Simon Says - Deven Kelling

What happens when you follow your instincts into unexpected territory? Beth Kelling's journey from bartender to construction leadership at her family's company challenges conventional career paths and redefines what leadership looks like in a male-dominated industry.

Beth's leadership awakening began with a simple search for positivity that led her to Simon Sinek's philosophies. Though she had no plans to leave bartending, something about leadership concepts captivated her, as if preparing her for an opportunity she couldn't yet see. When her nephew Deven eventually offered her a role at Sherman Buildings, it was the culmination of a purpose that had been quietly developing for years.

The family dynamic between Beth and Deven reveals powerful lessons about mutual inspiration. Their candid conversation explores how watching each other handle difficult situations pushes both to be better leaders. As Deven explains, true leadership isn't about controlling every aspect of the business but coordinating people effectively and trusting them to excel. Beth's natural ability to connect with people proved more valuable than technical construction knowledge.

At the heart of their leadership philosophy lies a profound understanding that relationships matter as much as the physical structures they build. Sherman Buildings now provides the three basic human needs – shelter through their construction, food via their truck, and clothing through their apparel line – but Beth argues the fourth essential is connection. "Just like teachers make sure kids aren't lonely at school, it's a leader's job to ensure adults aren't lonely at work." This compassionate approach has created a company culture described as both "healthy" and "kick-ass" – perhaps the ultimate achievement for any business.

Ready to discover how emotional intelligence can transform your workplace? Listen now to explore how purpose overcomes fear, how relationships drive performance, and how family businesses can thrive through authentic leadership.