Confidence Catalyst: Kelly Ross

Introducing Kelly Ross, our Confidence Catalyst of the week!

As Manager of People & Strategy for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kelly has broken internal and external barriers and achieved remarkable success. I had the opportunity to chat with Kelly and learn more about her journey toward success.

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current career, and how did you get started in your field?

Kelly: I wanted to marry my passions with what I do for work, and those passions were baseball and elevating others. I started out in a field that I wasn't necessarily passionate about. Still, I played passionately where needed and discovered my true purpose through strength and weakness evaluation. I then pursued my Master's in Sports Industry Management while continuing to work full-time, networked with Front Office personnel from my favorite baseball team growing up, and ultimately ended up in my dream job.

Q: What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of, and what goals do you have for the future?

Kelly:?Out of 45,000+ colleagues, I won a Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Award at my last job for providing a daily example of the organization's core values and cultural behaviors, including celebrating success.

My goal is simple: Make an impact in Major League Baseball.

Q: What is your approach to building confidence and resilience in the face of setbacks?

Kelly: Challenges are opportunities – they position you to learn, grow, and be better because of them. In my experience, the comeback is ALWAYS stronger than the setback.

Q: What advice would you give young women starting in your field?

Kelly:?The seat at the table you want to sit at is open for you. Surround yourself with people who elevate your way of thinking and never, ever settle.

Q: What role have mentors or sponsors played in your career development, and how have you cultivated those relationships?

Kelly: I have a "Board of Directors" with 5 people I have met and leaned on for guidance through various career stages. I took each person to dinner, told them I wanted them on my "Board," and go to them for business, leadership, and life advice. Directors vary from Vice Presidents to entrepreneurs, and mentorship is a two-way street in each interaction. I highly respect and value my personal Board, and they have each contributed to my success.

Q: What are some of the biggest misconceptions about women in your field, and how do you challenge those stereotypes?

Kelly: A common insult I hear or see on social media about women in sports is: "Why should I listen to this woman? She's never played the game". I work with many men who have never played baseball, but don't hold it against them because we're all here to accomplish the same goal: be a championship-caliber team. If it is ever perceived that I haven't put my work in, I know in my heart that my drive, knowledge, and ability to get things done will come across no matter what. Be confident in who you are and what you're doing. It'll show.

Q: What is your vision for how women can continue to break barriers and create a more equitable and inclusive workforce?

Kelly: I am so moved and inspired by the women I work with. Nothing is impossible if you work hard enough for it. I know those women will continue pushing those boundaries and setting new levels.

Q: What steps have you taken to identify and leverage your strengths in your career, and how have they impacted your professional growth and success?

Kelly: I seize any opportunity I get to further my education and love to read. I applied to a highly competitive Master's program to broaden my knowledge of the sports industry, network with trailblazers to collaborate and be part of bigger-picture conversations, and take any personality assessment I can to gain a deeper understanding of my tendencies at work. All of this revolves around having a growth mindset, which is crucial in any career and has helped me succeed in each role I have taken on.

Through our conversation with Kelly Ross, we gained valuable insights into her journey towards success in the sports industry. Her experiences and perspectives offer important lessons for young women who aspire to break into the sports industry. Kelly's story is a testament to the power of resilience, confidence, and hard work. We hope that her journey and insights inspire our readers to pursue their own dreams with determination and confidence.

Stay tuned for our weekly Confidence Catalyst feature, where we showcase remarkable women who are breaking barriers and achieving incredible success in their respective fields. Their stories inspire and empower us to pursue our passions with confidence and determination. Don't miss out on these inspiring and empowering stories - subscribe now to our newsletter to stay updated on our weekly features!