Overcoming Bankruptcy and the Pandemic: The Success Story of Jacqueline Clayton

In 2017, Jacqueline Clayton, founder and managing director of Grayclay International College, faced a devastating blow to her business. An unexpected change in government policy in Australia eliminated the qualifications her college offered, causing her to lose 80% of her business overnight. Faced with two options—declare bankruptcy or take on substantial debt—Jacqueline chose the harder path. She remortgaged her home, settled the debts, and sought a way to rebuild her business. That’s when she discovered Growth Institute and Scaling Up.

With Growth Institute’s tools and guidance, Jacqueline was able to break down her business processes, analyze them, and strategically address the challenges she faced. This structured approach provided her with the clarity and wisdom needed to navigate the difficult decisions ahead.

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Jacqueline once again turned to Growth Institute’s Scaling Up program to guide her through the crisis. This time, she participated in a live session, which not only gave her the tools to restructure her business but also connected her with a supportive network of business leaders. With Growth Institute’s framework, Jacqueline was able to work through her business systematically, ensuring each area was solid and well-prepared for future challenges.

This is Jacqueline Clayton’s story of resilience and determination, and how Growth Institute helped her overcome two major crises to build a stronger, more successful business.

How did Growth Institute contribute to your business's improvement?

There are so many incredible people and resources available through Growth Institute. The platform allows you to plan your learning strategically, block out time, and access valuable tools. One standout for me is the concept of A-players—how to get the right people on the bus. Over time, my team and I have embraced this idea, and now even my staff talks about A-players and the importance of avoiding C-players. You may feel the need to hire someone just to fill a position, but that person can sometimes hurt your business more than help. It’s far better to wait and use the right tools to recruit someone who genuinely fits with your team and wants to be part of your mission.

Why did you choose to reach out to Growth Institute?

I’m a lifelong learner, and I believe continuous education is essential for success. I’ve been involved in numerous learning programs and business growth groups, some of which were disappointing. Many just pieced together generic information without real expertise. What drew me to Growth Institute was its strong global reputation and the opportunity to learn from experts who have achieved remarkable success across various industries and countries. Growth Institute connects you with a network of people from around the world, allowing you to learn from the best. For me, it’s not enough to stick with local or small business groups—I need to be with people who are thinking big, pushing boundaries, and striving for excellence.

What outcomes did you achieve with Growth Institute?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was holding my team accountable and getting them to measure their own performance. Implementing the morning huddle at 8:45 a.m. every day was a game-changer. We stand, report on yesterday’s progress, today’s goals, and any obstacles, followed by a KPI review. This was a huge shift for me, but it made a massive difference. We even incorporated a short breathing exercise after the huddle to help everyone refocus. Now, we have a system in place where every KPI and accountability is tracked on a live Excel sheet, giving us clear visibility into each team member’s performance. It’s so important to know your score—if you don’t, how can you expect to improve? This level of accountability has transformed our business and pushed the team to take responsibility for their roles.

What did being part of a community of entrepreneurs & experts mean to you?

I’ve been part of a community from Growth Institute for the past three years, and we meet every three weeks. There are seven of us from all over the world—Canada, Long Island, Singapore, the Philippines—and we’ve developed a strong bond, providing honest feedback and valuable insights. It’s rare to find a group where there’s such honesty and support. Just recently, I had the chance to meet them face-to-face for the first time, and it was extraordinary. This community keeps us accountable, supports us in our goals, and constantly challenges us to grow. It’s been one of the most powerful aspects of my journey with Growth Institute.

How did Growth Institute's hybrid education model impact your experience?

The structure of Growth Institute’s learning model is excellent. The portal is easy to navigate, and you can clearly see your progress and what’s required. It’s structured like any high-quality education system, which is crucial for effective learning. If you’re not going to take action based on what you’re learning, you’re wasting your time. The hybrid model allowed me to apply the knowledge directly to my business in real time, which was incredibly valuable.

How did the online sessions help with your implementation process?

Each session starts with a focus on a specific topic—like people—where we have lectures and discussions. Then, we break into groups to talk about how these ideas apply to our businesses and create plans for implementation. For example, when it came to hiring A-players, we developed a detailed recruitment procedure. We also introduced scorecards to evaluate staff based on values and accountabilities, which we’d never done before. This process quickly filters out C-players and helps build a team of A and B players. The sessions cover each critical business area, like finance and cash flow, with a focus on quality analysis, implementation planning, and execution.

What was your favorite aspect of Growth Institute?

I can’t point to just one thing, as it’s all interconnected, like the cogs in a machine. You need all the elements working together to drive your business forward. One standout, though, is the cash component of Scaling Up. It made me realize how few business owners truly understand key metrics like return on invested capital. Growth Institute provides the knowledge and tools to evaluate whether your business is working for you, not the other way around.

Did the ROI justify your decision to enroll in the Scaling Up program?

Absolutely. I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t joined Growth Institute. I might not even be in business anymore, because I didn’t have the essential knowledge to run a business properly. The investment I made in Growth Institute was worth every penny for the outcome and continued growth I’m seeing today. It’s one of the best investments I’ve made for myself, my team, and my business.

How did Growth Institute help you achieve freedom as a CEO?

Growth Institute helped me scale my impact and achieve freedom as a CEO. We’ve built a strong structure that allows me to travel and manage the business without drama or constant firefighting. We’re a proactive, well-organized company now, thanks to the systems we’ve put in place, and I’m confident we’ll continue improving with this foundation.

What advice would you offer to those hesitant about joining Growth Institute?

Ask yourself what you really want to achieve and how you plan to do it. You can spend months or years debating your next move and still be stuck in the same place. The essence of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. If you want your business to succeed, take the leap, challenge yourself, and join Growth Institute. If you’re content with the status quo, that’s fine too, but don’t complain about being stuck if you’re not willing to make a change.