Reclaiming Purpose After Academia: Kelly Meyer on Coaching, Identity & Truth

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Inspire & Impact, we sit down with transformational coach, speaker, and founder of Project Find Your Fire, Kelly Meyer.

Kelly shares his remarkable story of leaving a secure career in academia to pursue his passion for personal development, coaching, and helping others rediscover their inner fire. With over 25 years of experience as a transformational coach, keynote speaker, and educator, Kelly takes us behind the scenes of how he helps everyone—from professional athletes to everyday heroes—break through limiting beliefs, realign with purpose, and create lasting change.

👉 What you'll learn in this episode:

• Kelly's brave leap from professor to full-time coach

• The story of a mysterious "old man at the pool hall" that changed his life

• How to know when it’s time to reinvent yourself

• Why people get stuck—and the surprisingly simple way to break free

• The truth about "slumps" in sports, business, and life

• The power of rewriting your emotional patterns for transformation

• Kelly’s approach to coaching pro athletes, CEOs, and people just like you

• His unique "seasonal philosophy" for life and emotional cycles

• Why Dr. Seuss is one of the best personal development authors (really!)

• What it really takes to become a coach in today’s world

🔥 "The sooner you figure it out, the better off you'll be." — The powerful quote that sparked Kelly’s lifelong commitment to personal growth

Whether you're stuck in a job that drains you, unsure of your next step, or ready to finally level up in life or business, Kelly’s insights will ignite something within you.

💡 About Kelly Meyer: Kelly is a board-certified international transformational coach, speaker, and author. Through Project Find Your Fire, he and his wife help people re-become who they were always meant to be by combining coaching, psychology, NLP, and EMDR techniques into one transformational framework. From teens to athletes, CEOs to everyday dreamers, Kelly’s coaching transforms lives.

🌍 Connect with Kelly Meyer: Website: https://projectfindyourfire.com
Follow on Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn

📚 New Books Coming Soon:

• The Art of Self-Dismemberment – A guide to shedding who you're not and becoming who you truly are

• Hunting the Great Man Killer – An eye-opening look at ego and inner balance

🎤 Future Goals: Kelly is currently preparing to step onto the TED stage to spread his message even further.

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📌 Timestamps: 00:01 – Meet Kelly Meyer
04:00 – Leaving Academia for Coaching
09:40 – Helping People Get Unstuck
12:30 – What Makes a Great Coach?
17:00 – Working with Pro Athletes
28:00 – Mindset, Beliefs & Breakthroughs
32:00 – Zero to Hero Client Story
44:00 – Advice for Feeling Stuck
50:00 – Future Projects & Books
54:00 – The “Slow Elk” Metaphor for Purpose
56:30 – Final Wisdom & Dr. Seuss