The Spark

9 Years in Educationwise: Reflections, Lessons, and Gratitude

Nine years ago, in a hotel room at 4am, an idea sparked—equal parts excitement and uncertainty. I had no idea what lay ahead, but that one thought set the foundation for what would become EDUCATIONWISE

Building and growing this business has been an incredible adventure. From those early days of figuring things out on the fly to navigating an ever-changing landscape, every step has been a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and collaboration. Some days have been tough, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

The Lessons Learned

1. Resilience is Everything – and I mean EVERYTHING!

The road to success is never a straight line. There have been setbacks, unexpected turns, and moments of doubt. But if the last nine years have taught me anything, it’s that resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about learning, adapting, and finding a way forward.

The global pandemic tested us like never before. Shifting online, supporting learners in new ways, and ensuring we remained a trusted partner in education required creativity and perseverance. It was hard, but it also showed us what we were truly capable of. Every challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow.

2. People Matter Most

Business isn’t just about transactions; it’s about trust, collaboration, and shared success. None of this would have been possible without the people who believed in me and in EDUCATIONWISE

A massive thank you to the team at the NatWest Accelerator— Andy Jackson , Charly Patrick Olly Reid Jason Nichols and Elly Rowley —for your unwavering support and faith in me. I’ll never forget my first 60-second pitch. It was a disaster! But instead of giving up, I sat outside the office for five hours, determined to prove my commitment. Eventually, I got the nod of acceptance, and that moment shaped everything that followed.

3. Growth Requires Change

What worked in year one doesn’t necessarily work in year nine. The education sector is constantly evolving, and the pandemic only reinforced the importance of agility, innovation, and staying open to new ideas.

We’ve had to pivot, embrace technology, and find new ways to deliver value. Change isn’t always easy, but looking back, every shift—whether big or small—has been a stepping stone toward a stronger, more impactful organisation.

To our clients and key stakeholders across the country, thank you for trusting us. To our incredible leadership team - Lynsey Roddam-Carty , Nick Preston —led by our amazing CEO, Judith Allen , your hard work and dedication make all the difference.

To our delivery and operations team, my mentors, and peers, your insights and encouragement have been invaluable. And to our students—both past and present—it has been an honour to support you on your Further Education journey. Long may it continue! Levon Litster our wall sized note sessions will never be forgotten. I am still struggling to complete a personal vision board, but will this year.

Nine years down, and the journey is far from over. The future holds new challenges, new opportunities, and more lessons to learn. Here’s to the next chapter—and perhaps a 10-year cake celebration in 2016? Those that know me well, know I love old school pink birthday cake.

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