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Samantha Kennelly

Early Career Coaching

Location: St. Paul, MN

Cultivates a growth mindset Accountability partner who is equally invested in your development Trusted advisor who provides safety and strategy for what is next

Cultivates a growth mindset Accountability partner who is equally invested in your development Trusted advisor who provides safety and strategy for what is next

Offerings as a WYLD Guide

  • Coaching
  • Workshops and Retreats
  • Keynotes and Speaking Engagements

Background

While getting her master’s and working as a graduate student, Samantha simultaneously launched the one and only Clifton Strengths Institute (CSI), funded by Gallup and the Clifton Foundation. She dedicated 5+ years to leading and building a program that prepares college students to successfully navigate life after college. To date, the program has impacted 5,000+ students.

Working with WYLD since 2019, Samantha brings her heart and soul into the WYLD community. She gets great joy from disrupting the traditional focus of higher education and development by tailoring curriculum to support each participant around their unique Strengths and curiosities. Samantha’s genius is working with young adults, early-mid career professionals, and entrepreneurs who are looking to choose and craft their jobs around their talents, passions, and values. Through workshops, coaching, speaking engagements, and retreats, she has worked with over 4,000 individuals across industries.

Experience

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  • Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, Gallup
  • Certified-Builder Coach for Entrepreneurial Students, Gallup
  • Completed a number of Gallup and Co-Active Coaching courses
  • M.A. in Educational Administration-Student Affairs, University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL)
  • B.S. in Psychology, Drake University
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  • WYLD Director of Operations

  • WYLD Community Manager

  • Former Associate Director, Clifton Strengths Institute, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Recent clients

Manager Level Employees at a Financial Technology Company

Student Affairs Team at a
Public Liberal Arts College

Executive Producer at a Global Entertainment Company

Recommendations

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READ
  • Brené Brown (all Books)
  • Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
  • Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth GIlbert
  • Untamed by Glennon Doyle
  • More Myself by Alicia Keys
  • How We Heal by Alex Elle
  • Warrior Goddess Training: Become the Woman You Are Meant to Be by Heather Ash Amara
  • Morgan Harper Nichols Poetry
  • Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
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OTHER INSPIRATION
  • Carolyn Myss and archetypal work
  • Astrology and spirituality practice
  • Chakra healing
  • Yoga
  • Morning routines (movement, journaling, time away from phone)

As a 20 year old woman in college, Sam taught me how to love myself, put my emotions first, and be in the driver’s seat of my life. I found Sam during a time of confusion and doubt; I was in a toxic relationship, was searching for the right career path, and felt stuck. She guided me back to my inner child and allowed me to realize my self worth. This has led me to being more confident in my life as a recent graduate.

I just wanted to share that Samantha was fantastic; her warmth and excitement shone through the screen and Samantha is a main reason why the workshop was so great!

I had expected the strengths survey to be the phoney buzzfeed sort of survey since I didn't fathom that a simple set of questions would be able to thoroughly analyze an individual, at least not in a "holistic" sense. However, it was incredibly accurate and thorough. We discussed a speech I was giving and she recommended techniques, specific to my mindset/strengths, that helped me present to the best of my ability. She created a very safe and comfortable environment. I'd 100% recommend this to others and I'd love to do it again!

During the WYLD Wisdom Wednesday meditation, Samantha was amazing. The session helped me to reset from an internal work stressor I had been holding onto and I feel empowered to let it go so I can get back to being my best self. Thank you Samantha for everything you put into the world.

Samantha did a great job in what seemed like naturally knowing each attendees Top 5 each time one of us asked a question or made a comment. She created the feeling of trust and understanding

Sam provided a space for me to ponder what my idea of peace is and learn how to protect that. She also offered me daily tips to better myself and reflect meaningfully. These small habits serve as a daily reminder to love myself - an invaluable act. Sam helped me realize that: Small moments of gratitude everyday lead to monumental happiness - Boundaries are necessary and we must identify them, we are allowed to change our habits to better ourselves at any time, we can create peace and live in it (hell yes!) , life won’t always be easy - but there is nothing to fear when we have the right tools! To put it simply - my heart and my tool kit is much fuller because of Sam.

I really enjoyed how awesome and engaged Samantha was. She really kept all of our energy up! I also loved meeting with so many different people in the exercises. It was so helpful!

- Coaching client
- Workshop participant
- Coaching client
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- Workshop participant
- Coaching client
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