Explore every episode of the podcast The Education Business Podcast

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	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	Claire Riley: The Season 3 Reflection Episode	25 May 2026	00:07:38
Episode Overview Season 3 of the Education Business Podcast closes with a reflective and practical solo episode from Claire Riley. After interviewing more than 50 education entrepreneurs, Claire shares the biggest lessons and recurring themes that emerged throughout the season — from starting before you feel ready, to staying resilient when business feels hard, to creating a business rhythm that genuinely works for your life and family. This episode is both a celebration of the education business community and a motivating reset for founders heading into the next season. Claire also reflects on the realities of entrepreneurship in education, the importance of listening to teachers and schools, and why persistence matters more than perfection. Perfect for tutoring businesses, education founders, school service providers, and anyone building a mission-led business in education. Sponsored by https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/ 00:00 – Welcome to the Season 3 Finale 01:00 – Thank You to Guests and Listeners 02:00 – Why Reviews and Sharing Matter 02:45 – Lesson One: Just Start 03:50 – Launching New Products Without Perfection 04:05 – Lesson Two: Keep Going 04:45 – Handling Difficult Business Seasons 05:00 – Finding Your Own Rhythm as a Founder 05:45 – Balancing Business and Family Life 06:10 – The Advantages of Seasonality in Education 06:35 – Build What Teachers and Schools Actually Need 07:00 – Looking Ahead to the New Season 07:20 – How Education Business Club Can Support You Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educationbusinessclub/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/education.business.club/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Steve Whitley: Practical Lessons From 40 Years in Education	18 May 2026	00:31:34
Episode Overview This episode explores what makes selling into education fundamentally different from other sectors. Steve Whitley shares four decades of experience across EdTech, international education markets, and consultancy, offering practical insight into long sales cycles, trust-based selling, exhibitions, MAT buying structures, and the financial realities facing schools. The conversation focuses on how education businesses can grow sustainably while staying grounded in the realities schools face today. Steve also explains why empathy matters more than traditional sales tactics in education and why understanding the end user is critical. 00:01:00 – Steve’s journey into education and EdTech 00:04:20 – Why education sales are different 00:09:55 – Managing long sales cycles in schools 00:12:05 – Are exhibitions and BETT worth it? 00:19:40 – How to spend a small marketing budget 00:23:40 – Email marketing and database strategy 00:27:50 – How MATs are changing school buying 00:31:10 – Why the student is still the real end user 00:32:10 – The pressures schools are facing right now 00:35:05 – Final reflections on supporting schools All About Steve: Steve Whitley: A Seasoned Technology Leader With over 40 years of experience in the EdTech industry, Steve has a deep-rooted understanding of the global education technology landscape. Starting his career in a local education authority, he transitioned to commercial roles, where he successfully sold technology products to governments, schools and institutions worldwide. As a key leader in a prominent EdTech company for over 26 years, Steve oversaw worldwide sales, marketing, and development teams. The company's innovative STEM education products are used by K-12 students across the globe. EdTech Consulting: Tailored Solutions for Success Leveraging his extensive experience, Steve founded EdTech Consulting. The company offers a range of services designed to help technology companies thrive and grow, including: • Go to market strategy development • Executive mentoring and support • Sales and marketing training • Project management https://edtechconsulting.co.uk Volunteering Discovery Educational Trust Discovery Educational Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, based in South Essex and currently comprising five schools. As vice-chair of trustees, Steve is actively involved in all aspects of governance of the schools in the trust. In addition to being vice-chair of the main trust board, he also sits on the Audit & Risk and Finance & Resources committees and is the chair the Human Resources committee. https://www.discoveryeducationaltrust.co.uk Education Research & Development Institute (ERDI) Based in Chicago USA, ERDI work to create a rich and meaningful forum for education leaders and solution providers to collaboratively discuss, design, and shape the products and services, that support K-12 education. As an expert network volunteer, Steve participates in ERDI events where he offers guidance, support, and mentorship to solution providers seeking to understand and launch into new international markets. https://www.erdius.org AI in Education Steve is a member of the EdTech panel, guiding and supporting AI In Educations mission to ensure that every learner and educator in every school and college, is ready for an AI-powered future - one that nurtures not just knowledge and skills, but well-being, agency, creativity and lifelong adaptability. https://www.ai-in-education.co.uk Website: https://edtechconsulting.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenwhitley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Phil Robinson: From Military Leadership to Education Innovation	11 May 2026	00:28:13
Episode Overview Phil Robinson shares the unconventional journey that led him from military service and central government IT programmes into education and eventually founding Tide Education. In this conversation, Phil talks openly about the realities of building an education business from scratch. He explains how his experience working inside schools revealed both the pressure teachers face and the operational gaps that still exist around student support and communication. The episode explores leadership, trust, systems, scaling, networking in education, and the financial realities of launching an edtech company without major backing. Phil also reflects on what founders often underestimate when entering the education sector, including time, trust, visibility, and the challenge of simply getting people to engage with a new product. 00:01:00 – Phil’s career journey from engineering to the Army 00:03:35 – Moving into education and discovering the problem 00:05:00 – Why Phil founded Tide Education 00:08:00 – Similarities between military leadership and schools 00:12:10 – What founders should do first with an idea 00:16:20 – Why networking matters in education 00:17:05 – The realities of funding and marketing an edtech startup 00:22:05 – The hardest part of building Tide Education 00:27:15 – Scaling, automation and reducing barriers for schools 00:29:25 – Final reflections on building an education business All About Phil: Philip Robinson is a dad, technologist and veteran with a background spanning defence, UK Government and education. A former Major in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Philip served for 16 years, culminating in leading mission-critical IT system in Afghanistan. On retiring he worked in central government leading IT programmes and portfolios for a number of years before moving into education as Head of Business Intelligence in a medium-sized Multi-Academy Trust. Here he brought together fragmented information to create 360-degree views of students, enabling better insight, coordination, and outcomes across schools and trust. Philip is the founder of Tide Education, a real-time inclusion support platform for teachers, providing one view, one timeline, and one shared understanding of each child’s support journey. Website: www.tide.education Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-robinson-22ba9a30/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Sarah Marsh: The Accidental Founder: Building an Education Franchise	04 May 2026	00:39:51
Episode Overview Sarah shares how she built a tutoring franchise from an “accidental” start into a long-term business. The conversation explores franchising from both sides, decision-making under uncertainty, and what actually drives sustainable growth in education businesses. The discussion focuses on practical realities: communication failures, hiring decisions, scaling challenges, and the operational pressure of running a small business. It also looks ahead to long-term thinking, including succession, flexibility, and what “retirement” really means for founders. 00:01:00 – Sarah’s accidental path into business 00:03:30 – Leaving a franchise and starting from scratch 00:05:00 – Building a family-run franchise model 00:07:45 – Where franchisors get it wrong 00:11:30 – What makes a great franchisee 00:19:30 – Online tutoring and building Study Central 00:24:30 – Rethinking retirement as a founder 00:32:00 – The reality of small business pressure 00:36:00 – Why outsourcing matters more than hiring 00:39:30 – Final advice: you are not alone All About Sarah: Sarah always wanted to run her own business, a passion that began in her teenage years and continues to shape her career today. She is part of the family behind MagiKats Tutoring, a company that delivers small group tuition through a network of franchised Tuition Centres across the UK and internationally. Alongside this, she supports private tutors through the Study Central subscription. While tutoring itself isn’t her focus, Sarah is most passionate about helping educators grow and succeed in building their own businesses, so that they, in turn, can help the next generation achieve their full potential.. Outside of work, she sings professionally and enjoys keeping active with the gym, as well as spending time on coffee outings and dog walks. Website: https://www.studycentral.info/ and https://www.magikats.co.uk/ Instagram: @sarahmagikats LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-marsh-51227523/ TikTok: @sarah.magikats Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011448608582 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Katie Stone: From Teacher Burnout to Scalable Business	27 Apr 2026	00:32:16
Episode Overview Katie Stone shares the transition from teaching to building a scalable virtual assistant business. The conversation focuses on the realities of leaving teaching, the mindset barriers that stop founders from outsourcing, and the practical systems required to grow beyond a one-person operation. This episode is grounded in operational clarity: how to move from doing everything yourself to building processes that allow your business to run without you. 00:02:00 - Leaving teaching under pressure 00:05:00 - Starting a business with £500 00:07:00 - Why remote work changed everything 00:14:00 - The mindset shift required to outsource 00:15:00 - Control vs growth: the turning point 00:17:00 - Building simple processes that scale 00:22:00 - What to hand off first in your business 00:28:00 - Why systems matter early All About Katie: Katie Stone is the founder of Elevated Support Ltd, a virtual assistant agency that helps education businesses grow by taking admin off their plate. A former teacher turned entrepreneur, Katie is passionate about helping education businesses to find more time for the work that matters. Since 2020 she has built an award-winning team of ex-educators and specialists who streamline systems, set up automation, manage email marketing and handle day-to-day operations. When she's not digging her clients out of spaghetti like tangles of admin, she can be found in South Shropshire gaming, watching and much TV as possible and hanging out with her husband and two lovely kids. Website: https://katiestonepa.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestonepa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatedsupportltd See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Simon Hunt: Why Credibility Matters More Than Followers	20 Apr 2026	00:29:35
