From Intern to CEO: How Marissa Frois Balances Leadership, Motherhood, and Helping Women Build Their Business Dreams

We often feel forced to choose between career success and personal fulfillment. However, Marissa Frois stands as living proof that you can have both, though the path isn’t always perfectly balanced.

Marissa’s story began at 16 when she served regular customers Terry and Karen Powell at a local restaurant. She never imagined their conversations about franchising would shape her entire career trajectory. What started as a post-college internship at The Entrepreneur’s Source®, evolved into a decades-long journey to the C-suite, where she now leads a team of Career Ownership Coaches™ who guide professionals, particularly women, through the often overwhelming decision of whether entrepreneurship aligns with their values, lifestyle, and family goals.

As both a female CEO in a traditionally male-dominated space and a mother managing competing priorities, Marissa brings an authentically grounded perspective to the challenges her clients face daily. We had the honor of speaking with Marissa, and she pulled back the curtain on the limiting beliefs that hold women back from business ownership. She also shared her “progress over perfection” approach to work-life integration and revealed how mentorship shaped her rise from intern to CEO.

Additionally, she discusses the unique advantages women bring to entrepreneurship (that they often undervalue), offers practical frameworks for evaluating business opportunities, and gets real about the moments when she’s thriving versus just surviving. For any woman feeling trapped between corporate demands and personal aspirations, Marissa’s journey offers both validation and a roadmap for creating a career, and life, you truly own.

Check out our full interview with Marissa Frois below.

Marissa Frois, the CEO of The Entrepreneur’s Source®

You went from intern to CEO at The Entrepreneur’s Source® (TES) – what were the pivotal moments that shaped your leadership journey? Can you walk us through the evolution of your career at TES?

Marissa Frois: My story with The Entrepreneur’s Source® began when I was 16 years old, though not as an employee. I worked at a local restaurant where our founder, Terry Powell, and his wife, Karen, were regulars. They would tell me about franchising, and I remember being completely captivated by their work. At the time, I associated franchising with quick service restaurants, but Terry and Karen quickly showed me the industry was so much more.

Years later, after I graduated from college, Terry offered me an internship with the organization. I was beyond excited because I knew the passion they had for their mission. While I thought the internship would be short-term, I ended up staying and building a career here. I’ve grown alongside the company, and I’ve stayed because I get to hear about client success stories and how we’re making a real impact. Helping people create life-changing opportunities for themselves and their families has been incredibly rewarding.

Over the years, there have been some lessons that really shaped my leadership. Terry taught me the importance of always being willing to invest, whether that’s your time, resources, or dollars. He also emphasized the idea of failing fast and failing forward because that’s how innovation happens. Another key learning for me was the “80% rule,” where the goal is progress over perfection.

Sometimes it’s better to have a project 80% of the way there and share it with the world rather than become stuck over-preparing. Finally, I’ve learned that I don’t need to have all the answers. Instead, I focus on finding the right people who have the expertise to solve challenges and help move initiatives forward.

As a female CEO in the business coaching space, what specific strategies have you used to establish your authority and credibility in what can often be a male-dominated industry?

Marissa Frois: I’ve never approached my role through a lens of comparison. Instead, I focus on being authentic and leading in a way that feels true to who I am. It’s important to me to make sure I’m adding value in every interaction.

One of my unique advantages is the continuity I have with The Entrepreneur’s Source®. Growing up with this company has allowed me to build trust and credibility organically over time with our team members and franchisees. Many of the people I work with have watched me grow and evolve in this organization, and that shared history created a strong foundation for my leadership.

I also lead with a people-first mindset. Decisions must always be grounded in empathy, care, and a commitment to the culture we’ve cultivated. Focusing on what’s best for the entire system and making values-driven decisions have not only helped me earn trust but also steer the company forward.

How do you practically manage the competing demands of being a CEO, wife, and mother – and what boundaries have you had to set to protect both your family time and business growth?

Marissa Frois: Some days I feel like I’m thriving, and other days I’m just surviving. I’ve come to understand that not every day will be perfectly balanced, and that’s okay. Over time, things even out.

I’m grateful to work with an organization that believes family comes first. That kind of support has made a big difference and allows me to fully focus on what’s in front of me, no matter where I am. Some days the business demands more of me, while other days I can shift my focus to my family. The key has been giving myself grace to lean into the rhythm of the day.

At the heart of it all is my family. They’re my greatest support system and pick up the slack when needed. I’m also very intentional about never missing the things that matter most, whether it’s a family event or a crucial moment at work.

What’s your honest take on “work-life balance” versus “work-life integration,” and how has your perspective evolved as you’ve advanced in your career?

Marissa Frois: For a long time, I chased what I believed “work-life balance” should be, but I’ve realized balance isn’t about splitting your time equally every day. It’s about being fully present in whatever you’re doing and focusing on what gives you energy and fulfillment.

That shift in mindset has brought me more clarity and peace. By reframing balance as integration and presence, I’ve been able to show up as my best self in every area of my life, even if it doesn’t look perfect day-to-day.

What are the three biggest limiting beliefs you see holding women back from pursuing business ownership, and how do you help them work through these mental barriers?

