Podcast
Upgrade Your Education Business
Hosted by Sumantha McMahon · EN
Upgrade Your Education Business is the go-to podcast for private tutors and education business owners who want to grow a sustainable, joyful business without following formulas or burning out.
Hosted by experienced business mentor Sumantha McMahon, each episode is packed with practical marketing and sales strategies, mindset insights, and real talk about the highs and lows of running your own tutoring business.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine and simplify what you’ve built, you’ll find inspiration and actionable advice that helps you attract students, boost your visibility, and create a business that works for your version of success.
🎧 New episodes every week, including short mindset boosters and deeper strategy sessions.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
PS 150 The Business You're Building When You're Not Thinking About It
1w ago00:03:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I reflect on the quieter side of building a business, how you respond when things do not go to plan.Success is not about everything working first time, but about staying curious and engaged when it does not.It is that resilience, choosing to keep going and learning, that truly builds your business.____________________👋🏽 Hello! I'm Sumantha McMahon, and I've supported over 100 tutors and education business owners.As a teacher 'dropout' turned professional tutor, combined with my 20+ years as a business owner, I'm in it with you! Yes, I'm qualified too :-)My training leans on tried-and-tested methods that are completely tailored to our niche.Work with me to breathe life into YOUR definition of success:#1 Bespoke 1:1 MentoringHigh-touch 6-month programme for tutors who want to make their business more lucrative, in a sustainable way for the future, while protecting the impact they make.#2 The Tutors' MastermindThe leading membership for tutors that combines tailored training (live and recorded), a community of like-minded business owners and exclusive discounts.This podcast is recorded using Riverside. Sign up for your account here (free plan available)____________________Sometimes, I share links to resources and apps that I recommend. They are all based on my experience - if I don't love them, I don't recommend them. In some cases, I earn a small commission for my recommendation, at no cost to you.© 2024 Sumantha McMahon
Transcribe →Why Tutors With Big Ideas Still Feel Stuck (And How to Move Forward)
2w ago00:12:46Tap to summarizeThis episode addresses the common overwhelm faced by tutors and education business owners when contemplating growth. It emphasizes the importance of clarity about personal goals, strategic thinking, and the value of ongoing support to build a sustainable, lucrative business aligned with one's life vision.____________________👋🏽 Hello! I'm Sumantha McMahon, and I've supported over 100 tutors and education business owners.As a teacher 'dropout' turned professional tutor, combined with my 20+ years as a business owner, I'm in it with you! Yes, I'm qualified too :-)My training leans on tried-and-tested methods that are completely tailored to our niche.Work with me to breathe life into YOUR definition of success:#1 Bespoke 1:1 MentoringHigh-touch 6-month programme for tutors who want to make their business more lucrative, in a sustainable way for the future, while protecting the impact they make.#2 The Tutors' MastermindThe leading membership for tutors that combines tailored training (live and recorded), a community of like-minded business owners and exclusive discounts.This podcast is recorded using Riverside. Sign up for your account here (free plan available)____________________Sometimes, I share links to resources and apps that I recommend. They are all based on my experience - if I don't love them, I don't recommend them. In some cases, I earn a small commission for my recommendation, at no cost to you.© 2024 Sumantha McMahon
Transcribe →PS 149 Good Enough Is Not The Same As Settling
2w ago00:03:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I reframe “good enough” as a strategic choice rather than a compromise. Perfectionism often delays progress and keeps ideas from being tested.By starting with a simpler version, you can validate what works before investing more time and energy. It is not about lowering standards, but about making smarter decisions that move your business forward.____________________👋🏽 Hello! I'm Sumantha McMahon, and I've supported over 100 tutors and education business owners.As a teacher 'dropout' turned professional tutor, combined with my 20+ years as a business owner, I'm in it with you! Yes, I'm qualified too :-)My training leans on tried-and-tested methods that are completely tailored to our niche.Work with me to breathe life into YOUR definition of success:#1 Bespoke 1:1 MentoringHigh-touch 6-month programme for tutors who want to make their business more lucrative, in a sustainable way for the future, while protecting the impact they make.#2 The Tutors' MastermindThe leading membership for tutors that combines tailored training (live and recorded), a community of like-minded business owners and exclusive discounts.This podcast is recorded using Riverside. Sign up for your account here (free plan available)____________________Sometimes, I share links to resources and apps that I recommend. They are all based on my experience - if I don't love them, I don't recommend them. In some cases, I earn a small commission for my recommendation, at no cost to you.© 2024 Sumantha McMahon
Transcribe →How to Set Your Tutoring Prices
