Although very much an “accidental CEO”, the main achievement of my career in education was leading STEP Academy Trust from its inception (incorporated in May 2011). Over a ten year period STEP grew considerably, moving from a £3m business to one with a turnover of over £36m and is now widely regarded as one of the leading multi-academy trusts in the country. At the point of retiring in September 2022, the trust consisted of twenty schools across two geographical areas - South London and East Sussex. Since January 2015, I have served as a coopted member of the RSC Headteacher Board for the South East and South London region. This role continues, albeit now as a member of the Advisory Board for the South West region.I am also privileged to serve as a trustee of King’s Group Academies. In June 2017, I was delighted to be awarded the OBE, and subsequently the CBE in June 2023, for services to education.Now enjoying spending more time with family/friends, interspersed with a fair bit of traveling, I continue to support the sector through limited consultancy work e.g. supporting trustees with CEO appraisal.