I lost my executive job while pregnant. I built a multimillion-dollar business instead.

Kelly Ehlers is the founder and CEO of The Evoke Agency, a highly successful social media agency that she established in 2010. With a diverse clientele ranging from G.E. appliances to Henkel and KraftHeinz, the company has grown to employ 45 people and generate millions in revenue annually. Ehlers' story of overcoming adversity as a pregnant executive who was fired early in her career to build a multimillion-dollar business is the subject of her upcoming book, "Nice Girls Win: How Kind Women Can Create the Life They Deserve."

After facing discrimination and having to conceal her pregnancy for five months, Ehlers transitioned from an executive corporate job to the world of social media. Seizing the opportunity presented by the emergence of platforms like Facebook and Twitter, she began her consulting firm. Leveraging her connections at Procter & Gamble, she was able to demonstrate her expertise and credibility, even without a significant budget.

Throughout her career, Ehlers has maintained a growth-oriented approach, earning recognition as an Inc. 500 company five times and being named a finalist for "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" by Entrepreneur. The core values of her agency are built on kindness, compassion, and strategic thinking. By fostering partnerships with clients and embracing change, The Evoke Agency has become an agile and innovative force in the industry.

Central to Ehlers' philosophy is the notion of "nice" being more than just a passive approach. She believes that niceness encompasses boundaries and the ability to assert oneself with confidence, as demonstrated by her early experiences in the beauty industry. By treating everyone, regardless of age or experience level, with equal respect and opportunity, Ehlers aims to create an inclusive and dynamic work environment.

Her approach encourages others to "shoot their shot" and pursue their dreams, emphasizing the importance of persistence and self-belief in achieving success.