"Today, I have the privilege of providing Career Coaching and HR Consulting services that help individuals gain clarity and confidence in their careers while helping organizations create environments where people and business results thrive together."
Founder
Meet Kelly
My name is Kelly Denton and I am the founder of PotentialWorks Coaching and Consulting LLC. Nice to meet you virtually!
A little bit about me - It all started in Michigan, where I grew up with parents who lived by the philosophy that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. That mindset led me to Michigan State University, where one Human Resources class changed everything. I immediately knew I had found my passion, changed my major, and never looked back.
Today, from Raleigh, North Carolina, that same passion continues to drive my work.
Over several decades, I have built a global Human Resources career spanning Fortune 500 companies, startups, manufacturing, R&D, IT services, and clinical research organizations. Along the way, I have been fortunate to work with exceptional leaders, mentors, and coaches who challenged me, supported me, and helped me grow. Their investment in my development shaped not only my career, but also my belief that when people are empowered, they discover possibilities they may not have seen in themselves.
That belief inspired me to found PotentialWorks Coaching and Consulting LLC, where everything we do is guided by our core philosophy:
Empower. Grow. Thrive.
Professional Background
I am a Global Strategic Human Resources leader with experience supporting organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. My career has included leadership and HR Business Partner roles across corporate, manufacturing, R&D, and global operations throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.
I have partnered with employees at every level, from frontline and nonexempt employees to senior executives and leadership teams.
Areas of Expertise
- Human Resources Strategy
- Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
- Employee & Labor Relations
- HR Operations
- Change Management
- Project & Program Management
- Talent Management & Succession Planning
- Organizational Design & Effectiveness
- Talent Acquisition
- HR Mergers & Acquisitions
- Global Team Leadership
Organizations
Throughout my career, I have contributed to and led HR initiatives for organizations including Cognizant, BASF, Armstrong World Industries, Johnson Controls, Elf Atochem, BioPharm Clinical Services, and Damon Clinical Laboratories.
Experience Across Industries
My experience spans a variety of industries and business environments.
I have led and supported large scale HR transformation initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, integrations, divestitures, organizational redesigns, talent strategies, leadership development programs, and labor relations efforts.
Most recently, I have built and led a global HR function, established HR M&A operational excellence and data management capabilities, developed global HR M&A playbooks and governance processes, and supported strategic HR initiatives across complex global organizations.
As HR continues to evolve, I remain committed to continuous learning through professional development in emerging technologies, including Generative AI, AI in HR, Prompt Engineering, the GenAI Bootcamp, and participation in an AI focused Vibe Coding Hackathon.
Coaching and Mentoring
Helping others discover and develop their potential has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Over the years, I have volunteered as a mentor, trainer, and speaker for high schools, colleges, nonprofit organizations, and early career professionals. Through these experiences, I have helped individuals identify their strengths, explore career paths, strengthen their resumes, improve interviewing skills, and navigate important career decisions.
Most recently, I have served as a volunteer mentor with Road to Hire and NPower, supporting individuals as they build skills, confidence, and opportunities for long term success.
These experiences have reinforced what I have witnessed throughout my career: people achieve remarkable things when they are given the tools, encouragement, and support to grow.
Whether I am coaching a professional through a career transition, helping a leader develop their team, or partnering with an organization on strategic HR initiatives, my goal remains the same:
Empower people to take action. Help them grow with purpose. Position them to thrive.
Education & Professional Development
- Bachelor of Arts, Michigan State University, College of Business
- iPEC Coaching Fundamentals Certificate
- iPEC Coaching Certification Program with Executive Coaching emphasis (Currently enrolled)
- Completed Org AI Bootcamp, training in Generative AI, AI in HR, and Prompt Engineering
Beyond Work
When I am not coaching, consulting, or mentoring, I enjoy spending time with my dad, husband, son, two dogs, and two horses. You will often find me walking on the beach, horseback riding, or simply enjoying the outdoors with my family.
