In this episode of Uncensored Entrepreneurs, the hosts sit down with Kelly Price, founder of Thrive HR and a seasoned human resources leader with experience spanning hospitality, corporate HR, and executive leadership. Kelly shares how her unconventional career path shaped her people-first approach to leadership and why so many founders struggle once their business growth outpaces their management skills.

The conversation explores the hidden cost of fear-based decision-making, the realities of workplace culture, and why human resources is not just a compliance function but a strategic foundation for sustainable growth. Kelly also reflects on pivotal moments from her corporate career that reshaped her values, boundaries, and definition of success. This episode offers founders a grounded, human perspective on leadership, accountability, and building teams that thrive without sacrificing integrity or well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership sets the emotional tone: A leader’s attitude, behavior, and self-awareness directly influence team morale, engagement, and performance.

• People strategy is business strategy: Without clear expectations, consistent processes, and intentional communication, long-term growth becomes unsustainable.

• Fear delays progress: Avoiding difficult conversations or decisions often creates larger problems that are harder to fix later.

• Turnover and disengagement are early warning signs: Declining productivity and quiet quitting signal deeper cultural or leadership issues that require attention.

• Boundaries protect sustainability: Defining values, limits, and non-negotiables helps leaders build businesses that support both performance and personal well-being.

Featured Guest:

Kelly Price is the founder of Thrive HR and a seasoned human resources executive with experience ranging from Marriott International to serving as Vice President of HR for a high-growth, multi-location organization. With a background that blends psychology, hospitality, and leadership development, Kelly partners with small and mid-sized businesses to build strong people strategies, navigate growth challenges, and create healthier workplace cultures. Through audits, advisory support, and consulting, she helps founders align their business goals with the realities of managing people effectively.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.thrivehrkc.com/

Your Hosts:

Starr Codd is a business strategist, SaaS founder, and seven-figure entrepreneur who helps business owners scale online with automation, lead generation, and systems that create real freedom. After breaking through corporate glass ceilings and building a seven-figure beauty brand, she launched her all-in-one software and now empowers others to stop admiring someone else’s empire and build their own. Learn More: shehasclients.com

Tina Torres-Wilson is a self-publishing expert and founder of Pink Door Marketing Agency, helping female entrepreneurs and coaches write, publish, and market their books to become best-selling authors. After overcoming personal hardships, she rebuilt her business and now empowers women to share their stories and grow their brands through her signature programs like Aspiring Authors Academy and 120 Days to Best Seller. Learn More: ⁠pinkdoormarketingagency.com/ ⁠

Robert Wall is a best-selling author, transformational speaker, and business strategist who’s helped launch over $28 million in new programs. As the founder of The Branding Collaborative and creator of the YOUniversal Brand Alignment method, he guides entrepreneurs and leaders to build authentic brands aligned with their heart, mind, and soul. On stage or behind the mic, Robert brings real-world wisdom, unshakable faith, and a mission to help others rise, reconnect with purpose, and create lives they don’t need a break from. Learn more: brandingcollaborative.com