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

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&nbsp;
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&nbsp; Instagram: @Number_Stacks LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-aylott-numberstacks Facebook: https://facebook.com/numberstacks

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.

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