Episode Overview This episode explores how a classroom teacher built opportunities beyond school without leaving it. Simon shares how he moved from simply posting ideas online to working with global education brands, while staying grounded in teaching. The conversation focuses on value, credibility, and the tension between education and business. It unpacks what companies actually need from teachers, why authenticity matters, and how educators can create opportunities without chasing them. For education founders, it offers a clear perspective on working with teachers effectively. For teachers, it shows a realistic path into building influence and income without losing integrity. 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Why Simon Became a Teacher 04:30 – Starting to Share Online 06:30 – The Shift to Business Thinking 12:30 – Understanding Your Value 17:30 – Monetisation and Credibility 19:30 – The Role of Trust in Schools 23:00 – Getting Started in 30 Days 26:30 – What Brands Get Wrong 29:00 – Working with Small vs Big Companies 31:30 – What Education Businesses Need to Know All About Simon: Simon Hunt is a primary school teacher, education consultant, author, and content creator with 17 years of experience across a range of settings. He began his teaching career in Reception before teaching in Year 6 and now teaches a mixed Year 3/4 class at Tottington Primary School in Bury. Alongside his classroom role, Simon is a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) for Bury, supporting schools to develop creative, inclusive, and effective teaching practices. He works with schools across the UK to deliver CPD, share innovative approaches to learning, and help teachers feel confident and inspired in their practice. Simon has worked as an education consultant with the BBC on the 500 Words writing competition for the past three years and has collaborated with organisations including Netflix on projects linked to the Blackfish documentary. He is also a published children’s author and has worked with a range of education and EdTech organisations across the UK and Europe to develop meaningful, classroom-focused resources. He was also named Inspirational Teacher of the Year by the Manchester Evening News. Known online as Mr Hunt from the Front, Simon shares practical ideas, classroom strategies, and creative approaches to teaching with a wide audience of educators. His work is driven by a passion for making learning engaging, inclusive, and memorable for all children. Website: https://www.mrhuntfromthefront.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrhuntfromthefront Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrhuntfromthefront/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-hunt-b0a442161/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrhuntfromthefront See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Matthew Henshall: Scaling by Subtraction: Building a Net Positive Business	13 Apr 2026	00:28:33
Episode overview: This episode explores what actually drives sustainable growth in an education business. Matthew breaks down why focus beats expansion, how luck shapes outcomes more than we admit, and why long-term success comes from subtraction, not addition. Listeners will get: A clear lens on product-market fit vs early traction A grounded view on growth during and after COVID Practical thinking on focus, strategy, and saying no A realistic take on “net positive” success beyond revenue 00:00:00 – The core principle: scaling through subtraction 00:01:00 – Matthew’s journey into tutoring and edtech 00:03:00 – The accidental start of Lessonspace 00:05:00 – Early traction vs real product-market fit 00:07:00 – Customer-led growth 00:08:00 – COVID: luck, timing, and rapid growth 00:10:00 – Post-COVID strategy and saying no 00:12:00 – Focus as a growth strategy 00:13:00 – Building and scaling a team 00:16:00 – The personal cost of building a business 00:17:00 – Defining “net positive” 00:22:00 – Sustainability vs impact in education 00:26:00 – Final lesson: subtract to scale All About Matthew: Matthew is the founder of Lessonspace, a Zoom alternative to conduct your online tutoring. Website: thelessonspace.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lessonspace/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Jen Elliott: An Operator’s Guide to Scaling and Exiting an Education Business	06 Apr 2026	00:28:59
Episode Overview This episode explores what it really takes to build a scalable education business. Jen shares lessons from three decades in one organisation, including leadership, succession planning, and preparing for exit. The conversation focuses on the shift from founder-led to system-led businesses. It challenges common assumptions about growth, value, and control. At its core, this episode is about building something that works beyond the founder. That means strong leadership layers, clear accountability, and a business model that can stand on its own. 00:01:00 – Jen’s journey into education business 00:04:00 – Purpose and working in schools 00:06:00 – Leaving and returning with clarity 00:07:00 – Ownership and mindset shift 00:11:00 – Preparing a business for sale 00:13:00 – Systems, metrics and scalability 00:15:00 – What buyers are really investing in 00:17:00 – Succession planning explained 00:22:00 – Hiring and developing leaders 00:25:00 – Culture and people strategy 00:28:00 – Staying relevant in education 00:29:00 – Relationships and long-term growth All About Jen: Jen Elliott is CEO of EPM Ltd, a leading provider of HR and payroll services supporting over 2,000 schools and trusts across the UK. With more than 30 years of experience, EPM partners with school and academy leaders to navigate complex staffing and employee relations challenges, delivering technology-enabled solutions across HR, payroll, pensions, safeguarding, compliance, and consultancy. Having worked in the business since 1996 Jen was appointed as EPM CEO in 2017. She has worked with many schools and some of the UK’s largest MATs over the last 30 years, supporting academy leaders with complex staffing and employee relations issues. In 2025, Jen founded the Network of Education Excellence (nEdEx), designed to bring together education leaders to share insight, drive innovation and strengthen sector collaboration. She also Chaired the Board of CF Group, an organisation dedicated to supporting young people through Alternative Provision, children’s homes, and independent social work services, leading the organisation through to its sale in 2025. Outside Education Jen is on the Advisory Board of www.eightfourtwo.co.uk, a financial investment business. Jen is passionate about supporting young people with their careers and providing development opportunities for students to support with the transition from school to business. Website: www.epm.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-elliott-b1187023 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Kate Bodrova: Building in a Crowded Market	30 Mar 2026	00:20:49
Episode Overview Entrepreneurship often looks glamorous from the outside. Fundraising announcements. Revenue milestones. Big exits. But the reality is much simpler. In this episode, Kate Bodrova shares her journey from selling private English lessons as a university student to building a language school and founding an education technology company. The conversation explores what really drives founders: curiosity, challenge, and the desire to build something meaningful. Kate explains why success is not just financial. She talks about the role of personal growth in entrepreneurship, the importance of listening closely to customers, and why there is no magic system for scaling a business. Instead, the work is straightforward. Build something people need. Talk to your customers. Improve the product. Repeat. For founders in education, her message is clear: competition should not stop you. When Kate opened her language school, there were already 38 schools on the same street. What mattered was commitment, energy, and focus on the customer. 00:00 — Introduction 01:00 — How Kate Started Her First Business 02:10 — Why Founders Need Challenge 03:05 — What Success Really Looks Like 04:00 — Can Money Buy Happiness? 05:30 — Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth 06:40 — Why Kate Never Chose Employment 07:30 — The Truth About Systems and Productivity 08:20 — Why Customers Must Be the Centre 09:30 — How Customer Conversations Shape Strategy 11:00 — Competing in a Crowded Market 12:30 — Final Advice for Entrepreneurs All About Kate: Kate Bodrova is the founder and CEO of Amazy.uk, an award-winning platform that transforms how schools and educators create, manage, and deliver learning content while tracking student progress. A former ESL teacher, she is on a mission to modernise education by giving schools and teachers greater flexibility, control, and impact in the way they design, track, and share learning experiences. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Parita Patel: Building an Education Business Around Life, Not the Other Way Around	23 Mar 2026	00:18:39
Episode Overview Parita Patel spent nearly two decades in education before building a tutoring business almost by accident. What began as a stop-gap after leaving full-time teaching is now a growing education company supporting students from primary through A-levels. In this episode, Parita shares how illness forced her to pause and rethink everything. That period became a turning point, shaping the way she built her business around health, family, and purpose. She talks openly about the realities of running an education business while raising a family, what “balance” actually looks like day to day, and why building the right team is essential for sustainable growth. This conversation explores the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and life design. 00:00 Introduction to Parita Patel 00:01:30 Leaving the classroom and discovering tutoring 00:03:00 Viral meningitis and a forced pause 00:04:30 How recovery reshaped the business vision 00:06:00 Growing LEAP Educate from two tutors to a team 00:09:00 What “balance” really looks like in practice 00:12:00 Structuring a founder’s day around family life 00:16:00 Building a team and letting go of everything yourself 00:18:30 Advice for education business owners All About Parita: Parita, a mum of two teens, an educator of 18 years with experience in Primary, and Secondary SEND education. From Teacher to tutor and entrepreneur, Parita’s mission at LEAPeducate is about empowering ALL students to maximise their academic potential no matter their barriers. Supporting parents to support their children is one of her strengths; after all, a successful education journey blossoms in a triangulation with the child at the heart of the journey "Providing a platform for children to learn and be the best version of themselves is my passion and ultimate goal. Some children may want support in challenging themselves academically, some to overcome learning barriers and others to gain optimum confidence. All children have the right to learn in the in alignment for them, enabling them to achieve their potential." LEAPeducate is an award-winning inclusive education organisation aspiring to support its students (aged 5-21) to learn holistically while developing wider skills for longer term success in a competitive world. If you would like to optimise your child’s academic journey through tuition and academic mentoring, you can join the LEAPeducate family booking in FREE consultation to discuss your requirements >>> www.leapeducte.com/contact Website: https://www.leapeducate.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapeducate/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paritapatel-leapeducate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leapeducate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Shane Leaning: Building an Ethical Education Business	16 Mar 2026	00:28:41
