The Education Business Podcast

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 podcast01:00 – Shane’s journey from teacher to international school leader02:30 – The moment he realised professional development wasn’t working03:30 – Discovering the problem of sustainable change in schools05:00 – Life as a consultant supporting schools globally06:30 – Coaching in education vs coaching in business09:00 – Why teachers rarely get executive coaching11:30 – Teachers as leaders in the classroom13:30 – The transition from education to business14:10 – Operationalising your offer as a founder15:00 – The risks of product-led education businesses17:30 – Why confidence changes school culture18:30 – Psychological safety in schools19:20 – Breaking the “waiting loop” in organisations20:00 – How confident schools approach failure22:00 – The steep learning curve of sales23:00 – The myth of “if I build it, they will come”24:30 – Learning how to sell without feeling salesy26:20 – The reality behind business success on LinkedIn27:00 – 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.comPodcast: Education Leaders: shaneleaning.com/podcastInstagram: @leaningshaneLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leaningshane/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@education_leadersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode OverviewIn 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 Podcast00:45 – Meet Kate Wadsworth and her journey into teaching02:30 – Two very different school experiences that shaped her values03:10 – Why Kate decided to leave the classroom04:00 – Founding What If Education04:40 – Starting a business without a backup plan06:00 – Inspiration from Steven Bartlett’s business ideas07:00 – Building an education business while teaching vs leaving08:00 – Growing an audience through connection and networking09:30 – Using LinkedIn and virtual coffees to build a network10:20 – How podcast appearances created unexpected opportunities11:20 – Saying yes before you feel ready12:10 – How to decide what opportunities to accept13:00 – Trial and error in building a business14:30 – Learning to recognise when you’re at capacity16:00 – The hardest lesson: progress isn’t linear17:20 – Avoiding the solo founder echo chamber18:20 – Messaging challenges and business evolution19:20 – Moving through uncertainty and finding clarity20:10 – Advice education business owners need to hear20:40 – When your biggest strength is also your weakness21:30 – Freedom vs structure in entrepreneurship22:20 – The importance of reflection and “pinch-me” moments23:30 – Looking back to appreciate progress24:40 – 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.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/what.if.educationLinked In: www.LinkedIn.com/in/kate-what-if-educationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Mouth00:01 – Intro00:02 – Matt’s Journey00:04 – Leadership Growth00:05 – Starting Restart Tuition00:06 – Building the Business00:08 – Team & Structure00:10 – Local Authority Work00:12 – Business Focus00:14 – Systems & Safeguarding00:16 – Growth Challenges00:17 – Focus vs Fear00:18 – Referrals & Marketing00:21 – Income & Security00:22 – Money Mindset00:24 – Pricing & Value00:29 – Belief vs Reality00:31 – Boundaries00:33 – Networking00:35 – Perspective Shift00:36 – Leadership00:37 – 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.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwilkinsonedu/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/restarttuition/    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Introduction01:20 Darren’s teaching career background02:45 “Why do we need to know this?”03:30 The idea behind Headline Maths06:00 Leaving teaching & working alone07:10 Fear, stability & self-doubt08:00 Creating structure as a solo founder09:10 Misconceptions about education businesses11:00 Feedback from schools13:00 Handling feedback emotionally15:00 Growth plans & future vision16:30 Teacher vs business owner identity17:30 Making maths meaningful for students21:00 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.comInstagram: @headline_mathsFacebook: Headline MathsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.ukInstagram: @explorelearning_officialLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-haycox-58800224/Facebook:@explorelearningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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/ManicStTeachersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.ukInstagram: 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.