Marissa Frois: The three most common limiting beliefs I see, especially among women, are:

1. “I don’t have the right background or skills to run a business.” Many women underestimate how transferable their skills are. Our coaches at The Entrepreneur’s Source® help individuals recognize their strengths and how those skills apply to business ownership. Franchising, in particular, offers a playbook, training and resources to set people up for success.
2. “I can’t do it all,” or “I’d have to sacrifice too much.” There’s a misconception that business ownership means giving up family time or flexibility. The reality is that the right business model can enhance those areas, allowing women to prioritize what matters most while achieving their career goals. As with any new endeavor, it will take time and effort. But in the end, it can provide you with greater flexibility to enjoy the things you do in your day-to-day life.
3. “What if I fail?” Fear of failure is a major hurdle, but at The Entrepreneur’s Source®, we see fear as “False Evidence Appearing Real.” We help women reframe their mindset and see new possibilities by addressing fear head-on.
4. From your experience coaching prospective female entrepreneurs, what unique advantages do women bring to business ownership that they often undervalue?

Women bring incredible advantages to the table. They’re empathetic listeners, natural multitaskers with strong adaptability, and great at building trust-based relationships. Women also excel at collaboration and tend to think long-term rather than focusing solely on quick wins.

These skills are critical for growing a team, serving clients, and navigating the inevitable change and challenges that come with business ownership.

You credit mentorship as crucial to your success—how did you actively seek out and cultivate those relationships, and what advice do you give women who struggle to find mentors?

Marissa Frois: When I started out, I was hesitant to ask for mentorship because I thought it was a sign of weakness. Over time, I learned to see mentorship as a strategy for growth. Every successful person has had mentors who helped them along the way.

My advice for women struggling to find mentors is to first be open to feedback and coaching, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s natural to look for a person who supports you, feeds your ego, and makes you feel good, but a great mentor strikes a balance between support and challenge. The feedback that stings a bit to hear is often what will help you grow the most. Also, don’t overlook the people already in your life. Some of my best mentors have been colleagues, managers, and community members who have known me and inspired me in meaningful ways.

What framework do you recommend for women trying to decide if entrepreneurship aligns with their values, lifestyle goals, and financial responsibilities?

Marissa Frois: I recommend starting with what we call the ILWE framework at The Entrepreneur’s Source®. Take the time to think deeply about your Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity goals, both for yourself and your family. Then, clarify your non-negotiables.

This isn’t always easy to do on your own. That’s why I encourage working with a Career Ownership Coach™ who can help guide you through this process and explore opportunities aligned with your priorities.

How should women evaluate franchise opportunities versus starting from scratch, especially when they’re concerned about financial stability for their families?

Marissa Frois: You don’t have to figure this out alone. A free coaching session at The Entrepreneur’s Source® can help you explore whether franchising, starting from scratch, or entrepreneurship in general is the right path. We’ve found that many people need to simply talk through their options to feel confident about their next steps. The franchise model offers built-in systems, brand recognition, and support, which can reduce the risks associated with starting a business. A coach can guide you in evaluating options based on what matters most to you and your family.

What’s the most challenging period you’ve faced in balancing your career ambitions with family responsibilities, and what carried you through it?

Marissa Frois: The most challenging time for me was right after I became a mom. I was figuring out motherhood, running on very little sleep, and trying to return to my work responsibilities. It was overwhelming, but the phase didn’t last forever, and I learned to give myself grace. Eventually, I accepted that I didn’t need to be perfect, just present.

My support system made all the difference. Family, friends, and colleagues stepped up, and having mentors who had walked that path before me gave me both encouragement and perspective. When I had my second child, I was better equipped to handle the transition after having gone through it once before.

For anyone going through a similar transition, don’t be afraid to ask for help. As mothers, we want to try to do it all, and it feels like if we ask for help, then we aren’t being the best we can be. But once I started leaning on my community – even for the small things – it lifted so much weight off my shoulders, and I was able to show up for my family and work better. I had clarity and felt more energized. In the end, asking for help will never be a sign of weakness and will only make you a better person.

What trends are you seeing in female entrepreneurship post-pandemic, and how has the desire for career ownership and flexibility evolved?

The pandemic was a massive catalyst for entrepreneurial thinking. It proved that success and flexibility aren’t mutually exclusive and, as women, it showed us that we can be productive, fulfilled, and run a household without being tied to a traditional nine-to-five structure. Since then, many women have stepped back to reassess their priorities and are exploring paths like business ownership that align with their values, family needs, and lifestyle goals.

For women who feel trapped in corporate careers but are afraid to make a change, what’s your advice for taking the first step toward exploring business ownership?

Marissa Frois: Give yourself permission to explore without feeling pressured to commit. You don’t need all the answers right away, and it would be a disservice to yourself if you don’t at least look at the possibilities available to you. Start with curiosity, and remember, you don’t have to do it alone. At The Entrepreneur’s Source®, our coaches can guide you through the process at no cost.

If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice about building a career while maintaining personal fulfillment, what would it be?

Marissa Frois: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Most of the time, it’s not as important as it feels in the moment, and it’s rarely worth the energy we give to it. I’d also remind myself to trust the process and believe I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Lastly, is there a specific mantra, quote, or affirmation that you hold close to your heart?

Marissa Frois: “Progress, not perfection.” This mantra is such a powerful reminder that success comes from celebrating small wins and forward movement. Those incremental steps lead to significant achievements over time.

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About Your Career Revolution

Our mission is to help individuals explore self-sufficiency as an alternative career.

We help them define their Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity goals and provide education on the best ways to achieve them. We don’t sell franchises – we help people achieve their dreams of self-sufficiency through business ownership. The approach is different, the experience is different. And it works.

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