Kelly O’Connor

Kelly has over 18 years of global experience in strategically developing, managing and growing businesses, brands, partnerships and communities of collaboration. A globally experienced executive, investor and senior advisor she has operated and led the overall vision, strategy, management and execution of impactful and high-profile initiatives, projects, events and campaigns – working with some of the world’s most influential and relevant entrepreneurs, executives, public policy officials, investors, celebrities and thought leaders to ignite growth, drive impact and foster innovation.  Having worked in the highest levels of finance, media and government, she specializes in growth and brand strategy; strategic partnerships and stakeholder/client engagement; experiential marketing and events; and communications and external affairs.

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Kelly is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of StageLight Group – an investment and advisory firm committed to promoting the democratization of access, ideas and opportunity. In addition, she is the Creator and CEO of SCALE Global – the world’s premiere thought leadership platform where capital, innovation and purpose collide. From strategy to execution, she works with companies, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to help them grow their business, amplify their brand, and turn their vision into reality. In leveraging her global experience and unparalleled network, she implements creative solutions, executes strategic initiatives and forges meaningful partnerships to build long-term value, provide sustainable results and foster client/stakeholder engagement. Advisory and investments under StageLight include SCALE Global, BOMANI, Opto, Zappos, HitRecord, and MODD Group – a portfolio of residential real estate properties.

Kelly has also served in the White House as the Chief Growth Officer & Senior Advisor to the CEO of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). In addition, she has ghostwritten, edited, and packaged numerous non-fiction books and publications – including 12 bestsellers.

From 2010 thru 2017, Kelly was a Partner & Executive Director of Business Development and Strategy at SkyBridge Capital. A senior member of the Founder’s leadership team, she co-led teams engaged in growth and brand strategy; experiential marketing and events; strategic partnerships and community engagement; and communications and external relations. Prior to joining SkyBridge, she was an Editor at John Wiley & Sons and began her career at Columbia University working on Special Events, Projects & Communications.

Kelly received a Master’s degree in Organization & Leadership from Columbia University. She also earned a B.A. in English Literature from Wagner College and graduated top of her class summa cum laude.

Please contact Kelly to learn more about SCALE Global by emailing her at kelly@stagelightgroup.com.