Who are you speaking to?



How do you explain ‘keeping it real’?

Often we use terms like vulnerability, authenticity and honesty. But I think there is another important dimension. Audience.

For me ‘keeping it real’ is just as much about the other person. How well do they know me? How much of my story or work or history? How old are they? What is their life experience? Where are they heading and what are they needing?

Keeping it real’ means being present to share as much of life and story and wisdom as meets the situation. Sometimes it may mean sharing a great deal. Talking the deep things of life. But in another setting, another situation, more about being present to hear and encourage the dreams, instincts or decisions of another person.

Keeping it real’ is being my authentic self as relevant to the person standing in front of me. Never hiding who I am. Never pretending I’m perfect. But being present to share just what is needed in the moment. For both our sakes.


About Kelley

Kelley is a speaker, author, overseas aid worker and perpetual student. She is passionate about women and gender issues, both in the local and international context, which underpins her enthusiasm for kinwomen and its contribution to women ‘living their finest life’. In 2014 Kelley completed a Masters in International and Community Development before establishing The Foxglove Project. Foxglove is a registered charity focused on supporting international development projects that are sustainable and driven by indigenous leadership. Kelley’s paid work requires her to travel extensively to evaluate and support projects supported by Australian funds. This experience and networking enables Foxglove to partner with outstanding overseas agencies delivering real opportunities for the poor and vulnerable to lead independent self-determined lives. Kelley combines these passions with a love of family and faith. Across more than 30 years of marriage, Kelley and her husband have worked through many of the challenges of building a relationship while raising three sons. Their boys have now finished high school changing the dynamics of family life and relationships. One of her great joys is sharing parenting lessons and learning from good and bad (sometimes disastrous) experiences. She uses humour and common sense to talk about the everyday challenges facing parents in today’s context.