Transforming How Organizations Lead, Market, and Serve

Kelly McDonald stands at the intersection of leadership, marketing, and cultural understanding.

Book A Discovery Call With Kelly

MEET KELLY McDONALD

A Nationally Recognized Authority in Business and Leadership.

A woman in a blue blazer giving a presentation in front of an audience, with a large screen behind her.

Kelly is considered one of the nation's top experts in People and Culture, leadership, marketing, sales, and leveraging the customer experience. A 4X bestselling author published by Wiley, her work has consistently ranked on the Top 10 Bestselling Business Books lists, with her latest book debuting at #1.

Award-winning Entrepreneur and Accomplished Business Leader

Woman in a red suit speaking on stage in front of a large screen showing the American Cancer Society logo.

One of the Most Sought-after and Acclaimed Speakers in America

Beyond her role as a thought leader, Kelly has demonstrated exceptional business acumen as the founder of McDonald Marketing. Under her leadership, the company has achieved remarkable success:

  • Twice named one of the "Top Ad Agencies in the U.S." by Advertising Age magazine

  • Ranked among the fastest-growing independently-owned companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine

  • Winner of seven Telly Awards, including first place at the 30th Annual Telly Awards, the television industry's highest recognition for creative excellence in marketing

A woman in a red suit giving a presentation on stage with a large screen behind her displaying a logo.

Kelly delivers 80-100 professional speaking engagements annually, bringing her unique blend of high content and high humor to audiences worldwide. Her ability to connect with different audiences has earned her numerous accolades:

  • Named #15 on the list of "100 Business Women You Want to Speak at Your Event"

  • One of only two women on the list of "10 Most Booked Corporate and Association Speakers in the U.S."

  • Ranked #1 on the list of "26 Hot Speakers" by Successful Meetings Magazine

  • Twice named to the list of "Top 5 Speakers"

  • Selected to deliver the keynote at the National Speakers Association Annual Convention, an honor bestowed on fewer than 2% of speakers

Author of Four Consecutive Bestselling Business Books

A woman in a teal blazer and pants giving a presentation on stage, pointing with her right hand, with an audience in front of her, and a decorative red circle prop behind her, against a dark blue curtain backdrop.

Kelly's four bestselling books provide practical frameworks for organizations seeking to improve how they connect with customers and team members:

  • "How to Work With & Lead People Not Like You" - Ranked #9 on the list of Bestselling Business Books

  • "How to Market to People Not Like You" - #7 on the list of Bestselling Business Books

  • "Crafting the Customer Experience for People Not Like You" - #5 on the list of Bestselling Business Books

  • "It's Time to Talk About Race at Work" - #1 on the Business Books Bestseller list

The Person Behind the Podium: Kelly's Life Beyond Professional Speaking

A woman in a red blouse and white pants sitting on a beige ottoman, smiling in an indoor setting with plants and windows in the background.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kelly graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She now lives in Denver, Colorado, where she balances her professional life with personal passions. When not speaking and traveling for business, Kelly enjoys boxing (yes, actual boxing—not kickboxing!) and shopping for high heels.

Kelly is also learning to play the cello.

Kelly's approach to both business and life embraces authenticity, practicality, and a deep understanding that our differences can become our greatest strengths.