Ted Chen
Director of Business and Operations
Ted is an educator, leader, and builder of ideas who thrives where strategy meets creativity. As GutMonkey’s Director of Business and Operations, Ted brings a human-centered approach to designing systems, experiences, and teams that help people and organizations thrive.
With roots in progressive education and a deep belief in experiential learning, Ted has led schools, built programs, and shaped organizational strategy with curiosity, empathy, and a focus on meaningful outcomes. Before joining GutMonkey, he guided operations and strategic planning at Vanmade Gear, and co-founded and owned ventures like Beaux Berry Ice Cream and Hau‘oli Fish Company, both centered around community, joy, and shared experiences. His experience also includes years as a middle school history teacher and administrator. He’s one of the rare breeds who loves the middle school aged human!
Ted’s work is driven by a simple belief: when people feel connected, they learn better, lead better, and live better.
Q. Camp name?
Tetsuo
Q. What would you do on a YES day?
Spend the morning working out, playing sports, being outdoors, and then spending the afternoon in self-care routines like meditation, massage therapy, reflexology, and good food.
Q. What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
No answer = mysterious & powerful.
Q. What did you study in school?
History at the University of Michigan and Master’s of Education at Harvard University.
Q. What are you known for at GutMonkey?
Asking a lot of questions.
Q. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Surround yourself with people who are better than you.
Q. Guilty pleasure movie or show?
Love is Blind, Slow Horses.
Q. Current favorite thing ever?
A good garlic press.