Story & Lesson Highlights with Ellyse Grant of Greater Philadelphia

Ellyse Grant shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Ellyse, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me starts with intention—I wake up with a grateful heart, make my bed, speak an affirmation, and check my calendar to ground myself in what needs my attention. From there, my day varies. It can include responding to emails, prepping for meetings or presentations, reviewing contracts or bylaws, or attending a networking or volunteer event. I also stay active with the nonprofit I’m involved in, so some days include planning or attending those engagements. Despite how full my schedule gets, I prioritize work-life balance—spending quality time with my daughters, family, and friends, and making space for self-care.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Ellyse Grant, a certified women’s empowerment life coach and the founder of We Need to Talk Coach LLC, based in Philadelphia. I help busy, ambitious women prioritize themselves, set boundaries without guilt, and reclaim their power—both personally and professionally.

My journey began with navigating my own transitions and learning how to say “no” without apology. That led me to create workshops, coaching programs, and resources that support women in building confidence, preventing burnout, and living with intention. One of my signature offerings is The Power of No: Setting Boundaries Without Guilt, which has resonated deeply with women from all walks of life.

What makes my work unique is how I blend real-life experience, professional insight, and heart-centered coaching. I meet women where they are and walk with them as they grow—whether through one-on-one sessions, teen empowerment events, or corporate and community workshops.

I was recently elected parliamentarian for the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia’s Network of Extraordinary Talent, where I support emerging Black professionals through civic engagement and leadership. I also proudly serve as a member of the Mayor’s Office of Engagement for Women in the City of Philadelphia, working to amplify women’s voices and advocate for equity throughout our communities.

Right now, I’m expanding into more public speaking, collaborative panels, and gender-inclusive business events focused on boundary-setting, mental wellness, and sustainable success. My work is rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and reminding women that they are allowed to take up space.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling empowered was actually when I was around five years old. It might sound a little funny, but it stuck with me. My dad kept asking me what I wanted—either for Christmas or my birthday—and I kept rattling off the usual: a baby doll, a Barbie, some lipstick. But he kept pressing, “Are you sure? Is that really what you want?” I could tell he didn’t quite believe me, and in that moment, I paused and really thought about it.

Then I said, “I want money.”

And while I’m not someone who’s driven by money—I’m much more passion- and purpose-driven—that was a moment of clarity for me as a child. It was the first time I remember confidently voicing what I truly wanted, not just what I thought someone else wanted to hear. I realized even then that with money, I could make my own choices—whether I wanted a skateboard, a new bike, or nail polish. That simple shift from people-pleasing to speaking my truth made me feel powerful. And in many ways, that mindset still guides me today.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me that I’m far more resilient than I ever realized. Unlike success, which can sometimes come with ease or validation, struggle forces you to dig deep—it challenges your mindset, your creativity, and your ability to pivot. It’s taught me that a “no” isn’t always a rejection; sometimes it’s a redirection or a necessary pause for something better.

Suffering has also shown me that even when things don’t work out the way I hoped, the act of trying—that courage to start—is a success in itself. It builds grit. It teaches humility. And it reminds me that growth often comes through discomfort.

Success is beautiful, but when things always go smoothly, you’re rarely pushed to evolve. Suffering, as difficult as it can be, teaches you to rise, to reflect, and to keep going. And that depth of growth is something success alone has never given me.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
For me, I try not to follow the trends or fads that come and go on social media—because by nature, fads are temporary. As an empowerment coach, I focus on what I know to be foundational: self-care, intentional living, setting boundaries, and prioritizing mental wellness. These aren’t just 30-day challenges or buzzwords—they’re part of a sustained movement toward lasting personal growth and healing.

That’s how I differentiate between a fad and a foundational shift—by asking, “Is this something that creates real change over time?” I stay grounded in my truth and lead authentically, and I trust that doing so will attract the women who are meant to hear my message and grow from it.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in nature—when the world slows down and my nervous system feels calm and regulated. Peace finds me when I’m not anxious, not afraid, but grounded, confident, and bold.

It’s in the quiet moments: walking alone, listening to birds chirp, kicking pebbles with my feet, or picking up branches on a trail. It’s feeling the ocean water roll over my toes, lying in the grass, gazing up at the sky, and simply being grateful to be alive and able to witness the beauty around me.

I find peace in stillness, in solitude, and also in the warmth of connection—being near people who soothe me, who make me feel safe. And nothing brings me more peace than hearing my children laugh or seeing joy light up their faces.

That’s where my soul exhales. That’s what peace looks like to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.weneedtotalkcoach.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weneedtotalkcoach/