Our globally-recognized team is passionate
about building communities of collaboration,
co-learning, celebration and capital

KELLY O'CONNOR

CEO & Chief Creative Officer

From strategy to execution, Kelly works with corporations, 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, Kelly implements creative solutions and executes strategic initiatives to build long-term value and provide sustainable results.

"Kelly has an impeccable track record for shaping the creative direction and content strategy of some of the world’s most prestigious conferences and events, making her the ideal choice to produce your next event and design your programming"

about kelly

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 producer, brand strategist and senior advisor she has operated and led the overall vision, strategy, management and execution of impactful and high-profile initiatives, events, projects 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 experiential marketing and events; brand and growth strategy; strategic partnerships and stakeholder/client engagement; and communications and external affairs.

Kelly is also the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of StageLight Group –an investment, advisory and services 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.. Advisory and investments under StageLight include SCALE Global, Lumiere Partners, 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 & SeniorAdvisor to the CEO of the United States International Development FinanceCorporation (DFC). In addition, she has ghostwritten, edited, and packaged numerous non-fiction books and publications – including 12 bestsellers. A native New Yorker, her global experience spans more than 18 years in various locations including the U.S. London, Switzerland, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Latin America.

From 2010 thru 2017, Kelly was a Partner SkyBridge Capital and SALT Conference, which became known as "the Davos of the desert" for the hedge fund industry. 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.

"Kelly is the best in the business – and has been able to, event after event, create a vision and pull different high profile speakers and influential folks together and successfully orchestrate the type of event we envisioned"

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