Classroom to Business

Hosted by Kirsty Gibbs

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Feb 2026

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Are you passionate about making a difference - outside of the classroom, in your OWN business? Are you a teacher or educator who wants to make an impact and make money, on their own terms? Are you ready to step into your true calling and create a lifestyle and work-life balance that works for you? Then this podcast will be music to your ears! Classroom to Business is a fortnightly podcast that will see you learning from someone who truly gets you. Kirsty Gibbs is an industry- expert, ex-classroom teacher and the creator of the Tutoring Growth Membership and the Employee to CEO Mastermind. Her passion and knowledge means that you too can create and grow a profitable business that allows you to step away from the classroom. Here you'll find inspiration, real 'behind the scenes' insight and step-by-step strategies to help you transition from the classroom to a successful, profitable business, that allows you to continue to make a positive impact, whilst having more financial freedom and lifestyle flexibility. Kirsty also interviews other teachers and women in business, who have gone on to build the business and life of their dreams, by following their passions, staying true to themselves and taking action! If you're ready to take action and make a change, then listen up!

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August 4, 2026Episode 7024 min

Why the "More Students = More Money" Trap is Keeping You Stuck // Ep 70

You didn't start a tutoring business to become a full time employee in it. This episode is the wake up call before the strategy. In this episode of Classroom to Business, I'm kicking off a brand new four part mini series, Making More Money from the Hours You're Already Working, and today we're starting with the mindset shift that has to happen before any strategy will work. We dive into the trap of "More students equals more money," the real difference between working in your business and working on your business, and why so many tutoring business owners are unknowingly running a job, not a business. If you're a tutor who's buys, but exhausted, and wondering if this is as good as it gets, this episode will help you see exactly why, and what has to shift before you can move to the next stage. In this episode, we cover: Why "More students, more hours" doesn't actually lead to more money The real difference between working in your business and working on your business The signs you've become the bottleneck (and the full time employee) in your own business Why a cancellation policy is one of the fastest ways to protect your income What's coming in the rest of this four part series 🎯 This episode is for tutors who are busy, tired, and ready to build a business that doesn't fall apart the moment they step away. Want the free workbook from this episode? Grab More Money, Same Hours, a practical workbook to increasing what your business earns without adding more face to face sessions to your week. 👉 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uMMeaFlKnpouj_f39c092QSLpphpoaafS-WceZVwxGE/edit?usp=sharing Want personalised support with your tutoring business? If you're ready to grow with clarity, strategy and real support, you can book a strategy call with me here: 👉 Click here to book your free strategy call Thinking about building a tutoring business the right way? My Tutor Bootcamp is designed for teachers who want systems, confidence and momentum: 👉 Click here to join the Tutor Bootcamp Already running a tutoring business and ready to scale? Join the next round of The Profit Pathway: 👉 Click here to join The Profit Pathway Stay connected: Website: www.kirstygibbs.comInstagram: @kirstygibb.coaching Email: kirsty@kirstygibbs.com

February 25, 2026Episode 6934 min

#69: Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Tutoring Business? How to Stop Plateauing and Start Growing

There comes a point in almost every tutoring business where the excitement fades and the overwhelm kicks in. You're emailing families late at night. You're chasing invoices. You're managing cancellations, complaints, staff, planning sessions, insurance… And somehow you're still expected to show up and teach brilliantly. It's a lot. And if you're feeling stuck, stagnant, overwhelmed, or quietly wondering why everyone else seems ahead of you — this episode is for you. In today's conversation, I speak openly about something we don't talk about enough in business: 👉 We often become our own worst enemies. 👉 We subconsciously self-sabotage. 👉 We stay busy… but not strategic. If you've ever felt like: Everyone else's tutoring business looks more successful than yours You're constantly running but not moving forward You're distracted by new ideas and shiny opportunities You're stuck paying yourself far less than you deserve You know you're capable of more, but something is holding you back You are not alone. I break down the most common patterns she sees in tutoring businesses that plateau — and how to shift out of them. In this episode, I talk about: Why comparison is killing your momentum The real reason you're procrastinating Shiny object syndrome & the "parked for now" list Overworking isn't the same as growing The vision → goals → tasks framework Why you must surround yourself with the right people The hard truth about income in tutoring businesses Successful tutoring businesses are not built by people who have more time, more energy, or less fear. They're built by people who: Stop making excuses. Invest in their growth. Take their business seriously. Lean into discomfort. Do the thing — even when it feels scary. You're not "just" a tutor. You're a business owner. And if you want your business to grow, scale, and truly support your family financially, you have to show up as the CEO — not just the teacher. If this episode hit a little close to home and you're ready to stop plateauing… 🎟 Join us at Tutors Day Out. Secure your spot here. Spend a full day surrounded by passionate, growth-focused tutoring business owners who are committed to doing the work — not making excuses. This is not networking. It's not surface-level. It's real conversations, practical strategies, and serious business growth. And if you're listening and thinking, "I know I need help getting this to stick" — reach out. This is exactly what I help my clients with inside my programs. Because your tutoring business deserves more than burnout and busy work. It deserves growth.

