Revenue Diaries

One day, your parents are driving you to practice, packing your lunch, and making sure you don’t burn down the house. Then suddenly, you’re the one driving to practice, packing lunches, and wondering when you became the adult in the room.In this episode of Revenue Diaries, Shali Reed joins me for a candid conversation about the shift that happens when you go from being someone’s kid to being someone’s parent.We talk about:✅ The moment you realize your parents were never all-knowing—they were just doing their best.✅ Anticipatory grief—what happens when you realize time is moving forward, and there’s no slowing it down.✅ Blending cultures and traditions in parenting.✅ The ongoing battle over Pop-Tarts in the Reed household.This one got personal. Give it a listen.

In this episode of The Revenue Diaries, Kyle Lacy talks with Kyle Norton, a CRO balancing the competitive drive of a sales leader with his commitment to being a present and thoughtful father. From martial arts to mindfulness, they explore how physical and mental health drive performance at work and home.Kyle Norton shares his journey from competitive martial arts to rediscovering his fitness and identity during the pandemic. With insights on habit-building, family life, and the philosophy of "slow is smooth, smooth is fast," this episode is packed with practical advice for leaders juggling high-pressure roles. They also explore the importance of mindfulness, the lessons learned from failure, and balancing passion with pragmatism.Tune in to hear personal stories about family traditions, parenting challenges, and why Kyle's mantra is all about progress over perfection. Whether you're looking for inspiration, wellness tips, or just a good laugh, this episode has it all.💡 Topics Covered: Building daily habits for physical and mental health The competitive spirit in work and life Lessons from martial arts and starting a business Parenting, mindfulness, and maintaining perspectiveDon't miss this raw and inspiring conversation between two Kyles! 🌟

In this deeply moving episode, Kyle Lacy speaks with Dave Sims, Chief Marketing Officer of Austin Fitness Group and a lifelong triathlete. Dave shares his journey through the challenges of navigating family trauma, including his ex-wife’s struggle with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders, her tragic suicide, and the lasting impact on their family.The conversation highlights the importance of fitness as a tool for mental health, the complexities of coping with trauma, and the strength it takes to rebuild relationships. Dave also discusses his podcast, Over the Borderline, which serves as both a therapeutic outlet and a resource for others dealing with mental health struggles and family challenges. The Role of Fitness in Mental Health: For Dave, triathlons, cycling, and Orange Theory Fitness have been lifelines during difficult times, offering a sense of control, peace, and mental clarity. He advocates for physical activity as a crucial element of mental health, encouraging others to start, even with small steps. Addressing Suicide and Its Aftermath: Dave candidly shares the devastating impact of his ex-wife’s suicide, a loss that profoundly shaped his family’s recovery and his daughters' ongoing challenges with grief and anxiety. He stresses the importance of open conversations about suicide and mental health to support those affected. Family Resilience Through Trauma: After years of estrangement and emotional challenges, Dave reconnected with his daughters, rebuilding trust and love. His podcast, Over the Borderline, chronicles their shared experiences and provides hope to others navigating family trauma and complex relationships. Therapy and Mental Health Resources: Therapy, while challenging to access and maintain, was critical for Dave and his daughters in processing their experiences and moving forward. He emphasizes the need for persistence in finding the right therapist and the value of ongoing support. Mental Health in Professional Spaces: Dave reflects on the difficulty of addressing personal mental health challenges in the workplace, particularly for men in leadership roles. He advocates for fostering environments where employees feel safe seeking help without fear of stigma. Breaking the Stigma Through Storytelling: Dave’s podcast offers a raw and honest exploration of mental health, alcoholism, and family dynamics. By sharing his story, he hopes to connect with others, reduce isolation, and shine a light on the path to healing. Instagram: @dave.in.austin LinkedIn: Dave SimsThis episode is a poignant reminder of the importance of resilience, mental health advocacy, and the power of sharing our stories—even through life’s darkest moments. Listen to the full conversation for an inspiring account of navigating trauma and finding strength through connection and action.

