logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
1h 3m

The Journey to 200: Business, Life & Aut...

Kelly Kennedy
About this episode

In this milestone 200th episode of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy takes a step back from the usual format for a deeply personal and reflective conversation with his partner, Shelby Hobbs. Together, they celebrate not just the podcast’s incredible journey, but also three major life milestones—the anniversary of Capital Business Development, Kelly’s birthday, and their son’s birthday. The episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Kelly’s journey from launching the show to navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, podcasting, and personal growth. Shelby, who has been an integral part of the podcast’s success behind the scenes, brings a fresh perspective on the sacrifices, determination, and passion that have fueled Kelly’s relentless commitment to his work and audience.

More than just a celebration, this episode dives into the lessons learned from 200 episodes, including the power of authenticity, work-life balance, and perseverance in both business and personal life. Kelly reflects on the key themes that have emerged from his conversations with entrepreneurs—how success often comes with unexpected challenges and how personal growth is just as critical as professional ambition. The discussion also touches on the realities of being a public-facing entrepreneur, the impact of the show on listeners worldwide, and what the future holds for the podcast. Whether you're a long-time listener or a newcomer, this episode is a heartfelt, insightful, and inspiring reflection on what it takes to build something meaningful—and keep showing up, no matter what.


Key Takeaways:

1. Authenticity is the key to lasting success in both business and relationships.

2. Building something great takes relentless commitment and sacrifice.

3. Work-life balance is a moving target that requires constant adjustment.

4. Entrepreneurship comes with highs and lows—resilience is essential.

5. Your support system plays a crucial role in your ability to succeed.

6. The best opportunities often come from simply showing up, even when it's hard.

7. Success isn’t just about money—it’s about freedom, fulfillment, and impact.

8. Passion projects often turn into life-changing ventures when pursued consistently.

9. Parenting and business both require patience, flexibility, and vision.

10. Every milestone is a reminder to reflect, appreciate, and plan for what’s next.


Master Business Development with Kelly Kennedy – Book Your Free Discovery Session


Business growth isn’t about luck—it’s about mastery. The Business Development Mastery Program with Kelly Kennedy gives you the tools, strategies, and confidence to scale your business, close more deals, and build lasting success.

Proven business development frameworks that drive real results

Personalized coaching tailored to your goals and challenges

Actionable strategies to generate leads, close deals, and grow revenue

If you're serious about taking your business development skills to the next level, let’s talk. Book your free discovery session today and see how this program can help you achieve your goals.

Start now: Capital Business Development Mastery Program

Up next
Nov 23
How to Explode Your LinkedIn Growth in 2026 with Sam Swirsky
<p>Episode 292 takes you inside a powerful conversation with LinkedIn strategist Sam Swirsky, where Kelly uncovers what truly drives explosive growth on the world’s leading business platform in 2026. Sam shares his journey from blue collar beginnings to becoming one of LinkedIn’s ... Show More
1h 5m
Nov 19
You Are Going to Be OK and 10 Tips Will Help You Keep the Faith
<p>Episode 291 is a raw, honest, and deeply human exploration of what it means to trust the journey when life throws you curveballs. Kelly opens up about one of the wildest days of his entrepreneurial year — a morning that began with a gut-punch message from a major client and im ... Show More
26m 23s
Nov 16
The Future of Food, Freedom, and Human Resilience with Jim Gale
<p>What would you do if you sold your company and had every opportunity to step back, but instead chose to build a vision aimed at changing the future of how communities thrive? In Episode 290, Kelly sits down with returning guest Jim Gale to explore his mission to transform the ... Show More
55m 23s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
The Secret to Success
Welcome to another compelling episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! Today, we have the privilege of hosting Jim Huling, the global managing consultant for Franklin Covey's 4 Disciplines of Execution. Jim brings his wealth of expertise to discuss the critical elements that ... Show More
48m 22s
Dec 2024
Sustainable Business Success
Welcome to another insightful episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, our host Diane Helbig sits down with Dr. Ian Brook, CEO and founder of Rhodes Smith Consulting, to delve into the essence of intentional transformation in the business world. In this episode, Ian hig ... Show More
41m 37s
Nov 2024
Achieve Business Goals
Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! In today's insightful discussion, our host Diane Helbig sits down with leadership expert Ron Karr to explore how to turn your vision into reality through effective leadership and employee engagement. Ron emphasizes in ... Show More
38m 8s
Jun 2023
The Pursuit of Balance: An Honest Conversation w/ BiggerPockets Founder Josh Dorkin on Fame, Fulfillment, and Personal Growth
<p>What happens on the other side of building everything you&apos;ve ever wanted?<br/><br/>Throughout our conversation, Josh candidly discussed the ironies of fame and how it rarely leads to true happiness and satisfaction. We also explored the importance of living life for ourse ... Show More
51m 49s
Aug 14
Elevate Your Success
Welcome to Accelerate Your Business Growth. In this episode, Diane Helbig sits down with Curtis McCollum—mindset coach and host of The Curtis McCollum Show—to explore how entrepreneurs and business leaders can identify and break through subconscious blocks that may be limiting th ... Show More
16m 19s
Apr 2024
The Transformative Power of Change & Giving Back, w/ Rodric Lenhart
<p>Rodric Lenhart is a dynamic force in the world of finance, blending his expertise in investment strategies with a passion for driving positive change. He’s also an author, a lifelong entrepreneur, and a coach who helps entrepreneurs and owners build businesses that fit their l ... Show More
50m 49s
Jan 2025
Exploring Profitable Growth
Welcome to "Accelerate Your Business Growth," an insightful podcast series by Evergreen Podcast that dives deep into the strategies and philosophies driving today's successful businesses. In this episode, our esteemed host Diane Helbig chats with Jeff Morrill, co-founder of the h ... Show More
1 h
Aug 2024
60: Rebuilding After Shutting Down a $40M Business - Colin Wayne
Colin Wayne (CEO @ Wayne Enterprises Inc) joins us in this special episode hosted by Ashton Shanks, where we dive deep into his journey from being a fitness model to CEO of one of Alabama's fastest-growing companies. In this episode, Colin shares how he leveraged social media to ... Show More
50m 11s
Mar 2025
562: Skills for Success
<p class="MsoNormal">What are the essential Skills for Success in small business and life?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "mso-bookmark: _Hlk160446384;"><strong>Show Notes Page:</strong></span> <a href= "https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/562-skills-for-success/"><span style ... Show More
58m 25s
Oct 15
When You Follow the Framework, This Happens… Ryan Lee’s Inspirational Story and Strategies Revealed! | #Success - Ep. 79
In this episode of The Russell Brunson Show, I sit down with Ryan Lee (My buddy from elementary school that I’d lost touch with for over 20 years!), who built a wildly successful coaching business around landscape lighting (Yes… Landscape lighting!!) by following the Expert Secre ... Show More
39m 45s