Episode 53: From Pager Sales to Legal Powerhouse in Screening with Kellie O’Shea

Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros hosted by Les Rosen

Send us a text

She sold beepers from a car trunk—and now she shapes the future of background screening law. This is Kellie O’Shea’s journey.
In this unforgettable episode, I sit down with Kellie O’Shea, General Counsel at Creative Services, Inc. (CSI) and PBSA Board Member, to talk about hustle, heart, and the “it depends” moments that make up life as a background screening pro.

We talk grit, growth, and the unique path Kellie carved—balancing law school, a full-time job, and an unwavering belief in the mission of background screening. This one’s full of personal anecdotes, real-life advice, and yes… a healthy dose of humor (and a meat raffle or two).

Whether you’re a veteran in the field or someone just stepping into the screening space, Kellie’s story reminds us why what we do matters—deeply.

🔑 Key Takeaways From This Episode:

1. The Purpose Behind the Process
   Kellie shares why background screening is more than a job—it’s a mission to help companies make better, safer decisions for society.
2. From Beepers to Legal Briefs
   Her unconventional career path, including selling pagers and returning to the industry as a “boomerang,” offers inspiration for anyone finding their way.
3. “It Depends” Isn’t a Cop-Out—It’s a Legal Lens
   Hear how Kellie embraced the complexity of compliance and now leads with a blend of risk analysis and practical empathy.
4. What It Means to Serve on the PBSA Board
   From shaping legislation on Capitol Hill to learning from industry giants like Judy Gootkind, Kellie’s journey is a masterclass in leadership through service.
5. Life Beyond the Screens
   Whether it’s boating on Lake Massapoag or conquering a fear of flying to visit Dubai, Kellie reminds us that balance, humor, and community matter just as much as policy and process.

Connect with US:

• Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/
• Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

This podcast is sponsored by:
The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/