From Teacher to Business Owner: A Story of Transformation and Success

In this episode, Donna speaks with Sam, a former public servant who transitioned from a career in teaching to becoming a successful business owner. Sam shares her incredible journey, starting from her time as a high school teacher in the mid-90s, her move to primary school, and the challenges she faced within the education system. She discusses how her background in karate instilled confidence and discipline, which proved invaluable in her teaching career and her subsequent entrepreneurial ventures. Sam reveals the pivotal moment that led her to leave the public sector and how she stumbled upon a unique business opportunity that allowed her to create a thriving swim school. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sam transitioned from a public servant career as a school teacher to running her own successful business. Sam's background as a national karate champion instilled in her a high level of discipline and confidence, which she effectively applied to both her teaching and her business endeavours. Sam discusses the frustrations she experienced in the public education system, including a lack of recognition for hard work and a rigid structure that didn't allow for flexibility in teaching methods. Beyond just a swim school, Sam has built a community at Ogden's Otters, offering various programs for different age groups, including classes for moms and babies, and a holiday club for children. BEST MOMENTS “I was the teacher that sorted everything out, but not being the teacher that was rewarded for it financially.” "Primary school children a lot of them, they tend to still want to have a go, they'll get up and even though they can't do it straight away, they'll still get up and have a try. I'm not going to give up." "You have to be [a] good [teacher] because these are little people who are going to be our future. So I needed to know that I was good at my job to make sure that I was doing right by our children's future.” "You can work 20% harder in water than you can on land. It's a lot harder to move in water. It's great for when you're older because you've got no impact on your joints." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/