Hey! Let me introduce myself…
I’m Claire, Digital Education Specialist, Writer, and Business Mentor from Devon in England.
I work with value-led entrepreneurs and small business owners as they turn their expertise and stories into high quality books and digital education products.
Looking for support to create a high quality workshop, online course, or book as a strategic part of your growing business?
Then you’re in the right place.
Want to know more about me?
Here are some of the basics:
– My work style focuses on you – your story, your business and how it all fits together.
– I’ve designed and built 80+ online courses for various clients, stakeholders and for my own businesses (check out some testimonials here).
– I’m confident with a wide range of tech. I work with customers who use a wide range of platforms and delivery methods.
– I have a Masters in Digital Education from Edinburgh University (and a ton of other qualifications which you can read about here).
– I’ve worked in education for over a decade including as a Science Teacher, an English Teacher, a Learning Technologist, and in Academic Management.
– Writing brings me joy most of the time (some days I hate it)
And here are some other random Claire facts for you:
1.
I am obsessed with books. I hoard books. My shelves are brimming. There is a pile of books next to my bed so big that one day it will topple over and crush me (I’m not entirely adverse to that as a way to go – which probably tells you a lot about me). As I write this, I currently have 6 books on the go. Reading them that is. I am usually reading a mix of fiction and non-fiction, in different genres, across my Kindle, audiobooks and good old-fashioned books that you can hold in your hands at the same time. I’d love to hear about any book recommendations you have; connect with me on Linkedin.
2.
Originally, this business was focused on English Language Teaching + business development and digital education solutions within that industry (hence the company name: The ELT Skills Academy). This was the sensible choice when I started out as an entrepreneur; my last job working for someone else was pretty similar. When 2020 rolled around I finally decided to switch things up and turn what I actually loved doing (writing, learning and helping people to see the strategy and structure in their dreams) into the focus of my business. After returning to the drawing board and a massive brand overhaul, here we are! Happy dance!
3.
I like to work with businesses who want to be about more than just making a profit.
Don’t get me wrong – I love profit. I love money and I’m very good at spending it! Businesses need to consistently create profit to exist as businesses, full stop. This isn’t up for debate here. In fact, creating knowledge products such as online courses as a strategic part of your business can be a great way to generate more revenue to cover your costs and increase profitability.
What is also true (and really shouldn’t still be up for debate anywhere either) is that often business profits have traditionally come at a cost to health, wellbeing, cultures, communities, the environment, and real people.
The real people who bear the brunt of these costs can be the customers of businesses (for example, when manipulative marketing techniques are used), the people who work within business supply chains (for example, when unsafe working conditions or low rates of pay are imposed) or the direct employees of a business itself (for example, when staff health and wellbeing is ignored, or discrimination is commonplace).
Traditionally business profit has been prioritised over everything else and the impacts of that are bad for us all. This must change.
I don’t want money to be the reason you can not access the support you want or need to get your business growing. So, please email me directly if you need some of my services but have limited cash right now – I will help if I have the capacity to do so.
4.
I’m ridiculously accident prone – I’ve fallen in two different sewers in my life. Cracking some ribs one time and ruining my knee the other time. I was sober both times, I just didn’t see them. Once I managed to drop my phone into a glass of water without knocking it over. It killed the phone, but nothing spilt out of the glass. Couldn’t have managed that if I’d been trying. Yes, I know! I told you – ridiculously accident prone! Makes for good stories though.
5.
I plan to always be that crazy, mysterious lady who never has kids, travels a lot and seems to have a suspicious amount of money. I would genuinely try this except for the fact that geese are terrifying! Love the outfit though.
6.
I can be a bit sweary. Especially, if I’m passionate about the topic. If that is likely to offend you, us working together isn’t a good idea.
7.
I am working on writing my own fiction book series at the moment. I (try to) write every day. I have started countless personal writing projects. Completed a few of them. But all of which remain saved on my computer and mostly that is where they have stayed. I know exactly how the fear of putting yourself out there as a writer and creator feels, because I’m deep in that feeling right now. But one day very soon I will be writing an updated version of this part. Watch this space!
8.
I wouldn’t be writing this right now (quite the mouthful there, sorry), or running this business if it wasn’t for Stacey Sheppard believing in me and supporting me through the dramatic shifts that 2020 brought to my business. Forever grateful for your support, friendship and guidance. xxx.
9.
I also teach Data Science in my day job and get super nerdy about it – you have been warned!
10.
I believe that everyone has something worth sharing with the world. I believe that stories (in whatever form) have the power to reach people and change lives, and that the knowledge business industry is an extension of this. There is a huge amount that I dislike about modern technology, but there is no denying the power it gives us. Over time technology enables more and more people to wield that power as individuals. Use that to your own advantage.
Create and get that message out there.
Claire xxx
