Kelly O’Connor

Kelly has over 20 years of experience in strategically developing and growing businesses, brands and strategic partnerships – primarily in the financial and entrepreneurial ecosystem. She is committed to building communities of collaboration, connectivity, celebration and capital – financial, social, human and strategic.

Kelly is Creator, Founder & Owner of SCALE Global – the premiere thought leadership gathering for the entrepreneurial and financial ecosystem. In addition, she is the Co-Founder & CEO of Lumiere Partners and StageLight Group where she works with companies, entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders to help them grow their business, amplify their brand and forge strategic partnerships. Advisory and investments under StageLight Group include SCALE Global, HitRecord, BOMANI, Zappos, and MODD Group as well as residential real estate properties and restaurants worldwide.

Kelly has also served in the White House as the Chief Growth Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and has ghostwritten, edited, and packaged numerous non-fiction and finance books – including 12 bestsellers, 3 of which were listed in The New York Times.

A native New Yorker, her global experience spans more than 20 years in various locations including the U.S., London, Switzerland, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore. Previously, Kelly was a Partner & Executive Director of Business Development and Strategy at SkyBridge Capital. A senior member of the Founder’s leadership team from 2010-2017, she co-led teams engaged in growth and brand strategy; experiential marketing and events; strategic partnerships and community engagement; and communications and public relations.  Prior to joining SkyBridge, she was an Editor at John Wiley & Sons and began her career at Columbia University working on Special Events, Projects & Communications.

Kelly received a Master’s degree in Organization & Leadership from Columbia University. She also earned a B.A. in English Literature from Wagner College and graduated summa cum laude.

Please contact Kelly to learn more about SCALE Global Summit by emailing her at kelly@stagelightgroup.com.