Episode Overview In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley speaks with education consultant Shane Leaning about the journey from classroom teacher to running an education consultancy. Shane began his career teaching in the UK before moving into international schools and senior leadership roles in China. After running professional development across schools in Asia, he noticed something surprising: teachers would attend training, give positive feedback, and yet very little would change in practice. That experience sparked a deeper interest in sustainable change in schools. In this conversation, Shane explains why traditional professional development often fails, how leadership coaching can transform school culture, and what happens when schools develop real confidence in their own expertise. The discussion also turns to the realities of building an education business. Shane talks openly about the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship, particularly the challenge of sales and the difference between having expertise and building a sustainable business. The episode explores ethical business in education, the importance of trusting educators, and why founders should be cautious about the picture of business success portrayed on social media. Hosted by Claire Riley, this episode offers practical insight for founders building businesses that serve schools. 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast 01:00 – Shane’s journey from teacher to international school leader 02:30 – The moment he realised professional development wasn’t working 03:30 – Discovering the problem of sustainable change in schools 05:00 – Life as a consultant supporting schools globally 06:30 – Coaching in education vs coaching in business 09:00 – Why teachers rarely get executive coaching 11:30 – Teachers as leaders in the classroom 13:30 – The transition from education to business 14:10 – Operationalising your offer as a founder 15:00 – The risks of product-led education businesses 17:30 – Why confidence changes school culture 18:30 – Psychological safety in schools 19:20 – Breaking the “waiting loop” in organisations 20:00 – How confident schools approach failure 22:00 – The steep learning curve of sales 23:00 – The myth of “if I build it, they will come” 24:30 – Learning how to sell without feeling salesy 26:20 – The reality behind business success on LinkedIn 27:00 – Why founders need a community All About Shane: Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders around the world. He co-founded Work Collaborative and hosts the chart-topping school leadership podcast, community and academy, Education Leaders. Previously, he worked as Regional Head of Teaching Development for Nord Anglia Education. Passionate about empowering school leaders, he co-authored the best-selling book, 'Change Starts Here.' As a CollectivEd Fellow, Teacher Development Trust Associate, and TEDx speaker, Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Website: shaneleaning.com Podcast: Education Leaders: shaneleaning.com/podcast Instagram: @leaningshane LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leaningshane/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@education_leaders See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Craig McKee: From the Head’s Office to SaaS Founder	09 Mar 2026	00:27:13
Episode Overview In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire speaks with former head teacher and chair of governors Craig McKee about his journey from school leadership to building a portfolio of successful education tools. Craig shares how stepping away from headship in 2021 led him to experiment with building simple online solutions for schools — starting with safeguarding training and growing into services like website audits, policy management tools and AI-powered support for senior leaders. The conversation explores how lived experience in schools helped Craig identify real problems worth solving, the importance of launching a minimum viable product (MVP), and the lessons he learned about pricing, marketing and validating ideas with customers. Craig also talks candidly about the realities of building an education business — from early uncertainty and learning the basics of self-employment, to scaling a subscription product and navigating marketing challenges in the education sector. This episode is packed with practical insights for education founders, teachers considering starting a business, and anyone looking to turn classroom experience into impactful products for schools. 00:00 – Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:10 – Craig’s career in teaching and school leadership 02:30 – Leaving headship and the unexpected start of a business 04:00 – Building the first product: safeguarding training 05:30 – Pricing your work and valuing your time 06:20 – Solving real school problems through lived experience 07:30 – Ideas that didn’t work and lessons learned 08:00 – The development of SLT AI 09:30 – Building products with feedback from school leaders 12:00 – Lived experience vs market feedback 14:10 – When the business started to feel financially real 16:30 – Marketing challenges in the education sector 18:00 – Social media, timing and organic growth 19:30 – Marketing experiments and what didn’t work 20:30 – Networking and building trust in the sector 22:00 – Managing expectations in marketing 24:00 – Lessons about running a business 25:00 – Systems, automation and starting as a sole trader 26:00 – Final advice for education founders All About Craig: Craig McKee - former Head Teacher and former Chair of Governors With over 20 years’ experience in education, Craig has demonstrated exceptional leadership at every level. His track record includes serving as Deputy Head and contributing to a school’s journey from “Good” to “Outstanding” in their Ofsted inspection, and achieving National Teaching School status. As a former Chair of Governors, he has again supported a school’s transformation to “Outstanding” in their 2023 inspection. Throughout his career as a Deputy Head Teacher in a Teaching School and Head Teacher within an Academy Trust, Craig has championed school improvement through: - Designing and delivering impactful CPD programmes - Conducting peer reviews to support school self-evaluation - Collaborating with the Department for Education (DfE) on National Curriculum exemplification materials (2014) - Participating in expert groups at the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) to develop SATs assessments Craig has designed, and now manages, a number of websites designed to support school leaders to increase their capacity and enable them to spend more time out of their office working with their staff, pupils and families. Website: https://sltai.co.uk https://headlite.co.uk https://schoolpolicytracker.co.uk https://schoolwebsiteaudits.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-mckee-486597239/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567749426322 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Kate Wadsworth: Progress Isn’t Linear: Lessons from an Education Business Founder	02 Mar 2026	00:25:52
Episode Overview In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley speaks with education founder Kate Wadsworth about her journey from classroom teacher to launching What If Education. Kate shares the moment she realised the education system was pulling her away from the values that first inspired her to teach, and why she made the bold decision to leave the classroom without a backup plan. She talks openly about the realities of building an education business — from finding your audience and growing a network, to dealing with uncertainty, trial and error, and the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship. The conversation explores the power of connection, the importance of reflection, and why progress in business is rarely linear. Later in the episode, Claire and Kate discuss the unexpected lessons of entrepreneurship, including why your greatest strengths can also be your biggest challenges — an idea explored in the High Performance Podcast featuring psychologist Damien Hughes, author of Liquid Thinking. This episode is packed with honest insights for anyone thinking about starting an education business, already running one, or simply curious about what it really takes to turn an idea into impact. 00:00 – Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 00:45 – Meet Kate Wadsworth and her journey into teaching 02:30 – Two very different school experiences that shaped her values 03:10 – Why Kate decided to leave the classroom 04:00 – Founding What If Education 04:40 – Starting a business without a backup plan 06:00 – Inspiration from Steven Bartlett’s business ideas 07:00 – Building an education business while teaching vs leaving 08:00 – Growing an audience through connection and networking 09:30 – Using LinkedIn and virtual coffees to build a network 10:20 – How podcast appearances created unexpected opportunities 11:20 – Saying yes before you feel ready 12:10 – How to decide what opportunities to accept 13:00 – Trial and error in building a business 14:30 – Learning to recognise when you’re at capacity 16:00 – The hardest lesson: progress isn’t linear 17:20 – Avoiding the solo founder echo chamber 18:20 – Messaging challenges and business evolution 19:20 – Moving through uncertainty and finding clarity 20:10 – Advice education business owners need to hear 20:40 – When your biggest strength is also your weakness 21:30 – Freedom vs structure in entrepreneurship 22:20 – The importance of reflection and “pinch-me” moments 23:30 – Looking back to appreciate progress 24:40 – Final reflections and closing thoughts All About Kate: Kate is a teacher, educational consultant, coach and author and she founded What If Education?®️ to bring change into education and more curiosity and creativity into learning. Working with educator’s in all their forms… leaders, teachers and parents, her philosophy is that learning is far too special a thing to be endured. It should be fun in the moment, meaningful for the future and enjoyed by all. Recognising that we can’t wait for systemic change to make education happier, less stressful and more relevant, she works in the uk and all over the world with people and teams helping them make change happen on the ground. Her book Awedinary, The Wonder of Everyday Things underpins her most recent venture. Written to help teachers and parents bring awe and wonder into learning, but it doesn’t stop there… it has been designed to be enjoyed by all from 2 to 122, because curiosity, creativity, awe and wonder hold the keys to a life-long love of learning, for everyone. Website: www.whatifeducation.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/what.if.education Linked In: www.LinkedIn.com/in/kate-what-if-education See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Matthew Curnier: Scaling Beyond Yourself: A Multi-Company Founder	23 Feb 2026	00:31:36
