My Early Life & Background
My name is Dr. Natalie Guse and I am a mother, a wife, a friend, a neighbor, and a business owner. I live, work, and raise my family in Rancho Santa Margarita.
This community is where my family has put down roots, where my children go to school, and where the rhythm of daily life—school drop-offs, local events, sports games, and neighborhood gatherings—reminds me of the values I grew up with.
I was raised in a small town in Germany where community was the heartbeat of daily life. Neighbors knew one another, cared for one another, and rallied together when someone was in need. Those early lessons in connection, compassion, and responsibility shaped the way I view leadership and continue to guide me today. I also had the privilege of watching my father serve as mayor and county official. From him, I learned that leadership is not about titles or power—it’s about service, sacrifice, and putting people first. It’s a lot of responsibility.
Eighteen years ago, I stepped off a plane at LAX with two suitcases and a belief in the American Dream.
How My Story Shaped My Purpose
My education began in Germany with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Economics and an MBA in Public Administration. I later completed my Doctorate in Business Administration here in the US.
These academic experiences, combined with my professional journey, deepened my understanding of how decisions at every level—local, national, and international—affect people’s lives, businesses, finances, and prosperity.
But my decision to run isn’t about power or titles—it’s about what I’ve witnessed happening in RSM. When our City Council left the the Boys & Girls Club no other choice than closing their doors in RSM, leaving families without a safe and supportive place for their kids, I saw how out-of-touch leadership can harm a community.
This was not just any organization—it was a lifeline for families. To force out an organization that cared for and supported our children felt not only shortsighted but cruel.
It also made me realize how far removed our current leadership has become from the community they are supposed to serve.
Biography
I’m an industry expert in business consulting, economics, marketing, and social media strategy. Early in my career, I became one of the first adopters of social media marketing, blending it with traditional strategies to deliver measurable impact.
One of my most meaningful projects was helping the City of Stuttgart—one of the twelve host cities for the FIFA Soccer World Cup—attract more tourists, residents, and businesses through an innovative marketing approach that boosted the city’s economic prosperity.
In 2008, I decided to follow my dream and begin a new chapter in the United States. Nearly a decade later, I founded Go Thrive Marketing, a digital agency built around creating inspiring and effective business strategies that help businesses grow authentically.
Most recently, in 2024, I co-founded Nicola Office of Architecture (NOA) with my husband, architect Nicholas Nicola. Together, we lead a firm specializing in luxury hospitality projects for renowned clients, including Montage and other respected names in the industry.
Every step of my journey has been driven by creativity, strategy, and a deep belief in purposeful leadership.
Areas of concern
My concerns reflect what residents feel every day: higher costs, fewer programs, and less accountability.
Wasteful Spending & Ego Projects
Demographic Changes & Decreasing Revenue
A city hall that’s no longer listening
City Revenue needs to adapt with growing cost
City council cuts community programs
Safety and Resident Wellbeing
"True leadership is rooted in humility — it’s about listening, serving, and creating growth that uplifts the entire community."
My priorities
I’m focused on transparent leadership, smart budgeting, and thoughtful community investment. My goal is to support programs that improve quality of life — from youth enrichment and safety to parks, infrastructure, and long-term financial sustainability.