In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Kellie Grutko about the winding roads of creative ambition, career pivots, and rediscovering purpose after corporate life. Kellie candidly shares the story of following her dream to pitch a TV travel show pilot, why it never made it to air, and how the lessons from that risk-taking adventure eventually led her to coaching women through major life and career changes.
About the Guest:
Kellie Grutko is a women’s transition coach and founder of Purposeful Pivot. With a professional background in marketing and media, Kellie now helps women translate decades of corporate experience into fulfilling new phases of work and life. Her journey from high-powered executive, to travel show dreamer, to empowerment coach inspires her mission to support others navigating big changes.
Main Topics Covered:
Kellie’s leap from corporate marketing to pitching a travel TV show pilot.
The realities of navigating creative dreams outside one’s comfort zone and network.
Lessons learned from “failure” and the value of trying, even if the project doesn’t take off.
Identity, reinvention, and finding your next chapter after leaving a traditional corporate role.
The importance of support systems, introspection, and celebrating small wins during transitions.
How Kellie now guides women through similar transitions as a certified coach.
Quote from the Episode: “A lot of people would have the idea and never even give it a shot. I looked at it as, you know, I had an idea, I followed through. It didn’t work, but I learned from it. I had fun doing it. And eventually, in a weird, like you said, thread kind of way, it led me to where I am.” — Kellie Grutko
Timestamps: [00:00:04] Kellie’s background and move from Pennsylvania to Charlotte
[00:01:34] Life and career at a Fortune 50 company; the origins of her TV show idea
[00:08:59] Turning a dream into action: how Kellie developed, shot, and pitched her pilot
[00:14:03] Financial realities, support from her husband, and staying motivated
[00:21:03] The afterlife of a shelved project—accepting change and evolving goals
[00:23:10] Transition coaching: redefining career and identity for women
[00:28:22] Connecting the threads from past dreams to new purpose
[00:32:59] Being brave, introverted, and going after what you want
[00:33:39] Kellie’s business, Purposeful Pivot, and her “Celebrating Small Wins” offer
[00:35:17] Fun closing questions: monkeys, turn signals, and thermostat negotiations
Special Offer from the Guest:
Creating Small WIns Worksheet https://www.purposefulpivot.net/small-wins
Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.
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