tara pickford
about the author
Tara Pickford is a speaker, author, and serial entrepreneur. As the owner and CEO of Ambition Performing Arts, Classion Designs, and Pickford Consulting, Tara spends most of her time raising tomorrow's leaders. Her focus is on both the arts and providing direction and mentorship to business communities. Tara dedicates her life to teaching others how to be more and to reach further. When not mentoring, speaking, advocating, or consulting, Tara can be found teaching a dance class or spending quality time with her family in Airdrie, Alberta.
about the book
Have you dreamt of running your own school from the first time you tied your ballet shoes, played or sang a note in music, or earned a karate belt? Of course, as teachers and instructors, you know your craft. But running an academy takes a different set of skills, and not every business consultant understands your unique industry. In Teaching Ambition, Tara Pickford shares what she has learned from the trenches. Tara grew her performing arts franchise to three locations before she realized that it was too soon to scale up without the right systems in place. Drawing from 25 years of experience, from watching staff take her clients to another studio to getting hit by the figurative bus in her personal life, she offers valuable guidance and powerful exercises to help you:
· Put the systems in place to succeed
· Surround yourself with the best team
· Get on top of your finances for better profit control
· Create a culture based on your values
· And more.
If you own a tuition-based business or aspire to run a school or studio one day, Teaching Ambition will provide you with the accurate, practical, and industry-specific tools you need to make your vision a reality.
order your copy today!
Children's books
Daisy Book Series
The Daisy Book Series was born out of more than 30 years of teaching experience. Tara saw the challenges parents were facing as the world reopened after COVID and decided that a children’s book series would help new students feel comfortable with the space and expectations they would face when they arrive at their first classes and move through the milestones the arts provide. Daisy learns all about the arts as she navigates each new experience while becoming a loveable character that kids connect with.
About the Illustrator
Karis Ward is a student of Ambition Performing Arts Inc. We are so proud of her amazing talents in all aspects of our programming. Karis is a unique student who has participated in dance, music and drama at our school and has also graced us with her amazing artwork in our Daisy Book Series.
TESTIMONIALS
Teaching Ambition is a must-have guide for anyone at the beginning of owning a performing arts studio and a call to action for established businesses to discover best practices. Customer service, staffing, e-commerce, finances, marketing, and so much more, Teaching Ambition is a bible for anyone who runs a tuition-based business!
Jay T Schramek
Owner of Toronto Dance Teacher Expo, Dance Attack Competitions, and Tap Shoes Canada
If you are facing a challenge in your business, Tara has been there and has found a way forward. And, this book is the place where she shares those lessons and experiences. Whether you are starting new or starting over, now is the time to focus on growing your business!
Misty Lown
Founder and CEO More Than Just Great Dancing!®, Misty's Dance Unlimited, YPAD, Chance to Dance Foundation
Teaching Ambition will open a door for younger dance teachers and studio owners who can learn and apply many of the suggested steps to better business management and operational skill development in a tuition-based business. Tara Pickford is open and honest regarding her own personal journey and, more importantly, proving that success must be earned. She encourages the acceptance of bad decision-making as a learning tool. Accepting small failures is part of building a successful business. All dance studio owners should read this book. Teaching Ambition has much to offer for any business owner or entrepreneur who is hungry for more financial success.
Brian Foley
Renowned dance teacher,
director and choreographer