In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley sits down with Matthew Curnier — founder of Capital Tuition Group and Tutor Onboarder — to explore the winding road from marine biologist to multi-company education entrepreneur. Matthew shares how the National Tutoring Programme exposed critical compliance gaps in the tutoring sector and sparked the creation of Tutor Onboarder. He opens up about scaling pains, hiring mistakes, shiny object syndrome, rate increases, systemisation, and the emotional weight of entrepreneurship. This is a candid, practical, and refreshingly honest conversation about what it really takes to build and scale in the education space — without losing focus or burning out your team. 00:00 – Why Surrounding Yourself with Better People Matters 01:00 – From Marine Biologist to Teacher 02:00 – Training in a School in Special Measures 03:00 – Becoming a Specialist Leader in Education 04:00 – The Birth of Capital Tuition Group 05:00 – The National Tutoring Programme Opportunity 06:00 – Discovering the Compliance Gap 07:00 – Building the First Version of Tutor Onboarder 08:00 – Running Two Companies at Once 09:00 – Leveraging Teams Across Businesses 10:00 – Working On the Business, Not In It 11:00 – When a Lifestyle Business Becomes Bigger Than You 12:00 – The Biggest Scaling Mistakes 13:00 – Shiny Object Syndrome 14:00 – The Real Cost of Not Cutting Losses 15:00 – Hiring Mistakes & Hard Decisions 16:00 – Raising Prices with Confidence 17:00 – Why Systems Matter More Than Ideas 18:00 – Everything is Downstream from Lead Generation 19:00 – Marketing as “Dark Magic” 20:00 – The Reality of Entrepreneurship All About Matthew: Website: www.capitaltuitiongroup.com / www.tutoronboarder.com Instagram: @capitaltuition @tutoronboarder LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-curnier-2bb20b257/ CTG FB: https://www.facebook.com/capitaltuitiongroup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Matt Wilkinson: Charging Your Worth: From FE Teacher to Tutoring Business Owner	15 Feb 2026	00:37:36
Overview In this episode of The Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley is joined by Matt Wilkinson, founder of Restart Tuition. Matt shares his journey from FE lecturer to business owner, the reality of building a tutoring company, and the mindset shifts required to grow sustainably. They explore how to move from “doing everything” to focusing on the right clients, why undercharging harms both tutors and learners, and how word of mouth, local reputation, and systems can transform a small tutoring practice into a scalable business. Matt also discusses leadership, networking beyond the tutoring bubble, and why charging your true value creates more opportunity—not less—for impact. This is an essential listen for tutors and education founders who want to grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose. 00:00 – Word of Mouth 00:01 – Intro 00:02 – Matt’s Journey 00:04 – Leadership Growth 00:05 – Starting Restart Tuition 00:06 – Building the Business 00:08 – Team & Structure 00:10 – Local Authority Work 00:12 – Business Focus 00:14 – Systems & Safeguarding 00:16 – Growth Challenges 00:17 – Focus vs Fear 00:18 – Referrals & Marketing 00:21 – Income & Security 00:22 – Money Mindset 00:24 – Pricing & Value 00:29 – Belief vs Reality 00:31 – Boundaries 00:33 – Networking 00:35 – Perspective Shift 00:36 – Leadership 00:37 – Close All About Matt: Matt Wilkinson is the founder of Restart Tuition Ltd. He is a maths teacher and tutor with extensive experience supporting learners across GCSE Maths and Functional Skills. Matt built Restart Tuition to help young people gain confidence in both Maths and English, particularly those who feel anxious, stuck, or behind. His approach is confidence-led and designed to reduce overwhelm, close gaps in learning, and help students make steady, lasting progress. Website: www.restarttuition.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwilkinsonedu/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/restarttuition/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	John Nichols: The Uncomfortable Truths of Teaching, Tutoring, and Entrepreneurship	09 Feb 2026	00:39:38
What really happens when a teacher leaves the classroom and builds an education business? In this episode, Claire Riley is joined by John Nichols, President of The Tutors’ Association and founder of an international education consultancy, to unpack the uncomfortable truths about teaching, tutoring, and entrepreneurship in education. John shares his unconventional journey from Teach First science teacher to full-time tutor, and eventually to leading one of the UK’s most influential professional bodies in tuition. Along the way, he talks candidly about why classroom teaching didn’t suit him, why tutoring worked immediately, and why many education businesses struggle when they try to scale — especially in edtech. This is a grounded, no-hype conversation about responsiveness, mindset shifts, boundaries, and what teachers must unlearn if they want to succeed in business. If you’re a former teacher building (or thinking of building) an education business, this episode will challenge how you think about work, value, and impact. 00:01:30 - John’s Exit from Teaching 00:05:20 - Discovering Tutoring — and Earning More Fast 00:11:40 - Teaching vs Tutoring: What Actually Changes 00:06:30 - From Tutor to Business Owner 00:07:30 - The Reality of Building an EdTech Company 00:17:40 - Managing Multiple Roles and Businesses 00:20:30 - Teams, Expectations, and Cultural Differences 00:28:30 - Responsiveness as a Business Superpower 00:35:00 - The Future of Education and Private Provision All About John: John Nichols is a former teacher, tutor, President of The Tutors' Association (TTA) and co-founder of the education technology and consulting company, Get My Grades Limited. He has a wealth of experience in education with over 13,000 hours of personal teaching experience, as well as having implemented a high-impact educational technology programme to over 27,000 students in Africa and delivering impactful teacher training based on modern cognitive science and its practical application in the classroom. As elected President of The Tutors' Association since 2020, John led on the sectoral engagement with the DfE and its contracted delivery partners in the National Tutoring Programme (NTP) and has created and implemented the international growth strategy and led engagement with UNESCO, UK Government departments (DfE, DBT and HMRC) as well as with education stakeholders in the UK and around the world. Website: https://thetutorsassociation.org.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-nichols-2556693b/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Darren Norman: The Gradual Shift from Teacher to Business Owner	02 Feb 2026	00:21:48
Podcast Overview What happens when a teacher starts questioning the relevance of what’s being taught — and decides to do something about it? In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley is joined by Darren Norman, founder of Headline Maths, who shares his journey from a 17-year teaching career to building an education business rooted in real-world relevance. Darren talks honestly about the mindset shift from teacher to business owner, the fear and self-doubt that comes with leaving a stable career, and why feedback from schools has become the most valuable driver of his product’s growth. He also explains the thinking behind Headline Maths: using current news stories to help students finally answer the question, “When am I ever going to use this?” This episode is especially valuable for teachers who are curious about starting a business, founders who are early in their journey, and anyone wrestling with confidence, relevance, or making the leap into something new. 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Darren’s teaching career background 02:45 “Why do we need to know this?” 03:30 The idea behind Headline Maths 06:00 Leaving teaching & working alone 07:10 Fear, stability & self-doubt 08:00 Creating structure as a solo founder 09:10 Misconceptions about education businesses 11:00 Feedback from schools 13:00 Handling feedback emotionally 15:00 Growth plans & future vision 16:30 Teacher vs business owner identity 17:30 Making maths meaningful for students 21:00 Final advice for new founders All About Darren: A teacher of 17 years specialising in Maths, with experience teaching PE and Science. He spent over 10 years in SEN schools before moving to Spain mid-Covid for a change, teaching Maths in an International School, where he became Head of Department for the Secondary School. He fell into teaching Maths when a sports club placement during university fell through, leading him to a special school where he stayed for 6 years as both a TA and teacher. He volunteered to teach Maths to cover a maternity post and discovered a lasting passion for the subject. He did not come to Maths naturally, which has shaped his ability to break concepts into clear, manageable steps and make the subject more accessible. Over time, he grew tired of hearing the same questions from students: “what’s the point?” and “when will I ever need this?” He saw that traditional exam content and textbooks often felt irrelevant, which led him to create a clear purpose — to Make Maths Meaningful by helping students see its real value and presence in everyday life. He now teaches Maths privately online and is building Headline Maths, while still based in Spain. A keen sportsman, he has represented GB Teachers in Rugby League and made an unofficial appearance for Spain. Now retired from competitive sport, he keeps active through running, cycling, and swimming. He lives on the coast south of Valencia with his girlfriend, who is a primary school teacher and leader. He is looking to grow the Headline Maths client list across the UK and internationally, with the aim of changing how students perceive Maths. Website: www.headlinemaths.com Instagram: @headline_maths Facebook: Headline Maths See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Aidan Severs: From Classroom to Education Consultancy	26 Jan 2026	00:36:21
Overview In this episode of The Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley speaks with education consultant Aidan Severs about his journey from classroom teacher and school leader to running his own education business. Aidan shares how blogging, leadership roles, and consultancy work helped him find his niche, as well as the personal and professional challenges that shaped his decision to go independent. The conversation explores balancing family life with entrepreneurship, redefining success beyond income, and practical advice for teachers considering starting their own education business. 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast 02:00 – Aidan’s journey into teaching 04:30 – Discovering a passion for educational research 06:30 – From school leadership to consultancy 09:00 – COVID and personal challenges 14:00 – Rebalancing work and family life 17:00 – How life experiences shape his work 22:00 – Advice for new education entrepreneurs 30:00 – Making yourself known 33:00 – Final reflections and purpose 36:00 – Closing All about Aidan With 20 years of experience in education, Aidan takes a holistic approach to primary education, collaborating with leaders and teachers on ensuring they get the very best for the children they teach. Website: www.aidansevers.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/aidanseversconsulting LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aidan-severs Facebook: facebook.com/AidanSevers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Lisa Haycox: From Tutor to CEO	19 Jan 2026	00:29:14
