On this episode of A Mo’ment with Mo, I had the absolute pleasure of connecting with two women who are deeply committed to leadership, empowerment, and community. I sat down with Kelsey Vickers, Co-Founder of Fit and Fierce, and Julia Kinsella, CEO of Fit and Fierce, to talk about confidence, resilience, mentorship, and what it truly means to lead with purpose.
This conversation was full of heart, grit, and real leadership lessons. It was also a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful connections happen when we are brave enough to speak up and step forward.
Mo: I am so excited to have you both here. This podcast is about meaningful conversations with leaders who move people to greatness, and you both embody that so clearly. Kelsey, I still remember the moment we first met. Sometimes the most powerful connections happen in the most unexpected places, even in a women’s washroom at a fitness convention.
Kelsey: It was a little bold, but I knew I had to take my chance. I had just listened to David Patchell Evans speak, and when he said I needed to talk to you, I thought, this is my moment. So I introduced myself and shared the dream I had to empower young girls.
Mo: And that moment is such a lesson in leadership. Taking action. Believing in your vision. Staying in the game. That courage is exactly what Fit and Fierce represents.
For those who are new to your story, I would love for you to share what Fit and Fierce is all about and what inspired you to create this movement.
Kelsey: Fit and Fierce started because we wanted to create a safe space for girls. A place where they could build confidence, find community, and develop skills that support them emotionally, physically, and mentally. Adolescence can be challenging, and girls need tools to navigate friendships, school pressures, and self-doubt. Our program is a year-long personal development experience focused on fitness, mindset, and nutrition. It is about helping girls grow strong in body, mind, and spirit.
Mo: That idea of building skills for life is so powerful. Julia, your journey into Fit and Fierce is deeply personal. Can you share what brought you into this work?
Julia: Absolutely. Kelsey was actually my personal trainer for over a decade, and my daughter joined Fit and Fierce when she was in grade five or six. I was already doing a lot of personal development work myself, but watching my daughter go through the program was incredible. Even on days when she did not feel like going, she would come out energized, confident, and uplifted. As a parent, I knew how valuable that was.
Over time, Kelsey and I started having more business conversations. I had a background in banking and entrepreneurship, and eventually we realized that partnering made sense. What started as support turned into a shared mission.
Mo: That is such a beautiful example of alignment and trust. Fit and Fierce has impacted thousands of girls over the years, and many of them come back as mentors.
Kelsey: Yes, that is one of the most special parts. Girls go through the program, and then they return as mentors and coaches. We call them our unicorns because they are just incredible young women. It creates this powerful culture where girls support girls. There is no competition, just connection and growth.
Mo: That sense of community really stood out to me. Leadership is not about going it alone. It is about connection. I often say that resilience is not about avoiding challenges. It is about how we choose to respond to them.
I want to ask you both about resilience. As leaders and entrepreneurs, how have you learned to keep going when things do not go as planned?
Kelsey: For me, it comes back to courage. Everything we teach the girls is something I work on myself. Confidence is built through trying. You do not become confident by waiting until you feel ready. You build it by showing up, taking steps forward, and learning along the way. If you keep swinging, you are always moving forward, no matter the outcome.
Mo: That is such a powerful message. Julia, what about you?
Julia: Community has been everything for me. Raising children taught me that you cannot do everything alone, even when you are doing the work. There are moments when you need mentors and support. Fit and Fierce provides that space for girls and for families. It helps you adjust the sails when life feels challenging and reminds you that you are not alone.
Mo: That idea of adjusting the sails really resonates. Growth often comes when we are willing to sit with discomfort and keep moving anyway.
One of the things I love most about Fit and Fierce is that it is not just a business. It is a movement. You are building leaders and creating spaces where girls can truly thrive. How has community shaped your leadership?
Kelsey: Community is at the heart of everything we do. When girls come together in our sessions, you can feel the energy. They are learning together, growing together, and supporting one another. That sense of belonging is so important at any age.
Julia: And for me, being part of this community has been incredibly fulfilling. There are so many women ready to mentor and lead. The demand is there. I truly believe every girl deserves access to this kind of support.
Mo: Looking ahead, you both have a big vision for Fit and Fierce. What is next?
Kelsey: We want to grow across Canada and beyond. We are looking for passionate women who want to mentor the next generation through fitness, mindset, and nutrition. Mentorship can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, and that is what drives us.
Julia: Our vision is bold. We want Fit and Fierce to be a new-age version of Girl Guides. A nationwide community supporting girls from grade three through high school, and eventually expanding even further. The opportunity is huge, and the impact is needed.
Mo: I cannot wait to see where this goes. This conversation is such a reminder that leadership is about purpose, passion, and perseverance. It is about showing up, even when it feels uncomfortable, and believing in what you are building.
To everyone reading this, this episode is your permission slip. A reminder that bold steps matter. That community matters. And that when you lead with heart, you create ripple effects far beyond what you can see.
You can listen to the full conversation here:
https://amomentwithmo.mohagan.com/2114715/episodes/18178022-empowering-the-next-generation-of-fierce-leaders
Or watch on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aD9_TgC980
