Teeter Talks with Marissa Teeter

On this joyous episode of Teeter Talks, I had the pleasure of chatting with my friend Kristy Miller, founder and CEO of The Scented Market. Kristy’s journey began with a simple idea—creating handmade, eco-friendly candles—and has since blossomed into a thriving business that radiates warmth and purpose. A true powerhouse, Kristy is a role model for women everywhere, showing what it means to pursue your dreams and succeed as an entrepreneur. Throughout her career, she’s fostered a work culture centered on kindness and purpose, leading her team with empathy and authenticity. Her dedication to sustainability, community, and quality, combined with her passion for mentoring others, makes her a powerful voice in leadership and brand-building. This conversation sheds light on the impact of thoughtful leadership and the importance of staying true to your vision in business and beyond.

Join us as we dive into these topics: 

• Kristy's journey into the food truck business, inspired by time spent with her grandfather.
• Navigating a male-dominated industry, where Kristy reflects on pressures faced as a female entrepreneur to downplay her success or make up stories to fit in.
• Transitioning from managing a fleet of food trucks to founding The Scented Market, driven by her role as a mother and her strong community ties.
• Defining good leadership as putting oneself at the bottom and walking alongside the team to grow together, emphasizing supporting your team so they can also become leaders.
• Balancing life as a CEO and mother, the importance of teaching children about entrepreneurship's sacrifices and hard work by including them in the process and navigating the journey together.
• Kristy's experience on Dragon's Den, from initial rejection to a turning point in her career, ultimately propelling her success in the scented product market.
• Highlighting the importance of celebrating every win, involving others in those moments, and taking time to reflect on each accomplishment.
  
  

As a mother and entrepreneur, it was such a joy to have Kristy on the podcast. Her authenticity and heart truly shine through this conversation, and I hope, like me, you’re leaving feeling inspired and empowered by the power of hard work. What’s one thing you can do today to help someone else grow—personally or professionally? If this conversation resonated with you, please take a moment to leave a rating and review. Be sure to check out the links below to connect with Kristy. Thank you, as always, for being a part of the Teeter Talks community!

Use code TEETERTALKS15 to receive 15% off your next order from The Scented Market

Kristy’s Links:
The Scented MarketWebsite: The Scented Market
The Scented Market Instagram: The Scented Market
Krisy’s Instagram: Kristy Miller
Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington: Children's Foundation 

Marissa's Links:
• Marissa's Website
• Marissa's Instagram
• Teeter Talks Instagram
• Marissa's LinkedIn

On this episode of Teeter Talks, I had the pleasure of talking with my friend Jamie Burr, a leading sports scientist and the Vice President of High Performance for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jamie’s journey spans both research labs and the NHL, where he implements high-performance methods and inspiring new approaches while collaborating with elite athletes, Olympians, and even those of us simply looking to optimize our everyday lives. Jamie has been instrumental in advancing high-performance practices, driving innovation, and mentoring others in the art and science of optimization. His work is redefining what it means to lead in sports science by merging research with practical, real-world applications both on and off the rink.

Join us as we dive into these topics:

• The concept of high performance as a lifestyle choice, not limited to athletes, but available to anyone striving for personal growth and consistency.
• The impacts of cannabis on performance, along with insights from Jamie’s work on blood flow restriction and its application to rehabilitation and improved athletic performance.
• Jamie’s innovative approach to building a positive, results-oriented team culture within the Blackhawks, blending the best of science and sports.  
• Practical advice on finding joy in sustainable habits and "controlling the controllables" to build a solid foundation for performance and well-being.
• Jamie’s team-centered leadership mindset and how he empowers others to unlock their full potential.

Jamie’s humility, passion, and dedication to his team and community make him an exemplary leader in high performance. I hope this episode inspires you to consider what it means to lead with purpose, empower others, and create a culture of growth in whatever field you’re in. How can you incorporate accountability, resilience, or mentorship into your own life and work?  If you enjoyed our conversation, please take a moment to leave a rating and review. Be sure to check out the links below to connect with Jamie. As always, thank you for being a part of the Teeter Talks community!