February 12, 2026Episode 6835 min

#68: The Tutoring Business Journey No One Talks About (And Why I Created Tutors Day Out)

In this episode, I pull back the curtain on my own journey from classroom teacher to tutoring business owner, and now business coach for tutors across Australia and beyond. I share what it really looked like in the early days… the winging it, the long nights, the faffing around pretending to be "busy", and the hard lessons that came from building a business without structure, strategy or support. If you've ever felt like: You're fully booked but not earning enough You're doing everything yourself You don't know what you don't know You're stuck in the messy middle between "side hustle" and "real business" This one will hit home. I talk about: Why I nearly bought a franchise (and why I didn't) The loneliness of running a tutoring business without people who truly get it The turning point of hiring a coach — and how that changed everything The shift from acting like an employee in my own business… to stepping into the CEO role Why systems and structure are the real key to freedom (not more students) How I was able to step away from two centres while raising a one-year-old, because the backend was finally solid This episode also introduces Tutor's Day Out... a first-of-its-kind live event in Sydney designed specifically for tutors and tutoring business owners who want growth, clarity, community and real strategy. You'll hear why this event matters so much to me, and how the power of community completely changed the trajectory of my business. If you've been feeling stuck, isolated, overwhelmed or unsure what your next step is, this episode is your reminder: You don't have to do this alone. And you don't have to keep winging it. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to invite you into the room. Tutors Day Out is a live, connection-first business day in Sydney for tutoring business owners who want clarity, support and real momentum going into 2026. 📍 Sydney 📅 Friday 17 April 🎟 Early Bird tickets are currently available (limited) 👉 Secure your spot here. And if you're listening thinking, "I want to grow (or I want to start)… I just don't know how…" You don't have to figure that out alone. You can book a free strategy call with me and we'll map out your next step together. 👉 Book your free strategy call here.

January 27, 2026Episode 6748 min

#67: Raeesa Didn't Just Start a Tutoring Business - She Built One That Runs Without Her

She didn't just start a tutoring business, she built one that runs without her. From garage tutoring to CEO, Raeesa shares what actually made the difference. In this episode of Classroom to Business, I sit down with Raeesa Fayers, founder of The Knowledge Nest, to unpack how she went from tutoring in her garage to running a thriving business with hundreds of students and a team, in just two years. We talk honestly about the mindset shifts, pricing decisions and systems that helped Raeesa stop trading hours for money and start building a business that runs without her. If you're a tutor who loves teaching but feels stuck, overwhelmed, or capped by time, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why one-on-one tutoring creates an income ceiling How group tutoring unlocked growth and profit The mindset shift from teacher to CEO Social media strategies that actually convert (without feeling salesy) Why systems, support, and mentorship matter more than hustle Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, this episode will help you rethink what's possible for your tutoring business. Follow along Raeesa's journey... Instagram handle: @theknowledgenestau Facebook handle: @theknowledgenestau Website: www.theknowledgenest.com.au 🎟️ Want to grow your tutoring business this year? If you're already tutoring (or about to start) and want clarity, strategy and real conversations with people who actually get this industry, Tutors' Day Out is for you! It's a live, in-person business day for tutoring business owners. No awkward corporate networking, no overwhelm and no over-the-top training that you won't ever implement, just practical support and connection. 👉 Join me live on April 17th: Tutors' Day Out Event Link 🚀 Want to start your tutoring business the right way? If you're still in the early stages (or thinking about starting), Tutor Bootcamp will walk you through the foundations: pricing, offers, confidence and systems, without overcomplicating things. 👉 Learn more about Tutor Bootcamp: Tutor Bootcamp Link ☕ Not sure what you need yet? If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just want to talk through your options, you can book a free discovery call with me. We'll chat about where you're at, where you want to go, and what support (if any) makes sense for you right now. 👉 Book a free discovery call: Discovery Call Link

September 23, 2025Episode 6629 min

#66: Is Your Tutoring Business Actually Profitable - Or Just Fully Booked?

