Welcome back to Operation Agency Freedom! I’m your host, Chris Martinez, and I’m thrilled to dive into our latest episode where we had an enlightening discussion with Kenn Kelly, CEO and founder of Never Settle. Kenn is a forward-thinking entrepreneur who has faced and overcome numerous challenges along his journey from management consulting to tech startups, and ultimately, to running a highly ethical and performance-driven agency.
In today’s episode, we delved into the immense value of daily routines, the intricacies of entrepreneurship, and the unique principles that underpin Never Settle’s company culture.
The Importance of Routines We kicked things off by discussing the hotly debated topic of daily routines. While many social media gurus argue against the rigidity of routines, both Kenn and I found immense value in them. Kenn shared some insightful perspectives on how routines contribute to both physical and mental well-being. His daily practices include breath work, meditation, Bible reading, and prayer, along with a 30-minute workout, which neurologically equates to taking Ritalin and Prozac. Kenn also championed cold therapy as a method to build mental resilience and promote neurogenesis.
Entrepreneurial Challenges and Triumphs Kenn opened up about his journey from working in management consulting to making the tough decision to leave a previous company due to ethical disagreements. This pivotal moment led him to create Never Settle, an agency grounded in high performance and uncompromising ethics. The road wasn’t easy—Kenn even had to seek approval from his fiancée to start anew financially before their marriage. These experiences highlighted the importance of maintaining ethical standards, even when faced with skepticism from non-faith-based mentors.
Never Settle’s Ethos and Company Culture Kenn detailed how Never Settle’s ethos is built on a balance between profitability and principled actions. We discussed their 40-hour workweek policy designed to prevent burnout and the trial-and-error approach they took with unlimited vacation policies. A standout policy includes capping work hours and promoting asynchronous communication to manage client expectations and employee well-being effectively.
Educational and Career Milestones Ken’s academic and professional path was far from conventional—he graduated high school with a 1.6 GPA but went on to achieve magna cum laude in college. His turning point was a Sociology 101 class that challenged him to excel academically. Post-graduation, Kenn worked for a Fortune 500 company, driven by a passion for overcoming challenges and benefiting from strong mentorship.
Faith and Personal Management Ken’s faith plays a crucial role in managing past traumas and current responsibilities. His daily disciplines include adequate sleep, cold showers, Bible study, journaling, and involvement in a supportive community. Maintaining high personal and professional standards through disciplined routines has been essential for Ken, whether competing in open-level sand volleyball or running his agency.
Company-Wide Practices for Well-being An innovative approach at Never Settle is their company-wide Sabbath, implemented from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. This practice, while potentially conflicting with client needs, reinforces the importance of employee well-being. Their global team ensures continuous service while respecting individual time-off boundaries.
Communication and Client Management Kenn also highlighted the importance of clear and articulate written communication, which is a core value at Never Settle. They address client emergencies promptly while promoting deep and meaningful work. By managing client expectations and setting clear boundaries, they maintain focus and productivity without succumbing to the detrimental “urgency culture.”
In conclusion, our conversation with Kenn Kelly offered sharp insights into the value of routines, ethical entrepreneurship, and innovative company practices at Never Settle. His commitment to well-being, faith principles, and balancing productivity with care presents a refreshing model in today’s fast-paced business world.
Kenn Kelly has shared incredible insights with us today. If you’re ready to see how his agency, Never Settle, is making waves, check out neversettle.it for more!
Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through Episode 173. Don’t forget to subscribe, share the podcast, and connect with us on social media for more valuable content and resources for your agency.
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