Her Story
About Kelly
Kelly Saucedo is a strategic growth leader, business development executive, and fractional CMO with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations accelerate growth through strong relationships, strategic planning, and operational excellence. Her expertise spans business development, marketing, sales, operations, and leadership across the energy, environmental consulting, engineering, and infrastructure sectors. Known for combining a psychology-driven approach with practical business strategy, Kelly helps organizations align people, processes, and purpose to drive measurable results.
Kelly currently serves as Business Development Manager at Kahuna USA, where she leads strategic growth initiatives across the energy sector. She works closely with operators, EPCs, and Private Equity firms to expand client relationships, identify new market opportunities, and position Kahuna as a trusted engineering partner for both existing clients and PE-backed portfolio companies. She collaborates with executive leadership, project management, and marketing to develop growth strategies, strengthen long-term partnerships, and support the company's continued expansion in a rapidly evolving energy market.
In addition to her role at Kahuna, Kelly is the founder of Kelsa Corp, a consulting and fractional leadership firm where she partners with businesses to align sales, marketing, operations, and leadership for sustainable growth. She also co-founded OG NoCo, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting energy professionals throughout Northern Colorado, and serves on the Board of Directors for WOGA (Women in Oil and Gas Association), where she helps develop programs that support and advance women across the energy industry.
Throughout her career, Kelly has earned a reputation for building trusted relationships, mentoring emerging leaders, and solving complex business challenges with creativity and strategic precision. She believes the best business development starts with listening, understanding what clients truly need before developing solutions that create lasting value.
Outside of work, Kelly is passionate about mentoring professionals, developing leadership programs such as Lean In, and creating opportunities that strengthen the energy community. When she isn't building connections or helping organizations grow, she enjoys spending time with her three children, reading, and finding ways to make a lasting impact behind the scenes through thoughtful leadership and meaningful relationships.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible women who have supported and inspired me along the way. I wouldn’t point to any single mentor; rather, I believe we learn from everyone around us. Every person I’ve encountered has offered me something to grow from—sometimes subtly, sometimes through challenge. Even interactions that are difficult or frustrating have been valuable lessons. When I find myself in a situation that tests my patience, I take a deep breath and ask myself what I can learn from it. That mindset has been fundamental to my growth and success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never stop learning. I approach every day as an opportunity to absorb knowledge—from new words and articles to ideas I haven’t encountered before. When I come across something unfamiliar, I make a point to pause, research, or ask questions of those around me. I never assume I know more than I do. I read widely, attend events whenever possible, and listen actively, always striving to expand my understanding and grow both personally and professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to never stop striving to improve—there’s always room to grow. Too often, when women reach the top, some feel they need to guard that space, but I believe we must do the opposite: lift other women up. Success isn’t limited; there’s more than enough room at the top for all of us. By supporting and empowering one another, we create a stronger, more inclusive industry where women can rise together rather than in isolation.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the inherent volatility in the oil and gas industry. Market fluctuations are constant, so the ability to stay nimble, pivot when necessary, and maintain resilience is critical. The opportunities lie in leveraging and expanding your network—relationships are everything in this industry. By nurturing connections, staying positive, and keeping a steady focus on long-term goals, you can navigate the ups and downs effectively. It’s important to remember that setbacks are just temporary—they’re bad days, not bad careers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me center on family and connection. My children are my greatest joy, and everything I do—personally and professionally—is ultimately to create meaningful experiences and time with them. I strive to see the world through their eyes, to celebrate their passions, and to be fully present in their lives. Equally, I value the importance of women supporting women. There’s ample space at the top, and by lifting each other up rather than hoarding success, we create a more empowering and inclusive environment for all of us.
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