Upgrade Your Education Business

Hosted by Sumantha McMahon

Business Entrepreneurship Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

300

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202612 min

Why Tutors With Big Ideas Still Feel Stuck (And How to Move Forward)

This 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

June 10, 20263 min

PS 149 Good Enough Is Not The Same As Settling

In 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

June 8, 202620 min

How to Set Your Tutoring Prices

SummaryIn 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

June 3, 20262 min

PS 148 The Thing You Keep Explaining Away

In 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

June 1, 202611 min

Is Tutor Thinking Keeping You Stuck?

SummaryIn 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

May 27, 20262 min

PS 147 What A Slow Week Is Actually Telling You

In 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

May 25, 202620 min

Tutors: Why Consistent Marketing Still Isn't Getting You Students

In 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

May 20, 20262 min

PS 146 The Version Of You Who Already Knows What To Do

In 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

May 18, 202622 min

5 Ways To Attract Students Without Marketing

SummaryI 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

May 13, 20262 min

PS 145 When Comparison Is Information, Not A Verdict

In this episode, I reframe comparison as something useful rather than harmful. Instead of letting it affect your confidence, you can treat it as information.By getting specific about what you notice in others, you can identify areas to improve or realise their version of success is not what you want. When approached with curiosity, comparison becomes a tool for growth rather than a judgement of your worth.____________________👋🏽 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