Jamie’s Links:
LinkedIn: Jamie Burr

Marissa's Links:
• Marissa's Website
• Marissa's Instagram
• Teeter Talks Instagram
• Marissa's LinkedIn

In this inspiring episode of Teeter Talks, I have the absolute pleasure of welcoming Andryanna, a devoted mom of three who transformed her journey from burnout to a vibrant balance of joy and ease. As the host of The Juggle is Real Podcast and author of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner & Activity Book for Busy Women, Andryanna offers practical insights and empowering strategies for self-care, productivity, and mindful leadership, believing that effective leadership starts with self-awareness and self-care. With her experience as an educator and a regular guest on shows like Breakfast Television, she shares valuable tools for navigating life’s challenges and emphasizes how embracing vulnerability can strengthen our leadership. This heartfelt conversation highlights the importance of leading with authenticity and compassion, inspiring busy parents and leaders alike to cultivate joy, balance, and mindful leadership in their lives! Join us today as we dive into these topics:

• Andryanna’s experience with burnout after having children and balancing work, highlighting the importance of listening to your inner voice and the value of accepting support from others.
• Practical tips to help with burnout, focusing on accepting help, shifting perspectives and putting yourself on your to-do list
• Inspiration behind Andryanna’s book The Juggle is Real, driven by a busy year and her desire to slow down.
• Defining authenticity, looking at it from a lens of showing up as yourself and learning to be selfish.
• Seeing great leaders as people who lead themselves first, emphasizing the importance of having self awareness before guiding others. 

What a transformative conversation with Andryanna! If you resonated with her insights, I’d love for you to leave a rating and review—it makes a difference! Be sure to explore the links below to connect with Andryanna and dive deeper into her wisdom. Thank you for being part of the Teeter Talks community; your support does not go unnoticed.

Andryanna’s Links:
Website: Andryanna Gonko
Instagram: Andryanna Gonko
LinkedIn: Andryanna Gonko LinkedIn
The Juggle Is Real: Self-Care Planner

Marissa's Links:
• Marissa's Website
• Marissa's Instagram
• Teeter Talks Instagram
• Marissa's LinkedIn

On this episode of Teeter Talks, I am truly honored to have a conversation with the exceptional Hanen Nanaa. A remarkable young social entrepreneur and war survivor from Syria, Hanen found refuge in Toronto in 2016. As the founder of the Books Art Music (BAM) Collective, she has created a vibrant community hub that empowers youth and marginalized groups through art and innovation. Currently studying Public Policy at York University, Hanen also serves as the Director of Strategy at the Syrian Canadian Foundation. Her advocacy focuses on gender equality and youth empowerment, and she has advised government officials on these critical issues. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Waard Ward Collective, a social enterprise that trains newcomers in floral design and community gardening.

Hanen's dedication to social justice exemplifies true leadership, earning her numerous accolades, including the Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Alterna Prize for Women’s Social Leaders in 2022. Recognized as a UN Women Woman of the Year in 2019, her inspiring journey continues to touch lives and foster change. Join us today as we dive into these topics: 

• Hanen’s experience growing up in Syria and the challenges of fleeing her country, emphasizing the importance of learning from one another’s stories.
• The story behind starting Book Art Music (BAM) and the Waard Ward, driven by Hanen’s lived experiences and a desire to empower others.
• Highlighting how community and volunteer work can inform policy, illustrating the value of grassroots involvement.
• Addressing misconceptions about refugees and women, viewing criticism as an opportunity for growth and understanding.
• Hanen’s path into politics, from her studies to her professional endeavors, and goal of bridging the gap between government and ethnic communities.
• Identifying a great leader as the ability to collaborate, uplift others, and lead by example, fostering a supportive community.

I can’t express enough how truly inspiring and incredible Hanen is. I hope you felt as moved and motivated by Hanen’s story as I did. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a rating and review. And don’t forget to check the links below to connect with Hanen—there’s so much more to explore! Thank you for being part of our community!

Hanen’s Links:
Instagram: Hanen Nanaa
LinkedIn: Hanen Nanaa
BAM Collective Instagram: Books Art Music Collective
BAM Collective LinkedIn: BAM Collective 
Waard Ward Collective: Waard Ward

Marissa's Links:
• Marissa's Website
• Marissa's Instagram
• Teeter Talks Instagram
• Marissa's LinkedIn

On this episode of Teeter Talks, I have the pleasure of chatting with Jim Estill, a visionary technology entrepreneur and philanthropist whose journey is a testament to innovation and giving back. Jim began his entrepreneurial career in the most unassuming way, selling computer hardware from the trunk of his car. What started as a quest to design circuit boards turned into a booming business that achieved over $2 billion in sales. With a System Design Engineering background, Jim has mentored over 150 tech startups, including BlackBerry, where he served on the board for 13 years. After a brief retirement, he took the reins of Danby Appliances, buying the company and leading it as CEO. Beyond his business achievements, Jim is deeply committed to philanthropy, having sponsored over 1,000 refugees and founded a furniture bank to assist those in need. His experience offers invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating a positive impact, making him a true innovator and community leader. Join us today as we dive into these topics: 

• Jim’s commitment to supporting refugees through a business lens, showcasing the power of social responsibility and authenticity in making a difference.
• Examining how traits like drive, politeness, and timeliness have become competitive advantages.
• Jim’s inspiring journey from starting a business out of his trunk to achieving $2 billion in sales, exploring the roles of studying predecessors, luck, and timing influenced his success.
• The concept of great leaders as servant leaders, and how seeing more money as a tool to do more good shapes their impact.

