Meet Kelly Williams | Director of Sales and Marketing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As we all get older our priorities shift. Knowing how to allow for a successful career and a life outside of work is so important to avoid burnout, complacently and apathy. When I first started out in the hospitality industry, I put my career first. I didn’t have kids, I wasn’t married yet so I thought to myself, why not put in the extra hours to show my teamwork and dedication to the job. Throughout the years, and as I started having a family, I had to start selecting what was necessary to be apart of and what was able to be handled by other members of the team. I wholeheartedly believe that if you can surround yourself and develop the people around you to be at the best of their potential, you will realize that letting go of all the control will provide you with the ability to leave work at work and enjoy your time off. I have always told my co-workers that we are not in an industry that if you don’t return an email or do something today, nothing catastrophic will happen. Always Work to Live, not Live to Work. I ask myself when I am faced with a balancing act, which one is going to matter most in the long run. This normally will always give you the right answer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I started in the hospitality industry at 16 at McDonald’s. Throughout my career, I have worked in restaurants, hotels, Interned with Disney and settled into my Catering career in 2005. I am a go-getter, hard worker and won’t take no for an answer willingly. I guess that’s what makes me a good sales person. But it has also presented it’s self with it’s own challenges. I have had to learn when to back down, when to not rock the boat and when to stand up for what I think is right. During my career, I have had many opportunities to grow in my leadership and learn better ways to relay messages, and to understand that other viewpoints all matter in some way. I have always said, I can’t fix what I don’t know is broken. I value myself in being open to accept constructive criticism and to try and understand how others may see something I said or did, even if I felt like that wasn’t my intent or I don’t agree. I have always had an interest in bettering myself with knowledge of the industry, trends and overall sales skills. I took and still take every chance I can to attend trainings/workshops, OJT and mentorship.

Today, I am so thankful to be able to combine both of my passions of helping others and event hospitality with The Bowden Events and Weddings Venue. Our Mission is to provide 5 star events with the proceeds being given back to the Greater Keller Women’s club foundation which in turns provide scholarships to surrounding area school seniors and grants to other non-profits. It’s important to always leave the world better than when you came into it and I’m grateful I get to be apart of this purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a transplant into Texas, we continually have out of state guests that come and visit. Our favorite places to visit are The Fort Worth Stockyards, Fort Worth Zoo, the Museum of Science and History, and always try to get in a game or two with our beloved professional teams Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars or Dallas Cowboys. Texas Live in Arlington is a great place to combine great food with a great atmosphere. The Stockyards is up and coming with some great Breweries and shops to visit as well. There is usually some sort of Festival going on within a 45 min drive of the city each weekend as well to check out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Over my 20 years in the industry so many people have contributed and still contribute to my growth and leadership. All of my directors, especially the not so great ones, have contributed in some way, shape or form of shaping my character, work ethic and a well rounded knowledge of the industry and leadership skills. I couldn’t have persevered or continued to believe in myself without the support of my Husband. He is always my biggest cheerleader and continues to help me see my worth in everything I do. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his belief in me and his continued support. As I continue down this leadership path, I am blessed with my current CEO, that provides guidance, support and appreciation with everything I do. He values the knowledge I have to provide to guide a team towards success while also understanding the importance to Work/Life balance.

Website: thebowden.org

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