I’m No Rookie

Hosted by Ayo Bamgbose

Education

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121

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Are you a beauty, spa, or wellness professional ready to take your career to the next level? Whether you're a therapist or manager looking to transition into education and training, I'm No Rookie is the podcast for you. I’m Ayo Bamgbose, your host, mentor, and fellow professional with over 20 years of experience in the beauty, wellness, and education sectors. I’ve walked the path from the treatment room to the classroom, and I’m here to guide you on your own journey. This podcast is designed specifically for professionals like you—passionate, skilled, and eager to make a bigger impact. Each fortnight, we’ll dive into topics that matter most, including how to leverage your expertise, develop new skills, and position yourself as an educator or trainer in this vibrant industry. From practical strategies and industry trends to inspirational stories, every episode is packed with insights to help you thrive in your next chapter. Join me on I’m No Rookie , and let’s turn your experience into a lasting legacy of teaching, mentorship, and growth. Your next step starts here—are you ready? Let’s dive in.

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October 27, 202610 min

#118: Why the Next Level Isn’t Always the Right Step

There can be an assumption that career progression means continually moving up to the next qualification. You complete one level, so naturally, the next step must be the level above. But where does experience fit into that progression? In this episode of I'm No Rookie , Ayo shares her own experience of progressing through education and training qualifications over more than a decade. From becoming a trainer before gaining her first teaching qualification, to eventually completing her Level 5 after years of teaching and training, she reflects on why she didn't rush from one level to the next. This episode looks at the importance of gaining experience, applying what you've learnt and recognising when you're genuinely ready for the next stage. What You'll Learn Why completing one qualification doesn't automatically mean you're ready for the next level How practical experience can help you get more from your qualifications Why qualifications and experience should work alongside each other How to think about whether you're genuinely ready for your next step Thinking About Becoming an Educator? If teaching or training is something you've been considering, don't rule yourself out before you've explored what's possible. Developing Educators Academy offers the CIBTAC Level 3 Award and Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, as well as the Level 3 Assessor qualification. Download the course brochure Enjoyed this episode? If you found this conversation helpful, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to I'm No Rookie and left a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your reviews help more experienced beauty, spa and wellness professionals discover the podcast and realise they're not alone in thinking about what comes next. Connect with Me LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayo-bamgbose-assoc-cipd-ma-msc-bsc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/developingeducatorsacademy Website: https://www.developingeducatorsacademy.com/

October 13, 202610 min

#117: What Can You Learn From a No?

Nobody enjoys being told no. Whether it's a job application, an opportunity you've put yourself forward for or something you've spent weeks working on, rejection can make you question whether you were good enough in the first place. I've recently had two papers rejected for publication, but the experiences were very different. One came with constructive feedback that helped me improve my work, rethink where I was submitting it and eventually try again. The other gave me far less to work with. It got me thinking about how we respond when something doesn't go the way we'd hoped. In this episode of I'm No Rookie , I share what those two experiences have taught me about rejection, constructive feedback and why a no can sometimes give you information that a yes never would. What You'll Learn In this episode, you'll hear: Why constructive feedback can make rejection genuinely useful How to separate the rejection of your work or application from rejection of you as a person Three questions to ask yourself after receiving a no Why some rejections can redirect you towards a better opportunity What to do when you're rejected but aren't given useful feedback Thinking About Becoming an Educator? If teaching or training is something you've been considering, don't rule yourself out before you've explored what's possible. Developing Educators Academy offers the CIBTAC Level 3 Award and Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, as well as the Level 3 Assessor qualification. Download the course brochure Enjoyed this episode? If you found this conversation helpful, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to I'm No Rookie and left a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your reviews help more experienced beauty, spa and wellness professionals discover the podcast and realise they're not alone in thinking about what comes next. Connect with Me LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayo-bamgbose-assoc-cipd-ma-msc-bsc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/developingeducatorsacademy Website: https://www.developingeducatorsacademy.com/

September 29, 202620 min

#116: QTS vs QTLS: Which One Do You Actually Need?

You find a teaching or lecturer role that sounds like a great fit. You have the industry experience, teaching experience and qualifications, then you spot QTS or QTLS in the person specification. Does that mean you're not qualified for the role? Do you need to gain another qualification? And what's the difference between QTS and QTLS anyway? In this episode of I'm No Rookie , Ayo Bamgbose looks at the difference between QTS and QTLS after noticing both appearing regularly while searching for tutor and lecturer opportunities. She shares what she discovered, who each route is relevant to and why your starting point shouldn't automatically be another qualification. What You'll Learn In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between QTS and QTLS and the types of teaching settings they're associated with What you currently need to be eligible for QTLS and what the six-month professional formation process involves Why looking at real job descriptions can help you decide which qualifications or professional status you may need next Most importantly, you'll hear why it makes sense to start with the career and teaching environment you want, then work backwards to identify what you actually need to get there. Resources Mentioned Thinking about QTLS? QTLS is awarded through the Education Training Foundation. Check the current eligibility requirements, application dates, fees and professional formation process before applying. Education Training Foundation: [ Find out more about QTLS] Thinking About Becoming an Educator? If teaching or training is something you've been considering, don't rule yourself out before you've explored what's possible. Developing Educators Academy offers the CIBTAC Level 3 Award and Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, as well as the Level 3 Assessor qualification. Download the course brochure Enjoyed this episode? If you found this conversation helpful, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to I'm No Rookie and left a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your reviews help more experienced beauty, spa and wellness professionals discover the podcast and realise they're not alone in thinking about what comes next. Connect with Me LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayo-bamgbose-assoc-cipd-ma-msc-bsc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/developingeducatorsacademy Website: https://www.developingeducatorsacademy.com/

