About
Meet Kelley O’Hara, a powerhouse of innovation and strategic brilliance who has spent
over 35 years transforming industries and helping leaders, speakers, and entrepreneurs
achieve unparalleled success.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Kelley O’Hara’s name has become synonymous with
results. Her career spans marketing, public relations, advertising, event management,
show production, and podcasting. But what truly sets Kelley apart is her ability to
identify opportunities that others overlook and turn them into goldmines of success.
Kelley’s journey to becoming a leading figure in the world of visibility and strategic
partnerships didn’t start in the high-stakes world of gaming. Before making her mark in
that industry, Kelley owned a successful event company specializing in high-profile
celebrity-based city events, corporate functions, and charity galas. This foundation was
the launchpad that catapulted her into the fast-paced, exhilarating world of gaming,
where she became a pivotal figure in transforming the industry’s approach to marketing
and partnerships.
From Gaming Industry
Powerhouse to Global Strategist
Kelley’s rise to prominence began at the iconic Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles, a 175-table
card casino known as the poker capital of the world. As Director of Marketing and
Advertising, Kelley was instrumental in reshaping the casino’s brand, spearheading major
casino events, and overseeing 120+ promotions each year. She broke down barriers that
had long kept major corporate sponsors at bay, bringing giants like Pepsi, Budweiser, and
the Los Angeles Lakers into the fold, creating strategic partnerships that elevated the
Bicycle Casino to new heights.
Her innovative approach didn’t stop at sponsorships. Kelley was at the forefront of the
digital revolution in gaming, developing the casino’s websites, managing database
marketing, and integrating the first play-for-free gaming platform in the industry. Under
her leadership, the Bicycle Casino became a charter member of the World Poker Tour.
Kelley also negotiated a strategic partnership with the North American Poker Tour
(NAPT) and secured the World Series of Poker Circuit events – the three titan tours
under one roof – the trifecta of poker dominance. These achievements, coupled with her
vision to host major celebrities, sports figures, and top poker pros, solidified the Bicycle
Casino’s reputation as a premier destination for poker.
Kelley didn’t just stop at integrating technology; she harnessed the power of media
networks like ESPN, the Discovery Network, Travel Channel, the Wide World of Sports,
and XTRA Sports Radio to bring poker into the mainstream. Her passion and vision were
instrumental in transforming poker from merely a gambling activity into the widely
recognized mainstream sport it is today—a goal she realized with undeniable enthusiasm
and drive.
Empowering Leaders on a Global Scale with SpeakerTunity
After 15 years of dominating the gaming industry, Kelley turned her sights to broader
horizons. She founded O’Hara Consulting West in 2012, a consulting firm where she now
leverages her extensive experience to help leaders, speakers, and entrepreneurs find
stages and attract visibility. Her journey took another significant turn when she joined
SpeakerTunity, the world’s leading speaker resource company, as their Speaker
Relationship & Business Development Director.
At SpeakerTunity, Kelley played a pivotal role in meeting the demands of leaders eager
to expand their influence beyond their own backyards. With over 130,000 stages
cataloged across North America, Canada, and a growing presence in Europe, Kelley
provided speakers, authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs with the resources, leads, and
strategies needed to effectively target their niche markets. Her efforts enabled countless
clients to break into new markets, solidify their authority, and grow their businesses
exponentially through the power of public speaking.
Public speaking is widely recognized as the fastest and most effective way to grow a
business. Studies show that 60% of business leaders agree that public speaking increases
brand visibility, while 75% say that it enhances credibility. Kelley’s work with
SpeakerTunity capitalized on these statistics, providing her clients with the tools to get
booked on stages that aligned perfectly with their goals. She helped them understand
that the right stage could not only amplify their message but also drive significant
business growth.
O’Hara Consulting West: Continuously Driving Success
Today, Kelley focuses on her consulting company, O'Hara Consulting West, where she
brings the same passion and strategic vision that made her a success in gaming and at
SpeakerTunity. Kelley’s deep understanding of the power of visibility and her ability to
cultivate strategic partnerships make her the go-to expert for those looking to thrive in
the competitive world of public speaking and business development.
Kelley’s expertise extends beyond traditional marketing. She’s a coach, podcaster,
speaker, and passionate advocate for helping leaders take control of their destinies. Her
direct, edgy, and authentic approach resonates with those who are tired of waiting for
opportunities to come their way. Kelley teaches her clients how to create opportunities,
how to book themselves on stages, and how to make sure their voices are heard.
International Influence and Strategic Alliances
Kelley’s impact isn’t confined to the United States. She works with Ernesto Verdugo’s
Speaking Internationally team, helping speakers leverage resources to propel them onto
stages around the world. Her strategic alliances and visionary projects continue to set
the bar in the industry, ensuring that her clients are not just participants but leaders in
their fields.
In a world where visibility is everything, Kelley O’Hara stands out as an exemplar of
mastery. Her ability to blend innovative strategies with practical know-how has made
her an invaluable resource for anyone looking to elevate their brand, land speaking gigs,
and grow their influence. Whether she’s working with a seasoned CEO or an emerging
speaker, Kelley’s goal is the same: to help them decide, take action, and thrive.
A Legacy of Innovation and Influence
Kelley’s journey from high-profile events to the international stage is a testament to her
relentless drive and visionary thinking. Her work has not only transformed industries but
also empowered countless individuals to take control of their own success. As Kelley
continues to pave the way with new projects and strategic alliances, one thing is clear:
she is not just a leader in her field—she’s redefining it.
For those looking to break free from the ordinary and step into the spotlight, Kelley
O’Hara is the mentor and strategist you need. With her unparalleled experience,
innovative mindset, and unwavering commitment, Kelley is the force that will propel you
to the next level.
Episode 40
Six-Figure Speaker Spotlight interview guest, Michele Blood with host, Kelley O'Hara
Episode 54
Six-Figure Speaker Spotlight interview guest, Brian Sebastian with host, Kelley O'Hara
Six Figure Speaker Spotlight
Six Figure Speaker Spotlight
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