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

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&nbsp;
30:53 Transitioning from Job to Entrepreneurship
31:31 Dealing with Business Challenges and Mistakes&nbsp;
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&nbsp;
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

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.

From Teaching to Running Two Successful Businesses: Richard's Story

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.

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.
&nbsp;
00:00 &mdash; Introduction
01:00 &mdash; How Kate Started Her First Business
02:10 &mdash; Why Founders Need Challenge
03:05 &mdash; What Success Really Looks Like
04:00 &mdash; Can Money Buy Happiness?
05:30 &mdash; Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth
06:40 &mdash; Why Kate Never Chose Employment
07:30 &mdash; The Truth About Systems and Productivity
08:20 &mdash; Why Customers Must Be the Centre
09:30 &mdash; How Customer Conversations Shape Strategy
11:00 &mdash; Competing in a Crowded Market
12:30 &mdash; Final Advice for Entrepreneurs
&nbsp;
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.

Kate Bodrova: Building in a Crowded Market

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

Episode Overview&nbsp;
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 &ldquo;balance&rdquo; 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.
&nbsp;
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 &ldquo;balance&rdquo; really looks like in practice 00:12:00 Structuring a founder&rsquo;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
&nbsp;
All About Parita:&nbsp; 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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s academic journey through tuition and academic mentoring, you can join the LEAPeducate family booking in FREE consultation to discuss your requirements &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="http://www.leapeducte.com/contact">www.leapeducte.com/contact</a> Website: <a href="https://www.leapeducate.com/">https://www.leapeducate.com/</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leapeducate/">https://www.instagram.com/leapeducate/</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paritapatel-leapeducate/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/paritapatel-leapeducate/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/leapeducate">https://www.facebook.com/leapeducate</a>

Parita Patel: Building an Education Business Around Life, Not the Other Way Around

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

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.
&nbsp;
00:00 &ndash; Introduction to the podcast 01:00 &ndash; Shane&rsquo;s journey from teacher to international school leader 02:30 &ndash; The moment he realised professional development wasn&rsquo;t working 03:30 &ndash; Discovering the problem of sustainable change in schools 05:00 &ndash; Life as a consultant supporting schools globally 06:30 &ndash; Coaching in education vs coaching in business 09:00 &ndash; Why teachers rarely get executive coaching 11:30 &ndash; Teachers as leaders in the classroom 13:30 &ndash; The transition from education to business 14:10 &ndash; Operationalising your offer as a founder 15:00 &ndash; The risks of product-led education businesses 17:30 &ndash; Why confidence changes school culture 18:30 &ndash; Psychological safety in schools 19:20 &ndash; Breaking the &ldquo;waiting loop&rdquo; in organisations 20:00 &ndash; How confident schools approach failure 22:00 &ndash; The steep learning curve of sales 23:00 &ndash; The myth of &ldquo;if I build it, they will come&rdquo; 24:30 &ndash; Learning how to sell without feeling salesy 26:20 &ndash; The reality behind business success on LinkedIn 27:00 &ndash; Why founders need a community
&nbsp;
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: <a href="http://shaneleaning.com/podcast">shaneleaning.com/podcast</a> Instagram: @leaningshane LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/leaningshane/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/leaningshane/</a> TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@education_leaders">https://www.tiktok.com/@education_leaders</a>

From Teaching to Running Two Successful Businesses: Richard's Story

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