Business Origin Stories for Entrepreneurs, Coaches, and Leaders

52: Building Inclusive & Thriving Teams with Kelli Lester

Amy Schutte

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If you’ve ever wondered how to build a business that thrives by embracing diverse perspectives, this episode is for you. I sat down with Kelli Lester, co-founder of Onyx Rising, to talk about what it actually means to lead inclusively without making it feel like another corporate checkbox.

Kelli brings the kind of wisdom that makes you rethink the way you work, hire, and lead. We’re diving into:

✨ Why traditional leadership models no longer work (and what to do instead)
✨ How bias really shows up and how to navigate it with self-awareness
✨ The business case for inclusion (spoiler: it’s not just about being “nice”)
✨ Practical ways to foster innovation through diverse voices and perspectives
✨ The role of personal experiences in shaping how we lead

What I love about this conversation is that Kelli takes something that can feel complex or overwhelming and makes it practical, human, and real. Whether you’re running a company, leading a team, or hiring your first contractor, this episode will give you tools to create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute.

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Connect with Kelli:

Instagram:

@amyschutte_

Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co