It wasn’t wasted time: how the classroom and the agency became my design edge

The question I get asked most often is how I went from being a primary school teacher to founding a creative studio like Cavalry.

For a long time before I entered the classroom, I worked in the world of advertising agencies. I was a client services account manager, which meant I was the bridge between the client and the studio. But if I’m honest, my heart was always in the creative department. I’d spend way too long watching the designers and copywriters work their magic; I loved being part of that journey from the first concept to the final pitch.

The art of translation

When I eventually moved into teaching, I realised that it was actually just a different form of the same skill. At its heart, teaching is the art of translation. It’s about taking a complex idea and finding a clear, structured way to explain it so that it makes sense to someone else.

This is exactly what I do for my clients now. Most founders are experts in their field, but they find it difficult to explain what they do in a way that feels simple. They are too close to it. I use that "teacher's eye" to distil the core message, and my agency experience to translate it into a brand that their audience actually understands.

The patience of a saint

I’ve been told I have the patience of a saint, which is a skill I definitely honed during my years in the classroom.

Building a new website is a daunting process. There is a lot of second-guessing and "what if" moments. I know how it feels to face a blank page and feel overwhelmed by the choices. My role isn't just to do the design; it’s to be a supportive partner who can guide you through that process without the jargon or the high-pressure sales.

No more Sunday scaries

Making the pivot to Cavalry has given me something I didn't even realise I was missing: the mental headspace to be truly creative.

In the classroom, your energy is constantly being pulled in thirty different directions at once. Now, I can dedicate that focus entirely to my clients. I can spend the time listening to their stories and obsessing over the small details that make a brand feel professional.

To anyone else thinking about a career pivot: those "hidden" skills from your previous lives are usually your greatest competitive advantage. For me, the combination of agency strategy and classroom empathy is what makes the Cavalry approach different.