What a truly enriching conversation with Jim Estill! I hope you gained as much insight from his journey and wisdom as I did. Don't forget to check out the links below to connect with Jim and support the podcast by leaving a rating and review if you enjoyed the episode!

Jim’s Links:
Website: Danby
Circle Homes: Circle Home Furniture Bank

Marissa's Links:
• Marissa's Website
• Marissa's Instagram
• Teeter Talks Instagram
• Marissa's LinkedIn

On this episode of Teeter Talks, I’m excited to chat with the phenomenal Vince Del Monte! Vince is a leading online fitness business coach and visionary behind The 7 Figure Mastermind and 6 Figure Coach 2.0. Renowned for his innovative strategies and exceptional leadership, Vince excels at transforming fitness coaches into top earners, helping entrepreneurs surpass their limits and achieve impressive growth. However, what truly captivated me about Vince is the genuine, unfiltered honesty of his journey. Join us today as we dive into these topics: 

• Exploring the role of connection in leadership and how navigating conflict can strengthen both personal and professional relationships.
• Vince's personal journey through his separation, revealing crucial insights about self-connection and personal growth.
• Rethinking success from multiple perspectives, understanding how a singular view can impact leadership and relationships.
• The importance of stabilizing and aligning your goals with your true desires before moving forward.

What an honest and real conversation with Vince Del Monte! I hope you found this episode as valuable as I did. Be sure to connect with Vince using the links below! Your support of this podcast means a lot, so be sure to leave a rating and review if you enjoy it!

Vince’s Links:
Website: vincedelmonte
Instagram: @vincedelmonte
Facebook: Group by Vince DelMonte
Charity Water: Charity Water

Marissa's Links:
• Marissa's Website
• Marissa's Instagram
• Teeter Talks Instagram
• Marissa's LinkedIn

On this episode of Teeter Talks, I am joined by the lovely Sydney Vaughan! Sydney is a Wellness Coach, Breathwork and Cold Exposure Facilitator, Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), Personal Trainer, and Mentor—basically, if it's wellness-related, Sydney's got it covered! With a passion for helping people connect with their true selves, Sydney blends her expertise across various disciplines to inspire lasting change. Her holistic mind-body approach to wellness is more than just a career; it's a lifestyle. Then when it comes to leadership, Sydney's approach is all about empowering others to find their own path to growth and resilience. Join us today as we dive into these topics:

• Exploring the human tendency to categorize others and the impact of first impressions with people who are different from us.
• Emphasizing the value of asking difficult questions to stay informed, and understanding that many of our biggest challenges arise from a lack of knowledge—conversations can be a powerful tool for gaining insight.
• Sydney’s journey of coming out as a lesbian, navigating family dynamics, discovering her sexuality at an early age, feeling out of place, and ultimately embracing her identity and living her truth.
• Viewing leadership as the ability to lead authentically by standing in your truth, fostering growth within a supportive community, and inspiring others through example.

It’s been such a joy having Sydney as my personal trainer and friend! Her vibrant energy is truly inspiring. If you enjoyed our conversation, be sure to show Sydney and this podcast some love by leaving a rating or review! Your support is greatly appreciated and truly valued.

Sydney’s Links:
Instagram: Syd Vaughan
Website: Sydney Vaughan

Marissa's Links:
• Marissa's Website
• Marissa's Instagram
• Teeter Talks Instagram
• Marissa's LinkedIn

On this episode of Teeter Talks, I am beyond excited to sit down and chat with my dear friend Ben Pakulski. Ben is an impressive guy, and you may know him as a former IFBB professional bodybuilder, who reached the pinnacle of his sport as one of the top 10 in the world. After years of pushing the limits of physical potential, Ben has shifted his focus to helping others do the same in their own lives both physically and mentally.  As the CEO of Muscle Intelligence and a devoted father, he’s dedicated to guiding executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes toward better health, vitality, and performance. Ben is passionate about fostering leadership, helping people align their body, mind, and soul to not only achieve personal success, but also to inspire and lead others on their journey to a fulfilling and balanced life. He also hosts his own podcast, Muscle Intelligence, where he hosts experts and fosters highly informative conversation around all things longevity, leadership and legacy.  Join us today as we dive into these leadership topics:

• How Ben transformed from a lonely and overweight kid into a confident bodybuilder, finding balance between personal ambition, doing what it takes to succeed and the pursuit of deep, meaningful relationships.
• Comparing the worlds of bodybuilding and business, discussing the sacrifices each demands and how perspectives shift as we grow.
• The rarity and value of honesty, stressing the importance of holding ourselves and others to high standards and being willing to call out shortcomings.
• Seeing a leader as someone who connects with people in meaningful ways and adapts their approach to show up effectively for different individuals.
• Exploring success as living in alignment with your values and how we should have values in business and in life. 

