Overcoming Fear & Embracing Growth: An Honest Discussion Between a Founder & Managing Director

The Beautiful Business Podcast

About the Guest

Kelly Goodship, Managing Director of The Wow Company, brings nearly two decades of experience rooted in people, purpose, and progress. Joining Wow straight out of university, she rose through the ranks with a relentless focus on doing the right thing - especially for people. Becoming a mum to her two boys, shaped her leadership approach, driving her passion for flexible, family-first workplaces. Kelly’s commitment to honest, human leadership and operational excellence has positioned her as a trusted voice on culture, client experience, and creating workplaces where people genuinely thrive.

Known for her warmth, clarity, and relatability, Kelly balances strategic leadership with hands-on client work and honest conversations about successes and challenges. She’s energised by topics like parenthood, leadership, and culture, inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones. Whether on stage, in a podcast, or in everyday interactions, Kelly leads with credibility, humility, and heart - focused on building a workplace where people feel excited to come to work.

This Episode Covers

The Value of Early Work Experience: Starting work at a young age can teach critical life lessons such as the value of money, the importance of hard work, and self-awareness about professional preferences. Early exposure to the working world can shape attitudes toward career and responsibility.

Long-Term Commitment to a Workplace: Staying with a company for an extended period can lead to deep familiarity with its culture, operations, and vision. Longevity at a workplace can provide a stable foundation for growth while maintaining a sense of belonging and purpose.

Taking on New Leadership Challenges: Transitioning into a leadership role after years in a supporting role offers the opportunity for personal and professional growth. Despite its challenges, stepping into a higher position can renew motivation and add a new dimension to one’s career.

Managing Leadership Anxiety: It is common for leaders to face fears of not meeting expectations or replicating past successes. One way to manage this is through open communication, seeking advice, and fostering honest discussions with trusted mentors or peers.

The Shift from Team Player to Leader: Moving from being part of a team to leading it requires a shift in mindset. Applying prior experience within the organisation and developing communication skills to inspire and guide others can ease this transition.

The Importance of a Supportive Environment: A smooth leadership transition is often backed by strong support systems, such as mentorship, open communication, and the ability to ask questions. Ongoing collaboration and guidance are key to success in any role change.

Links

• Website: The Wow Company
• Social media: LinkedIn