I’m Michelle Gruening, and I work with high-performing women who are ready to stop hiding from their own potential and start leading with clarity and intention.

For almost 20 years, I led teams at organizations like Walt Disney World, Starbucks, and global SaaS companies. That experience shaped how I lead and coach today, but it’s not the point.

The point is this: leadership starts with how you lead yourself. When that foundation is strong, everything else follows.

Here’s what I know to be true. High-achieving women don’t get stuck because they lack capability or ambition. They stall at the edge of growth, when the next level asks for cleaner decisions, higher standards, and a different way of thinking.

My work exists to help women close that gap.

As a Maxwell Leadership Certified Trainer, Speaker, and Coach, I bring proven leadership frameworks into my 1-on-1 coaching, leadership training, and speaking work. My approach is direct, focused, and deeply invested in momentum. I don’t coddle excuses or overcomplicate the process.

I help women clarify their direction, cut through internal resistance, and follow through on what actually matters.

Through it all, my mission stays the same: to help women stop negotiating with their potential and step fully into the leader they already are.

Outside of my work, you’ll find me hiking Colorado’s mountains, traveling the world (up next: Croatia), getting lost in epic fantasy novels, or adventuring with my husband.

Our late rescue dog, Macklin, remains a deep part of who I am and is a constant reminder to bring more joy, presence, and whimsy into life.

If you’re ready to lead yourself at a higher level and move forward with clarity and intention, let’s start the conversation.