TextNow Leadership Spotlight: Kelsi

Welcome to the TextNow Leadership spotlight series, where we provide insight into some of the great leaders we have at TextNow! This series is back by popular demand, indefinitely.  

Originally started back in March as part of celebrating Women’s History & Gender Equality Month where we highlighted inspiring Women+ leaders here at  TextNow. If you want to read through some (or all!) of that series, check them out here. We’re thrilled to continue sharing the stories of more leaders throughout the company because we have some Rockstars to look up to as we work towards our mission of breaking down barriers to communication and democratizing reliable phone service.  

We're proud to be able to share exclusive interviews to showcase our diverse group of leaders at TextNow and we hope to demonstrate that there's more than one path to reach your goals. To start this continuation off let’s hear from Kelsi, who has an impressive background in the people & culture space before starting at TextNow back in 2021.

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Kelsi Cochran (She/Her) SVP of People and Talent

As Senior Vice President of People and Talent at TextNow, Kelsi provides strategic leadership to our people, company culture, Human Resources and EDI initiatives to help fulfil our mission and lift employee engagement.  

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What is the most powerful lesson you’ve learned (professionally or personally)?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is, don't let a moment dictate a day. Life is short – you can’t look back and have regrets.

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What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to: create healthy boundaries and don't let your voice be overshadowed. Therapy and coaching will help you heal your traumas and EMPOWER you.

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Who has inspired you and how/why?

My mom. She was a teen mom in a small rural town in the Midwest with only a G.E.D because she had to drop out of high school. She put her future on hold to support my dad and sister by working at McDonald's while my dad was in college. She did a job most turn their nose up to because the hours and benefits provided for her family and allowed her to be at home with my sister in the mornings, evening and weekends. She was the sole breadwinner of a family of three from 18-22. It was not until I started kindergarten that she went back to college to pursue her dreams finally. She then went on to start a very successful non-profit for troubled teens to get back on the right track. She had every reason to end up like a statistic and didn't. She was selfless and determined all while keeping her head held high even when ostracized from a town and community, she called home.

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What is your motivational mantra?

Will this matter in 5 hours, 5 days, 5 weeks, 5 months or 5 years! React accordingly. ‍

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What do you do to make yourself feel strong and empowered?

I believe in coaching and therapy. I wake up and before I look at my phone or put my feet on the ground, I write what I am grateful for that morning.  

I mentor younger women to give them the guidance, support and encouragement I didn't get in the beginning years of my career.  

I have sticky notes on my computer and deck with affirmations and I surround myself with strong and empowered people on my team and in my personal and professional circle. You believe what people say about you so surround yourself with people who believe you can move mountains and are amazing!!

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Not letting a moment dictate a day and evaluating if something will matter down the line are some great lessons! Thank you for sharing, Kelsi! We appreciate all that you do at TextNow. Don’t miss the rest of our leadership spotlight series ✨

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