Starting Over at the Top with Kelly Gray

Описание: What if becoming a leader wasn’t part of the plan? My guest today became an “accidental entrepreneur,” then stepped into some of the biggest leadership roles imaginable — only to find the inner voice of self-doubt never went away. From loneliness at the top to leading change without allies, Kelly Gray shows us why doing the right thing is rarely the easy thing.

At The Second Voice, we explore the inner conversations leaders rarely say out loud. If this episode resonated, it is likely because the second voice is active in your leadership too.

Hosted by Luisa Hogan, leadership resilience strategist and founder of Vermelho Consulting.

Luisa works with founders, executives, and senior leaders who carry real responsibility and want to lead with steadiness, clarity, and self-trust under pressure.

Her work focuses on nervous system regulation, leadership identity, and the inner dialogue that shapes how leaders show up when things are hard.

Work With Luisa

If this episode sparked reflection, here are ways to go deeper:

• Leadership resilience workshops and advisory

• Keynotes and curated live experiences

• The Steady Leadership framework and private sessions



Learn more at: vermelho.com.au

A Note From Whisper & Thread

The Second Voice is proudly supported by Whisper & Thread.

Whisper & Thread creates intimate apparel embroidered with quiet, internal messages designed to interrupt negative self-talk.

Each piece carries a reminder on the inside. Not performative. Not loud. Just for you.

Because leadership self-talk does not start in the boardroom.

And confidence is built in the moments no one sees.

Explore Whisper & Thread at: whisperandthread.com



Stay Connected

Follow along and join the conversation:

• Instagram: @thesecondvoicepodcast

• Instagram: @vermelho_consulting

• Instagram: @whisperandthread

Subscribe, rate, and review The Second Voice to help more leaders find these conversations.



00:00 Kelly's Unplanned Leadership Journey
01:04 From Support Worker to Accidental Entrepreneur
02:32 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Market Challenges
04:27 Selling the Dream: Business and Personal Milestones
08:25 New Beginnings in the UK
11:02 Leadership at Staffordshire Council
17:59 The Importance of Inner Calm in Leadership
25:49 Entrepreneurial Aspirations and Leadership Realities
33:45 Closing Insights on Leadership and Self-Belief