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.

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.&nbsp;
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&nbsp;
18:02 Future Aspirations and Personal Growth
28:43 Final Thoughts and Messages for Education Business Owners
31:41 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message
&nbsp;
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&rsquo; 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&rsquo;s also obsessed with the Bront&euml;s and the Tudors.

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.