Crohn’s Disease, Leadership, and Breaking Stigma - Ted Fleming, Founder of Partake Brewing

The Invisible Condition Podcast

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Imagine being diagnosed with a chronic condition that changes your entire life—and instead of letting it hold you back, you use it as fuel to build a successful company. That’s exactly what Ted Fleming did. As the founder of Partake Brewing, Ted turned his experience with Crohn’s disease into a driving force behind a non-alcoholic beer brand that’s redefining the industry.

Ted shares his journey of entrepreneurship, balancing his health with the pressures of leading a fast-growing business, and the lessons he’s learned about vulnerability, resilience, and self-awareness. He opens up about how he embraced his condition, used it to create a community around his brand, and turned his challenges into opportunities.

Ted’s story isn’t just for entrepreneurs—anyone living with a chronic illness will find inspiration in how he managed stress, found support, and built a business that empowers others facing similar battles. For workplaces, Ted offers valuable insights about creating inclusion for employees with invisible conditions, highlighting the importance of creating open, supportive environments where people can thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn adversity into success, or how to create a more inclusive workplace, this episode is for you. Ted Fleming’s story is a powerful reminder that vulnerability is a strength, and that true success comes from leading with authenticity and compassion. Tune in to learn how Ted has broken the stigma around invisible conditions, built a thriving business, and what lessons you can take into your own life or workplace.
Takeaways

• Vulnerability as Strength: Ted shows that being open about Crohn’s disease fosters empathy and connections with others facing similar challenges.
  Self-Awareness and Boundaries: Recognizing health limits is key to managing stress and avoiding burnout, even in leadership.
  Authenticity in Business: Ted’s health journey shaped Partake Brewing, with authenticity setting the brand apart in the non-alcoholic beer market.
  Community and Support: A strong community through sports and work is crucial for managing an invisible condition.
  Creating Inclusive Workspaces: Ted stresses the importance of supportive environments where employees can share health challenges.
  Impact of Sharing Your Story: Sharing personal health stories can break stigma, inspire others, and foster understanding.

Ted Fleming Bio
Ted Fleming didn’t just create Partake Brewing—he shattered expectations and carved out a new frontier in the non-alcoholic beer world. In 2017, while the naysayers were busy doubting, Ted was busy redefining the game with a revolutionary, low-calorie, great-tasting brew that quickly ascended to the top of North America’s non-alcoholic beer scene. Confronted with a Crohn’s disease diagnosis, Ted didn’t just face adversity—he transformed it into an unstoppable force, making Partake the ultimate companion for those who refuse to be held back. From art and music to sports and beyond,

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