The School Photo Podcast

The School Photo Podcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to The School Photo Podcast – the show where we dive into the world of school photography, innovation, and the future of capturing school memories!
We would love to chat all things School Photography with professionals across the world.
Please get in touch at [email protected]
Copy and paste this link to become a guest on our podcast and share your story.
https://forms.gle/vxb4Pnju8WTpjRC6A
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on various themes associated with school photography, covering topics such as industry innovation, business strategies, and personal stories from photographers. Examples of episodes include discussions on building a healthy business culture with Neil Sweeney, exploring child psychology for photography with Mags, and analyzing the role of technology and AI with Andy Molloy, providing listeners with a blend of practical advice and inspirational narratives.

Welcome to The School Photo Podcast – the show where we dive into the world of school photography, innovation, and the future of capturing school memories!
We would love to chat all things School Photography with professionals across the world.
Please get in touch at [email protected]
Copy and paste this link to become a guest on our podcast and share your story.
https://forms.gle/vxb4Pnju8WTpjRC6A
Episode 08 – The School Photo Podcast
What happens when you mix entrepreneurial drive, a passion for team culture, and a seriously sharp business brain? Well add in some great teeth and a tan and you get Mr Neil Sweeney!
In this in-person episode, Neil joins us to talk through his journey from commercial property sales and security to high-growth startups and now into the world of school photography as Managing Director at Carmel Jane Photography.
We dive into:
- What healthy business culture really looks like (hint: it’s more than pizza Fridays)
- Why trust and transparency aren’t just buzzwords—they’re business strategy
- The highs, lows, and hilarious moments of scaling and selling national companies
- EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and how it can bring clarity to chaos
- What makes a business valuable when it comes time to sell
- The emotional side of ‘success’—and why the celebration isn’t always what you expect
- How the school photography industry is evolving—and where we all go next
Expect laughs, lightbulb moments, and some seriously good advice for anyone building something meaningful.
🔑 Key Topics & Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome to Colchester!
2:00 – Neil’s unexpected path into business
6:30 – Starting lean and staying real
10:50 – What healthy culture really means
15:30 – Why trust beats talent
19:00 – Business exits: confetti or confusion?
24:00 – Discovering EOS and finding focus
29:00 – Stepping into school photography with fresh eyes
37:30 – Why team buy-in changes everything
45:00 – How the industry is shifting
53:00 – The value of vulnerability in leadership
1:00:00 – Final thoughts: scale smart, lead with heart
🎙️ About Neil Sweeney
Neil is a seasoned entrepreneur, leadership coach, and EOS implementer with a passion for people, performance, and doing business the right way. He’s built and exited multiple companies, and now plays a key role at Carmel Jane Photography—driving strategic growth and culture-led leadership in a fast-moving industry.
🔗 Connect with Neil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-sweeney-23763b52/
📸 Learn more about EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.com/neil-sweeney
💬 Let’s Chat!
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