Being fully booked might feel like a win, but if your bank account is tight and your energy is drained, is it really success? In this episode, I unpack the illusion of being "busy" versus actually building a profitable and sustainable tutoring business. From undercharging and overworking, to ignoring your true expenses, I share the mindset shifts and practical strategies you need to finally pay yourself properly, protect your time and grow with confidence. If you've ever thought, "I'm working so hard, but it doesn't feel worth it", this episode is for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🙌 Why "fully booked" doesn't always equal profitable 🙌 The hidden costs tutors forget when setting prices 🙌 How to calculate your real hourly rate (and why it's eye-opening) 🙌 Why revenue ≠ profit and what numbers actually matter 🙌 How to stop the "side hustle cycle" and create breathing room in your business 🙌 Practical shifts: value-based pricing, packages, group offers, automating admin 🙌 How to protect your time and energy like a CEO, not just a teacher 🙌 The #1 question to ask yourself to check if your business is sustainable This one's for you if: ✔️ You're fully booked, but still not paying yourself properly ✔️ You feel stuck in the "side hustle cycle" of late nights, hectic weekends and admin chaos ✔️ You want more freedom and flexibility without burning out ✔️ You're tired of winging it and want a clear, profitable plan Want personalised support for your business growth? Let's map out your next steps together. 👉 Book a Free Discovery Call and we'll chat about where you are at, what you want and how I can help you get there. The Profit Pathway - Next Round Opens November 2025 My small group, 6-month coaching program to nail your pricing, systems and finances, so your tutoring business runs smoothly, pays you properly and doesn't rely on you doing all the things. 👉 Join the waitlist here to be the first to know when doors open. Stay connected: 🌐 Website: www.kirstygibbs.com 📩 Email: kirsty@kirstygibbs.com 📱 Instagram: @kirstygibbs.coaching If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe or leave a quick review. It helps more teachers step into business with confidence, and I LOVE that!!!

September 8, 2025Episode 6536 min

#65: Are You Still Thinking Like a Teacher, Not a CEO?

If you started your tutoring business for freedom but somehow feel busier, more stressed and have less income than when you were in the classroom, you will want to check this episode out. Too many tutors stay stuck in teacher mode, focusing only on lessons, resources and students, while forgetting the part that actually grows the business: stepping into the role of CEO (spoiler alert... it's not actually that hard!) In this episode, I share: ✔️ Why shifting from a teacher mindset to a business owner mindset changes everything ✔️ The simple systems and automations that free up hours every week ✔️ How to work on your tutoring business, not just in it ✔️ Real stories of tutors who stopped winging it and started running their business with clarity ✔️ Why boundaries and CEO time are the difference between financial freedom and burnout This one's for you if: → You feel like your business is running you, not the other way around → You are still second-guessing your worth and undercharging → You know you need systems and structure but don't know where to start → You are ready to build a tutoring business that gives you time, money and flexibility back Want personalised support for your business growth? Let's map out your next steps together. 👉 Book a free 1:1 strategy call and we will chat about where you are at, what you want, and how I can help you get there. Upcoming Event – Tutor Boost Workshop (24 September, Sydney) 📍 In-person, hands-on event for tutoring business owners 📝 Focus: auditing systems, identifying time-wasters, refining processes and strategic planning 🤝 Small group format with one-on-one support from me 👉 Click here to grab your spot Want to join The Profit Pathway next round? 📝 Join the waitlist to be the first to know when doors open again in November. You'll also get bonus resources and early access. 👉 Click here to join the waitlist Stay connected: 🌐 Website: www.kirstygibbs.com 📩 Email: kirsty@kirstygibbs.com 📱 Instagram: @kirstygibbs.coaching If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe or leave a quick review. It helps more teachers step into business with confidence, and I LOVE that!!!

