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.uk
Instagram: @explorelearning_official
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-haycox-58800224/
Facebook:@explorelearning

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Claire Riley is joined by Ian Hunter, founder of Lyme Education Consulting, to explore how education businesses can successfully expand into international markets. With over 27 years in edtech and global education, Ian shares practical insights on trust, localisation, market research, and common mistakes to avoid when going global.

All About Ian:
Ian has worked in the EdTech market for over 25 years and has worked for some of the largest education companies in the world including Tes Global, Discovery Education and RM Education.

As Global Director, Sales Director or Commercial Director he has been responsible for driving growth across a range of EdTech products and services to schools, colleges, Universities and Ministries of Education globally.

Website: https://www.limeedu.co.uk/
LinkedIn: ianhunter7
X: @ianlhunter

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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/

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The Importance of Context in Leading Your Education Business

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses the pivotal role of providing context to your team members in an education business.

She explains how context helps improve team efficiency and outcomes, sharing insights from her own experience and interactions with other education business leaders. Key points include striking a balance with information sharing, the benefits of providing context, and practical advice for ensuring your team has a comprehensive understanding of business decisions.

Sponsored by Classroom Secrets, the podcast aims to equip education entrepreneurs with tools to grow their businesses.

00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast

00:55 The Importance of Context in Business

01:20 Sharing Context with Your Team

02:35 The Impact of Context on Team Performance

03:26 Conclusion and Sponsor Message

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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/ManicStTeachers

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Unsticking Your Education Business: Future Planning and Growth Strategies

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, addresses common challenges faced by founders and business owners in the education sector.

Focusing on the theme of feeling stuck in business, Claire discusses the importance of setting new goals, envisioning long-term success, and planning for future growth. She shares insights from her own experiences and conversations with other education business owners, emphasising the need to align business aspirations with personal life goals.

This episode is sponsored by Classroom Secrets.

00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast

00:55 Feeling Stuck in Your Education Business?

01:45 Setting Wild and Crazy Goals 02:26 Aligning Business Goals with Personal Aspirations

03:19 Conclusion and Resources

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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.uk
Instagram: 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

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Effective Mastermind Sessions to Grow Your Education Business

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses effective strategies for conducting mastermind sessions to enhance business outcomes.

Claire shares her own experiences with different mastermind formats, their pros and cons, and introduces a refined mastermind structure utilised at Classroom Secrets.

The episode provides a detailed breakdown of a one-hour session format aimed at generating actionable guidance through collaborative problem-solving.

Claire emphasises the importance of context, quality questions, and structured guidance to ensure meaningful outcomes from these sessions.

00:00 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast

00:54 Challenges of Traditional Mastermind Sessions

02:08 Creating a New Mastermind Structure

02:57 Implementing the Mastermind Framework at Classroom Secrets

03:31 Detailed Steps of the Mastermind Session

07:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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