3w ago00:20:51Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this episode, I explore the psychology and strategy behind pricing for tutors and education business owners. We discuss why market research is not always the answer, how confidence and self-worth can influence pricing decisions, and how to create a pricing strategy that supports the business and lifestyle you want.TakeawaysPricing is influenced by psychology as much as strategy.Market research is less useful for unique offers.Your prices should support your business goals and lifestyle.Fear of losing clients can hold you back from raising rates.Pricing often reflects confidence, not just value.Tiered pricing and grandfathering can make price increases easier.Price increases are a normal part of business growth.Build your pricing around your business, not your competitors.____________________👋🏽 Hello! I'm Sumantha McMahon, and I've supported over 100 tutors and education business owners.As a teacher 'dropout' turned professional tutor, combined with my 20+ years as a business owner, I'm in it with you! Yes, I'm qualified too :-)My training leans on tried-and-tested methods that are completely tailored to our niche.Work with me to breathe life into YOUR definition of success:#1 Bespoke 1:1 MentoringHigh-touch 6-month programme for tutors who want to make their business more lucrative, in a sustainable way for the future, while protecting the impact they make.#2 The Tutors' MastermindThe leading membership for tutors that combines tailored training (live and recorded), a community of like-minded business owners and exclusive discounts.This podcast is recorded using Riverside. Sign up for your account here (free plan available)____________________Sometimes, I share links to resources and apps that I recommend. They are all based on my experience - if I don't love them, I don't recommend them. In some cases, I earn a small commission for my recommendation, at no cost to you.© 2024 Sumantha McMahon
Transcribe →PS 148 The Thing You Keep Explaining Away
3w ago00:02:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I explore the things in your business you know need attention but keep putting off.Avoiding them is often harder than addressing them. By acknowledging them early, you can move forward with more clarity.____________________👋🏽 Hello! I'm Sumantha McMahon, and I've supported over 100 tutors and education business owners.As a teacher 'dropout' turned professional tutor, combined with my 20+ years as a business owner, I'm in it with you! Yes, I'm qualified too :-)My training leans on tried-and-tested methods that are completely tailored to our niche.Work with me to breathe life into YOUR definition of success:#1 Bespoke 1:1 MentoringHigh-touch 6-month programme for tutors who want to make their business more lucrative, in a sustainable way for the future, while protecting the impact they make.#2 The Tutors' MastermindThe leading membership for tutors that combines tailored training (live and recorded), a community of like-minded business owners and exclusive discounts.This podcast is recorded using Riverside. Sign up for your account here (free plan available)____________________Sometimes, I share links to resources and apps that I recommend. They are all based on my experience - if I don't love them, I don't recommend them. In some cases, I earn a small commission for my recommendation, at no cost to you.© 2024 Sumantha McMahon
Transcribe →Is Tutor Thinking Keeping You Stuck?
4w ago00:11:04Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this episode, I explore the mindset shift from tutor to business owner and why it can unlock new levels of growth. I discuss moving beyond educator thinking, letting go of guilt around profitability, embracing feedback, building resilience, and creating a business that supports the life you actually want.Key Takeaways• Thinking like a tutor and thinking like a business owner are very different mindsets• Profitability and purpose can exist together in education businesses• Success is not just about income, it is about designing the life you want• Business strategy is always evolving and requires constant refinement• Growth comes from resilience and adjusting, not giving up too early• The people around you influence your ambition and mindset• Feedback is information and an opportunity for growth, not criticism• Delegation can create space for higher value work and better sustainability• Protecting your time and energy supports both business growth and quality of life• Small decisions should align with the bigger vision for your business and life____________________👋🏽 Hello! I'm Sumantha McMahon, and I've supported over 100 tutors and education business owners.As a teacher 'dropout' turned professional tutor, combined with my 20+ years as a business owner, I'm in it with you! Yes, I'm qualified too :-)My training leans on tried-and-tested methods that are completely tailored to our niche.Work with me to breathe life into YOUR definition of success:#1 Bespoke 1:1 MentoringHigh-touch 6-month programme for tutors who want to make their business more lucrative, in a sustainable way for the future, while protecting the impact they make.#2 The Tutors' MastermindThe leading membership for tutors that combines tailored training (live and recorded), a community of like-minded business owners and exclusive discounts.This podcast is recorded using Riverside. Sign up for your account here (free plan available)____________________Sometimes, I share links to resources and apps that I recommend. They are all based on my experience - if I don't love them, I don't recommend them. In some cases, I earn a small commission for my recommendation, at no cost to you.© 2024 Sumantha McMahon
Transcribe →PS 147 What A Slow Week Is Actually Telling You
