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

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.
&nbsp;
00:02:00 - Leaving teaching under pressure
00:05:00 - Starting a business with &pound;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 -&nbsp;Building simple processes that scale
00:22:00 -&nbsp;What to hand off first in your business
00:28:00 -&nbsp;Why systems matter early
&nbsp;
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: <a href="https://katiestonepa.com/">https://katiestonepa.com/</a>&nbsp; LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestonepa/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestonepa/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/elevatedsupportltd">https://www.facebook.com/elevatedsupportltd</a>

The Education Business Podcast is for educational consultants, small education-based business owners, Edtech providers and workshop leaders focused on providing education services to schools, as well as for teachers transitioning to freelancing with an entrepreneurial business idea. Growing and scaling a business that provides a service to schools and education requires a different skillset and inside knowledge to many other entrepreneurial ventures. In this podcast Claire Riley, CEO of Classroom Secrets and host of The Teachers' Podcast, shares what it takes to market and pitch your services to this sector. Find out exactly what headteachers and teachers are looking for, and why building a personal brand matters in your marketing and how you can grow your education business.

The Education Business Podcast is for educational consultants, small education-based business owners, Edtech providers and workshop leaders focused on providing education services to schools, as well as for teachers transitioning to freelancing with an entrepreneurial business idea. Growing and scaling a business that provides a service to schools and education requires a different skillset and inside knowledge to many other entrepreneurial ventures. In this podcast Claire Riley, CEO of Classroom Secrets and host of The Teachers' Podcast, shares what it takes to market and pitch your services to this sector. Find out exactly what headteachers and teachers are looking for, and why building a personal brand matters in your marketing and how you can grow your education business.

The Education Business Podcast

Building a business in education can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.

Hosted by Claire Riley, founder of Classroom Secrets and passionate advocate for helping educators turn their expertise into thriving businesses, this podcast brings you honest conversations, practical strategies, and the behind-the-scenes lessons from those already making an impact in the education space.

Each episode dives into the realities of running and growing an education business—from building sustainable income streams and navigating challenges, to embracing innovation and scaling with purpose. You’ll hear inspiring stories from fellow entrepreneurs, expert insights, and Claire’s own experiences of successes and setbacks along the way.

Whether you’re an aspiring edupreneur just starting out or a seasoned business owner looking for fresh perspective, this podcast will give you the tools, clarity, and encouragement you need to grow with confidence.

Tune in weekly to discover how to make your education business thrive while staying true to your mission of making a difference.

Building a business in education can feel overwhelming&mdash;but you don&rsquo;t have to do it alone.
Hosted by Claire Riley, founder of Classroom Secrets and passionate advocate for helping educators turn their expertise into thriving businesses, this podcast brings you honest conversations, practical strategies, and the behind-the-scenes lessons from those already making an impact in the education space.
Each episode dives into the realities of running and growing an education business&mdash;from building sustainable income streams and navigating challenges, to embracing innovation and scaling with purpose. You&rsquo;ll hear inspiring stories from fellow entrepreneurs, expert insights, and Claire&rsquo;s own experiences of successes and setbacks along the way.
Whether you&rsquo;re an aspiring edupreneur just starting out or a seasoned business owner looking for fresh perspective, this podcast will give you the tools, clarity, and encouragement you need to grow with confidence.
Tune in weekly to discover how to make your education business thrive while staying true to your mission of making a difference.

Katie Stone: From Teacher Burnout to Scalable Business

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

 

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.
&nbsp;
00:00 &ndash; Introduction
02:00 &ndash; Why Simon Became a Teacher
04:30 &ndash; Starting to Share Online
06:30 &ndash; The Shift to Business Thinking
12:30 &ndash; Understanding Your Value
17:30 &ndash; Monetisation and Credibility
19:30 &ndash; The Role of Trust in Schools
23:00 &ndash; Getting Started in 30 Days
26:30 &ndash; What Brands Get Wrong
29:00 &ndash; Working with Small vs Big Companies
31:30 &ndash; What Education Businesses Need to Know
&nbsp;
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&rsquo;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: <a href="https://www.mrhuntfromthefront.com/">https://www.mrhuntfromthefront.com/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrhuntfromthefront">https://www.facebook.com/mrhuntfromthefront</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrhuntfromthefront/">https://www.instagram.com/mrhuntfromthefront/</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-hunt-b0a442161/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-hunt-b0a442161/</a> TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mrhuntfromthefront">https://www.tiktok.com/@mrhuntfromthefront</a>
&nbsp;

Simon Hunt: Why Credibility Matters More Than Followers

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/

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.&nbsp;
Listeners will get:
<ul>
<li data-section-id="e61w9u" data-start="1082" data-end="1138">A clear lens on product-market fit vs early traction</li>
<li data-section-id="17bl7m3" data-start="1139" data-end="1191">A grounded view on growth during and after COVID</li>
<li data-section-id="ar963g" data-start="1192" data-end="1248">Practical thinking on focus, strategy, and saying no</li>
<li data-section-id="jde2be" data-start="1249" data-end="1310">A realistic take on &ldquo;net positive&rdquo; success beyond revenue</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
00:00:00 &ndash; The core principle: scaling through subtraction
00:01:00 &ndash; Matthew&rsquo;s journey into tutoring and edtech
00:03:00 &ndash; The accidental start of Lessonspace
00:05:00 &ndash; Early traction vs real product-market fit
00:07:00 &ndash; Customer-led growth
00:08:00 &ndash; COVID: luck, timing, and rapid growth
00:10:00 &ndash; Post-COVID strategy and saying no
00:12:00 &ndash; Focus as a growth strategy
00:13:00 &ndash; Building and scaling a team
00:16:00 &ndash; The personal cost of building a business
00:17:00 &ndash; Defining &ldquo;net positive&rdquo;
00:22:00 &ndash; Sustainability vs impact in education
00:26:00 &ndash; Final lesson: subtract to scale
&nbsp;
All About Matthew: Matthew is the founder of Lessonspace, a Zoom alternative to conduct your online tutoring. Website: thelessonspace.com LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lessonspace/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/lessonspace/</a>

Matthew Henshall: Scaling by Subtraction: Building a Net Positive Business

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

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.
&nbsp;
00:01:00 &ndash; Jen&rsquo;s journey into education business
00:04:00 &ndash; Purpose and working in schools
00:06:00 &ndash; Leaving and returning with clarity
00:07:00 &ndash; Ownership and mindset shift
00:11:00 &ndash; Preparing a business for sale
00:13:00 &ndash; Systems, metrics and scalability
00:15:00 &ndash; What buyers are really investing in
00:17:00 &ndash; Succession planning explained
00:22:00 &ndash; Hiring and developing leaders
00:25:00 &ndash; Culture and people strategy
00:28:00 &ndash; Staying relevant in education
00:29:00 &ndash; Relationships and long-term growth
&nbsp;
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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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 <a href="http://www.eightfourtwo.co.uk/">www.eightfourtwo.co.uk</a>, 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: <a href="https://www.epm.co.ukLinkedIn">www.epm.co.uk</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-elliott-b1187023">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-elliott-b1187023</a>

Katie Stone: From Teacher Burnout to Scalable Business

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