AntwisCollaborative

New beginnings and lifelong learning are increasingly recognised as essential in today’s rapidly evolving world. In educational leadership, every day is a learning day.  That has certainly been the case as I launch my new business Antwis Collaborative.  https://www.antwiscollaborative.co.uk/

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Adapting to Change

The prospect of redundancy has been scary!  Yes – I am worried about financial instability, loss of my identity, fear of change and the impact on my family. 

But I am also so excited! 

This is an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to develop new skills, the prospect of finding better work-life balance and a chance for a new journey in education. 

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Transferable Skills are the Bridge to a New Venture

Starting a new business is an exhilarating journey that demands creativity, strategy and adaptability. It’s a step into the unknown, but that didn’t mean I was starting from scratch. Many of the skills I’ve developed in previous roles — whether in the classroom or in leadership — will be powerful tools in my new entrepreneurial toolkit.

As a teacher, a school leader and a MAT leader, my past experiences have equipped me with transferable skills. These are the skills which will be applied, helping me navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

• Communication Skills: teaching and leadership have prepared me well for public speaking and customer interaction. These skills will be invaluable in building customer relationships and motivating my team.
• Problem-Solving: previous experience resolving conflicts or overcoming project hurdles has equipped me to tackle the unforeseen challenges of running a business.
• Leadership: managing teams has prepared me to inspire, delegate and lead effectively.

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Learning the New Whilst Leveraging the Old

Of course, starting a business means stepping into areas I am not familiar with. Legal compliance, customer databases and website building are all new challenges. However, with my existing skills, I have learnt to adapt quickly.

• Research Skills: as a MAT leader I have conducted research and have been able to use this ability to understand my market, identify competitors and discover customer needs.  Building my Antwis Collaborative website was such an exciting challenge!  It was made so easy by using the IONOS platform.
• Networking: I have always endeavoured to build collaborative, professional relationships and this will continue with my new business.  I had the privilege to attend a recent MATPN conference and am looking forward to hosting a stand at the Festival of Education and Inspiring Leadership conferences.
• Financial Acumen: of course, I have managed school budgets and financial planning in the past, so I am already familiar with the basics of managing money.  I was advised use a business bank account with ANNA.  They are certainly no nonsense and there are so many useful features on the app including invoicing, tax, employee pay etc.

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Starting Fresh and Learning New Skills

Redundancy has been scary because of the uncertainty it brings, but it is also exciting as it opens the possibility for reinvention, new opportunities, and personal growth. I feel that the key lies in one’s perspective and how we approach the challenge.

Starting a new business is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to redefine my professional journey in education. By drawing on my existing skills and adapting them to meet new demands, I hope I am creating a strong foundation for success.

I am trying to remember that every skill I have developed so far is a stepping stone to becoming a well-rounded entrepreneur. So, I will lean into my strengths, embrace new learning, and hopefully watch my vision come to life at Antwis Collaborative. 

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If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at the Antwis Collaborative website. Home (antwiscollaborative.co.uk)

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At Antwis Collaborative, we are dedicated to empowering school leaders through personalised coaching, cutting-edge professional learning, and unwavering support. With decades of experience in education, we understand the challenges and opportunities that today’s school leaders face. Our goal is to help leaders unlock their potential, foster positive school cultures, and create transformative learning opportunities that impact both staff and pupils.

With 30 years of experience working in schools, including 20 years as a school and Trust leader, Antwis Collaborative brings expertise, insight, and empathy to the table. We are more than a consultancy; we are partners in your leadership journey. Our collaborative approach ensures that support is tailored to the individual needs of each leader and school, driving sustainable, long-term impact.

Connect with Us: Let’s explore how Antwis Collaborative can support your leadership and your school. Home (antwiscollaborative.co.uk)