S1:E4 Dr. Kelli Gotthardt
Guest Introduction
Dr. Kelli Gotthardt and I first met over dinner with our husbands near her home in Santa Cruz. I was immediately taken by her joy, her quick wit, and the gentle strength of her convictions. And, I know, as you listen to this week’s podcast episode, you will be too.
Kelli’s story of spiritual (re)formation begins at a retreat on the living room floor of her mentor’s home. There, she came face-to-face with how disordered her life had become by performance driven ministry. As her mentor and friends held her in that space, she found the courage to surrender to a journey towards God’s love apart from her ability to perform.
Since that day, Kelli has developed a deep connection with God’s love through her body, mind, and spirit. She has been (re)formed in compassion for all the parts inside of herself. Now, she extends that same love and compassion to the women she serves in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Teaching, training, and coaching other leaders how to lead from a place that is centered around God’s unconditional love.
Guest Bio
Dr. Kelli Gotthardt’s life is dedicated to helping leaders identify and pursue their unique good in the world. She is a two-time published author, speaker, entrepreneur, retreat leader, advocate for women, and lover of travel.
Kelli is the Founder and Executive Director of DeepWell Sustainable Leadership—a global community of women exploring leadership that flows from a centered soul. Her background includes 20 years of corporate leadership development, and over 35 years of spiritual leadership in the U.S. and around the world.
Kelli holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Spiritual Renewal, Contemplative Practice, and Strategic Leadership and a Masters in Spiritual Formation and Leadership.
She is Mom to 3 adult children and Grandma to one amazing grandson. She loves to teach yoga, paddleboard, and watch the sunset over the ocean. Kelli and her husband, Richard Gotthardt, share this beautiful life with their dog Max in Santa Cruz, California.