In this transformative episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe and co-host Craig Andrews welcome Peter Teuscher, an international entrepreneur, senior corporate executive, transformational coach, and passionate advocate for soulful leadership. Across a deeply engaging conversation, Peter shares the twists and lessons of his journey from building businesses in Canada to coaching executives and leading workshops around the globe.

Right from the start, Peter unpacks the single biggest lesson drawn from his years in corporate and entrepreneurial environments: the indispensable role of purpose in work and life. He shares candid reflections about how a sense of meaning—knowing your “why”—is more fundamental than any promotion or paycheck. Peter drives home the point that true fulfillment stems not just from external success, but from the alignment between daily work and deeper values.

In a world obsessed with positive change, Peter urges listeners to look inward, saying positive change is best measured by your sense of fulfillment and the value you bring to others, rather than just meeting surface-level goals. Through relatable anecdotes and stories from his global travels, he reveals how cultural differences impact leadership—contrasting Asia’s hierarchical structures with North America’s flatter, entrepreneurial approaches—and what it truly takes to build trust and earn respect as a leader in any environment.

Curiosity, according to Peter, has been a driving force at every stage of his journey. He recounts the leap of faith it took to leave a thriving Canadian business and embrace new challenges in Europe’s corporate world—underscoring that real growth often demands stepping into discomfort and uncertainty.

One of the most relatable segments comes when Peter and Craig explore the “myth of the slimy salesperson.” Drawing from decades of sales experience, Peter dismantles the outdated view that sales is about persuasion or manipulation. Modern selling, he insists, is rooted in service: “How can I add value? How can I be of help?” This mindset shift is essential not only for sales pros, but for coaches, content creators, and anyone learning to value their unique contributions in business.

Confidence and “knowing your worth” are recurring themes, especially for new entrepreneurs struggling to price their services or articulate their value. Peter shares his early struggles with setting rates and how underpricing or giving work away for free diminished client commitment. Ultimately, he reveals, people won’t value what you don’t value yourself.

When the discussion turns to coaching leaders, Peter dives deep into the art of balancing rigorous strategy with a healthy dose of intuition. He explains that strategic models are merely guidelines—adaptability, presence, and gut instinct matter just as much, especially in unfamiliar or rapidly changing contexts. Peter encourages leaders to cultivate self-awareness, listen for feedback, and not become rigidly attached to any particular plan.

Among the most striking insights is Peter’s account of transitioning from corporate leadership, where giving answers is often the expectation, to coaching, where the art lies in asking the right questions. The shift from “solving problems” for others to empowering them to find their own answers is at the heart of his approach, and one of the main reasons he believes in the transformational power of good coaching.

Both Peter and Wize share honest accounts of professional and personal “failures”—or as they reframe them, crucial learning moments. From significant business losses in Canada to questioning his own purpose later in life, Peter emphasizes that it’s not the setbacks themselves, but the bounce-back and lessons learned, that shape who we become. He even describes hosting “failure nights,” encouraging leaders to openly discuss mistakes in order to build resilience and foster innovation.

Vulnerability, according to Peter, doesn’t undermine authority—it establishes trust. He outlines how admitting mistakes, showing your human side, and being authentic at work are key to building respect and inspiring others, far more than projecting invulnerability ever could.

Listeners are also treated to Peter’s personal daily practices—especially his quarter-century commitment to meditation and grounding morning rituals. These, he says, keep him connected to his purpose and ensure he approaches each day with clarity and intention.

Success, for Peter, is not defined by material achievements, but by continual growth and happiness. He leaves the audience with a resonant piece of advice: before trying to lift up others, first develop your own potential and sense of fulfillment. Only then can you truly inspire and help those around you.

Peter Teuscher is a sought-after coach, facilitator, and the author of “Rethinking Happiness.” He works with leaders and teams worldwide, helping them overcome self-imposed barriers and step into more impactful, purpose-driven roles.

• Check out his book “Rethinking Happiness” for deeper insights into achieving meaningful change

Final Thoughts

This is an episode for anyone seeking authentic leadership, deeper fulfillment, or courage to take the next bold step in career or life. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, struggled with failure, or wondered how to blend soul and strategy in business, this episode promises inspiration and real-world tools to help you move forward.

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Listen, reflect, and discover how embracing curiosity, authenticity, and presence can help you become not just a better leader, but a happier and more impactful human being.