In the increasingly crowded world of tuition, few companies manage to grow sustainably, hold onto their values, and make a tangible difference in the lives of both students and tutors. Telios Tutors is one of those few.
We recently sat down with the inspiring founder and director of Telios Tutors, Lisa Giet, to learn more about her journey—from tutoring students in her living room to becoming a respected leader in the education sector. Over the course of a decade, Lisa has built a company that not only delivers academic excellence but champions human connection, ethical leadership, and purposeful growth.
A Natural Evolution from Tutor to Leader
The origin of Telios Tutors is refreshingly organic. What began as a solo tutoring venture quickly became something much larger when demand started to outpace capacity. Rather than turning people away, Lisa began referring clients to a small group of trusted tutors, inadvertently laying the foundations for a full-fledged agency.
“I had families trusting my recommendations, and Tutors were reaching out for work."
This word-of-mouth ecosystem—based on trust, results, and relationships—became the seed from which Telios Tutors grew. There was no grand business plan or investor funding—just a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to meet a growing need. Lisa’s story is a great example of how the best businesses often begin by solving problems you’re already close to.
Bootstrapping with determination
What’s particularly notable is that Telios Tutors was built without outside investment or co-founders. In a sector where scaling often depends on funding rounds or rapid hiring, the company grew slowly and deliberately.
“There weren’t really many challenges, when success is non-negotiable, you just find a way.”
That mindset has been central to the company's growth. Rather than rushing into expansion, Lisa transitioned gradually from full-time tutoring to managing a team, reinvesting earnings back into the business at every step. It’s a lesson in smart, sustainable growth: go at a pace that protects quality, and never lose sight of why you started.
Leading with Empathy
As a sole female director in a traditionally male-dominated entrepreneurial space, Lisa brings a leadership style that stands out for all the right reasons. At Telios Tutors, leadership is rooted in empathy and human connection, not control or hierarchy.
“People respond to leadership when they feel seen, heard and included.”
This approach—built on mutual respect, emotional intelligence, and openness—has not only shaped the company culture but become a key reason why tutors and clients stay for years.
In an industry that often leans transactional, Lisa leads with care. That might mean taking the time to have a conversation with a parent about a child’s self-esteem, or checking in with a tutor during a challenging season.
“Sometimes a student’s struggle is emotional, not academic”, reminding us that behind every lesson is a person who needs to feel understood.
Ethics Over Everything
One of the most refreshing things about Telios Tutors is their uncompromising stance on integrity. While many companies are tempted by shortcuts or quick wins, this team is guided by a strong moral compass—one grounded in faith, fairness, and long-term thinking.
“If something compromises our values, we simply don’t do it, even if there’s financial gain on the table.”
This commitment becomes especially important when scaling. Matching tutors to students can be a delicate process, and it’s easy to overlook details when demand spikes. But Telios Tutors stay focused on doing the right thing, even when it’s less convenient.
A Pandemic-Proof Pivot
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional education, many tuition companies were scrambling to adapt. Telios Tutors, however, was already several steps ahead. They’d embraced online learning long before it became mainstream, and were well-positioned to meet the surge in demand.
What followed was a period of rapid growth. By increasing their marketing spend at the right time and being quick to onboard new tutors, the company was able to respond to the needs of both students and educators looking for remote work.
“We still see returns from that investment today.” But this wasn’t just about smart marketing. It was about readiness—a willingness to embrace change and innovate quickly, while holding onto their core values.
Recognition That Matters
While public accolades aren’t their main motivation, Telios Tutors was recently named a finalist at the EducationInvestor Awards—a respected platform that celebrates innovation and excellence in the sector.
“It’s a lovely token of recognition for the quiet, consistent diligence behind the scenes.”
More recently, the company was also featured in The Good Schools Guide, following an in-depth review and survey process. The feedback from tutors and clients was overwhelmingly positive, validating their impact and further strengthening their credibility.
Looking Forward: Expanding Access, Deepening Impact
What’s next for Telios Tutors? The focus is on scaling with purpose. The Telios team are passionate about making quality tuition more accessible, especially for underprivileged families.
“Private education shouldn’t be reserved for the elite.”
To that end, Lisa’s exploring values-aligned partnerships and international collaborations that could help bring personalised support to those who need it most. Lisa also sees a future where Telios Tutors goes beyond academic tuition—facilitating spaces for personal growth and development.
“I want to enhance the quality of people’s lives, not just their grades.”
It’s an ambitious, holistic vision—one that treats education not just as a service, but as a tool for societal change.
For Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When asked what advice Lisa would offer to someone thinking of starting their own tutoring company, her answer was simple: lead with value.
“Find ways to serve first, without asking for anything in return. And know that being a great tutor doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be a great business owner—those are two different skill sets.”
Lisa recommends taking the time to understand your values, research the market, and be honest about the sacrifices involved. Not everyone is cut out for the entrepreneurial path—but for those who are, the rewards go far beyond revenue.
Final Thoughts
Telios Tutors has carved out a solid place in the tuition space by keeping things simple: focus on quality, treat people well, and stay consistent. With growth on the horizon and a clear sense of direction, Telios Tutors looks set to keep doing what it does best: delivering reliable, values-led education in a way that makes sense for everyone involved.
