Kelly Services “What You Can’t Be When You Grow Up”

Director: Doug Walker

Director Doug Walker teamed with Kelly Services and Erich & Kallman Agency to create a short, powerful film highlighting the barriers that keep millions of Americans from reaching their career potential.

The film begins with a familiar question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Kids enthusiastically shout firefighter, astronaut, teacher, scientist, and business leader—but quickly, real-world statistics and systemic barriers emerge. Less than 2% of teachers are Black men. A nonviolent criminal record can block entry into many fields. And even veterans with skills can be passed over for jobs that require a college degree they may not have.
Through these candid and challenging exchanges, the story illustrates the unfairness of outdated hiring practices and the ways they prevent talented people from achieving their dreams. The tone is honest, direct, and thought-provoking, showing both the aspirations of everyday Americans and the obstacles standing in their way.

Kelly Services’ message is clear: these barriers aren’t inevitable—they can be addressed. By advocating for equity in the workplace and connecting individuals to opportunities through modern hiring solutions, Kelly is working to create a system where potential isn’t wasted, and everyone has a fair shot at success.

Visually, the film balances intimate, conversational interviews with moments that emphasize both possibility and limitation, reinforcing the contrast between aspiration and reality.

At its core, “What You Can’t Be When You Grow Up” is a call to action. It challenges viewers to rethink the structures that limit opportunity and invites them to join Kelly Services in building a more equitable workforce—where a child’s dream isn’t restricted by bias or outdated rules, but supported by real pathways to success.