Introduction
What happens when the founder of Australia’s fastest-growing tutoring brand sits down with the former CEO of Kumon?
You get a conversation that isn’t just about education—it’s about why tutoring in 2025 needs to look completely different from what it was 10 years ago.
In this blog, we break down that conversation. Michael Black and Alan talk openly about:
- What’s broken in today’s education system
- Why students need more than just worksheets
- The future of tutoring in Australia and beyond
Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaHNtrSK–g
Two Backgrounds, One Shared Purpose
Michael started Success Tutoring in his parents’ spare room at just 17.
Alan spent over two decades rising through the ranks at Kumon, eventually leading operations across Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
They come from different eras.
But their mission is the same—transform how kids experience education.
“We’re not just here to teach subjects,” Michael says.
“We’re here to motivate, inspire and uplift.”
That phrase isn’t just on the wall of every Success Tutoring centre. It’s what drives the entire model.
The Problem With the Old Model
Alan shared this plainly:
“Most tutoring businesses think great marks = great tutoring. But communication, care, and mindset come first.”
In traditional models like Kumon, students work through standardized worksheets. It works for some. But not for all.
Even Alan admits that one of the main challenges at Kumon was making the experience personal.
“You can individualize content based on data, but it’s not the same as making the student feel seen.”
And that’s where Success Tutoring wins.
The Success Tutoring Difference
Michael shared how Success Tutoring flipped the script:
- Tutors are close in age to students, making learning more relatable.
- The curriculum is customised to each country (e.g., Australian, US, UK).
- The model is membership-based, like a gym—not locked-in terms or upfront fees.
Parents can book sessions via an app, pay weekly, and cancel anytime.
Related link: Success Tutoring Membership Explained
“Flexibility matters. Families don’t want contracts anymore. They want results with freedom.” — Michael
Education Today: The Big Picture
Here’s something Alan said that hits hard:
“We’ve built a school system for a world that no longer exists.”
Parents are confused. Kids are unsure. Teachers are overwhelmed.
And no one really knows what jobs will even exist 10 years from now.
That’s why tutoring businesses must move beyond just helping with grades.
Michael and Alan agreed—mindset and confidence are everything.
What Makes a Great Tutor?
This might surprise you.
It’s not someone with a PhD.
It’s someone who knows how to connect.
Alan explained that tutors should:
- Speak less, listen more
- Watch the student’s reactions
- Let students arrive at answers themselves
“You don’t win with knowledge. You win with patience and people skills.” – Alan
At Success Tutoring, that’s exactly what’s trained through the Success Academy—a platform for onboarding every new tutor and franchisee.
Why This Model Works Globally
Michael’s approach isn’t just working in Australia. It’s scaling fast.
Success Tutoring has:
- Over 100 territories sold across Australia
- Centres in New Zealand
- Expansion plans in Canada, UK, Singapore, India, and the USA
Alan, who’s seen international models firsthand, says:
“What’s clever about Success Tutoring is how well it localises while keeping the same spirit. The app, the memberships, the culture—those things scale well.”
Fast ROI – Why Franchisees Are Flocking In
One of the most striking parts of the conversation?
Michael casually mentions this:
“Most of our new centres start with 50+ students from week one.”
That’s because Success Tutoring signs students before the business opens. This means some locations hit break-even in the first week.
Franchisees don’t need a teaching background.
They need passion.
They need people skills.
They get the support of Alan, Michael, and a team who’ve built this from scratch.
Learn more about franchising opportunities
Built From Lived Experience
Michael opened up about a story few people knew.
He struggled with maths in school. His mum took him to 10+ tutoring centres across Sydney, and nothing clicked.
What changed his life?
A young tutor who messaged him before an exam:
“Good luck. You’re going to crush it.”
That belief stuck. That message is what built Success Tutoring.
“The best tutors don’t just teach content. They teach confidence.”
And that’s what students walk out with.
Success Isn’t Just in the Classroom
Michael and Alan ended the chat reflecting on the community.
Whether it’s:
- A student bringing their best friend to tutoring
- A parent dropping off homemade snacks for tutors
- A manager who used to be a student herself
Success Tutoring isn’t just a centre. It’s a community hub.
Alan puts it best:
“You can’t build a scalable education business if you don’t care deeply about people.”
Final Words
If you’re:
- A parent trying to find something different for your child
- A teacher or educator ready for more impact
- Or an investor looking to get behind something that’s actually working
Then maybe this is your sign.
Michael Black isn’t just building tutoring centres.
He’s building a global movement—one that cares, grows, and puts people first.
