Meet Your Coach.

I’m Kelly Kennedy—Business Development Coach, Entrepreneur, Podcaster, and the guy who’s lived every step of the journey I now help others walk.

I started my sales career at 18, and by 23 I was deep in the world of business development—learning through experience how to build trust, land major accounts, and grow companies from the inside out. But back then, there was no roadmap. No training. No support. I had to carve my own path through the trenches, figuring out what actually works through hard lessons, real wins, and relentless trial and error.

When I launched The Business Development Podcast, it was for my past self—for the business developer trying to find answers with no one to turn to. Today, it’s a top 100 show in over 40 countries, listened to by thousands around the world each week, and considered one of the most trusted business development resources on the planet.

I went from business developer to entrepreneur and coach, building Capital Business Development into a powerhouse advisory firm serving clients across North America. I’ve created proven programs like Business Development Mastery and Capital Catalyst™ to help leaders, founders, and sales teams build scalable systems, close more business, and lead with clarity and confidence.

I’ve been called a Hope Dealer—because I don’t just bring strategy, I bring belief. My coaching blends results-driven systems with empathy, understanding, and encouragement. I’ll challenge you to grow, but I’ll walk beside you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing—with a coach who’s lived it and knows what it takes to win—I’d be honoured to be in your corner.

Why Work With Me

  • Founder & CEO of Capital Business Development
  • Host of The Business Development Podcast — Top 100 in 40+ countries, listened to worldwide
  • 18+ years in sales and business development leadership
  • Creator of Business Development Mastery and Capital Catalyst™
  • Named a 2024 Emerging Leader by The Peak
  • Finalist for Podcast of the Year and Best Business Podcast — 2025 Quill Awards
  • Trusted advisor to founders, entrepreneurs, and sales teams across North America
  • Known as a “Hope Dealer” by my clients—for a reason
  • Speaker, strategist, and coach with a passion for helping people win without burning out

Featured In

 

Kelly Kennedy has been featured across some of North America's most respected business, leadership, and entrepreneurship platforms. As a trusted voice in business development, Kelly has shared his insights on shows like One Big Thing with Steve Campbell, The Joy Journey Podcast with Jillian Schecher, Live in the Lab with Keith Bilous, This Professional Life with Chris Yeung, Pathfinders with Vijayan Swaminathan, Executive Wins with Gordon Sheppard, Lessons of a CEO with Ross Huartt, The GBDA Podcast with Tony Gray, and The Ambitious Coach with Cam Lawson. He is also the co-host of Authentic Hustle Live and host of The Business Development Podcast, a top-ranked global podcast now heard in over 40 countries.

Through these appearances, Kelly has become known for his no-fluff approach to leadership, his unwavering belief in the power of relationship-building, and his ability to break down complex growth strategies into simple, actionable steps. Whether he's discussing the mindset behind cold outreach, the role of authenticity in modern branding, or the loneliness of entrepreneurship, Kelly brings practical advice, contagious energy, and deep empathy to every conversation. His features reflect his mission: to help business owners, sales leaders, and entrepreneurs close bigger deals, build meaningful relationships, and scale with confidence.

 

Live in the Lab with Keith Bilous

This episode features a mix of invaluable insights starting with business development expert Kelly Kennedy discussing the nuances of business growth, overcoming introversion, leveraging podcasts, and the importance of fostering genuine business relationships for successful entrepreneurship and digital marketing strategy.

ONE BIG THING with Steve Campbell

I had the pleasure of joining Steve Campbell on One Big Thing to share my journey—from selling cars to becoming a business development coach and podcast host. We dove into the uncomfortable truth behind growth: imposter syndrome, burnout, and the relentless pursuit of more.

The Joy Journey Podcast with Jillian Schecher

I was honored to join Jillian Schecher on The Joy Journey Podcast for a powerful conversation that hit deep. We explored what it really means to stay human in a world moving faster than ever, and why the things that scare us most are often the exact things we need to say yes to.

I opened up about the balance between ambition and personal life, the value of authentic connection, and how fear and self-doubt can actually guide us to our greatest growth.

This Professional Life with Chris Yeung 

I had the opportunity to join Chris Yeung on This Professional Life for an honest conversation about the future of personal branding and why authenticity is more important than ever in 2025.

We explored my journey from the car lot to Capital Business Development, the uncomfortable but necessary growth that shaped me, and how building real relationships—not just reach—has been the key to long-term success.

The PATHFINDERS Podcast with Vijayan Swaminathan

I joined Vijayan Swaminathan on Pathfinders for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, business development, and what it really takes to grow something meaningful from the ground up.

We talked about the freedom and isolation that come with building a business, the importance of curiosity and adaptability, and why genuine relationships still matter more than ever. From navigating failure to celebrating small wins, this episode is packed with real talk on leadership, podcasting, and the mindset that fuels long-term success.

Executive Wins Podcast with Gordon Sheppard

I sat down with Gordon Sheppard on Executive Wins to break down what really drives success in business development—and it’s not luck.

We got into the power of consistency, mindset, and having a structured process that actually works. From leveraging digital introductions to using your CRM as a performance tool, this episode is all about setting yourself up to win. If you want to close bigger deals and book more meetings, this conversation lays out the roadmap.

Lessons of a CEO with Ross Huartt

I joined Ross Huartt on Lessons of a CEO to share the story behind Capital Business Development, how I went from car sales to the oil patch, and why I chose to launch my own company in the middle of a global pandemic.

We talked about building real customer relationships, separating business development from account management, and how cold calling and goal-setting still drive real results. I also shared how launching The Business Development Podcast helped me overcome imposter syndrome and step fully into my lane. If you're a founder or sales leader looking to grow with intention, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world strategy.

GBDA Podcast with Tony Gray

In this impactful conversation, I sit down with Tony Gray, Volunteer National Director of The Global Business Development Association, to share the top 3 business development tactics that are driving success in 2025. We dive into the mindset and strategies behind consistency, dedication, and persistence—and why they’re more critical than ever for business developers today.

Let’s Connect

Have a question, curious about coaching, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you. Fill out the form below and I’ll personally get back to you as soon as I can. Let’s explore how we can build something great together.

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