James Aconley is the Principal of four Pauline Quirke Academy theatre schools across North and East Yorkshire, supporting over 500 children every weekend. In this episode, James shares how he scaled a performing arts education business while keeping the personal touch, building a strong team culture, and putting confidence and life skills at the centre of every decision.

We talk about leadership as your business grows, how to manage multiple teams across multiple locations, and how to build trust with parents and students when you cannot be everywhere at once. James also shares what it is like running a business alongside his wife Nat, why personal brand matters even under a national franchise umbrella, and how his production company Be Amazing Arts and his adult musical theatre choirs keep him creatively fulfilled.

If you are a theatre school owner, acting coach, performing arts teacher, or creative business owner looking for practical leadership insights and a reminder to stay aligned with your why, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded and inspired.

Connect with James
Instagram: @JamesAconley
LinkedIn: James Aconley

Website: www.pqacademy.com www.beamazingarts.com www.singspacechoir.com/malton

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