Thinking That Matters with Elizabeth Mahusay

The thoughts you nurture become the life you build. In this episode, James Jenkins—entrepreneur, podcast host, and community leader—joins me for a raw and insightful conversation about how our thinking shapes everything: our businesses, our relationships, our parenting, and even our sense of self. We dive into what happens when unexamined thoughts turn toxic—and how James learned (the hard way) to...

What if your greatest impact came from showing up small—but on purpose?   In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with two dynamic women who’ve mastered the art of doing just that: Jennifer Klassen and Andrea Day. Together, they explore how community-rooted business ownership and local nonprofit work can collide to create life-changing results—especially for those society often overlo...

Are your thoughts helping you move forward—or holding you back? In this honest and heart-stirring episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with Jennifer Bruschman, development manager at Hugs Café Inc., to explore how choosing faith over fear—and intention over assumption—can radically transform your life. Jennifer shares her deeply personal journey through divorce, career pivots, and rediscov...

What if the biggest challenge of your life became the foundation for your purpose?    In this powerful episode of Thinking That Matters, Elizabeth Mahusay sits down with Patrick, co-owner of Cryo N More in McKinney, Texas, to share an inspiring story of resilience, transformation, and the healing power of holistic wellness.   This isn’t just another small business success story. Patrick’s journey—...

🎙️ What if the key to your next breakthrough isn’t working harder—but thinking differently? In this episode of Thinking That Matters, Elizabeth Mahusay sits down with award-winning speaker, author, and entrepreneur Victor Johnson of Be the Victor Consulting to talk about how choosing to operate with excellence over mediocrity and authenticity over performance can radically change your business, yo...

What happens when a doctor, single mom, and woman of faith says “yes” to public service—even when life feels messy? In this episode of Thinking I sit down with Dr. Geré Feltus, a family physician and city councilwoman, to explore what it means to lead with purpose, stay anchored in faith, and serve your community with courage—even when the path isn’t clear. Dr. Geré opens up about the real-life ch...

What if your greatest healing came from embracing the parts of yourself others told you didn’t belong?   In this soul-nourishing episode of Thinking That Matters, Elizabeth Mahusay sits down with singer-songwriter Kelvin Thomas—a gifted artist, devoted father, and deep thinker—to explore how creativity, faith, and identity intersect when life takes an unexpected turn.   🔥 What You’ll Discover: Ho...

What if advocacy isn’t just for politicians or activists—but for everyday people like you?   In this episode of Thinking That Matters, host Elizabeth Mahusay sits down with Kelly Rudiger, a real estate professional and lifelong advocate whose passion for people and policy runs deep. From city council meetings to courtroom testimonies, Kelly has made a life out of showing up, speaking up, and stand...

What if the most powerful prison isn't made of bars—but of your beliefs? In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with David Rose—ordained minister, author of Resurrecting David, Christian rap artist, and Assistant Director of Fresh Start Christian Sober Living. David shares his powerful story of addiction, redemption, and the daily choice to renew his mind through God’s Word. What sta...

What if the solution to your health isn’t another pill? In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with Kelly Turns—pharmaceutical rep, co-owner of Botanic Life, and advocate for holistic wellness. What began as a personal health crisis at 45 led Kelly to question everything she knew about medicine. Her journey—from chronic fatigue and seven medications to discovering gluten as the root...

What would shift in your workplace if failure wasn’t feared—but embraced as a tool for trust, growth, and innovation? In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with my friend and Leadership McKinney classmate Joshua Munoz, Production Manager at Encore Wire. Joshua leads a high-stakes operation where precision is critical—but what makes his leadership remarkable is the culture he helps f...

What if your biggest career breakthrough came from saying “yes” to something that wasn’t part of the plan? In this episode, I’m joined by Aaron Werner, Executive Director of Visit McKinney, as we explore his inspiring journey from Florida to Texas—and how a passion for community turned into a fulfilling career in municipal leadership. First off, Aaron shares how an unexpected start in marketing op...

