Kourtnei Mills
Kourtnei Mills, MSPM is a Digital Operations Manager and Project Specialist based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the founder of WellOps Co.. She partners with female-founded and woman-owned businesses to build scalable, sustainable operations through remote team management, streamlined systems, and high-touch project execution. With more than a decade of experience in administration, executive support, and cross-functional coordination, Mills is known for bringing clarity, structure, and calm to complex, fast-moving environments—ensuring growth does not come at the expense of burnout.
Mills began her career in healthcare administration, where she advanced from executive support to Administrative Director of Medical Education, overseeing accreditation systems, policy development, and operational strategy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she designed and implemented an interdisciplinary scheduling system that enabled physician residents to graduate on time despite major rotation disruptions. She later transitioned into construction project management, where she streamlined workflows, managed multimillion-dollar project risk, and improved contract execution timelines. She holds a Master of Science in Project Management from the University of Southern California, further strengthening her expertise in systems design, risk analysis, and operational efficiency.
Today, through WellOps Co., Mills helps wellness and service-based entrepreneurs fix operational bottlenecks before they scale—implementing CRMs, automations, KPI dashboards, onboarding systems, and cohesive team structures that support sustainable growth. Her approach is both strategic and supportive: she filters complexity, builds practical infrastructure, and creates the operational foundation that allows founders to step fully into their CEO role. Guided by a passion for problem-solving and people-centered leadership, Mills empowers women entrepreneurs to grow with intention, confidence, and clarity.
• Digital Business Management Certification
• University of Southern California
• Project Management Institute (PMI)
• No Woman No Girl (inventory and operations support)
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received came from my director at Harnett Health, Nancy Finnegan. She wouldn't hold my hand and forced me to really own what I was doing and have the confidence to trust myself. Her favorite line was 'figure it out.' When I would come to her with a problem, she'd say 'well, figure it out.' That's where I grew the most, learning to trust my own decisions and problem-solving abilities. I have so much respect for her because she taught me to believe in myself and my capabilities rather than looking for someone else to give me the answers.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you're thinking about going into business for yourself, don't do it for the money. Don't do it for what you think it can bring to you. Do it ultimately to serve others. You are a servant of others when you're in business, and you may not see a dollar for a really long time. Although it gets hard, very hard, and you can get hard on yourself with that crippling self-doubt wondering what am I doing, believe in whatever your purpose is. Believe in your why and hold on very, very tight to it. It can be scary, but it can also be the most fulfilling thing you've ever done. So just hold on to it, and don't listen to everyone who hasn't done it. Listen to no one who has not actually done the work and isn't where you want to be. Those voices will be the main voices in your head when you're doubting yourself.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is not losing myself in just being a mom and a wife. For a long time, it's easy to get lost in just being a mom and a wife and putting yourself last, silencing all the inclinations you have because you think you can't pursue them due to family obligations. I had to realize that I was more than just their mom. I saw what happened to my mom when she had to close her cosmetology business due to lack of support from my father, and it did something to her when she had to close something she loved doing. That's why I made sure to choose someone who would support me regardless of what I was choosing to do. I'm deeply committed to supporting women who are building impactful, values-driven businesses, helping women entrepreneurs achieve their goals and empowering women. I believe in being a servant to others and making sure women have the support they need to thrive without sacrificing who they are.