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In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge welcomes Michelle Gruening, personal growth coach, keynote speaker, and author of Stop Doomscrolling. Michelle shares her inspiring journey—from working with Walt Disney World to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro—and how she now helps entrepreneurs break through limitations and achieve radical clarity. Together, Josh and Michelle dive into the importance of defining success on your own terms, combating imposter syndrome, and taking intentional action for personal and professional fulfillment.

Michelle Gruening’s mission through MG Coaching is to help first-time entrepreneurs and driven professionals realize that professional success doesn’t always equal personal fulfillment. Having spent over 20 years in leadership and customer service roles across industries—from Disney’s FairyTale Weddings to international art museums to building global customer success teams—Michelle learned firsthand how societal expectations can lead people away from their true passions. Today, she empowers her clients to define success for themselves and encourages them to create goals that align with their authentic desires, not someone else's definition of achievement.

One powerful theme Michelle shares in this episode is the concept of breaking free from “comfort zone paralysis.” She encourages individuals to identify the red flags in their life and business—especially when those red flags are internal. By fostering a growth mindset, Michelle teaches clients how to move past fear, perfectionism, and limiting beliefs. Her approach combines tough love coaching with the encouragement needed to take bold steps toward transformation. As she explains, whether it’s climbing literal mountains like Kilimanjaro or metaphorical ones like launching a new business, success requires commitment, self-awareness, and radical ownership of your choices.

Michelle’s recent passion project, Stop Doomscrolling, perfectly complements her coaching philosophy. The activity book is designed to help people curb the unhealthy habit of endless social media scrolling and instead engage in activities that foster real-world joy and connection. Through mindfulness exercises, journaling prompts, puzzles, and creative outlets, Michelle provides tools that encourage readers to be more present, more intentional, and more fulfilled.

Michelle Gruening is a personal growth coach, keynote speaker, and author dedicated to helping first-time entrepreneurs and professionals achieve radical clarity in life and business. After two decades in customer service and leadership at companies like Walt Disney World and international art institutions, Michelle left behind the status quo to pursue a life defined by purpose. Within a year, she summited Mount Kilimanjaro, authored Stop Doomscrolling, and launched MG Coaching. Michelle inspires audiences and clients alike to rewrite their own stories—one bold step at a time—by embracing a growth mindset, making intentional choices, and letting go of toxic environments.

MG Coaching helps first-time entrepreneurs and ambitious professionals create radical clarity in life and business. Through tough love coaching, mastermind groups, and personal growth resources like Stop Doomscrolling, Michelle Gruening provides the tools and support needed to break free from comfort zones, identify self-imposed...

2165 - Sarah Rowan

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In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Jenny Benbrook, founder and CEO of Powerhouse Consulting Group. Jenny brings her expertise in software consulting for the trades industry to the conversation, highlighting how contractors can embrace technology to streamline operations and stay competitive. She also shares her journey of balancing family life and entrepreneurship, and offers insights on empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Jenny explains that while industries like HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, and exterior services such as roofing and siding have historically been slower to adopt digital technologies, the last decade has seen major shifts. Contractors today are increasingly recognizing the benefits of field service management (FSM) software, which consolidates functions like scheduling, inventory management, financial tracking, and dispatching into one cohesive system. Jenny emphasizes that adopting FSM software is no longer optional but essential for businesses that want to thrive in a competitive market.

At Powerhouse Consulting Group, Jenny and her team act as third-party intermediaries to guide businesses through the technology adoption process. They help contractors understand the intricacies of software implementation, identify potential roadblocks, and ensure the selected solutions align with the business’s unique needs. Having external experts manage this process relieves much of the burden for contractors and ensures that digital transformation efforts actually lead to improved efficiency and profitability.

Beyond technology, Jenny also touches on the growing number of women stepping into leadership roles within the trades industry. Trade organizations are offering programs that support women’s professional growth, helping them develop confidence and technical expertise. Jenny believes that women bring a unique combination of emotional intelligence and strategic thinking that strengthens businesses across the sector, and she encourages more women to claim their seat at the table.

Jenny Benbrook is the founder and CEO of Powerhouse Consulting Group, a firm specializing in software consulting services for the trades industry. With a strong background in helping contractors modernize their operations, Jenny’s mission is to empower businesses to navigate the complexities of digital transformation successfully. She is also passionate about promoting leadership opportunities for women in the trades and balancing her career with raising her family.

Powerhouse Consulting Group provides software consulting services tailored to the needs of home and exterior service contractors. The firm specializes in guiding companies through the adoption of field service management technology, offering ongoing support to ensure successful implementation. Their team bridges the gap between software providers and businesses, delivering customized strategies that drive operational efficiency and sustainable growth.

• Powerhouse Consulting Group Website
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