September 15, 202615 min

#115: Your Career Might Be Changing Before You Realise It

Sometimes your career starts changing before you've made a firm decision about where you're going next. You might find yourself becoming interested in different opportunities, learning new skills or stepping into spaces that weren't part of your original career plan. What makes this stage difficult is that you can't always see where it's leading while you're in it. In this episode of I'm No Rookie , Ayo Bamgbose reflects on how starting her PhD introduced her to opportunities she didn't know existed, from presenting research and writing academic papers to submitting abstracts and proposals. She explores what can happen when experienced professionals allow themselves to become beginners again and why you don't always need to know exactly where a new direction will take you before taking the first step. What You'll Learn Why some career opportunities only become visible once you start moving in a new direction How stepping outside familiar environments can change what you see as possible for your career Why becoming a beginner again can introduce you to opportunities you couldn't have planned for Thinking About Becoming an Educator? If teaching or training is something you've been considering, don't rule yourself out before you've explored what's possible. Developing Educators Academy offers the CIBTAC Level 3 Award and Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, as well as the Level 3 Assessor qualification. Download the course brochure Enjoyed this episode? If you found this conversation helpful, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to I'm No Rookie and left a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your reviews help more experienced beauty, spa and wellness professionals discover the podcast and realise they're not alone in thinking about what comes next. Connect with Me LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayo-bamgbose-assoc-cipd-ma-msc-bsc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/developingeducatorsacademy Website: https://www.developingeducatorsacademy.com/

September 1, 20268 min

#114 What Are You Assuming Instead of Checking?

Sometimes we rule ourselves out of opportunities based on assumptions we've carried for years. Perhaps it's a job you don't think you're qualified for, a career change that feels out of reach, or an experience from your past that still influences the decisions you make today. In this episode of I'm No Rookie , Ayo shares what happened when she finally questioned an assumption that had influenced her career choices for almost twenty years, and why sometimes the first step forward is simply finding out the facts. What You'll Learn How old experiences can continue to influence the career opportunities you consider today. Why assumptions can quietly become barriers when we never stop to question them. Why taking action can be as simple as asking a question, checking the requirements or getting the information you need. Thinking About Becoming an Educator? If teaching or training is something you've been considering, don't rule yourself out before you've explored what's possible. Developing Educators Academy offers the CIBTAC Level 3 Award and Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, as well as the Level 3 Assessor qualification. Download the course brochure Enjoyed this episode? If you found this conversation helpful, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to I'm No Rookie and left a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your reviews help more experienced beauty, spa and wellness professionals discover the podcast and realise they're not alone in thinking about what comes next. Connect with Me LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayo-bamgbose-assoc-cipd-ma-msc-bsc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/developingeducatorsacademy Website: https://www.developingeducatorsacademy.com/

August 18, 202614 min

#113: The Cost of Waiting Another Year

How many times have you told yourself, "I'll do it next year"? For many experienced professionals, wanting something different doesn't simply go away. We tell ourselves we'll make the move after Christmas, when work settles down or when life feels less hectic. Then another year passes and we're still thinking about the same change. In this episode of I'm No Rookie, Ayo Bamgbose looks at the hidden cost of waiting and shares her own experience of putting off her Level 5 Education and Training qualification for several years. What finally made her take action, and what happened afterwards, became a reminder that sometimes the opportunity we're waiting for starts with one small decision. If "maybe next year" has become a familiar phrase, this episode might give you something to think about. What You'll Learn Why we convince ourselves it's never the right time to make a career change. The difference between preparing for change and simply postponing it. Why confidence usually follows action, rather than coming before it. How one small decision today could completely change where you are this time next year. Enjoyed this episode? If you found this conversation helpful, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to I'm No Rookie and left a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your reviews help more experienced beauty, spa and wellness professionals discover the podcast and realise they're not alone in thinking about what comes next. Connect with Me LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayo-bamgbose-assoc-cipd-ma-msc-bsc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/developingeducatorsacademy Website: https://www.developingeducatorsacademy.com/

