EP 214: The MAV Mindset: Laura Gratz

On this episode of MAV’s Coffee Clarity, we’re sitting down with the inspiring Laura Gratz, Board President of The People’s Pantry in Great Barrington and a professional organizer dedicated to helping others bring order and intention into their lives.

Laura shares her journey growing up surrounded by family businesses, where she first learned the value of hard work, community, and self-reliance. She opens up about the importance of valuing your own time and expertise—lessons she now passes on to her kids and community. Laura also offers insight on the value of letting go and the emotional challenges that come with it, offering thoughtful advice on how to honor the past while making space for the future.

Beyond her professional work, Laura talks about the critical role a strong support system plays in both personal growth and organizational success. She reflects on her passion for nonprofit work, her leadership at The People’s Pantry, and her commitment to fostering dignity, kindness, and empowerment in every aspect of her work.

It’s a conversation filled with heart, wisdom, and practical insights you won’t want to miss.

Grab your coffee and tune in—it’s one you don’t want to miss! ☕✨

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"Just ask. What’s the worst that can happen? They say no. That’s the worst that can happen.”

 – Laura Gratz

Key Beans:

• Know your worth. Be sure you are valuing your own time and your own expertise.
• Build a support system around you who sees your potential and pushes you to do more. 
• The answer is always no unless you ask.

 

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Find Laura Here: 

The People’s Pantry: https://www.peoplespantrygb.org/ Since 1999 The People’s Pantry of Great Barrington has served the South Berkshire community, welcoming all who visit. Our mission is to respectfully serve our neighbors experiencing food insecurity by distributing healthy food, locally sourced whenever feasible. 

Organizational Services: https://www.berkshireorganizing.com/ 

Buy tickets to the Upcoming Antiques Roadshow: Fine Art Oil Painting Restoration Benefit

May 4th event at Dewey Hall in Sheffield MA - 100% of the proceeds go to The People’s Pantry: https://www.peoplespantrygb.org/ 

Event: https://www.thepeoplespantrygb.org/events/troy-25 

Troy Fine Art Services: https://troyfineart.com/ 

Specializing in oil painting restoration and conservation for over 35 years.

We handle artworks of all styles and value levels with the highest level of care and expertise.

 

Studios located in Fairfield, CT, and Sheffield/Ashley Falls, MA.

Preserving art, preserving history — one brushstroke at a time.

For consultations or more information, visit: https://troyfineart.com/

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Thank you to our Sponsor!

🎙️ Today's episode is brought to you by Mary Elizabeth — an internationally recognized artist whose work is collected around the world and featured by brands like Neiman Marcus and Pottery Barn. A visit to her New Haven studio, is well worth the trip. Learn more at: https://www.maryelizabethart.com/maryelizabethmarvinofficialwebsite 

Create your own sanctuary, be inspired in your space with Mary Elizabeth abstract art.

=========Stay Connected:

Subscribe to the Biweekly Brew and learn more about the services of Denise @  www.DeniseDiGrigoli.com 

Follow on Instagram: @mavscoffeeclarity 

https://www.youtube.com/@MavsCoffeeClarity 

https://substack.com/@denisedigrigoli 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisedigrigoli/ 

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If you just found me, welcome! And if you're a regular listener, welcome back! This is where I interview fascinating people from all walks of life—entrepreneurs, creatives, performers, athletes—forward-thinking individuals who have found the silver lining in their fiascos and challenges (and can laugh about it!). It’s business and life hacks—the real beans! Fresh ideas to inspire you and help you #MOVEFORWARD. We’re real. Unedited. Authentic. Like coffee with a friend—conversations and stories you can trust, infused with humor! We tape live in short formats—18, 27, or 36 minutes max—because we’ve got stuff to do! #ThankYou #Podcast #MavsCoffeeClarity #MoveForward #PEACEOUT