48: The Power of Listening to Your Audience with Katie Azevedo
Katie Azevedo, M.Ed., is the founder of SchoolHabits LLC, and the creator of the Executive Function Journal. She is a private executive function coach with over 18 years of teaching experience in the public school system and the private sector.
With a Master’s Degree in Special Education, Katie specializes in ADHD, learning disabilities, executive functions, test preparation, study skills, and creating systems to maximize efficiency.
Through her blog on SchoolHabits.com, SchoolHabits University study skills course, YouTube video tutorials and private coaching sessions in her Massachusetts-based practice, she teaches students and professionals strategies to learn and work smarter.
In this episode, Katie discusses how she transitioned from teaching to creating videos on study skills and learning strategies. She talks about the challenges she faced, including imposter syndrome, and how she overcame them.
She also shares her excitement about expanding her business into the education system and her passion for helping students develop executive function skills.
Connect with Katie Azevedo
Key Takeaways:
- (02:40) Katies background and journey to entrepreneurship
- (10:45) The evolution of Katie’s teacher biz and its current structure
- (15:15) The Executive Function Journal
- (17:15) Recognizing gaps in the industry
- (21:00) The importance of listening to what your audience needs
- (22:10) Overcoming imposter syndrome
- (27:40) Take action and just start somewhere
- (29:15) Running a business with young children at home
- (31:40) Having a willingness to learn and grow
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Bridging Gaps in Education: Katie Azevedo’s Journey from Special Education to Building School Habits University
Today’s episode of The Teacher Biz Podcast highlights Katie Azevedo’s transformative journey from special education teacher to creating a thriving online business focused on helping students with executive function deficits and ADHD.
Embracing a Learning Mindset
Katie Azevedo’s story is a testament to the power of a proactive learning attitude.
Her favorite mantra, “everything is figureoutable,” reflects her approach to challenges and uncertainties in her entrepreneurial journey.
Katie emphasized how educators inherently possess the skills needed to learn and adapt, which are crucial in the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship.
School Habits University: Bridging the Gap in Education
Much of the discussion revolved around Katie’s flagship project, School Habits University.
The digital course aims to fill existing gaps in the educational system, specifically targeting how students learn and manage their tasks.
The course’s integration into classrooms underscores the transformative potential of digital resources in education.
From Idea to Impact: Listening to Your Audience
One of the recurring themes in the discussion was the importance of audience feedback.
Both Katie and Heather advocate for building a business by listening closely to the needs and feedback of the audience.
This engagement not only helps tailor offerings but also fortifies the business by ensuring it remains relevant and responsive to market demands.
Navigating the Challenges: Imposter Syndrome and Personal Grit
Entrepreneurs face many personal challenges, including imposter syndrome.
Katie shared her personal experience with self-doubt, especially after significant life events such as the passing of a loved one.
She discussed how questioning her self-perceived inadequacies and focusing on actionable steps helped overcome these internal barriers.
Heather echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of taking small steps and valuing constructive feedback to diminish self-doubt.
Advice for Aspiring Edupreneurs
For educators contemplating a similar shift to entrepreneurship, Katie’s journey offers both inspiration and practical advice.
Firstly, recognizing and harnessing one’s strengths as an educator, such as the ability to break down complex information or manage diverse groups, can serve as a strong foundation for business.
Secondly, shifting the focus from a traditional classroom to a broader educational platform requires adaptability and a willingness to continuously learn and innovate.
The Educator’s Advantage in Entrepreneurship
Both Katie and Heather highlight that teachers possess unique skills that lend themselves well to entrepreneurship.
Their ability to communicate effectively, engage audiences, and foster learning are just as applicable in building a business as in a classroom.
Katie’s and Heather’s successful transition not only shed light on the potential pathways educators can explore but also reaffirm the educators’ role as lifelong learners and innovators.