August 26, 2025Episode 6450 min

#64: Building a 1000+ Student Tutoring Empire, While Keeping Students and Staff at the Heart- with Harry Mavrolefteros

What does it really take to scale a tutoring business beyond yourself and still keep tour staff and students at the centre of it all? In this episode, I chat with Harry Mavrolefteros, one of my VIP coaching clients and founder of First Education, who has grown his tutoring business to over 1000+ students while leading a strong team and staying true to his values. Harry shares the lessons he's learnt along the way, from the early days of working one-on-one with students, to running a thriving tutoring organisation that's built on both systems and heart. We dive into: ✔️ What it takes to scale beyond being a solo tutor ✔️ How Harry built systems that allow growth without chaos ✔️ The importance of valuing your staff and building a supportive culture ✔️ Why confidence and clarity matter more than "hustling harder" ✔️ The balance between business growth and staying student-focused This one's for you if: → You're dreaming bigger for your tutoring business, but not sure how to scale sustainably → You're stuck doing everything yourself and wondering what needs to shift → You want proof that you can grow while still keeping students and staff at the heart of what you do → You're ready to step into CEO mode and think bigger about what's possible Want personalised support for your business growth? Let's map out your next steps together. Book a free 1:1 strategy call and we will chat about where you are at, what you want, and how I can help you get there. 👉 Click here to book your free strategy call Upcoming Event - Tutor Boost Workshop (24 September, Sydney) 📍 In-person, hands-on event for tutoring business owners 📝 Focus: auditing systems, identifying time-wasters, refining processes, and strategic planning 🤝 Small group format with one-on-one support from Kirsty 👉 Click here to grab your spot Want to join The Profit Pathway next round? 📝 Join the waitlist to be the first to know when doors open again in November. You will also get bonus resources and early access. 👉 Click here to join the waitlist Stay connected: Website: www.kirstygibbs.com Instagram: @kirstygibbs.coaching Email: kirsty@kirstygibbs.com Did you enjoy this episode? Please subscribe + leave a review. It really helps others find the show and supports more teachers stepping into business.

August 13, 2025Episode 6334 min

#63: Stop Letting Your Business Run You – It's Time to Get Organised

If you started your tutoring business for freedom, flexibility and more control over your time, yet somehow find yourself busier than you were in the classroom, this episode is for you. I am sharing what I have been working on with tutors inside The Profit Pathway that has completely shifted the way they work, giving them more time, more profits and more energy for the things that matter most. We are talking about moving from "employee mode" to "CEO mode", building systems that actually work for you and creating the space to grow... instead of constantly putting out fires and reacting to everything. In this episode, I talked about: ✔ Why so many tutoring business owners end up with less freedom and more hours than they had in the classroom ✔ The "side hustle cycle" and how to break free from it ✔ What it really means to work on your business, not just in it ✔ Common time-wasters that keep you busy but small ✔ How to create CEO time each week so you can plan, review and grow ✔ The mindset shifts that lead to bigger profits and a business that works for your life This one's for you if: → You are exhausted from juggling lessons, admin, marketing and enquiries all on your own → You are making decisions on the fly without a clear plan → You are stuck in the "reactive" cycle and want to step into your role as CEO → You want your tutoring business to give you more time, more money and more flexibility Want personalised support for your business growth? Let's map out your next steps together. Book a free 1:1 strategy call and we will chat about where you are at, what you want, and how I can help you get there. 👉 Click here to book your free strategy call Upcoming Event - Tutor Boost Workshop (24 September, Sydney) 📍 In-person, hands-on event for tutoring business owners 📝 Focus: auditing systems, identifying time-wasters, refining processes, and strategic planning 🤝 Small group format with one-on-one support from Kirsty 👉 Click here to grab your spot Want to join The Profit Pathway next round? 📝 Join the waitlist to be the first to know when doors open again in November. You will also get bonus resources and early access. 👉 Click here to join the waitlist Stay connected: Website: www.kirstygibbs.com Instagram: @kirstygibbs.coaching Email: kirsty@kirstygibbs.com

July 31, 2025Episode 6242 min

#62: Why Ali Hired a Business Coach, BEFORE She Was Making Money in Her Tutoring Business