In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire is joined by Lisa Haycox, Chief Executive Officer of Explore Learning. Appointed CEO in April 2025, Lisa has grown with the organisation for more than two decades, joining in 2002 as a tutor and progressing through senior leadership roles across operations, product, and strategy. Most recently, as Chief Operating Officer, she led Explore Learning’s digital transformation during COVID-19, helping the organisation continue to support learners during a period of significant change. Throughout the conversation, Lisa reflects on what it means to grow an education business while staying true to its core purpose. She shares how shared values, trust, and long-term thinking have shaped both her leadership journey and the culture of the organisation. We explore the importance of empowerment, responsibility, and keeping learners at the heart of decision-making as the business scales. This episode is a thoughtful discussion about values-led leadership, growing alongside a business, and building lasting impact in education. 00:00 Introduction 01:02 From tutor to Explore Learning 02:45 Early opportunities and saying yes 04:55 Growing alongside the business 07:20 Shared values and trust in leadership 10:40 Doubt, ambition, and scaling challenges 13:50 Leading through COVID and digital change 15:35 Learning from peers, mentors, and experience 17:50 The worst leadership advice 19:55 Stepping into the CEO role 22:20 Founder ambitions and long-term growth 24:40 Purpose, joy, and staying grounded 27:35 Final reflections and close All About Lisa: Lisa Haycox is the Chief Executive Officer of Explore Learning, appointed in April 2025. With over two decades of experience at Explore Learning, Lisa has held a range of senior leadership roles across operations, product, and strategy. She most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, where she led the company’s digital transformation during COVID-19, strengthened its marketing and brand positioning, and shaped its commercial growth strategy. Lisa joined Explore Learning in 2002 as a tutor and has since played a pivotal role in scaling the organisation while maintaining its core educational mission. She is a graduate of London Business School’s Leading Businesses into the Future programme and is recognised for her strategic vision, operational rigour, and deep understanding of the education sector. Lisa is now focused on leading Explore Learning through its next phase of growth, combining innovation, digital advancement, and customer-centricity to deliver long-term impact for learners. Website: www.explorelearning.co.uk Instagram: @explorelearning_official LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-haycox-58800224/ Facebook:@explorelearning See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Ian Hunter: Breaking into International Education Markets	12 Jan 2026	00:20:56
Episode Overview In this episode, Claire Riley is joined by Ian Hunter, founder of Lyme Education Consulting, to explore how education businesses can successfully expand into international markets. With over 27 years in edtech and global education, Ian shares practical insights on trust, localisation, market research, and common mistakes to avoid when going global. All About Ian: Ian has worked in the EdTech market for over 25 years and has worked for some of the largest education companies in the world including Tes Global, Discovery Education and RM Education. As Global Director, Sales Director or Commercial Director he has been responsible for driving growth across a range of EdTech products and services to schools, colleges, Universities and Ministries of Education globally. Website: https://www.limeedu.co.uk/ LinkedIn: ianhunter7 X: @ianlhunter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Joshua Perry: Insights from Multiple Edtech Ventures	05 Jan 2026	00:32:48
Navigating the EdTech Landscape: Insights from Multiple Ventures In this episode, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, talks with Joshua, a seasoned entrepreneur in the education sector. Joshua shares his journey from children's publishing to running multiple education businesses, including Smartgrade and Carousel. He highlights key lessons learned, such as the importance of understanding market size, unit economics, and the needs of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). Joshua also discusses the significance of building a smart team, offering flexibility, and consulting with people with in-depth classroom experience. He emphasises the value of learning from mistakes and seeking advice from experienced entrepreneurs. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:10 Meet Joshua: A Journey in Education Business 01:53 From Publishing to EdTech: Joshua's Career Path 04:56 The Birth of Smartgrade and Carousel 06:53 Challenges and Strategies in EdTech 16:53 Building a Strong Team and Company Culture 24:05 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Future Plans 28:12 Final Thoughts and Advice for Education Entrepreneurs All about Joshua: Joshua is an edtech entrepreneur and assessment enthusiast. His latest ventures are Smartgrade (an assessment standardisation platform) and Carousel (a quizzing and retrieval practice tool). Prior to Assembly Josh was part of the leadership team at Ark Schools, a Multi Academy Trust. He also founded Assembly, a school data platform. In his spare time Josh writes a blog about school MIS and edtech called Bring More Data. Website: smartgrade.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaperryuk/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: The Importance of Context in Leading Your Education Business	10 Dec 2025	00:03:38
The Importance of Context in Leading Your Education Business In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses the pivotal role of providing context to your team members in an education business. She explains how context helps improve team efficiency and outcomes, sharing insights from her own experience and interactions with other education business leaders. Key points include striking a balance with information sharing, the benefits of providing context, and practical advice for ensuring your team has a comprehensive understanding of business decisions. Sponsored by Classroom Secrets, the podcast aims to equip education entrepreneurs with tools to grow their businesses. 00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 00:55 The Importance of Context in Business 01:20 Sharing Context with Your Team 02:35 The Impact of Context on Team Performance 03:26 Conclusion and Sponsor Message See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Matt Dix: Building Multiple Educational Content Brands	08 Dec 2025	00:38:04
Building Multiple Educational Content Brands In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, hosted by Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, guest Matt Dix shares his journey from a primary school teacher to a thriving education business owner. Matt, who runs several education brands including Manic Street Teachers, Musician of the Month, and the Fluency Factory, discusses his transition from the classroom to business, the importance of creativity, and maintaining a close connection to the educational community. He emphasises the role of passion in sustaining a business, the significance of music as a therapeutic and educational tool, and the challenges of balancing multiple projects. Additionally, Matt provides insights into effective marketing strategies, the value of listening to customer feedback, and the need for a supportive network. The episode offers an in-depth look at how Matt manages his businesses, the evolution of his projects, and his future aspirations. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:08 Meet Matt Dix: From Teacher to Entrepreneur 02:04 Building Education Brands: The Journey and Challenges 02:58 Balancing Teaching and Business 05:37 Creative Ventures in Education 08:40 The Power of Music in Education 12:32 Managing Multiple Education Brands 17:59 Marketing Strategies for Education Businesses 23:42 The Emotional Connection to Music 34:57 Reflections and Final Thoughts All About Matt: Matt is a former primary school teacher with 20 years’ experience in the classroom. He now runs Manic Street Teachers, where he develops education projects and resources informed by both research and the approaches he first trialled with his own pupils. His work includes The Fluency Factory, which focuses on reading fluency, and Musician of the Month, which introduces primary-aged children to a broad range of musicians and musical styles. Across these projects, Matt aims to create materials that fit into everyday school life and reflect the practical realities of primary teaching. Websites: www.manicstreetteachers.com, www.thefluencyfactory.co.uk, www.musicianofthemonth.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manicstteachers/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mattdix-mst Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManicStTeachers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Unsticking Your Education Business_ Future Planning and Growth Strategies	03 Dec 2025	00:03:35
Unsticking Your Education Business: Future Planning and Growth Strategies In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, addresses common challenges faced by founders and business owners in the education sector. Focusing on the theme of feeling stuck in business, Claire discusses the importance of setting new goals, envisioning long-term success, and planning for future growth. She shares insights from her own experiences and conversations with other education business owners, emphasising the need to align business aspirations with personal life goals. This episode is sponsored by Classroom Secrets. 00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 00:55 Feeling Stuck in Your Education Business? 01:45 Setting Wild and Crazy Goals 02:26 Aligning Business Goals with Personal Aspirations 03:19 Conclusion and Resources See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Ed Riley: Insights from Classroom Secrets' Co-Founder	01 Dec 2025	00:38:26
Navigating Growth in an Education Business: Insights from Classroom Secrets' co-founder In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley and Ed delve into the journey of building their education business, Classroom Secrets. Claire, a former teacher, and Ed, who transitioned from an IT role in a large non-profit, discuss the unique challenges and strategies they faced. They highlight the importance of having a clear plan, roles, and structures, and the advantages of flexibility and time freedom as business founders. Ed reflects on overcoming his non-educational background and finding his value within the business. They also emphasise the significance of networking and finding support within the entrepreneurial community, especially for those working in isolation. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:04 Meet Ed: From IT to Education Business 01:52 Ed's Career Journey and Transition 10:03 Challenges and Growth in Classroom Secrets 15:36 Balancing Flexibility and Responsibility 25:40 Dealing with Business Challenges and Failures 31:39 The Importance of Networking and Support 37:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts All About Ed: Website: classroomsecrets.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edrileytalksbusiness?igsh=N3hlMmxuYXpqanBw&utm_source=qr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-riley-71089419?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Effective Mastermind Sessions to Grow Your Education Business	26 Nov 2025	00:08:17
Effective Mastermind Sessions to Grow Your Education Business In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses effective strategies for conducting mastermind sessions to enhance business outcomes. Claire shares her own experiences with different mastermind formats, their pros and cons, and introduces a refined mastermind structure utilised at Classroom Secrets. The episode provides a detailed breakdown of a one-hour session format aimed at generating actionable guidance through collaborative problem-solving. Claire emphasises the importance of context, quality questions, and structured guidance to ensure meaningful outcomes from these sessions. 00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 00:54 Challenges of Traditional Mastermind Sessions 02:08 Creating a New Mastermind Structure 02:57 Implementing the Mastermind Framework at Classroom Secrets 03:31 Detailed Steps of the Mastermind Session 07:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Katie Harrison: Journey from Classroom to CEO: Starting and Growing an Education Business	24 Nov 2025	00:34:11
