Motivational Speaker, Founder of Life Beyond Labels, and Viral Inspiration

Meet Kelsey

Kelsey is a dedicated, kind, unique human being with a passion for life and a goal to make a positive impact on the world. Kelsey is also a motivational speaker, founder of Life Beyond Labels, podcast host, and former D1 athlete from NC State. After sustaining a career-ending head injury that changed her life, Kelsey developed a mindset that healed the way she saw herself and others. This led to her delivering a viral 2023 commencement speech with 70 MILLION VIEWS ACROSS 25+ COUNTRIES... Read more..

Watch The Original Speech

I discovered Kelsey in summer 2023 while scrolling TikTok. There she was on my small screen, clad in her red graduation regalia presenting her commencement speech and I was riveted by every word. I knew she was just the kind of leader we needed to hear from at the University of Oklahoma. Through several emails and zooms, we set a date. She came to Oklahoma... Read more..

University of Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma, M.Ed.

We had the privilege of having Kelsey join our Legal Issues in Sport class at SUNY Oneonta in October 2023. Although I initially became aware of Kelsey from her student commencement address, it took only a brief conversation with her to realize that she has a great deal to offer as a speaker, but more importantly, as a person. Kelsey was prepared, thoughtful,... Read more..

State University of New York (SUNY) Oneonta

State University of New York (SUNY) Oneonta, Professor

I was watching “you tube” videos in early November 2023 when I came across a video of a college graduation commencement speech that was recorded at North Carolina State. The person on the video had a wonderful message about dealing with a tough situation and how she kept a positive attitude during a difficult time in her life. At the time I was watching... Read more..

Flatwater Bank

Flatwater Bank, President

Kelsey O'Connor delivers a message that everyone needs to hear! She is an excellent speaker, from sharing her personal anecdotes to her ability to connect with audience members, no matter their background. Members of our organization were even brought to tears by the end of her talk. Highly recommended! Click here to watch the recording

Triangle Aphasia Project (TAP)

Triangle Aphasia Project (TAP), Program Manager

Ms. Kelsey O’Connor is an outstanding public speaker who expresses her love of life by sharing her lived experiences. In the Spring of 2024 semester, she helped UTC scholars reflect on their value and sense of self-worth. Ms. O’Connor recognizes the importance of honoring each life experience, but also encourages others not to linger too long in... Read more..

University of Chattanooga

University of Chattanooga, PhD

Kelsey came to our Women's Club meeting as a guest speaker. She spoke clearly and made her talk relevant to our group. Our club is a group of older women who could relate to everything Kelsey spoke of, including the main theme of “hidden handicaps”. Many of us are going thru life changes and like Kelsey, these are not always visible to the “outside”.... Read more..

Del Webb Women’s Club of Nashville

Del Webb Women’s Club of Nashville, VP

Kelsey did an outstanding job connecting with our students and her message resonated with them. Her focus of overcoming challenges and living a life beyond labels was fantastic! I would highly recommend her for speaking engagements. Click here

Gothenburg High School

Gothenburg High School, Principal

Kelsey brought a level of communication and insight to our team that was previously unimaginable. She easily demonstrated what we have tried to develop through numerous workshops with our team that did not resonate with our team in the way that Kelsey did. Our team still references her conversation with us on a regular basis and continues to have a positive... Read more..

Rhode Planning

Rhode Planning, Team Manager

I've been teaching college for almost 25 years. Over the last several years, I've had guest speakers in to address my students about mental health issues they've experienced and dealt with. I've had some pretty amazing people that definitely fall into the "notable figures" column. Recently, I had one of the very best speakers I've ever hosted in... Read more..

Bishop Shanahan High School

Bishop Shanahan High School, Professor

Kelsey came to Newark Charter High School and my classmates and I had the privilege of hearing her speak about the powerful impact of bullying and how to stand up for others. Her message was inspiring and personal, as she shared her journey of overcoming struggles through acts of kindness. Kelsey introduced us to the concept of “Be a TJ” which she... Read more..

Newark Charter Senior High School

Newark Charter Senior High School, Student

As a high school Global Issues teacher, two of my student groups are currently conducting research projects focused on athletes' mental health at both the high school and collegiate levels. Kelsey has played a pivotal role in guiding both groups, offering valuable insights and support by providing peer-reviewed resources and sharing her first-hand experiences.... Read more..

Newark Charter Senior High School

Newark Charter Senior High School, Teacher

Kelsey O'Connor hosted a valued and successful workshop with our Women's Volleyball team on self-talk and its impact on self-confidence. Her presentation was very informative and engaging, with immediate takeaways the team could implement by the end of the evening. The session remains a positive topic of conversation.