This is a real, honest chat with Ali from Head Start Club on the Sunshine Coast, about what it takes to start strong, stay focused, and build a business that works for your life (not just your students). We chat about: ✔ What helped her back herself in the early stages ✔ Why she didn't wait to "have it all together" before getting support ✔ How she knew it was time to hire help, and what that looked like ✔ What shifted in her mindset as she went from teacher to business owner ✔ Letting go of distractions and staying in her lane ✔ How she's built a business that supports both her family and her clients This episode is perfect for you if: → You're still in the classroom and thinking about starting a business → You've already started, but it feels messy or uncertain → You're waiting for the "right time" to invest in support → You want to build something solid, simple and sustainable Want Support? 👉 Book a free 'Next Steps' call, and find out how you can move yuor business to the next stage, and how I can help you to get there: CLICK HERE 📩 Let's Connect! Website: kirstygibbs.com Email: kirsty@kirstygibbs.com Instagram: @kirstygibbs.coaching_ Did you enjoy this episode? Please subscribe + leave a review. It really helps others find the show and supports more teachers stepping into business.

July 16, 2025Episode 6145 min

#61: The Real Shift: How Hayley Turned Self-Doubt Into Strategy and 100% Conversion!

If you've ever felt stuck in your head, unsure if you're doing the right thing, or quietly wondering, "Am I actually cut out for business?", this episode is for you. I sat down with the lovely Hayley Grant, a teacher and tutoring business owner, to talk through what was really going on behind the scenes before things started to shift. We kept it real, talking through the mindset traps, the emotional side of business, and what helped Hayley stop overthinking and finally start moving forward with more clarity and confidence. In this episode, we chat about: ✔ How Hayley's self-doubt was showing up (and what helped her shift it) ✔ Why things felt like a "slow grind" in the early stages ✔ The difference support and structure made to her confidence ✔ Letting go of perfection and giving herself permission to go at her own pace ✔ How she's showing up in her business now and feeling proud of it ✔ The power of being in a room with other tutors who get it This one's for you if: → You're second-guessing your offers, pricing or whether you're "doing it right" → You're holding back from putting yourself out there → You feel like you're doing it all on your own, and it's getting heavy → You're ready to build something that actually feels good ** Hayley completed my start-up course for tutors: Tutor Bootcamp and is a current member of The Profit Pathway, my 6-month program for tutors who want a real plan, real support, and a business that works (without working 24/7). Want personalised support for your business growth? Let's map out your next steps together. Book a free 1:1 strategy call and we'll chat about where you're at, what you want, and how I can help you get there. 👉 Click here to book your free strategy call Want to learn how to start a tutoring business? Join the Tutor Bootcamp to learn the exact steps to take to start and build your very own tutoring business. Take the guesswork out, and follow my step-by-step roadmap to show you how you can take your teaching skills out of the classroom, whilst still making an impact and income, but on your terms and with more flexibility and freedom! 👉 Click here to join the Tutor Bootcamp Want to join The Profit Pathway next round? 📝 Join the waitlist to be the first to know when doors open again in November. You'll also get bonus resources and early access. 👉 Click here to join the waitlist Stay connected: Website: www.kirstygibbs.com Instagram: @kirstygibb.coaching Email: kirsty@kirstygibbs.com If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe or leave a quick review. It helps me to ensure I am able to help as many people as I can!

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Classroom to Business

About the show

Listen to episodes

Why the "More Students = More Money" Trap is Keeping You Stuck // Ep 70

#69: Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Tutoring Business? How to Stop Plateauing and Start Growing

#68: The Tutoring Business Journey No One Talks About (And Why I Created Tutors Day Out)

#67: Raeesa Didn't Just Start a Tutoring Business - She Built One That Runs Without Her

#66: Is Your Tutoring Business Actually Profitable - Or Just Fully Booked?

#65: Are You Still Thinking Like a Teacher, Not a CEO?

#64: Building a 1000+ Student Tutoring Empire, While Keeping Students and Staff at the Heart- with Harry Mavrolefteros

#63: Stop Letting Your Business Run You – It's Time to Get Organised

#62: Why Ali Hired a Business Coach, BEFORE She Was Making Money in Her Tutoring Business

#61: The Real Shift: How Hayley Turned Self-Doubt Into Strategy and 100% Conversion!

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