May 2700:02:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I explore how to approach quieter periods in your business.Instead of filling the space, pause and ask what would be most impactful. Sometimes that is strategic work, other times it is rest.____________________👋🏽 Hello! I'm Sumantha McMahon, and I've supported over 100 tutors and education business owners.As a teacher 'dropout' turned professional tutor, combined with my 20+ years as a business owner, I'm in it with you! Yes, I'm qualified too :-)My training leans on tried-and-tested methods that are completely tailored to our niche.Work with me to breathe life into YOUR definition of success:#1 Bespoke 1:1 MentoringHigh-touch 6-month programme for tutors who want to make their business more lucrative, in a sustainable way for the future, while protecting the impact they make.#2 The Tutors' MastermindThe leading membership for tutors that combines tailored training (live and recorded), a community of like-minded business owners and exclusive discounts.This podcast is recorded using Riverside. Sign up for your account here (free plan available)____________________Sometimes, I share links to resources and apps that I recommend. They are all based on my experience - if I don't love them, I don't recommend them. In some cases, I earn a small commission for my recommendation, at no cost to you.© 2024 Sumantha McMahon
Transcribe →Tutors: Why Consistent Marketing Still Isn't Getting You Students
May 2500:20:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I share practical strategies for education business owners to build sustainable marketing systems, overcome self-doubt, and focus on what truly moves the needle. Learn how to create a manageable marketing ecosystem, delegate effectively, and refine your approach for long-term success.____________________👋🏽 Hello! I'm Sumantha McMahon, and I've supported over 100 tutors and education business owners.As a teacher 'dropout' turned professional tutor, combined with my 20+ years as a business owner, I'm in it with you! Yes, I'm qualified too :-)My training leans on tried-and-tested methods that are completely tailored to our niche.Work with me to breathe life into YOUR definition of success:#1 Bespoke 1:1 MentoringHigh-touch 6-month programme for tutors who want to make their business more lucrative, in a sustainable way for the future, while protecting the impact they make.#2 The Tutors' MastermindThe leading membership for tutors that combines tailored training (live and recorded), a community of like-minded business owners and exclusive discounts.This podcast is recorded using Riverside. Sign up for your account here (free plan available)____________________Sometimes, I share links to resources and apps that I recommend. They are all based on my experience - if I don't love them, I don't recommend them. In some cases, I earn a small commission for my recommendation, at no cost to you.© 2024 Sumantha McMahon
Transcribe →PS 146 The Version Of You Who Already Knows What To Do
May 2000:02:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I highlight the importance of checking in with your own thinking before seeking external advice.You already have valuable insight. By trusting your instincts and bringing your perspective into conversations, you get more from the support around you.____________________👋🏽 Hello! I'm Sumantha McMahon, and I've supported over 100 tutors and education business owners.As a teacher 'dropout' turned professional tutor, combined with my 20+ years as a business owner, I'm in it with you! Yes, I'm qualified too :-)My training leans on tried-and-tested methods that are completely tailored to our niche.Work with me to breathe life into YOUR definition of success:#1 Bespoke 1:1 MentoringHigh-touch 6-month programme for tutors who want to make their business more lucrative, in a sustainable way for the future, while protecting the impact they make.#2 The Tutors' MastermindThe leading membership for tutors that combines tailored training (live and recorded), a community of like-minded business owners and exclusive discounts.This podcast is recorded using Riverside. Sign up for your account here (free plan available)____________________Sometimes, I share links to resources and apps that I recommend. They are all based on my experience - if I don't love them, I don't recommend them. In some cases, I earn a small commission for my recommendation, at no cost to you.© 2024 Sumantha McMahon
Transcribe →5 Ways To Attract Students Without Marketing
May 1800:22:14Tap to summarizeSummaryI explore five effective strategies for tutors to build their visibility and attract students outside of traditional digital marketing. These methods focus on relationship-building, community engagement, and intentional outreach to create sustainable growth.____________________👋🏽 Hello! I'm Sumantha McMahon, and I've supported over 100 tutors and education business owners.As a teacher 'dropout' turned professional tutor, combined with my 20+ years as a business owner, I'm in it with you! Yes, I'm qualified too :-)My training leans on tried-and-tested methods that are completely tailored to our niche.Work with me to breathe life into YOUR definition of success:#1 Bespoke 1:1 MentoringHigh-touch 6-month programme for tutors who want to make their business more lucrative, in a sustainable way for the future, while protecting the impact they make.#2 The Tutors' MastermindThe leading membership for tutors that combines tailored training (live and recorded), a community of like-minded business owners and exclusive discounts.This podcast is recorded using Riverside. Sign up for your account here (free plan available)____________________Sometimes, I share links to resources and apps that I recommend. They are all based on my experience - if I don't love them, I don't recommend them. In some cases, I earn a small commission for my recommendation, at no cost to you.© 2024 Sumantha McMahon
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