Kelly Brand
Chief Financial Officer
“I try to adopt a positive approach to everything I do. I love being around people and I cherish every moment with my two sons, who are growing up far too quickly.”
What is a little-known fact about you?
I love dolphins. I’ve swum with Dolphins forty times in places like New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Australia; the Monkey Mia wild dolphin experience is a stand-out.
What piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?
People and culture pique my curiosity—travelling to new places, learning about the lifestyles of people in different regions, their art, architecture, their religions and the experiences that have shaped who they are expands my perspective and increases my effectiveness when it comes to connecting with people and embracing cultural diversity.
What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Kindness, compassion, generosity, tolerance, and charity – are forms of humanity that invigorate me, and spiritually enrich my life. And being with my sons, they’re growing up way, way too quickly.
Could you tell us about somebody who has given you sage wisdom in the past?
My grandmother Elizabeth. She epitomizes the goodness I see in people, and her genuine goodwill, affection, and care are qualities I like to think that others experience in their interactions with me. Also, I’ve lost count of how often I’ve used her trusted advice: begin with the end in mind, think about the possible outcomes before making a decision.
Which of our Keogh values speaks to you the loudest? Why?
Curiosity is the value that speaks loudest to me. I am always eager to investigate and explore the how, why, what, when, and where. My curiosity often takes me down lots of dry gullies. But, equally, it helps me look beyond my standpoint and contemplate and understand other perspectives.
Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?
Keogh strategic planning workshops have such energy; we always finish up with a clear strategy roadmap and execution plan, and the engagement and ownership required to implement it. We do what we recommend our clients should do – engage an external facilitator, and this gives us all an opportunity—as participants—to revisit our vision and purpose, refine our value proposition and business model, and reset our strategic imperatives and priorities.
Could you tell us a story about a moment of realisation in your lifetime?
It’s being in a role where you realise your level of personal satisfaction is soaring, not just because you have your dream role but also because there is so much scope for you to grow, so many opportunities to take the lessons from the past and use them effectively to build a future beyond what you thought possible.
When, where, or with whom do you feel the most fulfilled?
Difficult question. I seek fulfilment in everything I do.
I love stopping to just breathe and appreciate the moment — simple things such as standing, listening to the waves — watching them roll onto the sand, walking in the park among the trees, feeling the winter sun on my back. There are also those treasured moments where I look at my husband and we both smile, marvelling at the funny things our boys are doing. I feel fulfilled when I reflect on how well our team works and what we have achieved collectively and the fun and laughs we’ve had along the way.