Journey from Classroom to CEO: Starting and Growing an Education Business In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley speaks with Katie, the co-founder of Picture News. Katie shares her journey from teaching Key Stage 2 to starting an educational business that provides news resources for schools. The discussion covers the initial challenges of balancing a new business with raising three young children, the organic growth of Picture News through email marketing, and the division of business responsibilities with her husband. Katie also emphasises the importance of customer service, community building, and adapting business strategies based on feedback. The episode concludes with Katie sharing insights on sustaining motivation, the importance of hard work and sacrifices, and being reflective and adaptable when running an education-focused business. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:10 Meet Katie: From Teacher to Entrepreneur 02:54 Starting Picture News: The Early Days 04:16 Balancing Family and Business 09:15 Growth and Milestones 15:06 Marketing and Customer Retention Strategies 24:03 Challenges and Lessons Learned 29:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for Education Entrepreneurs 33:55 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message All About Katie: Website: www.picture-news.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kt984 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieharrisonpn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kt984 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Effective Interview Strategies for Education Entrepreneurs	19 Nov 2025	00:06:10
Effective Interview Strategies for Education Entrepreneurs In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, shares valuable insights on how to interview potential hires for your education business. Drawing from her own experiences and common challenges in the industry, Claire highlights the importance of learning from past mistakes to ask the right questions. She emphasises hiring for attitude over experience, being upfront with information, and using scenario-based questions to gauge a candidate's suitability. Tune in to discover how to make informed hiring decisions that align with your business goals and improve outcomes for children. 00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 00:54 Hiring Insights: Crafting the Right Interview Questions 02:29 The Importance of Attitude Over Experience 02:53 Effective Communication and Setting Expectations 03:30 Scenario-Based Interview Questions 05:33 Concluding Thoughts and Tips 05:55 Sponsor Message and Resources See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	James Aylott: The Inspiring Journey of Number Stacks	17 Nov 2025	00:36:25
From Classroom to Boardroom: James' Journey of Building Number Stacks In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, interviews James, a former head teacher and founder of Number Stacks. James shares his 16-year journey from being a cadet first aid instructor at age 13, through his teaching career, to becoming a business owner. He details the challenges he faced, the inspiration behind creating Number Stacks, and the steps he took to transform his idea into a tangible product used in classrooms. He emphasises the importance of persistence, financial security, and finding market need. James also discusses his marketing strategies, including leveraging social media and adjusting to COVID-19 challenges. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for education entrepreneurs looking to grow their own businesses. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:09 Meet James: From Head Teacher to Entrepreneur 02:07 James' Journey into Teaching 07:54 The Birth of Number Stacks 10:59 Creating and Launching the Product 22:17 Marketing Strategies and Challenges 30:08 Reflections and Advice for Education Entrepreneurs 33:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts All About James: After 16 years working in primary schools as a teacher, maths-lead, deputy and then headteacher, James took the leap away from schools to start a new education business. Number Stacks is a maths intervention resource aimed at primary age pupils to help them develop a better understanding of key maths skills. Website: www.numberstacks.co.uk Instagram: @Number_Stacks LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-aylott-numberstacks Facebook: https://facebook.com/numberstacks See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: The Power of Great Questions in Education Business	12 Nov 2025	00:03:36
The Power of Great Questions in Education Business In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses the significance of asking quality questions in driving the growth and success of your education business. Whether you're running a tutoring service, publishing company, or holiday club, Claire emphasises that asking the right questions can improve your outcomes and help you make impactful decisions. She also shares her own experiences and strategies for formulating effective questions and intros these practices into mastermind sessions. Claire challenges listeners to identify and ask a crucial question that could propel their business forward in the next month. Sponsored by Classroom Secrets, this episode aims to provide practical insights for education business founders and owners. 00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 00:29 Meet Your Host: Claire Riley 00:57 The Power of Asking Great Questions 01:21 Mastermind Sessions and Mentorship 02:42 Challenge Yourself: Are You Asking the Right Questions? 03:20 Conclusion and Resources See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	From Classroom to Business: Emily's Education Marketing Business Journey	10 Nov 2025	00:33:45
From Classroom to Business: Emily's Education Marketing Business Journey In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, talks with Emily Hanson, a former teacher who transitioned into the business world. Emily shares her journey from being a primary school teacher to founding her own company, Emmerlilly Digital, which specialises in marketing with an education focus. They discuss the challenges of balancing business growth with family life, the importance of setting boundaries, and the continuous self-development required in running a business. Emily and Claire also reflect on the transferable skills from teaching to business and offer advice for educators considering a similar career shift. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:05 Meet Emily: From Teacher to Entrepreneur 03:17 Emily's Journey in Higher Education and Marketing 05:58 Transitioning from Freelance to Business Owner 11:46 Balancing Family and Business 15:38 Tips for Aspiring Education Entrepreneurs 26:01 Final Thoughts and Reflections All About Emily: Website: Emerlilly.co.uk Instagram: @emerlilly (personal brand) and @emerlillydigital (company) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hanson123/ TikTok: @emerlillydigital (company) @emilyhanson44 (personal brand) Facebook: Emerlilly Digital See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Navigating Public Scrutiny	05 Nov 2025	00:02:28
Navigating Public Scrutiny In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, shares insights and experiences on growing an education business. Claire emphasises the importance of becoming comfortable with being on display and learning in front of an audience, which can include friends, family, ex-colleagues, Facebook followers, and employees. She reflects on her own journey from being an inexperienced leader to managing a team, and encourages listeners to push forward despite the fear of judgment. The episode underscores the importance of resilience and continuous learning in the success of an education business. Sponsored by Classroom Secrets. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 00:53 The Importance of Being on Display as a Founder 01:48 Overcoming Challenges and Pushing Forward 02:12 Conclusion and Resources See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Transitioning from Teaching to Tutoring: Lindsey's Journey	03 Nov 2025	00:15:47
Transitioning from Teaching to Tutoring: Lindsey's Journey In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley from Classroom Secrets interviews Lindsey, a former teacher turned successful tutor and business owner. Lindsey shares her personal journey from experiencing burnout as a deputy head teacher to starting her own tutoring business. She provides insights on overcoming initial fears, scaling her business by onboarding additional tutors, and the importance of mindset in entrepreneurial success. Lindsey also discusses key lessons learned in pricing and legalities, offering valuable advice for education business owners looking to expand their operations. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:09 Meet Lindsey: From Teacher to Tutor 01:48 The Journey to Self-Employment 04:19 Scaling the Tutoring Business 06:05 Top Tips for Hiring Tutors 09:09 Pricing and Profitability Insights 11:41 Mindset and Future Plans 14:05 Final Thoughts and Conclusion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Understanding the Dual Sides of Entrepreneurship in Education	29 Oct 2025	00:04:01
Balancing the Hustle and Owner-Investor Mindset in Education Business In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses the dual aspects of entrepreneurship: the hustle required in the early stages of a business and the owner-investor mindset needed to sustainably grow. Claire shares her personal journey and insights on recognising which side of entrepreneurship you align with, the importance of leveraging a team, and understanding the evolving nature of your role as a business owner. Sponsored by Classroom Secrets, this episode offers valuable reflections for education business founders on optimizing their impact and growth. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 00:53 Understanding the Dual Sides of Entrepreneurship 01:28 The Hustle vs. Owner-Investor Mindset 02:07 Personal Insights and Learnings 03:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections 03:49 Conclusion and Sponsor Message See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	From Teaching to Running Two Successful Businesses: Richard's Story	27 Oct 2025	01:01:48