It was so much fun catching up with my friend Ben! If you enjoyed and found this conversation insightful, be sure to show Ben and this podcast your love and support. Your feedback is so valuable, so please leave a rating or review wherever you’re tuning in from!

Ben's Links:
Youtube: Ben Pakulski - Muscle Intelligence
Instagram: Ben Pakulski
LinkedIn: Ben Pakulski
Muscle Intelligence Website: Muscle Intelligence

Marissa's Links:
• Marissa's Website
• Marissa's Instagram
• Teeter Talks Instagram
• Marissa's LinkedIn

On this episode of Teeter Talks, I am accompanied by the wonderful Khalil Khamis! Born into a family renowned in the restaurant industry, Khalil's entrepreneurial journey began early. With a degree in Management Economics and Industry Finance, he co-founded Fresh Media Events Inc., orchestrating hundreds of successful events. As the CEO of Crafty Ramen and the youngest multi-unit franchisee in Harvey’s history, Khalil drives innovation, achieving top-ranking restaurants and leading initiatives in community philanthropy and corporate strategy. Khalil's leadership skills have set him apart, and you will find he is packed with wisdom and invaluable advice for all entrepreneurs. Join us today as we dive into these leadership topics:

• How Khalil achieved the number one Harvey's store in the country by focusing on "fast food, fast" and consumer trust.
• Balancing working in the business versus working on the business in entrepreneurship.
• Khalil's story of growing up in the restaurant business with refugee parents who dreamed of owning Harvey's franchises and the unique dynamics of a family-run business.
• Embracing changing dreams, the necessity of passion in entrepreneurship, and the willingness to ask questions and learn new skills.
• Leading businesses with a culture that accepts mistakes, but requires learning from them while cultivating a mindset of leading to work yourself out of the job so others can grow.

I hope this chat has left you both inspired and hungry—for success in leadership and entrepreneurship! Personally, I'm already plotting my next stop at Crafty Ramen - and Harvey's. Show Khalil and this podcast some love and support, and remember, your feedback is so valuable—drop a rating or review wherever you're tuning in from!

Khalil Links:
Crafty Ramen: Crafty Ramen
Harvey’s: Harvey's
LinkedIn: Khalil Khamis

Marissa's Links:
• Marissa's Website
• Marissa's Instagram
• Teeter Talks Instagram
• Marissa's LinkedIn

On this episode of Teeter Talks, I am delighted to welcome the radiant Julie Cole!  Julie is an impressive individual—she's a recovered lawyer, a devoted mother of six, and the Co-founder of Mabel’s Labels Inc. Her journey as an entrepreneur is not just successful but celebrated, with accolades as an award-winning author and a highly sought-after speaker and emcee. Julie has graced the screens of NBC’s The Today Show, Breakfast Television, and many others, captivating audiences with her insights. Her thought-provoking articles have been featured in prestigious publications such as The Huffington Post, Today’s Parent, and The Globe and Mail. Beyond her professional achievements, Julie is deeply committed to her community, generously serving on boards and volunteering her time. Julie’s boundless energy and unwavering dedication shine through in everything she does, making her an inspiring beacon of leadership and empowerment. Join us today as we dive into these topics:

• Exploring how business and family teach us that fairness isn't always equality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual differences.
• Balancing personal and family expectations while starting a business, highlighting the power of collaboration and building a supportive network.
• Discussing the challenges of being a "mompreneur," including managing public perception and gaining genuine recognition.
• Knowing when to persevere or pivot in business, with a focus on honest self-assessment and the courage to start fresh.
• Emphasizing the impact of giving back through Time, Treasure, and Talent to enrich both community and personal growth.
• Redefining leadership as creating more leaders, not just followers, by empowering others to explore and grow autonomously.

What a delightful and enriching chat! I hope you're leaving here feeling inspired. If our conversation struck a chord with you, be sure to show Julie and this podcast your love and support. Your feedback is so valuable, so please leave a rating or review wherever you’re tuning in from!
 
Julie’s Links:
Mabel's Labels Website: Mabel's Labels
Learn More About Julie
Instagram: Julie Cole

YWCA: YWCA
United Way: United Way Worldwide

Marissa's Links:
• Marissa's Website
• Marissa's Instagram
• Teeter Talks Instagram
• Marissa's LinkedIn