About Rachael Roberts

business mentor for freelance language teachers

What I believe about building a sustainable teaching business

Too many brilliant, thoughtful educators and freelancers are made to feel like they’re “bad at business” because they don’t want to use manipulative or performative marketing tactics.

They’re told they need to “sell themselves” more. Be louder. More visible. More of everything.

But often, that’s not the real problem.

Underneath it, there’s something deeper:

They’ve never fully articulated the real transformation their work creates.

So they default to surface labels.
“I teach business English.”
“I help professionals feel more confident.”

And when your work is described at the surface, it gets priced at the surface.

Add in:

A lifetime of being trained to overgive, undercharge, and put everyone else’s needs first.
A culture that rewards exhaustion and self-sacrifice—and calls it professionalism.
An industry that quietly implies: If you were truly passionate, you wouldn’t care so much about money.

No wonder so many talented language professionals feel stuck.

But I see it differently.

– I believe you don’t have to become someone else to succeed – you need to go deeper into what you already do.

I believe your lived experience, your perspective, and your point of view aren’t obstacles to “real” business—they’re the foundation of it.

I believe that when you clearly articulate the identity-level shift your work creates – not just the sessions you deliver—everything changes.

Your offers become stronger.
Your pricing makes sense.
Your marketing stops feeling forced.

You stop chasing and start attracting.

You stop asking, “What should I post?” and start saying, “This needs to be said.”

You stop trying to prove yourself and start creating real resonance with the people you most want to help.

This is the kind of business I want to help you build.

Not one that drains you, distracts you, or demands a version of you that doesn’t feel real.

But one designed around the depth of your work—so it can grow from the inside out.

Want to join me?

Book a call

In February 2026 I won a UK Small Business Award for Best Small Business Mentor.

Ridiculously chuffed.

What some language teaching business owners want you to know about working with me as their mentor.

Just go for it – it’s absolutely worth every penny for the level of support and accountability you get (in fact, it’s a steal!)
So far in 2 months I’ve been able to refine my niche and take the courage to launch my beta program before I was feeling ‘ready’ and I wouldn’t have done it without Rachael’s encouragement. If you’re feeling stuck or like things haven’t been working and you’re not sure why, I really recommend doing this. I’ve gone back to the basics, plugged a lot of gaps I had, and already got so much more clarity. I feel confident I can, and will, build the business of my dreams.

Hannah Yurk (after the first 2 months on the programme)

Go from hesitant HR Manager to confident HR Leader in English meetings in just 12 weeks

The most important thing people should know about working with Rachael is that she offers practical, honest support with real respect for where each person is starting from. Her approach is no-nonsense and clear but always caring. She adapts to individual needs and never makes anyone feel judged or behind. She wil chalenge you to think differently,
take action and build a business that truly fits you. If you want honest feedback, real progress and a programme that values your strengths, you’l find it here.

A huge thank you for your support, your honesty and al the care you put into this programme. I felt seen, respected and encouraged throughout. It was worth every euro and then some!

Vicky Margari

I help international teams communicate across tools, cultures and time zones so they work better together.

You have unparalleled ELT business wisdom and know-how that you share in the most generous, kind-hearted, and professional way. You’ve taught me so many things that I didn’t even know I needed to learn, and you’ve done it in a way that helps me believe in myself more.

Heather Johnston

Organizational coach for EAP/IEP professionals who want to reduce stress and ease the overwhelm in their ELT lives | ELT Podcaster | ESL instructor & academic coordinator in university IEP

I was genuinely impressed by how comprehensive the programme was. It covered everything from developing a niche and designing a tailored programme, to marketing, finances, and mindset.

Before joining, I felt uncertain and directionless. Now, I have a clearly defined niche and a programme specifically designed to serve that audience. I’ve already successfully run a Beta version with seven participants, which has given me a strong foundation to build on.

My biggest takeaway is that no matter how overwhelming a task may seem, success is possible if you tackle it in a focused, structured way, get the right support and expertise, and keep going step by step.

Marcella Muller

Speak for Change! English coaching and inspiring community for change-makers and purpose driven peopleho want to reduce stress and ease the overwhelm in their ELT lives | ELT Podcaster | ESL instructor & academic coordinator in university IEP

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