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In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Steve Lucas, CEO of Boomi and author of Digital Impact: The Human Element of AI-Driven Transformation. Steve shares his deep insights into the intersection of technology and humanity, emphasizing how leaders can navigate AI-driven transformation while keeping the human element at the center. This conversation offers practical guidance for business leaders who want to embrace AI, simplify complexity, and create meaningful change in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The conversation opens on a personal note as Steve describes his love for cars, particularly his project of restoring a 2001 Acura Integra with his son. This hands-on project, alongside his passion for gardening, illustrates Steve’s belief in reconnecting with tangible, real-world experiences—especially in a time when technology can sometimes feel overwhelming. For Steve, working on cars or nurturing a garden isn’t just a hobby; it's a way to stay grounded, strengthen family bonds, and maintain mental health amid the nonstop pace of digital life.

This theme of balancing technology with humanity is central to Steve’s new book, Digital Impact. He stresses that digital transformation should simplify life, not make it more complicated. Too often, the promise of productivity from new tools leads to frustration instead. Organizations must address digital fragmentation—where too many disconnected apps and systems make it harder to work effectively. Steve advocates for a human-first approach, where technology genuinely serves people, not the other way around.

Steve also shares real-world examples that reinforce this idea, from the Australian Red Cross scaling critical services during a crisis, to connected technologies improving diabetes care. These stories illustrate how thoughtful integration and responsible use of AI can produce transformative, life-saving outcomes. Leaders who invest in robust infrastructure and prioritize the human experience in AI adoption will not only future-proof their organizations but also create lasting, positive impact in their communities.

Steve Lucas is a seasoned executive with nearly 30 years of experience in enterprise software leadership. As the CEO of Boomi, he drives the company’s mission to connect the world through innovative technology. Prior to Boomi, Steve served as CEO of Marketo and iCIMS, and held senior executive roles at Adobe, SAP, Salesforce, and BusinessObjects. His leadership experience spans sales, marketing, and product innovation. Beyond his professional achievements, Steve is a passionate advocate for Type 1 diabetes research and serves on the boards of the American Diabetes Association and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Colorado and is a published author.

Published by Wiley, Digital Impact provides a clear, actionable roadmap for business...

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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...

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