In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Nate Keller discuss:

• Connecting through music and dance

• Tailoring performance to the audience

• Embracing authenticity and honesty as a speaker

• Serving as Honorary Consul for Kyrgyzstan

• Inspiring others through fatherhood and mentorship

 Key Takeaways:

• By representing the United States in international folk festivals, he has fostered meaningful connections and bridged cultural divides through the universal language of performance.

• Nate emphasizes the importance of understanding the event's purpose, the attendees' needs, and crafting a message that resonates authentically, rather than simply delivering a generic presentation.

• Embracing authenticity and honesty is a hallmark of Nate's approach to speaking and leadership. 

• Nate's appointment as the Honorary Consul for Kyrgyzstan demonstrates his commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and diplomatic relationships on a global scale, and his experiences navigating the nuances of this role highlight the importance of adaptability and a willingness to learn in unfamiliar contexts.

• Nate's role as a devoted father to his daughter, Eden, has profoundly shaped his perspective on leadership and the power of mentorship. 

“Make things happen because a lot of people don't even think about things, and if they do, that's where it ends, and they don't talk about them, and if they do, they don't do anything about it." 

- Nate Keller

About the guest, Nate Keller:

Nate is the eldest son in a family of 10 children. He is the proud uncle of 49 nieces and nephews and the father to his sweet 7-year-old daughter, Eden. He holds a BA in Construction Management with a minor in Business from Brigham Young University. As a national real estate investor, he serves as the CEO of Keller Capital. Nate is also a Producer and Director for Utah’s Stars & Friends, with recent productions featuring Dolly Parton and Idina Menzel. Proceeds from these events have benefited the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and Operation Underground Railroad.

Beyond his professional career, Nate has been deeply involved in the arts and community service. He has worked as the Stage Manager for the Stadium of Fire Talent Search and the Freedom Festival Patriotic Service and co-founded CineStage, a unique concert experience blending live music with movie theaters. He has served as the Master of Ceremonies for numerous events, including the Days of 47 Pageant, CVX Live YouTube Convention, and the Institute of American Music Fiddle Fest. Additionally, he mentors Utah Valley University students through the Center for Advanced Leadership and advises the Mayor of Provo as a member of the Provo City Foundation Advisory Board. A passionate musician, Nate plays the stringed bass in the Utah Valley Symphony, where he also serves as Board President, and has represented the USA as a banjo player in over 30 countries. He is the founder and Executive Director of the American Folk Ensemble and the American Folk Institute, furthering his dedication to preserving and celebrating folk traditions.

CONNECT WITH NATE KELLER:

Website: https://www.americanfolkensemble.org/nate-keller 

CONNECT WITH CHERYL:

Website: www.cherylknows.com 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.