70: Kelsey Murphy on How to Write Emails That Don't Feel Like Noise
Write Emails That People Actually Want to Open with Business & Life Coach Kelsey Murphy
I am so excited to finally have Kelsey Murphy on the How Women Write podcast! We’ve been on each other’s shows, and I’ve been a huge fan of her work for years. She's a business and life coach for Fortune 500 companies and has worked alongside some big-name female entrepreneurs.
What I love most about Kelsey is her radically honest, down-to-earth approach to writing and business — especially in her emails. They are never noisy — they're always refreshing. Even when she's selling something.
In this conversation, Kelsey and I dive into:
How she shifted from a high-pressure advertising role to coaching, recognizing her own resistance to reclaiming her creative voice.
How she learned to embrace writing as a lifelong journey.
The importance of separating different buckets of writing — sales, personal, and business so that she could protect the therapeutic joy she has for writing.
The powerful, simple formula she uses for her storytelling in her emails: What happened? What did I learn? What do I urge you to do?.
How to apply the "One-Person Rule" by writing every email to one specific, ideal client (like her client Ally), which is key to making readers feel seen and heard.
Kelsey's stance on building a seven-figure business without relying on social media for sales.
How "writer’s block" can often be solved with journaling, like writing a letter from your 80-year-old self, to check your beliefs and direction.
Kelsey’s energy, honesty, and wisdom are contagious. You’ll be inspired to check in with your own writing practice and discover what’s truly lighting you up.
Links From Today’s Episode:
Jacq's appearances on the Whiskey & Work podcast:
Book: On Writing by Stephen King
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Timestamps
00:00 Meet Kelsey Murphy
02:29 Early Life and Creativity
06:36 Advertising Career
08:13 Leaving the Advertising World for Coaching
13:38 Writing as a Business Skill
16:29 Journaling and Confidence
20:27 No Social Media Needed
22:11 Email Magic Begins
22:33 Learning to Write Well
24:47 Storytelling That Connects
25:22 Writing To One Person
29:57 No Schedule Just Seasons
33:27 Full Body Yes Momentum
36:25 Book Ideas Without Pressure
37:43 The Why Behind her Podcast
39:32 A Retreat That Changed Everything
41:21 Coffee Ritual And Email Vibe
43:17 Thanks And Wrap Up
Meet Kelsey Murphy:
Kelsey Murphy is a Business & Life Coach for Fortune 500 companies like Facebook and Twitter, working with entrepreneurs like Marie Forleo, Cathy Heller, & Celebrity Nutritionist Kelly Leveque. Kelsey is a master at helping coaches create highly successful businesses. She takes the big-hearted humans & builds lucrative businesses for them that end up impacting millions.
Previously, Kelsey was the Advertising Director for Nintendo, GoPro, and Elizabeth Arden, and she’s been featured in outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, and the Huffington Post. She's a firm believer that each person holds a passion and a viewpoint uniquely their own, and through her coaching and workshops, she equips people with a toolbox of actionable strategies to create the life they envision.
Additionally, she hosts a top-ranked podcast called Whiskey & Work, where she shares refreshingly honest insights on navigating the waters of work, life, and family. Kelsey addresses issues like relationships, dreams, motivation, starting a business, morning routines, and living a life you’re proud of. She's a champion for acting brave, embracing your imperfections, and not taking life too seriously.
