In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire is joined by Lisa Haycox, Chief Executive Officer of Explore Learning.

Appointed CEO in April 2025, Lisa has grown with the organisation for more than two decades, joining in 2002 as a tutor and progressing through senior leadership roles across operations, product, and strategy. Most recently, as Chief Operating Officer, she led Explore Learning’s digital transformation during COVID-19, helping the organisation continue to support learners during a period of significant change.

Throughout the conversation, Lisa reflects on what it means to grow an education business while staying true to its core purpose. She shares how shared values, trust, and long-term thinking have shaped both her leadership journey and the culture of the organisation. We explore the importance of empowerment, responsibility, and keeping learners at the heart of decision-making as the business scales.

This episode is a thoughtful discussion about values-led leadership, growing alongside a business, and building lasting impact in education.

00:00 Introduction

01:02 From tutor to Explore Learning

02:45 Early opportunities and saying yes

04:55 Growing alongside the business

07:20 Shared values and trust in leadership

10:40 Doubt, ambition, and scaling challenges

13:50 Leading through COVID and digital change

15:35 Learning from peers, mentors, and experience

17:50 The worst leadership advice

19:55 Stepping into the CEO role

22:20 Founder ambitions and long-term growth

24:40 Purpose, joy, and staying grounded

27:35 Final reflections and close

All About Lisa:

Lisa Haycox is the Chief Executive Officer of Explore Learning, appointed in April 2025. With over two decades of experience at Explore Learning, Lisa has held a range of senior leadership roles across operations, product, and strategy. She most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, where she led the company’s digital transformation during COVID-19, strengthened its marketing and brand positioning, and shaped its commercial growth strategy.

Lisa joined Explore Learning in 2002 as a tutor and has since played a pivotal role in scaling the organisation while maintaining its core educational mission. She is a graduate of London Business School’s Leading Businesses into the Future programme and is recognised for her strategic vision, operational rigour, and deep understanding of the education sector. Lisa is now focused on leading Explore Learning through its next phase of growth, combining innovation, digital advancement, and customer-centricity to deliver long-term impact for learners.

Website: www.explorelearning.co.uk
Instagram: @explorelearning_official
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-haycox-58800224/
Facebook:@explorelearning

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Claire Riley is joined by Ian Hunter, founder of Lyme Education Consulting, to explore how education businesses can successfully expand into international markets. With over 27 years in edtech and global education, Ian shares practical insights on trust, localisation, market research, and common mistakes to avoid when going global.

All About Ian:
Ian has worked in the EdTech market for over 25 years and has worked for some of the largest education companies in the world including Tes Global, Discovery Education and RM Education.

As Global Director, Sales Director or Commercial Director he has been responsible for driving growth across a range of EdTech products and services to schools, colleges, Universities and Ministries of Education globally.

Website: https://www.limeedu.co.uk/
LinkedIn: ianhunter7
X: @ianlhunter

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Navigating the EdTech Landscape: Insights from Multiple Ventures

In this episode, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, talks with Joshua, a seasoned entrepreneur in the education sector. Joshua shares his journey from children's publishing to running multiple education businesses, including Smartgrade and Carousel.

He highlights key lessons learned, such as the importance of understanding market size, unit economics, and the needs of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). Joshua also discusses the significance of building a smart team, offering flexibility, and consulting with people with in-depth classroom experience.

He emphasises the value of learning from mistakes and seeking advice from experienced entrepreneurs.

00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast

01:10 Meet Joshua: A Journey in Education Business

01:53 From Publishing to EdTech: Joshua's Career Path

04:56 The Birth of Smartgrade and Carousel

06:53 Challenges and Strategies in EdTech

16:53 Building a Strong Team and Company Culture

24:05 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Future Plans

28:12 Final Thoughts and Advice for Education Entrepreneurs

All about Joshua:

Joshua is an edtech entrepreneur and assessment enthusiast. His latest ventures are Smartgrade (an assessment standardisation platform) and Carousel (a quizzing and retrieval practice tool).

Prior to Assembly Josh was part of the leadership team at Ark Schools, a Multi Academy Trust. He also founded Assembly, a school data platform.

In his spare time Josh writes a blog about school MIS and edtech called Bring More Data.

Website: smartgrade.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaperryuk/

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