The Creator's Game: Frank Kelly's Impact in Business and Sports

The Jon Gordon Podcast

On this episode, I’m joined by Frank Kelly—a friend, leader, and lacrosse enthusiast with an incredible story of faith, service, and impact.

Frank and I reflect on our time playing lacrosse under Coach Richie Moran at Cornell and the lessons the Creator's game has taught us about life, hope, and resilience. Frank also shares powerful moments from his journey, including insights from his book Influence and the Creator’s Game, his spiritual awakening, and how lacrosse has become a tool for transformation—whether in Kenya, Ukraine, or right here at home.

We also talk about Frank’s mission-driven work at Kelley Benefits, his commitment to faith-based leadership, and his passion for building community through sport. Frank’s heart for service will leave you inspired.

It’s a conversation about faith, leadership, and making a difference. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

About Frank,

Frank Kelly III is CEO of Kelly Benefits, a family business he leads with his three brothers.

A 1986 graduate of Cornell University, Frank was recognized as a Red Key Scholar-Athlete, played football, and captained the lacrosse team, where he was a first-team All-Ivy selection. His interest in lacrosse continued after college, playing several seasons of professional indoor lacrosse, many years of high-level field lacrosse, and coaching youth and high school lacrosse for decades.

Frank has served on boards and in leadership roles for many nonprofit organizations and has been inducted into the Halls of Fame of his high school (Calvert Hall), business/industry (Maryland Association of Health Underwriters) and lacrosse community (US Lacrosse Greater Baltimore Chapter) as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Champions. Frank is also the author of Look & See and a highly regarded national platform speaker.

Frank and his wife, Gayle, are the grateful parents of four children, two beautiful granddaughters-in-law, and three precious grandsons. They live in Lutherville, Maryland.

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