We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ellen Busch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ellen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of The biggest risks I took in writing (dis)Empowered was choosing to be completely authentic—exposing my deepest pain, trauma, and vulnerabilities to the
world. Sharing my experiences of abuse, loss, and bullying was terrifying because it meant opening myself up to judgment, criticism, and those who might try to diminish my story. Writing about trauma isn’t just reliving it—it’s giving others access to the most personal parts of my life, knowing that not everyone will be kind.
But I knew that telling my truth mattered. My book isn’t just about pain; it’s about resilience, healing, and thriving despite the darkness. The fear of being misunderstood or attacked was real, but the purpose behind (dis)Empowered—to help others find their strength—was greater than my fear. Taking this risk meant stepping into the unknown, unsure of how my story would be received. But through it, I found not only my voice but a way to empower others to reclaim theirs. Writing this book was an act of courage, and in doing so, I transformed fear into purpose, proving that healing is possible—and that no one has to walk that
journey alone.

Taking this risk meant stepping into the unknown, unsure of how my story would be received. But through it, I found not only my voice but a way to empower others to reclaim theirs. Writing this book was an act of courage, and in doing so, I transformed fear into purpose, proving that healing is possible—and that no one has to walk that journey alone.

Ellen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Ellen Busch—author, life coach, and advocate for personal empowerment. My journey has been shaped by overcoming obstacles, from being diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and labeled as academically incapable to surviving an abusive marriage and rebuilding my life from the ground up. My book, *(dis)Empowered*, chronicles this journey and serves as a beacon of hope for those who have ever felt trapped, undervalued, or defined by their past.
I got into coaching because I know firsthand how difficult it is to break free from limiting beliefs and societal expectations. For years, I struggled with low self-worth, chronic underemployment, and toxic relationships, believing I wasn’t enough. But through therapy, coaching, and even rigorous training with Navy SEALs, I learned how to take back my power. Now, I help others do the same.

As a life coach, I specialize in helping people reclaim their confidence, set healthy boundaries, and pursue their full potential. I work with clients who feel stuck—whether personally, professionally, or emotionally—and guide them through transformational change. My coaching is unique because it’s rooted in both my personal experiences and my extensive training in resilience, mindset shifts, and personal growth. I help clients solve problems by helping them dismantle self-doubt, recognize patterns, and build the confidence to take control of their lives. Whether someone is recovering from trauma, navigating a career transition, or simply seeking greater fulfillment, I provide the tools and support they need to move forward with strength and clarity.
What sets me apart is my lived experience. I don’t just coach from theory—I’ve been there. I understand what it’s like to feel powerless, and I also know what it takes to reclaim that power. My work is deeply personal, and my greatest pride comes from seeing my clients step into their confidence, embrace their potential, and thrive. At the heart of my brand is the belief that no one is beyond transformation. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve endured, you have the ability to rewrite your story. Through my book, coaching, and advocacy, I am dedicated to helping others break free from limitations and step into a life of empowerment, purpose, and success.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey was when I decided to pursue higher education despite being labeled as “incapable” due to my dyslexia. From an early age, I was told that academic success was beyond my reach, and for years, I carried the weight of that belief. But deep down, I refused to accept that my potential was limited.
Determined to prove to myself that I was more than the labels placed on me, I enrolled in college. The challenges were relentless—reading and processing information took me twice as long as my peers, and self-doubt loomed over me constantly. But I had already learned resilience through real-world experiences—navigating the ocean, training as a skier, and pushing through physical and mental obstacles. I applied the same mindset to my education, leaning on adaptive strategies, seeking help when needed, and refusing to give up. Quitting was never an option. Not only did I earn my bachelor’s degree, but I went on to achieve a master’s as well. That journey was more than just academic—it was a testament to my resilience, proving that I could rise above any obstacle. Now, through my book (dis)Empowered and my life coaching work, I help others reclaim their power and push past the limitations they’ve been told define them.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I wasn’t enough. From an early age, I was told that my dyslexia defined my potential, that academic success was out of reach, and that I should lower my expectations for what I could achieve. That belief shaped how I saw myself for years—I accepted being undervalued, underemployed, and mistreated because, deep down, I thought that was all I deserved. This mindset followed me into adulthood, where I endured toxic work environments, an abusive marriage, and relentless self-doubt. But after escaping that marriage I was forced to confront the truth: the only thing holding me back was the belief that I wasn’t worthy of more. Through therapy, coaching, and intense training with Navy SEALs, I learned to rewrite
my narrative. I realized that my worth wasn’t defined by external validation, but by my resilience, strength, and determination. I had to unlearn the idea that I wasn’t enough and replace it with the truth—I am capable, strong, and deserving of a life where I thrive. Now, through my book (dis)Empowered and my life coaching, I help others break free from their own limiting beliefs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ellenbusch.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenbusch1500/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006877515457
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-busch