Kelly Blackmon is a change management consultant and founder of Butterfly Effect Consulting, driven by a deep commitment to emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and purposeful leadership. His journey reminds us that transformation begins within—and that small, intentional actions can create powerful ripple effects in workplaces and communities. At Humans of Fuzia, we feature Kelly for his authentic allyship, his unwavering belief in diversity of thought, and his message of purpose that resonates strongly with our 5M+ global community supporting women through both She for She and He for She.
1. Kelly, what inspired you to begin your entrepreneurial journey?
It truly started with self-reflection. I reached a point where I realized I wanted to be a better human being. As I began working on my emotional intelligence and self-awareness, COVID happened, followed closely by the George Floyd incident. There was so much fear, anger, and emotional reactivity everywhere—especially in workplaces. With my background in HR and compliance training, it felt natural for me to step in and help people regulate emotions, communicate better, and navigate change. That’s how I founded Butterfly Effect Consulting in 2019—the belief that small changes can create massive impact.
2. What challenges did you face while building your work, and how did you overcome them?
Change management itself is the biggest challenge because people naturally resist change. Fear and uncertainty—especially during COVID—were everywhere. Even now, leaders struggle to be vulnerable and authentic. Those challenges haven’t disappeared; they’ve just become less visible. I continue to meet people where they are, helping them face discomfort with honesty, patience, and purpose.
3. What has been your proudest milestone so far?
Being selected as a speaker at the SHRM Conference was incredibly meaningful. It’s one of the largest HR platforms globally. Being invited, flown out, and receiving a standing ovation was deeply fulfilling. As a consultant, you usually chase opportunities—this time, the opportunity came to me. That validation meant a lot.
4. Are you a solopreneur or do you work with a team?
Technically, I’m a solopreneur, but I collaborate with a team of about six professionals on different projects—social workers, psychotherapists, trainers, and learning & development experts. Everyone brings their own expertise to the table when needed.
5. What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
It’s a layered discussion. Women bring incredibly important qualities to leadership that are often overlooked in male-dominated spaces. At the same time, I believe it’s dangerous to typecast women into one leadership style. Diversity of thought is what truly strengthens organizations. No matter what lane a woman chooses, having women in leadership is absolutely essential.
6. What message would you like to share with future women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Keep going. Don’t let yourself get boxed in by bias—whether it comes from others or from yourself. I don’t let people define who I am, and I don’t live inside or outside a box for anyone’s comfort. I stay focused on my principles and my purpose. You don’t need to become a thing—you already are a thing.
7. What does success mean to you—personally and professionally?
Success, to me, is living in alignment with my purpose. I’m a faith-driven person, and I believe my skills are God-given. Success is using those gifts to give back—through communication, empathy, and service. Of course, financial success is nice too, but real success is how closely I live to my values and how much love and care I put back into the world.
“Success isn’t about becoming something the world expects—it’s about becoming who you were always meant to be.”
Connect with Kelly Blackmon:
Website: https://bebusinessconsulting.com
Kelly B. | LinkedIn
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