vehicle that allowed me to transition out of a decades-long career in nursing and step fully into the purpose-driven path I walk today. It gave me the confidence, leadership, and platform to begin creating impact on my terms. And I have to shout out Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich and Wayne Dyer’s The Power of Intention. Those books didn’t just shift my mindset—they rearranged my soul.

A massive shoutout goes to my mentor and friend, Jessica Reigner. She believed in my success long before I did. Her unwavering support and leadership helped me see beyond my circumstances and step into a version of myself I hadn’t yet met. And to my mentor and coach, Bill Walsh—thank you for continuously pouring into my greatness, challenging me to rise, and opening doors I didn’t even know existed. You’ve helped shape not just my business, but my belief in what’s possible.

I’m standing on the shoulders of those who dared to pour into my potential—and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Website: https://jenellkelly.com

Instagram: Jenell_Lyn_Kelly

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenellkelly

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenell.kelly.505