I'm Kelly. I help high achievers understand what's really driving them—their beliefs, behaviors, and blind spots—so they can finally make changes that stick.
I help organizations create development that actually works—by addressing what's getting in the way, not just teaching more skills.
Because real change isn't about learning more. It's about understanding what's blocking you.
What it’s about
There's a moment every high achiever knows. You've done everything right. Checked all the boxes. Reached the goals. But instead of feeling easier, success feels increasingly heavy.
The strategies that got you here—the drive, the dedication, the constant push—they worked brilliantly. Until they didn't.
That's not failure. That's evolution.
Here's what nobody tells you: Most high achievers outgrow their success strategies before they realize it. That drive that used to fuel you? Now it's exhausting you. That perfectionism that made you excellent? It's now keeping you stuck. That responsibility that made you reliable? It's preventing you from resting.
You keep trying new approaches. New frameworks. New strategies. But they don't stick because nobody's helping you understand what's actually getting in the way—the beliefs you don't question, the behaviors you default to, the blind spots you can't see on your own.
I get it. I've lived it. And I've spent years helping leaders, teams, and high achievers figure out what's really blocking them—not just giving them another strategy to try.
“Approaching change from the inside out - Kelly helped me realize some significant shifts I needed to make in my decision making and my behaviors.”
— Krista Darnold, Executive Director
My approach
For individuals: We figure out what's really driving you—your patterns, beliefs, behaviors, and blind spots. The stuff you can't see on your own. We address what's actually getting in the way so the skills you learn and strategies you try actually stick.
For organizations: We create development that actually works—by addressing what's blocking people at every level. Individual coaching that uncovers beliefs and patterns. Team development that transforms dynamics. Leadership development that translates to how people actually lead. Not just more training—real change.
I bring mental health expertise, leadership development, and real-world experience to help you understand what's actually happening—and create change that lasts.
Identify where change is possible
“Generally, as a skeptic, I did not anticipate growth or development through our work. I figured I would pay the money; pretend to show up; maybe meet some people I liked; and move on. I was wrong. Full stop - WRONG.
Through Ascend and Kelly Travis' no nonsense approach and determination, I was able to take an honest look at who I was and what I wanted. The work was hard and harrowing. Through the process though, I was able to identify where change was possible and necessary.
More importantly, I was able to establish metrics for that change. Kelly was amazing at both hand-holding and ass-kicking. Without reservation, I would recommend Ascend regardless of where a person is in her professional or personal life.”
— Aviva Gordon, Gordon Law
Who I work with
Individuals who've tried coaching or training but nothing stuck because the real issues weren't addressed
Teams ready to transform how they work together—not just learn teamwork skills
Organizations that want development to actually translate to performance, not just completion rates
Every approach I use develops the energy, awareness, and strategic confidence to grow without self-sacrifice. Because sustainable success isn't about doing more or learning more. It's about understanding what's getting in the way.
Improvement in team dynamics
“To address some communication challenges and improve team synergy, Kelly led a workshop utilizing Enneagram. It was really helpful to understand our team profile, illuminate how our differences can strengthen our team, and give us a different lens to interpret interactions. The improvement in team dynamics was almost immediate. The team continues to use what they learned during this workshop to iron-out misunderstandings in a positive and productive way and strengthen relationships with each other.”
- Kimberly Kindig, Chief Executive Officer, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation
What makes this different
Instead of giving you another formula to follow, we figure out what's stopping you from following any of them.
For individuals, I help you see what you can't see on your own. Understand the beliefs driving your choices. Recognize the patterns keeping you stuck. Address what's actually getting in the way—so change finally sticks.
For organizations, I help you create development that addresses the real issues. Not just teaching skills people already know they should use. Uncovering what's blocking them from using those skills. Transforming the beliefs, patterns, and dynamics that keep people stuck.
Just real understanding that leads to change that actually lasts.
Energy, vitality and a healthy mindset
“I started working with Kelly because, as a high achieving woman who knows her health must come first, I needed someone who has an athlete's mindset and who can skillfully coach me to my next level.
As I've shifted my work in a major way over the past few months, I've realized I can do very well professionally and also have energy, vitality and a healthy mindset.
During my work with Kelly, I’ve continued with and strengthened mindset shifts I had made - and have made swift progress having Kelly in my corner to coach me.
Kelly models the ideal mix of professionalism, compassion and discipline to help you get to where you want to go - not to where she thinks you should go (her methods are not prescriptive) but where YOU truly want to go in your career or business while putting your health first so you can enjoy and celebrate your wins that much more and be available for yourself, your family and others who are important in your life.”
— Stefanie Frank, TEDx speaker, Co-Founder, Frankly Good Coffee
“Kelly is remarkable in the way she balances inspirational encouragement, with a practical approach for challenging us, to uncover root causes for what keeps us from accomplishing our goals and communicating effectively. There is a perfect blend of reflective, individual and group work, that leads to discovering and planning to accomplish relevant goals, while creating stronger trust, communication and success practices. ”
Ready?
Let's be real: If you're doing everything "right" but it feels increasingly wrong, you haven't lost your edge. Something's getting in the way—and we need to figure out what.