Check Out Ellen Busch’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Busch.

Hi Ellen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From an early age, Ellen Busch was diagnosed with dyslexia—an academic death sentence in the eyes of many. In a single moment, her self-esteem was shattered, and her potential dismissed. But while the traditional classroom failed her, her parents refused to let her be defined by labels. Instead, they nurtured her education beyond textbooks, teaching her how to navigate her father’s boat, understand and respect the ocean, and develop resilience through real-world experiences. They encouraged her to participate in team sports, embark on a two-week Outward Bound expedition, and earn her scuba diving certification at just 17. As a young adult, she became an expert skier and instructor, discovering a deep love for adventure and the challenges that came with it. These experiences shaped her perseverance, ultimately empowering her to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree—defying the limitations imposed on her by dyslexia.

Despite her academic and personal achievements, Ellen continued to struggle with low self-esteem and chronic underemployment. She frequently found herself the target of bullies and predators, reinforcing the belief that she was never enough. After surviving an abusive marriage, she was forced to confront not just her trauma but also the limiting beliefs that had held her back for so long. The sudden loss of her parents—her strongest advocates—was another devastating blow, but it became a turning point. With the support of coaches, therapists, and rigorous training alongside Navy SEALs, Ellen reclaimed her power, rewrote her narrative, and stepped into a life of confidence and purpose.
Her debut book, (dis)Empowered, chronicles her journey through academic and domestic abuse, resilience, and ultimate transformation. Published in May 2023, her story serves as a beacon of hope for those who have been told they are not enough. Today, Ellen resides in Colorado, where she continues to embrace adventure—whether carving down ski slopes, telemark skiing through fresh powder, or exploring the limitless possibilities of the world beyond.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been far from a smooth road—my journey has been filled with obstacles, but each one has shaped me into the person I am today.

From the moment I was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, I was told I would never succeed academically. That label shattered my confidence and left me feeling like I wasn’t enough. Despite this, my parents refused to let me be defined by the imposed limitations. They encouraged me to learn through hands-on experiences—navigating the ocean, mastering adventure sports, and ultimately proving to myself that I was capable of more than the world expected of me.

Even after earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, the challenges didn’t end. I struggled with chronic underemployment, low self-esteem, and being a target for bullies and predators. Escaping an abusive marriage forced me to confront deep-seated trauma and the limiting beliefs that had held me back for so long. Losing my parents—the people who had been my unwavering support—was another devastating blow, but it pushed me to learn how to heal, rebuild, and ask for help.

Through therapy, coaching, and even training alongside Navy SEALs, I learned how to reclaim my power and truly thrive. Writing (dis)Empowered was part of that journey—transforming my pain into purpose and showing others that no matter how difficult the road, it is always possible to rise.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in helping individuals reclaim their power, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. My work is deeply rooted in my own experiences, as shared in my book (dis)Empowered, where I detail my journey of overcoming academic struggles, personal trauma, and limiting beliefs.

As a life coach, I guide clients through mindset shifts, perseverance strategies, and self-empowerment techniques. I am most proud of the impact my story has had on others—helping them see that transformation is possible. What sets me apart is my lived experience and my ability to help others develop the long-game mindset needed to thrive.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is the feeling of perseverance paying off—seeing progress, whether in my own life or in the lives of those I help. Overcoming the challenges I wrote about in (dis)Empowered taught me the value of resilience, and nothing brings me more joy than using my experiences to empower others.

Adventure also fuels my happiness—whether skiing down fresh powder, telemark skiing, or exploring the outdoors. These experiences remind me of my strength, freedom, and ability to push past limitations. I also find joy in self-care practices like yoga, meditation, and spending time in silence, which help me stay grounded and connected to myself.

Equally important is time with friends—sharing laughter, deep conversations, and meaningful experiences with people who uplift and inspire me. These connections, along with my personal growth and outdoor adventures, bring fulfillment and purpose to my life.

Contact Info:

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