Fearless, Bold, and Unapologetic: Teresa Colian, Breaking Barriers 

When you hear Teresa Colian, you should immediately think of a force to be reckoned with—fearless, bold, and brilliant. She is a woman who has never asked for permission, never played it safe, and never settled for anything less than what she deserved. Her journey in the workers’ compensation industry is more than professional success as she has been rewriting the rules, shattering expectations, and proving that resilience, vision, and relentless determination can create something extraordinary. 

Building a Legacy on Her Terms 

How people arrive in this space is always a unique story. Well, Teresa didn't just enter the workers’ compensation industry—she built a foundation within it. She started by creating and expanding a network from the ground up for a major company, turning it into a powerhouse. But she was not only a strategist behind the scenes—she was a builder, a disruptor, and a relentless force in an industry that often resists change. 

When it was time to walk away, she did so confidently, knowing that her success depended not on any company's name. Instead, she built again, this time on her own terms. That is how JAG Source was born—not by following the industry’s playbook, but by redefining it. And this is how greatness inspires action.  

Passion Fueled by Experience 

Workers’ compensation, for many, is an industry. For Teresa, it is a mission. She understands firsthand what it means to start over with nothing, to rebuild from the ground up, and to fight for what is right. It is that experience that fuels her every move. She knows what it feels like to have the odds stacked against you and what it means to have someone in your corner fighting with you. That is why she does not just do business—she makes an impact. 

Through JAG Source and her nonprofit, Kind Souls Foundation, Teresa is changing lives. She is ensuring that workers are not just numbers in a claims file but human beings with stories, struggles, and futures that deserve to be protected. She built what was not in existence to make an actionable impact, leaving a sustained ripple effect. To those lives who have been impacted by the Kind Souls Foundation, this matters immensely.  

Turning Rock Bottom Into a Launchpad 

One of the pivotal moments in Teresa's journey happened in 2008. She had nothing—no money, no home of her own, and three kids sleeping beside her on the floor of her parents’ house. That moment could have broken her. It could have been the end of her story. Instead, it became the foundation of everything she has built. 

That experience taught her that loss is not final. Loss is a challenge, a reset, a chance to come back sharper, faster, and smarter. And that is exactly what she did. Teresa rebuilt—not just for herself but for her children, for the future, and for every woman who has ever been told to play small, blend in, or wait for her turn. 

Fearless Leadership: Betting on Herself 

If one thing sets Teresa apart, it is her ability to see what others miss. She bets on timing, takes risks, and moves—always forward, always ahead. Success, in her world, is not about playing it safe. The focus comes from knowing when to push, when to pivot, and when to go all in. 

Her drive is about legacy. Every decision she makes is about building something that lasts—not just for herself but also for her children and grandchildren. Resilience is about creating, leading, and leaving the world better than she found it. 

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry 

Workers’ compensation was not built for women like Teresa—women who refuse to blend in, demand their place at the table, and challenge the status quo. She has fought for every inch of her success, proving her instincts right time and time again. And she has done it all without asking for permission. 

She has been underestimated, doubted, and challenged; every roadblock has only fueled her fire. She did not wait for an invitation to lead—she took up space, made her presence undeniable, and changed the game on her own terms. 

Experience: The Ultimate Teacher 

For Teresa, the most significant influence in her career has not been a single person. The greatest impact on her has been the experience itself. Every setback, every victory, and every moment she was underestimated has shaped her into the leader she is today. The only thing more powerful than knowledge, she believes, is the willingness to keep learning, evolving, and betting on yourself. 

Her proudest accomplishments? Building JAG Source from the ground up, proving that there is a better way to do business in this industry, and launching Kind Souls Foundation because, to her, success is not just about profits but more about people. She took action and purpose, coupled with vision and strategy, to create what did not exist, and now … she thrives. 

Resilience: The Key to Success 

So, how does she stay motivated in the face of challenges? Simple. She remembers where she started, what it felt like to have nothing, and reminds herself that the only way out is forward. Teresa outthinks, adapts, and keeps moving rather than focusing her energy on setbacks. 

Her advice to women entering this industry? Take up space. Own your power. Don’t wait for permission. The future belongs to those bold enough to claim it. 

Redefining Leadership 

Teresa believes leadership is about vision, courage, and the willingness to make tough choices. It is far more about one's influence than the title one is given. Leadership is about seeing the game differently and refusing to play small. She leads by trusting her instincts, building strong teams, and never letting fear dictate her next move. 

Her biggest lesson? Loyalty is powerful—but only if it is mutual. Know when to walk away. Know when to rebuild. And never let comfort keep you from growth. 

More Than Just Business 

For Teresa, this is not just about building a company. It is about creating a movement, proving that success does not have to look a certain way, leadership does not come with a permission slip, and resilience can turn rock bottom into a launchpad. 

What does she wish more people understood about her work? Her work is deeply personal and exists beyond mere business operations. Her organizational visions create something that lasts, matters, and changes lives.  

And the best part? She is just getting started. 

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