Hi, I am Kelly!
Hi, I am Kelly Foster a seasoned business professional with over 35 years of direct office experience with Department of Defense senior executives.
My superpower is recognizing the talent in others and helping them extrapolate it out to build their confidence and motivation to succeed beyond what they thought possible.
I have an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for mentoring and developing administrative and business professionals.
I am a proud military spouse and mother of two wonderful children. My career in the administrative field began in high school, where I participated in a co-op program dedicated to teaching essential skills for thriving in a professional office environment. This early start set the foundation for my long and rewarding career in the administrative field. With over 35 years of office experience in the Federal Government, I’ve climbed the ranks from the GS-01 level, which is not only the lowest entry level for a federal position but also a rarity to have held.
Having been part of the evolution of the administrative field, I know firsthand that it is often misunderstood and undervalued. I also know that the administrative professional is critical for this nation. For the majority of my career, I worked directly for and with members of the Senior Executive Service, giving me deep knowledge of the rigorous process for achieving this level in the federal government and experience with the day-to-day role of such senior leaders.
I bring decades of experience, industry-specific expertise, and innovative solutions tailored to meet your career aspirations.
What’s behind the name “Motivated by Kelly“. The name was formed after a phone call from a colleague asking me to be a guest speaker at a fashion event that her daughter was hosting. I agreed to be the speaker, and asked why her daughter wanted me to be the speaker, she said it was because her daughter had witnessed how motivating I was to others. After some reflection, it was very clear to me that the name of my business needed to be, “Motivated by Kelly“, because those are the words that friends and colleagues use most often about me. It is something that comes naturally to me. I recognize the potential in others and instinctively provide words of encouragement, helping them find their path to success and believe in themselves.
At Motivated by Kelly, LLC, we leverage our unique strengths, opportunities, and insights into industry challenges to provide unmatched training and coaching services. Our mission is to bridge the gap between education and employment, preparing the next generation of administrative professionals and executive leaders. We are fiercely dedicated to instilling a commitment to quality work, unwavering dedication, and unparalleled professionalism in our clients. By investing in our programs, you are investing in a future where you can thrive and excel in your chosen career path.
Mission
Our mission is to equip aspiring individuals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to transition into the next phase of their career. At Motivated by Kelly, LLC, we empower individuals to reach their highest potential through coaching and specialized training and development programs.
Dedication to Excellence
Education And Expertise
With decades of experience, industry-specific expertise, and innovative solutions tailored to meet your career aspiration needs.
Education
She holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus,
Chief Operating Officer Certificate from MIT,
Project Management Professional Certification from the Project Management Institute and Department of the Army Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Expertise
She led the Distinguished Leaders Program and a cohort comprised of over 300 rising administrative professionals specifically
focused on empowerment, networking, and professional growth.
Founder of the Motivated by Kelly Planner which instills use of key productivity tools and planning
practices. Serves on Senior Executive Association committees, APGCSC Board of Directors, and other advisory boards.
Podcast
Kelly is co-founder of the award-winning, The Mentoring Lab Podcast that
brings mentoring out of the office into the world, sharing work experiences,
and career and personal growth stories.
She is the host of The Motivated by Kelly Podcast, diving into the 23 motivation characteristics and interviews with industry leaders who embody these traits.
Meet Kelly Foster – Empowering Veterans Through Entrepreneurship
Kelly Foster serves as a Lead Instructor for the Harford County Project Opportunity Class—part of a free entrepreneurship training program for veterans, including active duty, Guard/Reserve personnel, retirees, and military spouses.
This ten-week, 30-hour course is designed to guide participants through researching and developing a comprehensive business plan. As a proud military spouse and two-time 1st place winner of the Project Opportunity Pitch Competition, Kelly brings firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the journey from idea to execution.
A graduate of the program herself, Kelly’s superpower lies in recognizing the talent in others and helping them bring it forward. She inspires confidence and motivation, empowering participants to exceed their own expectations and turn their business dreams into reality.
