Kelly Nash smiles in front of a white fireplace.

I’ve navigated career transitions, moments of burnout, and the constant pressure to perform, all while building a career inside fast-moving corporate environments. Along the way, I learned that talent alone isn’t enough.

The people who grow, advance, and feel fulfilled in their careers are the ones who know how to take ownership of their careers, clearly articulate their value, and build a brand that aligns with where they’re going next.

That’s where my work lives.

Today, as a Career Coach & Branding Strategist, I combine my corporate experience, coaching expertise, and marketing background to help high-achieving professionals gain clarity, own their narrative, and make confident career moves that last.

Hi, I’m Kelly

Your Career Coach & Branding Strategist with a seat at the corporate table.

Your career is an ever-evolving story. Make it a meaningful one.

The Backstory

How It All Began

I never planned to be a career coach.

It started in early 2018 with a blank page, a pen, and an idea to start a career blog — one that would unexpectedly change the course of my life.

As someone who picked up a pen and loved to write from an early age, I felt a pull to share my experiences navigating the corporate world — how I overcame burnout, advocated for myself, and made my own career moves that aligned with my aspirations.

That pull became The Lipstick & Ink® Blog: a space designed to empower women with honest career advice, practical resources, and real stories about the challenges and triumphs of corporate life.

From Words to Work

Lipstick & Ink® began as a creative outlet, but it quickly grew into something more.

People from different industries, roles, and stages of life began reaching out, sharing how my words resonated and asking for guidance on their own career journeys. Over time, the L&I® Blog evolved into events, career resources, resume reviews, and eventually coaching.

Each step felt like a natural extension of the one before it. I followed the nudges, thought bigger, and ultimately built a business rooted in the same belief that started it all: you deserve a career that feels authentic, aligned, and fulfilling.

Where I Am Today

Today, I consider myself a corpreneur — someone who blends 15+ years of corporate experience, career strategy expertise, and a coachsulting approach to support professionals who are ready for more.

I work full-time in tech while coaching clients through pivotal career moments, giving them a real-time understanding of what’s happening in corporate America and how to navigate it strategically.

Whether you’re seeking clarity, confidence, or direction for your next move, my goal is to help you write your next chapter with intention.

When you’re ready, I’ll be here to help you do just that.

Becoming the changemaker of my career

How I went from misaligned roles to making meaningful career moves

I know firsthand what it’s like to navigate change in a career. My journey has been defined by bold moves — across companies, industries, and roles — all while redefining what a meaningful career looks like to me.

From Advertising to Tech

I began my corporate career in advertising, but after suffering burnout of 14-hour work days and lacking growth, I leaned into my curiosity - which pointed me toward tech. I wanted to be on the cusp of change and in an environment where I was challenged to learn every day.

By articulating my transferable skills and being strategic in maximizing my network, I landed a role at Salesforce, a global tech company, where I’ve continued to work the last 10 years. My first role at the company was focused on supporting customers adopt our advertising technology products. This career move taught me to trust my gut and to practice patience for the right role. It took me 6 months to get the job offer but I’ve been able to build a successful career at the company ever since.

From Professional Services to Customer Success

The four roles I held the first six years of my Salesforce career resided in our Professional Services org. I moved to Customer Success when I decided to seek out more opportunities to expand my leadership skills, build my advisory expertise, and influence C-suite executives. By maintaining a strong relationship with a former manager, I secured a strategic Success Manager role that aligned with those aspirations. This move reminded me how critical it is to nurture professional connections long before you need them.

From Setbacks to New Opportunities

Sometimes, career moves choose you. When my team at Salesforce dissolved, my team was moved to a different part of the organization that did not align with my career goals. I decided to take ownership of my career and look elsewhere at the company. I tapped into my network, upskilled, and secured a stretch role as a Marketing Cloud Success Manager. I was completely out of my element, but I expanded my product expertise from advertising to marketing technology and established a strong personal brand within my organization. This intentional move reinforced that even when the unexpected happens, you still have a choice of how you respond. And, the unexpected can turn out pretty great, even if it doesn’t feel that way at the time.

From Marketing to Employee Engagement

Building my business reinforced my passion for helping others thrive in their careers. This realization led me to pivot from customer-facing work to seeking a more HR-type role so I could infuse that passion into my corporate job. By voicing my aspirations, taking on new projects, and showcasing my value, I transitioned into employee engagement leading employee programs within our Customer Success org. This career move was a journey of persistence, taking over 1.5 years, but the result has been deeply fulfilling!

From Career Growth to Career Fulfillment

Becoming a parent in late 2023 changed my outlook on career success. It taught me to prioritize fulfillment, flexibility, and alignment with my values over titles and promotions. Growth now means building a meaningful, balanced life — not just climbing the corporate ladder.

Every career move I’ve made has brought me closer to the work that excites me and the life I want to lead. Through coaching, resume writing, and speaking, I’m here to help high achievers like you make your own meaningful career moves by creating clarity, confidence, and a path toward fulfillment.

Your next chapter is waiting. Let’s rewrite your career story — together.

Kelly Nash smiles with a peace sign.

A few fun facts

Kelly Nash stands with her husband, Adam.

01

Midwestern gal

Born, bred, and currently reside in the Chicago suburbs, where I live with my husband, Adam, and son, James. I lived in the city for 10 years and - no bias - firmly believe that Chicago is one of the best cities in the world.

Kelly Nash stands with her L&I lip gloss in her hands.

The essentials

You’ll never catch me without my sunnies or lip color in my purse. I love lipstick and lipgloss so much, I decided to create my own.

Kelly Nash stands in Vermont amongst changing leaf colors.

On the move

You’ll often find me out for a walk, trying a new restaurant, vacationing with my loved ones, or planning my next travel adventure.

03

02

Kelly Nash sits on the ground against the couch writing in her notebook.

04

Curious soul

I’m a personal development junkie and a sucker for astrology, human design, psychic readings, all the things! It all has led me to approaching life with a spark of curiosity and an eagerness to learn and grow.

Unique approach

My corporate insider perspective and coachsulting approach, coupled with my expertise in job search strategy, personal branding, and professional writing, has yielded countless success stories. Let’s make you one of them too!

Not Your Typical Career Coach

I currently work full-time in corporate, so I have a deep understanding of what’s currently happening and changing in the corporate sector. I practice and live by what I guide my clients on.

I currently work for one of the Best Companies to Work For so am able to share the best ways to stand out as a top prospective job candidate or high-achieving employee at your company. Not only that, I have the technical and writing chops to help you craft and tell your career story in a way that articulates your unique value and experience.

Expertise & Training

I have been in the career guidance space for 10 years, having consulted on 500+ resumes as well as career coached 50+ individuals the last three years. I hold a Career Coaching certification from New York University and am a trained Coach through Authentic Leadership Advisors.

I’ve historically partnered with Supermums, an award-winning organization where I worked as an Associate Career Coach. In addition, I am a trained high-impact teaming facilitator and Google #IamRemarkable facilitator.

Curious to learn more?

Book a free alignment call with me to determine how we can best work together.