Today we’d like to introduce you to Theodore “Teddy” Schiele.
Theodore “Teddy”, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Story—How I Got Here
I come from Ferriday, Louisiana—a place where folks don’t just teach you how to succeed, they teach you how to survive. I wasn’t born into opportunity. I was raised in a world where knowledge was invisible, where “what you don’t know” could hold you back for a lifetime. For a long time, I thought getting by was good enough. But deep down, I always wanted more—not just for me, but for everyone around me.
Truth is, there’s nothing extraordinary about me if you’re just passing by. I’m just Teddy Bear—been overlooked plenty of times, and that’s alright. It taught me to listen more than I talk, to watch how folks move, and to learn from what’s not being said. My story ain’t about some overnight success. It’s about struggle, humility, and picking up every lesson I could from the ground floor all the way up to the command post.
I served 24 years in the Army National Guard, where I learned that leadership is about service and sacrifice. Those years gave me the backbone to lead under pressure, and the heart to never forget where I started. But even with military discipline, it took a mentor to show me how to decode greatness—not just in theory, but in practice. It wasn’t about collecting knowledge; it was about learning the systems behind success, leadership, and purpose.
Books by Stephen Covey, Robert Kiyosaki, Gino Wickman, and Simon Sinek changed my thinking, but it took years before I could unlock the code inside their words. See, wisdom don’t come from just reading—it comes from living, failing, and getting back up with more clarity every time. That’s why I coach and consult now: to help others find the door, use their key, and unlock the life they were meant to build.
Today, I empower folks to lead with courage, clarity, and integrity—no matter where they started. My mission is simple: help people break cycles, build legacies, and grow in ways that last. Leadership ain’t about titles; it’s about impact, and I’m here to show that you don’t have to be extraordinary to do something truly meaningful. You just have to be willing to do the work, keep learning, and lift others as you climb.
That’s my story—and it’s still being written, one life and one lesson at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Obstacles & Challenges
Let me put it plain: my road ain’t been smooth. In fact, I’d say most of my life has felt like pushing uphill, barefoot, with the sun beating down. I grew up with more questions than answers, more bills than bank, and a whole lot of “not enough”—not enough money, not enough knowledge, not enough connections. When you’re raised in poverty, you don’t just fight for a seat at the table—you fight just to get in the room.
There were times when doubt felt louder than faith, and setbacks came quicker than opportunities. I’ve faced racism, bias, and plenty of folks who saw my skin or my accent before they saw my value. I watched doors close, sometimes before I even had a chance to knock. And in the Army National Guard, you learn real quick that leadership isn’t about bark or rank—it’s about owning your mistakes, showing up when it’s hard, and carrying the load when others can’t.
But the real challenge? It was learning to lead myself before I could ever lead anybody else. That meant unlearning bad habits, breaking generational cycles, and getting honest about what was holding me back—sometimes that meant looking in the mirror and calling out my own excuses. I had to learn discipline, patience, and how to bounce back after being told “no” for the hundredth time.
I lost people I loved along the way. I sacrificed time with my family chasing a better future. There were nights when I wondered if I was doing any of it right. But I kept showing up, kept learning, and kept letting my faith guide me. Every obstacle shaped my grit, sharpened my purpose, and gave me the kind of wisdom you can’t buy or borrow—you’ve got to earn it, step by step.
That’s the honest truth. I don’t have a perfect story. I’ve just got scars that turned into lessons, and I use every one of them to help the next person climb higher.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
About My Business & What Sets Me Apart
Let me give it to you straight: My business, Schiele & Associates, ain’t about quick fixes or empty promises. I built this from the ground up because I saw too many folks—good folks—getting left behind, not for lack of talent, but for lack of someone willing to walk with them through the trenches. I’m a leadership consultant, coach, and strategist, but what I really do is help people see what’s possible beyond their current circumstance. Whether you’re a small business owner, a nonprofit leader, or somebody just trying to break out of survival mode, I meet you where you are and help you climb higher.
What sets me apart? It’s that I’m not coming at you with theory and buzzwords—I’m bringing lived experience. I’ve spent 24 years in the Army National Guard, led troops through adversity, and mentored young leaders who were still figuring out if they even belonged at the table. I’ve faced failure, rebuilt from scratch, and turned scars into wisdom. So when I work with someone, I’m not just handing them a blueprint—I’m teaching them how to read the map, build the road, and keep walking even when it gets tough.
My specialty is helping leaders and teams unlock real, lasting growth. I don’t just coach individuals on mindset—I help organizations get clear on who they are, where they’re going, and what’s standing in the way. I’m known for my straightforward approach: I’ll tell you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, but I’ll also stand in your corner and help you rise above it. Whether it’s strategic planning, building a legacy brand, or developing the discipline to turn vision into reality—I bring the tools, the grit, and the Southern hospitality to make it happen.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is legacy. Every client I work with, every leader I coach—I want them to leave something behind that matters. I want them to break cycles, build something that lasts, and know they didn’t just pass through this world—they changed it for the better. If you’re looking for shortcuts, I’m not your guy. But if you’re ready to do the work, to grow, and to lead with heart and purpose—I’m right here, ready to walk that journey with you.
So if you want to work with someone who’s been through the fire, who values faith, discipline, and real growth, and who knows how to turn obstacles into stepping stones—reach out. Let’s build something worth remembering.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something Surprising About Me
Most folks who meet me or see my work figure I’m all business—discipline, leadership, the grind. But what surprises most people is, underneath all that structure, I’m actually a creative at heart. I love music, art, and storytelling—always have. Before I ever led a team or built a business, I was the kid in Ferriday writing poems on the back of church bulletins and making up stories on the porch while the world moved slow. That creative spark never left me; it’s what helps me see possibility in people and in problems others want to run from.
Another thing most folks don’t know: I don’t care about titles or being the loudest voice in the room. I’d rather be the one listening, catching what’s not being said, and helping somebody see a way through. I’m as comfortable rolling up my sleeves and working side by side as I am leading from the front. My best lessons came from mistakes, losses, and quiet moments—not just the wins you see on paper.
And here’s the real twist—my faith is the engine behind everything I do. That’s what keeps me steady when life shakes, and it’s why I never give up on people, even when they’re ready to give up on themselves. So if you think you know me, just know there’s always more—layers of grit, grace, and a stubborn belief that every single person’s got something unique to bring to this world. I see it. And I make it my business to help you see it too.
Pricing:
- My prices depend on what type of coaching and consulting my client needs
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BearSchiele.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Bear_Schiele
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bear.Schiele
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodoreschiele/
- Twitter: https://www.X.com/Bear_Schiele
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bear_Schiele
- Other: https://schiele.group/