From Teaching to Running Two Successful Businesses: Richard's Story In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, interviews an education entrepreneur named Richard. They discuss his transition from being a classroom teacher to starting and growing his own education business. Richard shares the emotional and practical challenges faced during this transition, emphasising the importance of self-trust, risk-taking, and continuous learning. He also highlights the value of building a supportive team and navigating the complexities of money mindset issues. Their conversation touches upon the significance of reflecting on personal experiences, adapting business strategies, and maintaining a balance between ambition and practicality. The episode concludes with insights on leadership, management, and the continuous evolution of business goals. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:07 Guest Introduction: Richard's Transition from Classroom to Business 01:48 Early Challenges and Decisions in Business 03:01 Balancing Tuition and EdTech Work 09:04 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Growth 10:19 Establishing a Solid Business Foundation 13:06 Supporting Other Tutors: Tutors Who Thrive 14:22 Richard's Background and Early Business Aspirations 17:47 The Journey to Teaching and Beyond 24:03 Money Mindset and Business Growth 30:31 Exploring the Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset 30:53 Transitioning from Job to Entrepreneurship 31:31 Dealing with Business Challenges and Mistakes 32:37 Balancing Multiple Business Ventures 34:45 The Importance of Building a Support Team 36:49 Managing Time and Setting Boundaries 38:00 Learning to Let Go and Delegate 38:58 Reflecting on Leadership Styles 49:37 Trust and Bravery in Leadership 54:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections All About Richard: Website: www.tutorswhothrive.com Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6HpNZgjFL7m3kLh0G7E1gb Instagram: @tutorswhothrive LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-cowell-3a42889a/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/growyourtutoringbusiness See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Scaling Your Education Business: From Solopreneur to Effective Leader	22 Oct 2025	00:02:44
Scaling Your Education Business: From Solopreneur to Effective Leader In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, shares invaluable insights on how to grow an education business. Tailored for founders and business owners in the education sector, this episode covers crucial topics such as transitioning from solo entrepreneurship to employing a team, managing people, becoming a good leader, and scaling your business to have a greater impact. Claire emphasises the importance of embracing the learning opportunities that come with expanding your team and provides practical advice for navigating these changes. Tune in to discover how you can make your education business bigger, better, and more impactful. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 00:53 The Journey from Solopreneur to Employer 01:53 Embracing the Learning Opportunity 02:28 Conclusion and Resources See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Embracing Change: From Classroom to Tutoring Business - Arthur's Journey	20 Oct 2025	00:20:04
The Transition from Classroom Teacher to Independent Tutor: Arthur's Journey In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, interviews Arthur, an ex-secondary math teacher who transitioned into an independent tutoring business. Arthur shares his personal journey, including moving from teaching in the UK to an international school in Thailand, and eventually starting his own tutoring business amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the benefits of self-employment, such as increased family time and personal autonomy. Arthur also opens up about the challenges and rewards of building his brand and the importance of continuous self-education. The episode touches on the balance between personal life and business growth, the authenticity in building relationships, and his vision for the future. Sponsored by Classroom Secrets, the podcast aims to provide insights and resources for education business owners. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:06 Meet Arthur: From Teacher to Education Business Owner 01:31 Arthur's Teaching Journey and Transition 02:19 Starting a Tutoring Business During COVID 06:09 Balancing Family and Business 09:10 Imposter Syndrome and Business Growth 13:34 Building a Personal Brand in Education 15:45 Future Plans and Final Thoughts 19:52 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message All about Arthur: Website: www.mooreedu.co.uk Podcasts: TandTeaching - https://podfollow.com/tandteaching Tutoring Tips - https://podfollow.com/tutoringtips Instagram: @moore_edu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-moore/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Sweat the Small Stuff: Navigating the Details in Your Education Business	15 Oct 2025	00:04:24
Sweat the Small Stuff: Navigating the Details in Your Education Business In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, emphasises the importance of paying attention to details in your education business. While thinking big picture is crucial, the small details, such as customer service, website functionality, and social media presence, significantly impact your business's success. Claire shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on balancing big-picture thinking with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a better experience for both customers and team members. Sponsored by Classroom Secrets, this episode encourages business owners to regularly review and refine the finer aspects of their operations. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 00:54 The Importance of Details in Business 01:48 Real-Life Example: The Impact of Small Mistakes 02:28 Ensuring Professionalism in Your Business 03:06 Balancing Big Picture Thinking with Attention to Detail 04:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Balancing Motherhood and Growing an Education Business: Insights from a Strategy Consultant Turned Entrepreneur	13 Oct 2025	00:38:24
Balancing Motherhood and Growing an Education Business: Insights from a Strategy Consultant Turned Entrepreneur In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley welcomes Jemma, a successful entrepreneur and former strategy consultant, to discuss her journey into the education sector. Jemma shares her structured approach to business, drawing from her background in strategy consulting to help grow her tutoring agency. She opens up about the challenges of managing a business while raising a child, including the shifts in identity and priorities that come with motherhood. The conversation covers topics such as financial independence, the importance of setting goals, leveraging data for business growth, and the need to balance personal and professional life. Sponsored by Classroom Secrets, this episode is packed with valuable insights for education business owners, particularly those navigating the complexities of parenthood and entrepreneurship. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:19 Meet Jemma: From Oxford to Strategy Consulting 03:42 The Structured Approach to Business 08:34 Balancing Motherhood and Business 23:22 Future Plans and Business Growth 32:22 The Importance of Finance in Education Business 37:55 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts All About Jemma Jemma Zoe Smith is an Oxford graduate, former strategy consultant, and award-nominated education entrepreneur. She is the founder of The Education Hotel and Top School and Uni, businesses that support families with bespoke tutoring and school placements, and has grown her agency into a successful franchise. Alongside running her own companies, Jemma now mentors education and service-based business owners who want to scale sustainably—helping them reach multi–six-figure growth while creating the flexibility to spend more time with their families. Known for her straight-talking, strategic approach, Jemma blends data-driven business insights with the lived reality of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. Website: www.educationhotel.co.uk Instagram: @mama.educates LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jemmazoesmith/ TikTok:@mama.educates Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jemma.zoe.smith (also https://www.facebook.com/groups/1636961723328685 which is my business group) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Education Business	08 Oct 2025	00:03:17
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Education Business In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, delves into the topic of imposter syndrome. She challenges the notion that imposter syndrome is a debilitating condition and encourages listeners to view it as a normal, positive part of stepping out of their comfort zones. Claire shares insights from her own experiences and conversations with other education business owners, providing strategies to make their ventures more impactful. Sponsored by Classroom Secrets, this episode focuses on pushing through discomfort to achieve greater outcomes in the education sector. 00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 00:53 Understanding Imposter Syndrome 02:04 Embracing Discomfort for Growth 03:01 Conclusion and Resources See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	From Teacher to Entrepreneur: Kerry's Journey from Classroom to Business	06 Oct 2025	00:37:48
From Teacher to Entrepreneur: Kerry's Journey from Classroom to Business In this episode of The Education Business Podcast, hosted by Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, we hear from Kerry, a former teacher who transitioned to entrepreneurship. Kerry shares her 15-year teaching experience, the challenges of balancing motherhood and work, her traumatic experiences around childbirth and IVF, and the impact of COVID-19. She discusses her initial doubts about entering the business world and her journey to becoming a Virtual Assistant and then a social media expert. Kerry also provides insights into the unique skills teachers bring to entrepreneurship, the importance of visibility and storytelling in social media, and the need for self-kindness and support. This episode is a valuable resource for teachers considering or making the transition to business ownership. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:16 Guest Introduction: Kerry's Journey from Teacher to Entrepreneur 02:54 The Challenges of Transitioning from Teaching to Business 04:20 Finding New Opportunities and Overcoming Doubts 05:32 The Importance of Support and Community 06:57 Balancing Personal Life and Professional Growth 13:10 Can All Teachers Become Entrepreneurs? 19:18 Tips for Teachers Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 24:16 Sharing Personal Stories to Build Connections 28:22 Viewing Business as a Game 35:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 37:33 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message All About Kerry: Kerry Quinn is a former assistant head teacher turned marketing strategist and mentor, working specifically with education businesses. She specialises in helping tutors grow their businesses by using Facebook groups strategically, so they can get visible, attract dream students, and build a business they love. Her focus is on creating time freedom: keeping social media simple, spending less time posting, and more time doing the work that really matters - supporting students. Away from work, she’s a mum to a 5-year-old, a regular at the gym, and a firm believer that most things are better with a strong coffee in hand. Website: https://teachermarketer.co.uk/ Instagram: @the_teacher_marketer LinkedIn: theteachermarketer Facebook:@the_teacher_marketer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: The Power of Conversations in Growing Your Education Business	01 Oct 2025	00:03:37
The Power of Conversations in Growing Your Education Business In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, addresses education business founders and owners. She emphasises the importance of engaging in conversations with peers, industry leaders, and even competitors to gain valuable insights and foster growth. By sharing her personal journey from feeling intimidated to embracing interactions, Claire highlights the benefits of networking and knowledge exchange. Listeners are encouraged to reach out on platforms like LinkedIn to build connections that can enhance their business impact. Sponsored by Classroom Secrets, this episode aims to inspire education entrepreneurs to leverage conversations for business success. 00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 00:53 Overcoming the Fear of Conversations 01:23 The Value of Networking in Business 02:16 Practical Tips for Engaging with Others 03:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Navigating Education Business: From Redundancy to Resilience with Curtis	29 Sep 2025	00:49:14
