Bryson Keltner

When did you join Grok?
May 2025

Describe yourself in three words:
Empathetic, Creative, Enthusiastic

What were you doing before working at Grok?
I spent several years promoting global learning at my alma mater, Western Kentucky University. I traveled all over the world to recruit students. WKU had a large international team that taught me so much about the international education field. I later worked for Belmont University. Going from a large international team at a state school to an international team of one at a private, liberal arts school was quite the change, but I grew so much from the experience!

What was your first job?
Well, my first job out of college was a post-grad internship for a study abroad program in England where I produced all its social media, photography, videography, and communications work. I lived on a beautiful British manor with students on the program, and every day felt like living in Hogwarts. However, my first-ever job was in high school when I was a cook and waiter at the local Pizza Hut. Yes, slinging dough is quite different from international education, but it taught me about service and being kind to people–two things the world needs.

What does international education mean for you?
International education means sharing perspectives between different cultures. It means learning beyond a classroom and enriching empathy. I was a first-generation college student from an area where most people don’t leave. My study abroad experience was my first time leaving my home country, and I cannot articulate how that changed me. I’m so lucky to play a role in helping other people from around the world gain different global perspectives as well.

What is one of the most satisfying outcomes you’ve helped a client to achieve?
At my previous institution, I helped the international student intake rise from just a few international athletes to an incoming class of over 50 international students from around the world in two years. I am proud of the hard work I did to bring diversity to its international student population!

What is your favourite book?
I was an English major, so I’ve read my share of classics. My favorite book of all time is To Kill a Mockingbird. I love how it is still so culturally relevant over 50 years after being written. If we’re talking non-classics, I am extremely obsessed with The Hunger Games. Like… so obsessed I may or may not have run a Hunger Games fan Twitter account back when the original books and movies were premiering. My The Hunger Games obsession is probably the most random thing about me!

What is your dream travel destination? Why?
Traveling is my favorite thing to do, and I’ve been lucky to do it a lot for work. I have travel goals for decades. By 30, I wanted to visit 50 countries (I made it). By 40, I want to visit the “Seven Wonders of the World.” I have three left! By 50, I want to make it to all seven continents, so I guess my ultimate travel destination is Antarctica–that one’s a little difficult.

What is your favourite food to eat with friends?
I could have Italian for every meal, so I do love a good pizza or pasta place. However, a nice thing about living in Nashville is you can get some outstanding barbeque. I love taking that in with friends!

What is something you’ve learned from somebody inspirational?
“Being fearless means that you have a lot of fears, but you jump anyways.” -Taylor Swift

What was your favourite subject at high school or university?
Feature writing. I love telling stories, and everyone has at least one good one to tell. I’ve written several feature articles and interviewed a lot of people. I also do photography as a hobby/side job. Every time I post photos from a photo session, I interview my subjects and share a small feature about them. From my journalism classes to my photography to my traveling the world, I’ve learned that everyone’s story is important. The stories that make people who they are deserve to be shared.