Meet Kelsey Daingerfield | Fractional COO & Business Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelsey Daingerfield and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsey, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success and the success of PocketCOO has been my ability to bridge the gap between strategy and execution. It’s one thing to have a vision for growth or improvement, but without the right systems, processes, and mindset in place to make it happen, that vision can get lost in the weeds.

I’m also deeply passionate about helping CEOs get their time back. More and more people are realizing they don’t have to wait until retirement to truly live. They want to be present with their families, build memories, and not work 60+ hours a week. This speaks to me on a personal level because I’ve seen the burnout firsthand.

I help business owners reclaim their time, their sanity, and their life—all while helping them map out where they want to take their business and their life, because let’s face it, as business owners, it’s all connected. Systems don’t have to be complicated; in fact, I believe in keeping things simple—that’s what works best.

My goal is to create systems that allow business owners to scale their businesses without burning themselves out, while also ensuring they’re able to focus on what matters most in their personal lives. This blend of strategy and simplicity is at the core of what I do, and it’s why I’m so dedicated to helping my clients achieve sustainable growth without sacrificing their well-being or quality of life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the founder of PocketCOO, where I help multi-six- and seven-figure business owners streamline their operations, reclaim their time, and scale their businesses—without burning out. What sets me apart is that I don’t just give recommendations and walk away—I get in the trenches with my clients, helping them bridge the gap between strategy and execution. My approach is hands-on, customized, and built around sustainable growth.

What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve made on my clients’ lives. I’ve helped business owners reduce their workload without sacrificing revenue, create systems that actually work for them, and finally step into the role of CEO instead of constantly putting out fires. I’ve seen firsthand how giving someone their time back changes everything—it lets them be more present with their families, take real vacations, and build a business that supports their life, not the other way around.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I left corporate to go all in on my business, and while I had savings to get me through the first few months, I hit a point where I was down to my last month of reserves. I panicked. I knew I only needed one more client to keep going, so I buckled down, leaned into my network, and by the end of the month, I landed that client. That moment showed me that resilience and taking action—even when things feel uncertain—is everything in business.

Along the way, I’ve learned a few key lessons:
-Time is your most valuable asset. If you’re constantly stuck in the day-to-day, you’re not truly leading.
– Simple systems win. Overcomplicated processes lead to overwhelm—keeping things streamlined and effective is the key.
– Mindset matters. Your business will only grow as much as you allow it to.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that you don’t have to sacrifice your life for your business. Growth doesn’t have to come at the cost of burnout. I built PocketCOO to help business owners step back, take control, and build something that truly supports their goals—both professionally and personally.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Houston, we’d kick things off at home—because there’s nothing better than starting with a homemade banana muffin from my husband. My family and I are foodies, so a lot of our time would be spent eating great food, relaxing outside by our pool, or exploring the city.

We’d grab breakfast at Season’s Harvest in Cypress—their food is fresh and delicious, and their homemade biscuits are next level. Then, we’d head to The Heights to walk around, check out the local shops, and grab a bite to eat. The Houston Zoo and the park right outside are always a great way to spend the afternoon, and for some much-needed relaxation, I’d book us a massage or facial at Trellis Spa—because what’s a best friend trip without a little pampering?

We’d also make our way to The Woodlands—it’s a great spot to walk around, grab a bite, and if there’s a concert at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, we’d grab some lawn seats and make a night of it. Near home, we’d take the family to Creekwood Grill for dinner. It’s the perfect laid-back spot—good food, a great beer selection, and a playground where the kids can run around while the adults hang out.

And of course, I’d force my friend to try Meals by Chef T, a high-quality, performance-focused meal prep service. His food is incredible—I eat it pretty much every day—so there’s no way they’d leave Houston without a taste.

Houston has so much to offer, but for me, the best days are spent with good food, great company, and making the most of every moment—whether we’re out exploring or just relaxing at home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, my family. My husband has been my biggest cheerleader, business coach, therapist, consultant, best friend, and rock throughout this entire journey. He was the one who saw how unhappy I was in corporate and encouraged me to take the leap into my business. When I had doubts, he helped me find security in my decision. He’s the first person I call when something big happens—good or bad—and having him as my true partner has made all the difference.

Beyond that, I’m incredibly fortunate to have a supportive family. Each of them has strengths I lean on depending on where I am in my journey, and they have been a huge factor in my success.

And lastly, I have to recognize one of my previous bosses, David. David had the kind of leadership style that people don’t forget—strong, direct, and driven, but with a heart of gold. He saw people for who they were and, more importantly, for who they could be.

When we first met during my interview, he asked me, “Why this job? You’re overqualified.” I told him two things: This job is just the beginning—I won’t be an admin for long. And I’ll move faster than anyone else because I’m an East Coaster and relentless when I believe in what I do. Fast forward a few years, and David was the one fighting for my growth. He supported me when I pursued my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, my MBA, and my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. When others in leadership positions looked down, he only looked up. He was my guide, my mentor, and my friend, and he helped shape the person I am today.

Everyone needs a David in their life.

Website: https://kelseydaingerfield.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseydaingerfield/

Other: Want to learn how Kelsey can support you and your business? Connect with her on social or visit her website, and ask about a Business Snapshot—a personalized assessment to uncover key opportunities for efficiency and growth!

Image Credits
Joseph Marzak, Screenstone Digital