Navigating Education Business: From Redundancy to Resilience In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, co-founder Claire Riley of Classroom Secrets interviews Curtis, an education business veteran, about his unconventional journey into the sector. Curtis, born in The Bahamas and raised in the Cayman Islands, transitioned from an IT project management career to publishing educational materials, initially motivated by his mother’s underpaid book. They discuss the challenges of selling to schools, the significance of word-of-mouth marketing, and adapting to changes in technology and communication within the education sector. Curtis shares insights on developing a family-run business and the hurdles faced, such as balancing seasonality in education with business needs. The conversation also delves into the impact of teachers' locus of control on their job satisfaction and effectiveness and explores the potential of Big Maths, Curtis's product, in transforming math education through its unique approach. They conclude with a discussion on collaboration among education businesses to improve outcomes for children. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:22 Meet Curtis: A Unique Journey into Education Business 02:48 Starting and Growing an Education Business 06:19 The Evolution of Selling to Schools 21:47 The Big Maths Approach 31:31 Challenges and Insights in Education Business 39:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 48:58 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message All About Curtis: Website: BigMaths.com Instagram: @bigmaths_ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/curtis-wilson-9103683 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17BiaH4R5F/?mibextid=wwXIfr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Strategies for Effective Planning in Your Education Business	24 Sep 2025	00:04:08
Strategies for Effective Planning in Your Education Business In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses the importance of planning in advance for education business founders and owners. She shares her own challenging experiences with time management and provides practical advice on how to effectively plan day-to-day operations and meetings as your team grows. Emphasising the balance between spontaneity and structured planning, Claire explains how embracing this discipline can ultimately offer more freedom and efficiency in managing an education business. 00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 00:53 The Importance of Planning Ahead 01:48 Challenges and Solutions in Scheduling 02:56 Adapting to Calendar-Driven Work 03:29 The Freedom in Structure 03:52 Conclusion and Resources See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	From Teacher to Education Entrepreneur: Emma's Journey and Insights	22 Sep 2025	00:24:07
From Teacher to Education Entrepreneur: Emma's Journey and Insights In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, interviews Emma, a former part-time primary school teacher who transitioned into running 'Is It Time to Play?', an educational resource website specialising in play-based learning for early years teachers. Emma shares her journey of leaving teaching in 2022 due to burnout and the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities. She discusses the critical personal development she undertook, including hiring a business coach, which helped her gain clarity and formulate a growth plan for her business. Emma emphasises the importance of investing in oneself, the challenges of balancing time and financial commitments, and the value of seeking help from experts to manage various aspects of an education business. This episode provides valuable insights for education business owners and those considering a similar career shift. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 00:33 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 01:31 Emma's Transition from Teaching to Business 04:16 The Growth and Impact of 'Is It Time to Play?' 05:52 Personal Development and Business Growth 11:25 The Importance of Investing in Yourself 21:07 Delegation and Expert Support 23:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts All About Emma: Founder of Is it Time to Play? Play based planning and teaching resources for EYFS and KS1. Website: isittimetoplay.co.uk Instagram: @isittimetoplay TikTok: @isittimetoplay Facebook: @isittimetoplay See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Growing Your Education Business with Integrity	17 Sep 2025	00:04:00
Growing Your Education Business with Integrity This episode of the Education Business Podcast, hosted by Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, explores the importance of authenticity and integrity in promoting your education business. Claire discusses the pitfalls of pretending to be someone else in promotional activities, the legal implications of fake reviews, and emphasises the need for personal development if you feel compelled to trick people into buying your product. She encourages business owners to be transparent, believe in their products, and act with integrity to build a trustworthy and sustainable brand. The podcast is sponsored by Classroom Secrets. 00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 00:53 The Pitfalls of Pretending in Business 01:46 Building Integrity and Trust in Your Brand 02:44 Embrace Authenticity for Long-Term Success 03:44 Conclusion and Resources See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Balancing Motherhood and Business: Karen's Insights and Strategies	17 Sep 2025	00:27:33
Balancing Motherhood and Business: Insights from an Education Entrepreneur In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley welcomes back Karen, founder of Mind Marvels, to discuss her journey of balancing motherhood and running an education business. Karen shares her experiences from the past nine months since having her daughter Alice, including the challenges and rewards of managing both roles. They delve into topics such as the importance of delegation, maintaining efficiency, and coping with the slower pace of completing tasks. Karen also highlights her success in reaching a six-figure turnover, the nuances of employing a team, and the importance of shifting communication strategies. Additionally, the conversation touches on the common budget constraints faced by education businesses and how to creatively navigate these challenges. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for education business owners, especially those juggling parenting responsibilities. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:20 Welcoming Karen Back: Business and Motherhood 02:29 Navigating Business with a Newborn 04:13 The Challenges and Triumphs of Delegation 05:57 Balancing Parenthood and Business 07:27 Insights on Team Management 13:02 The Importance of Communication 14:01 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Advice 22:38 Addressing Budget Concerns in Education 24:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement All About Karen: Website: https://www.mindmarvels.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindmarvels LinkedIn (Karen Gibb): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mskarengibb/ LinkedIn (Mind Marvels): https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindmarvels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindmarvels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Understanding Employee Motivation in Education Businesses	16 Sep 2025	00:04:54
Understanding Employee Motivation in Education Businesses In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, Claire Riley, discusses the importance of understanding why potential employees want to join your education business. She reflects on her early experiences as an employer and emphasises the necessity of finding candidates who genuinely bring value to the company, rather than just fulfilling their personal desires, such as working from home. Claire encourages education business owners to define the qualities they seek in employees to build a thriving and impactful company culture. 00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 00:53 Understanding Your Hiring Motivations 02:42 Reflecting on Personal Motivations 03:48 Crafting the Right Company Culture 04:38 Conclusion and Resources See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Overcoming Challenges in Education Business: Insights from Heather's Entrepreneurial Journey	16 Sep 2025	00:31:57
Overcoming Challenges in Education Business: Insights from Heather's Entrepreneurial Journey In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley interviews Heather, a co-founder and seasoned education business owner. Heather recounts her journey from an uncertain post-university period to discovering her passion for teaching in Japan, and eventually transitioning to starting her own business. She shares valuable insights on entrepreneurial action, the challenges of hiring, the importance of health, and evolving definitions of success. Listeners will gain practical tips on leveraging data, networking, and maintaining work-life balance. Heather's story demonstrates that anyone with resourcefulness and drive can thrive as an entrepreneur in the education sector. 00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 01:10 Guest Introduction: Heather's Journey into Teaching and Business 01:31 From Teaching to Entrepreneurship: Heather's Story 05:36 Lessons Learned from Growing an Education Business 06:32 The Importance of Taking Action 07:20 Redefining Success and Managing Health 10:34 Challenges and Strategies in Managing an Education Business 18:02 Future Aspirations and Personal Growth 28:43 Final Thoughts and Messages for Education Business Owners 31:41 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message All About Heather Website: https://www.mrsmactivity.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsmactivity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mcavan-4b55b62b Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrsMactivity Heather McAvan is a qualified teacher and EdTech entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience in education and publishing. After a decade in the classroom and a senior role at Twinkl helping it grow into a global brand, she founded Mrs Mactivity, an award-winning platform for teachers and schools. She also created Time for Phonics, a DfE-validated, award-winning phonics programme later acquired by Discovery Education, and served as a non-executive director at Kapow Primary, supporting its growth into a leading publisher of foundation subject schemes of work. Based in Yorkshire with her three children and labrador, Loki, she’s also obsessed with the Brontës and the Tudors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tip: Maximise Your Education Business - The Importance of Founder's Days	15 Sep 2025	00:02:22
Maximise Your Education Business: The Importance of Founder's Days In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses the significance of having 'founder's days' for education business owners. She shares insights from her experience and the positive impact these dedicated days have had on her business, from addressing backlog tasks to facilitating strategic planning. Sponsored by Classroom Secrets, this podcast is perfect for those looking to grow their education business and improve outcomes for children. 00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast 00:53 Introduction to Founder's Days 01:35 Implementing Founder's Days in Your Business 02:06 Conclusion and Resources See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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