In this episode of the Circle Back Podcast, host Sam Davidson sits down with Elise Mitchell, a seasoned entrepreneur, PR powerhouse, and executive coach. Elise’s story is filled with unexpected turns, from early entrepreneurial inklings as a child to building a multimillion-dollar communications firm, selling it to a global company, and ultimately returning to Nashville to help other founders navigate their own growth.
From Corporate Climber to Founder
Elise started her career in public relations, working for some of the best firms in Nashville and Memphis. But after moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas, for her husband’s medical career, she was faced with a choice: be bitter or be better. She chose the latter, launching Mitchell Communications Group with just one client—who she boldly pitched on her way out the door.
Scaling Smart Before It Was Trendy
Faced with limited talent in her local market, Elise pioneered a virtual team model, hiring top talent remotely—long before hybrid and remote work became the norm. This allowed her company to scale fast, winning major clients like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and JB Hunt.
The Motorcycle Moment That Changed Everything
As her business grew by over 500%, Elise found herself consumed by work—until an intervention from her family and colleagues forced her to step back. A motorcycle trip through the Alps taught her a critical leadership lesson: “Look through the turn.” Instead of getting fixated on obstacles, she learned to focus on the destination with a journey mindset.
An Exit Strategy That Changed Her Life
Elise hadn’t planned to sell her business, but when global holding company Dentsu came calling, she realized it was time for her next chapter. Selling the company allowed her team to work on a global scale while giving her the opportunity to pivot to a new career first in M&A, then in executive coaching and business consulting.
Giving Back to Nashville’s Entrepreneurial Community
Since returning home to Nashville in 2019, Elise is circling back—helping founders build, scale, and exit their businesses with wisdom, grace, and a clear vision.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear Elise’s incredible journey, her lessons on scaling smartly, and how entrepreneurs can prepare for their own next chapter.
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