July 21, 20267 min

#111 The Workshop That Made Me Look at My Career Differently

Have you ever attended something with no expectations, and it ended up shifting how you see your career? In this episode, I share a moment from a workshop I attended during my PhD that made me pause and reflect. It was not about learning something completely new. It was about recognising what I was already doing and seeing it differently. This episode is for you if you have been thinking about your next step, whether that is moving into teaching, progressing in your career, or simply trying to figure out if you are on the right path. Sometimes, it is not about doing more. It is about seeing more clearly. What You’ll Learn Why do you need to wait until the end of a qualification to start thinking about your next move How small, everyday actions can quietly position you for new opportunities Practical ways to recognise and build on what you are already doing Key Mentions & Resources If you’re thinking about stepping into education or creating your own courses, these resources will help you understand what is required: Explore Education and Training Qualifications (Level 3 & Level 4) https://developingeducatorsacademy.com/CIBTAC Learn more about the Assessor Qualification https://developingeducatorsacademy.com/assessor Download the course brochure https://developingeducatorsacademy.com/brochure Subscribe & Share If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to I’m No Rookie on your favourite podcast platform. Your reviews and shares help more beauty, spa, and wellness professionals find the podcast and feel supported in their journey. 💬 Follow and connect with me LinkedIn: Ayo Bamgbose Facebook: Developing Educators Academy Website

July 7, 20266 min

#110: You Can’t Just Add Courses to Your Salon… Here’s Why

At some point in your career, the idea comes up. You’ve built your skills. You’ve gained experience. Clients trust you. And then the thought appears… maybe it’s time to start teaching. For many salon and spa owners, adding courses feels like a natural next step. It sounds like growth. It sounds like impact. It sounds like another stream of income. But there’s a side to this decision that doesn’t get talked about enough. In this episode, I open up a conversation around what it really means to step into education. Not just from a business point of view, but from a responsibility point of view. Teaching is not just about showing someone what you do. It is about ensuring they can do it confidently on their own. If you have ever thought about adding training to your business, this is one of those episodes that will make you pause and reflect before you take that next step. What You Will Learn Why adding courses to your salon is not as simple as it sounds The difference between being experienced and being able to teach effectively What many training providers get wrong and how it impacts learners The responsibility that comes with stepping into education Key things to consider before introducing training into your business Key Mentions & Resources If you’re thinking about stepping into education or creating your own courses, these resources will help you understand what is required: Explore Education and Training Qualifications (Level 3 & Level 4) https://developingeducatorsacademy.com/CIBTAC Learn more about the Assessor Qualification https://developingeducatorsacademy.com/assessor Download the course brochure https://developingeducatorsacademy.com/brochure Subscribe & Share If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to I’m No Rookie on your favourite podcast platform. Your reviews and shares help more beauty, spa, and wellness professionals find the podcast and feel supported in their journey. 💬 Follow and connect with me LinkedIn: Ayo Bamgbose Facebook: Developing Educators Academy Website

June 23, 20266 min

#109: Why Your Students Aren’t Learning as Much as You Think

You can plan a solid lesson, explain everything clearly, and still feel like your students are not fully connecting with what you’re teaching. It is a frustrating place to be, especially when you know you are doing everything right on paper. In this episode, Ayo shares a moment from her teaching journey that made her pause and rethink what was really happening in the classroom. It is a shift many educators go through, but not everyone talks about. If you have ever felt like your learners are focused on passing rather than understanding, this episode will get you reflecting on your own approach and what might need to change. What You’ll Learn Why strong lesson delivery does not always lead to real learning How student questions can reveal their true focus and intentions A simple shift that can change how your learners engage and take responsibility Mentioned in This Episode Level 3 Award in Education and Training Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training Level 3 Assessor Qualification Explore more here: https://www.developingeducatorsacademy.com/brochure Subscribe & Share If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to I’m No Rookie on your favourite podcast platform. Your reviews and shares help more beauty, spa, and wellness professionals find the podcast and feel supported in their journey. 💬 Follow and connect with me LinkedIn: Ayo Bamgbose Facebook: Developing Educators Academy Website

June 9, 20266 min

#108: Will AI Replace Educators? Why Accredited Qualifications Still Matter

AI is changing how we learn. You can generate lesson plans in seconds. You can ask questions and get instant answers. You can even structure an entire course without ever opening a textbook. So it raises a real question. If information is now so accessible, do qualifications still matter? In this episode, I share a moment from a recent business pitch where I was asked whether AI would impact my academy. It was a question that could have easily created doubt, but instead, it gave me clarity. Because there is a difference between learning something and being recognised for it. And that difference is what shapes credibility, career progression, and long-term opportunity. What You’ll Learn Why access to information is not the same as professional recognition The difference between being a skills trainer and an accredited training provider How your positioning affects your credibility, pricing, and opportunities Why qualifications still hold weight, even in an AI-driven world Key Mentions & Resources If you’re thinking about stepping into education or creating your own courses, these resources will help you understand what is required: Explore Education and Training Qualifications (Level 3 & Level 4) https://developingeducatorsacademy.com/CIBTAC Learn more about the Assessor Qualification https://developingeducatorsacademy.com/assessor Download the course brochure https://developingeducatorsacademy.com/brochure Subscribe & Share If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to I’m No Rookie on your favourite podcast platform. Your reviews and shares help more beauty, spa, and wellness professionals find the podcast and feel supported in their journey. 💬 Follow and connect with me LinkedIn: Ayo Bamgbose Facebook: Developing Educators Academy Website

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