In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Perkins to talk about everything but work—or at least, that’s the goal. From embracing baldness to marathon training to Bruce Springsteen concerts, we cover it all. There’s plenty of humor, life lessons, and takeaways that sneak into the conversation. The Bald TruthJeff shares his journey of accepting baldness after trying every hair-loss treatment under the sun. Spoiler: shaving your head saves a ton of time, and a good razor (or a great ad for one) makes all the difference. Springsteen’s Secret SauceJeff is a diehard Bruce Springsteen fan with 34 concerts under his belt. He breaks down why Bruce’s ability to connect deeply with his audience inspires him both personally and professionally. Pro tip: Jeff’s marathon playlists feature Born to Run and Badlands to keep him moving. Running as the Ultimate Reset ButtonRunning isn’t just exercise for Jeff—it’s therapy. After a couple of missed chances to run the NYC Marathon in his twenties, he finally crossed the finish line years later. Now, he swears by the mental clarity, stress relief, and resilience he gets from hitting the pavement. Leadership Through OptimismJeff shares how he navigated leading ParkMobile during a turbulent time. His secret? Optimism, a killer team, and the mindset that tough times are always temporary. (And yes, he talks about the head trash we all deal with—and how to not let it sink you.) Good Isn’t Good EnoughWhether it’s building ad campaigns or preparing for board meetings, Jeff is a big believer in not settling. His motto? Push back, iterate, and refine until the work is great. You’ll hear why this approach, though painful at times, makes all the difference. Fitness as a Leadership HackJeff credits daily exercise for making him a better leader. Whether he’s running, crushing it on his Peloton, or hitting up group classes like Orange Theory, fitness gives him energy, focus, and balance in a chaotic world. Jeff and I spend way too much time debating razors, electric shavers, and how not to nick yourself shaving your head. We come dangerously close to launching a podcast for bald guys. Working title: Bald Guyz. Jeff is always dropping insights (and running stories) on LinkedIn. Connect with him there if you want to learn more.

Revenue Diaries is a podcast and videocast hosted by Kyle Lacy, offering a raw and unfiltered look into the personal lives of the country's top revenue leaders. They discuss everything but work—no topic is off-limits, and there are no wrong questions or answers.The twist? They never see the questions in adv

And we are back after four-year hiatus; it's the second season of the Review Diaries! Today, I sit down with Margaret Kelsey, a marketer, artist, and mom deeply committed to intentionality and creativity in work and life. This conversation dives into the motherhood penalty, the art of balancing professional ambition with personal fulfillment, and how Margaret's artistic practices have helped her reconnect with herself during challenging times. If you've ever wondered how to stay ambitious without losing sight of the joys and challenges of the present, or if you're curious about how art can serve as therapy and exploration, this episode is packed with insights. Margaret shares candid reflections on navigating bias in the workplace, finding balance as a single parent, and redefining success on her own terms. Let's dive in! Top Takeaways Navigating the Motherhood Penalty: Margaret thoughtfully breaks down the subtle and overt workplace biases that women—especially mothers—face. She shares actionable advice on evaluating potential employers for supportive cultures, emphasizing the importance of finding workplaces that align with personal values and family needs. The Power of Artistic Expression: Margaret’s art, from cyanotypes to deconstructed Polaroids, isn't just about creating beautiful pieces—it’s a way to process emotions, explore personal narratives, and reconnect with herself. Her approach highlights the importance of having a creative outlet that is not tied to external validation or monetary success. Defining and Revisiting Values: Margaret’s commitment to her core values—curiosity, creativity, balance, and audacity—guides her decisions in work, art, and life. She shares her practice of revisiting these values regularly, offering a powerful framework for others looking to align their goals with their deeper purpose. A New Take on Ambition: Margaret describes her relationship with ambition as fluid—something she engages with intentionally rather than letting it consume her identity. She reminds us of the importance of honoring the seasons of life, where settling can sometimes be the right move to recharge and refocus. The Long View on Growth: Success isn't about constant acceleration; it's about the long arc of growth. Margaret’s quarterly goal-setting process, rooted in personal values and a vision for the future, is a powerful tool for staying grounded while still striving. My conversation with Margaret reminds us that ambition, creativity, and balance don’t have to exist in conflict. They can coexist if approached with intention. Whether you’re navigating bias in the workplace, managing burnout, or simply trying to survive while pursuing your goals, this episode offers a roadmap for doing so with grace, authenticity, and purpose. If this conversation resonated with you, check out Margaret’s art on Instagram at @MargaretKelseyArt or on her website at margaretkelsey.art. And don’t forget to reflect on your values—what drives you, and how can you ensure that your goals align with the life you want to live? Thank you for tuning in to The Revenue Diaries. Until next time, remember to seek balance, nurture curiosity, and never stop growing.