Have you ever felt a shift in your passions—and wondered if it was okay to change direction? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow Leadership McKinney classmate, Molly Courtright. Molly shares her remarkable journey from a lifelong passion for theater to her current role as Events and Community Engagement Director at the McKinney Chamber of Commerce.   Together, we explor...

What if the very thing you’ve spent your life trying to fix… isn’t broken? In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, I sit down with Nina and Lee Reeves—two passionate professionals reshaping the way we think about stuttering. Nina is a nationally recognized speech-language therapist specializing in children and adolescents who stutter. Lee, a retired veterinarian and lifelong stutterer, offers p...

What happens when you lead from a place of authenticity, stay curious about others, and lean into what lights you up? In this heart-centered episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with my fellow Leadership McKinney classmate, Miranda Talley.   Miranda is the General Manager of Community Impact for McKinney, a role she never expected but one that fits her perfectly. Together, they explore Mir...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Buggs, a seasoned higher education administrator with nearly 20 years of experience, to explore her journey of transforming educational environments and championing student success.   Michelle shares how her own college experience gave her the support and visibility she had longed for—igniting a passion to create those same empowering spaces...

How Do You Lead With Impact Across Different Companies and Industries? Leadership isn’t about where you work—it’s about how you show up. Navigating different corporate environments requires adaptability, strong decision-making, and the ability to build lasting relationships. Whether stepping into a new role or leading an established team, successful leaders understand how to create impact, no matt...

Are You Focused on Bringing Value or Just Making the Sale? In a world full of distractions and sales gimmicks, what truly sets apart those who succeed? In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with my friend Lyndol Woodruff to talk about what really matters in sales, business, and life—bringing value, making smart decisions, and building real connections. As the owner of Woodruff Windo...

What if the key to thriving in leadership is learning to let go of pride and embrace mentorship?   In this insightful episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with Keturah Boston, a Children's Ministry Pastor and dynamic leader with a passion for organizational structure, strategy, and leadership development. From her roots in Brooklyn, New York, to her current role in North Dallas, Keturah sh...

Are you running your business, or is it running you?   Many business owners get so caught up in the daily grind that they never take a step back to plan for the future. Without financial strategy and leadership, growth can feel like a guessing game. So, how do you take control?   In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with Graham Brooks, Managing Partner at MMB Tax CPA and a fellow c...

How do you go from feeling out of place in a networking event to running a thriving business? What happens when you step into a networking event for the first time and feel completely out of place?    Jason Liu, owner of NSW Electric (Never Stop Working), shares how he went from feeling like an outsider to building a thriving electrical business through persistence, relationship-building, and a wi...

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ken Ussery, a life coach, and founder of Family Redesign. Ken shares his incredible journey from 40 years in ministry to creating a nonprofit that helps blended families navigate their unique challenges. With personal stories of faith, resilience, and transformation, Ken reveals key insights on overcoming hardships,...

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with Trish and Mark Littlejohn, the dynamic duo behind Trimark Home Construction. As business partners and life partners, they share their journey of entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges, and the values that drive their success.  Trish and Mark Littlejohn open up about their unique career paths and the story behind Trimark Home Construction....

Today, I sat down with Jeffery Mercier, a project manager at Blue Hawk Construction and a passionate advocate for personal development. Jeffery shares his powerful journey of overcoming addiction, finding confidence through Toastmasters, and learning the importance of vulnerability in both life and business.   We discuss: ✅ His path to sobriety after a 2020 DWI and the lessons learned ✅ How Toas...

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I had the pleasure of chatting with Davina Gazo Stampfel, executive director of McKinney Repertory Theater (MRT) and a passionate advocate for the arts. As a fellow member of Leadership McKinney’s Class of 2025, I was excited to dive into how theater isn’t just about performing—it’s about building connections, fostering empathy, and transforming lives. Dav...