Meet Karen Kelly
Founder. Speaker. Catalyst.
When AI levels access to intelligence, relationships become your edge. I help executives communicate with clarity, build trust at scale, and create future-ready teams that perform no matter what comes next.
Are you Future-Ready?
Whether it's a keynote speech or a closed-door strategy session, I help organizations step into the Future of Work by combining new tools for intelligence with the one thing AI can’t replace: human experience.
I love helping founders and leaders:
  • fix broken marketing strategies
  • tell stories in a way that compels attention and builds trust
  • get clarity around what technology will actually save them money and time - and what they can ignore
Consulting
Strategy, Marketing & AI
This year's strategy calls for something different. Let's get clear on what you need now and execute with confidence.
Keynotes
Social Capital & Entrepreneurship
After decades of technology creep, human connection is more valuable than ever. I empower teams to lead by listening first.
Coaching
Let's tell your story
Most people have a moment in their lives that changes everything. If you're ready to tell it, let's team up to share it with the world.
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Building AI Boston Interview
Listen in on the conversation Karen had with the co-hosts of Building AI Boston, Boston's #1 technology podcast, about how AI is democratizing access to innovation across the globe.
About Karen Kelly
Hi, I’m Karen Kelly, a 3x founder, CEO, and CMO known for catalyzing people around ideas that shape what's next.
In today’s market, trust is diminished and attention is worn thin.
As AI levels the playing field for access to information, communicating with clarity is the new power skill.
I help executives build growth strategies that lean into their strengths and activate the networks that power their work.
The Future of Work runs on relationships. Are you prepared for it?
Recent Leadership, Teaching, & Speaking Experience
My consulting and keynote work is centered around practical implementation of AI, how to succeed through relationship-building, and bringing transformative messages to the work force. I taught over 100 "no code" AI classes in 2025, and I'm best known for translating complex ideas into simple, meaningful action.
Startup Boston Week Speaker
I have spoken several times at this Boston-wide event, most recently in 2025 on empowering non-technical founders to build with AI to a crowd of 8,000 ecosystem founders.
AI Mentor & Teacher: Cambridge Innovation Center (CiC)
I am an AI teacher and mentor to the members in the Cambridge Innovation Center's (CiC) Social Impact Growth Stage accelerator cohort for underrepresented founders.
Podcast Regular
I was a guest on 16 industry shaping podcasts like Building AI Boston, Boston's #1 technology podcast, in 2025. I love this setting because it allows for natural conversation and simple discussion about complex topics.
Leading Front Line AI Discussions
I partnered as host with the Afternoon Shift and Gupta Media, a billion dollar agency in Boston, for an invite only half day workshop on how AI is changing the future of work.
Up-skilling Investors with AI
Venture Capital group FoundersEdge asked Karen to lead a No Code workshop at their recent invite-only conference for female founders and investors across the country.
AI Empowerment, Female Execs
Held at AI security innovator AXON's legendary "tron" themed office in Boston, Karen spoke on how women can take the helm at empowering their personal and professional lives with AI.
Outside of Work
I believe it's more important than ever to build community wherever we sit. I take an active role in town government and sit on the Executive Board of a non-profit created to measurably increase hyper-local connection and belonging.
Non-Profit Founding Board Member (WaylandCAN)
Karen sits on the Executive Board of Wayland Community Action Network (WaylandCAN) a 501(c)3 non-profit aimed at measurably improving connection in belonging in Wayland, MA.
Vice Chair, Economic Development Committee
Karen has served on the Wayland EDC since being appointed in 2023, focused largely on revitalization of retail and community connectedness for Route 20 and Wayland Town Center.
Data-backed Community Building
I use a data-backed approach to helping adults improve their social health by building deeper relationships IRL. My events consistently sell out with waitlists across topics like speed friending, co-founder matching, and team-building workshops.
Looking for human leadership in the era of AI? Let's talk.
Academic Foundation
BA in Psychology
Williams College, Cum Laude, Varsity Women's Soccer, NCAA Final Four
Foundation in understanding human behavior and motivation that informs every business decision.
MS in Communication Sciences & Disorders
Emerson College, Full Scholarship Recipient
Advanced expertise in communication systems and neurological treatment innovation.
Ready to Catalyze Your Growth?
Times are changing fast. Are you ready for what's next?
I offer strategic guidance and marketing expertise to skip the painful parts of evolution. Schedule time to see if it's a good fit.
© 2026 Built by Karen. All rights reserved.
Contact: hello@builtbykaren.com