Achieving More: Kelly Cookes on Success in Work and Life

What does it take to achieve a harmonious blend of a high-flying career and a fulfilling personal life? For Kelly Cookes, it’s about embracing the challenges with humility, having a great support network, and taking pride in each triumph, big or small. In a world of constant high stakes and personal commitments, finding equilibrium is an art in itself. Every experience, be it a professional milestone or a personal journey, contributes to this delicate balance.

In this episode of The Mindset Mentor Meets, Angela Cox interviews Kelly Cookes, CCO of The Travel Advantage Partner Group. Kelly offers invaluable insights into her journey, discussing her proudest moments both at home and in the corporate world. She addresses the challenges and triumphs of reaching the C-suite in a predominantly female-led industry, while also opening up about her role as a mother, wife, and leader.

Kelly's approach to success wasn't straightforward; it was filled with many sideways movements and roles she never expected to take on. But her family, team, and network were always there to keep her going — because she invests in her support network just as much as they help her.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or someone trying to juggle professional ambitions with personal commitments, listening to Kelly's experiences can empower you to navigate your path with confidence and grace.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Discover the art of juggling a top-tier career and a rich personal life

Resources 

• Contact Kelly on LinkedIn or follow her on Instagram and X.

Episode Highlights 

[02:34] Kelly’s First Proudest Moment: Her Family

• Kelly shares her life as a happily married mother of two, emphasizing the journey more than a singular event.

[10:46] Kelly’s Second Proudest Moment: Reaching the C-Suite

• In a female-dominated industry with scarce senior female representation, Kelly's rise to the C-suite stands as a significant milestone.

[17:32] Kelly’s Third Proudest Moment: Becoming an Authentic Leader

• Kelly invests substantially in her team, acknowledging the support she received on her journey.

[22:51] Kelly and Impostor Syndrome

• Kelly opens up about experiencing impostor syndrome, particularly in high-stakes meetings or when discussing unfamiliar topics.

[28:06] Kelly’s Secret to Success: Having A Support Network

• Kelly attributes much of her success to the 'team' around her - family, friends, and professional colleagues.

5 Powerful Quotes

[06:29] ‘I think it's just about being really strict with yourself and knowing that you can't do everything all the time.’

[11:53] ‘I'll never stop wanting to develop and grow. There's always something new that you can learn and somebody that knows more than you about something.’

[04:36] ‘I invest a lot of time in my team, I'm very conscious of how I operate and how I put myself across as an individual in that I want to build those relationships. And I've also had a lot of people that have supported me along the way.’

[21:09] 'I've walked out of meetings thinking, I just didn't land that the way I wanted to. And nine times out of 10 It's been because I veered away from the way that I would have normally done it to try and deliver it in a way that I thought would get it across better.' 

[28:48] ‘Never be afraid to employ people who are better than you, because that's where you'll learn and you shine through your people.’

About Kelly Cookes

Kelly Cookes is the CCO of The Advantage Travel Partnership. She dedicates her work to maintaining the balance between her work and family lives — and acknowledges that it’s not a solo job. In all things, having a support network is invaluable. Kelly puts a lot of effort into her team, both at work and at home, and shines through them.

Connect with Kelly through LinkedIn, or follow her on Instagram or X.

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To meeting inspiration,

Angela