MAT Chat

About MAT Chat

Where we talk about the people, the pressures and the possibilities of Multi-Academy Trust leadership.

Publisher

Laura Williams

Category

business · education · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Nov 2025

Latest episode

13 May 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 May 2026

   012 - The Challenges Facing MATs Today with Michael Unsworth

   In this episode I'm joined by Michael Unsworth, Chief Operating Officer at Kingfisher Learning Trust, for a conversation about the challenges facing MATs today. What does it mean for a trust to truly evolve? How do you grow with purpose rather than chasing numbers? What strategies can we use to improve recruitment and retention? How do you tackle global challenges like AI and sustainability when you're already stretched? And as the sector matures, what's actually coming next? Michael talks candidly about navigating constant change from the operations seat and where he thinks the future of MATs lies. ▶️ This episode at a glance: [01:57] – What it means to be a 'mixed MAT' and the challenge of maintaining trust identity [11:22] – How the trust approaches growth and views it from a wider sector perspective [17:07] – Building and maintaining capacity in the face of recruitment and retention struggles [30:07] – The different flavours of challenge: AI and sustainability versus estates and cyber security [43:01] – Where Michael thinks the future of MATs is heading 📚 Related Content: Contact Michael via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-unsworthklt/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-unsworthklt/) 🎙️Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here! https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague or leave a quick rating so more leaders can find it. 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura’s website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

2. 

   29 Apr 2026

   011 - Sustainability in MATs: A Practical Starting Point with Helen Burge

   In this episode I'm joined by Helen Burge to explore sustainability and climate change from a board and executive team perspective. We talk about where this agenda actually belongs, how to turn climate pressures into practical priorities and why it doesn't have to mean overwhelming schools or creating extra workload. Drawing on Helen's experience as a trustee, consultant and co-chair of the UK Schools Sustainability Network Operations Group, this conversation offers a clear starting point for MATs wondering how to make sustainability feel manageable rather than impossible. ▶️ This episode at a glance:: [02:19] – Why sustainability belongs with boards and executive teams, not just schools [04:58] – How MATs can enable schools through sustainability leads and climate action plans [08:50] – Embedding sustainability into procurement and supplier relationships [10:55] – What a climate action plan actually is and how simple it can be [15:51] – The moral case for prioritising sustainability in education [20:54] – Free networks, resources and support available right now [22:36] – First steps for boards: risk registers, data and estate strategy 📚 Related Content: Contact Helen via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-burge-04a29a100/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-burge-04a29a100/) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sustainability-leadership-and-climate-action-plans-in-education (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sustainability-leadership-and-climate-action-plans-in-education) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/impact-of-uk-climate-change-risk-on-the-delivery-of-education (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/impact-of-uk-climate-change-risk-on-the-delivery-of-education) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-estate-management-standards (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-estate-management-standards) https://www.sustainabilitysupportforeducation.org.uk/ (https://www.sustainabilitysupportforeducation.org.uk/) https://climateambassadors.org.uk/ (https://climateambassadors.org.uk/) https://letsgozero.org/ (https://letsgozero.org/) https://www.educationnaturepark.org.uk/ (https://www.educationnaturepark.org.uk/) https://www.isbl.org.uk/sustainability-standards (https://www.isbl.org.uk/sustainability-standards) https://www.nga.org.uk/news-views/directory/greener-governance-campaign (https://www.nga.org.uk/news-views/directory/greener-governance-campaign) https://www.countyourcarbon.org/ (https://www.countyourcarbon.org/) Energy Sparks (https://energysparks.uk/) https://greenerschoolsindex.co.uk/about/ (https://greenerschoolsindex.co.uk/about/) 🎙️Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here! https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague or leave a quick rating so more leaders can find it. 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura’s website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

3. 

   15 Apr 2026

   010 - Why Rebrokering Is Not A Taboo with Zoe Heath

   In this episode, Zoe Heath, Chief of Operations at St Chad's Academies Trust, talks openly about what it's really like when a school moves on – the practical unravelling, the strategic rethink and what it takes to hold up the mirror and ask what you can learn. If you're navigating rebrokering from any angle, or if you're just curious about the side of the story that rarely gets told, this one's for you. ▶️ This episode at a glance: [1:54] – Zoe explains why this is an important conversation for the sector [5:24] – How her trust came to rebroker a school to another trust [9:11] – Reflecting on why it didn’t work and the role of due diligence [13:11] – The impact on people and what it feels like for the trust that remains [19:40] – The timeline, logistics and operational realities of rebrokering [24:07] – Managing the aftermath and finding new ways to collaborate [32:33] – Zoe’s top tips for MATs facing a similar situation 📚 Related Content: Contact Zoe via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-heath-7396b9131/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-heath-7396b9131/) 🎙️Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here! https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague or leave a quick rating so more leaders can find it. 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura’s website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

4. 

   25 Mar 2026

   009 - Two New Schools, Built from the Ground Up with Sam Compton and Laura Austen

   In this episode I’m joined by Sam Compton, CEO of the Creative Learning Partnership Trust, and Laura Austen, the trust’s Chief Operating Officer, to explore what it really takes to open new schools in brand new communities. We dig into how these projects moved from empty sites to fully functioning schools, how identity and belonging were built from the outset, and how decisions were made around design, partnerships and delivery along the way. Drawing on their experience of opening Beacon Fields and Burley Fields, Sam and Laura share what worked, what they learned the hard way and how collaboration, planning and community engagement shaped the journey from start to finish. ▶️ This episode at a glance: [2:21] – Sam and Laura introduce their trust and the journey to opening two new schools in Stafford [4:22] – Creating two distinct school identities within one trust [7:14] – Working with local stakeholders and why their role was critical to success [9:26] – Building a sense of belonging from day one and the thinking behind it [16:18] – Collaborating with builders and partners to bring the vision to life [20:47] – Managing major projects alongside day-to-day trust operations and the role of a strong project plan [24:19] – What didn’t go quite to plan and what others should watch out for [28:25] – Sam shares the Headteacher perspective, from pre-opening through to life after day one [31:31] – Standout moments from the journey and what it has meant to them both 📚 Related Content: Contact Sam via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-compton-92a1a935b/ Contact Laura via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-austen-a136a/ 🎙️Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here! https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague or leave a quick rating so more leaders can find it. 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura’s website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

5. 

   11 Mar 2026

   008 - Beyond Compliance: The Role of Trustees with Maggie Farrar CBE

   In this episode I’m joined by Maggie Farrar to explore what really sits underneath effective governance in Multi-Academy Trusts. Rather than focusing on policies, structures or compliance frameworks, we step back and look at the human side of boards – how trustees think, listen and work together when the decisions are complex and the stakes are high. We talk about curiosity, judgement and relationships, and why the tone set by chairs and trustees can shape the quality of governance more than any document ever could. Drawing on Maggie’s experience as a trustee, former national education leader and leadership development specialist, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how boards function in practice and what makes governance genuinely effective. ▶️ This episode at a glance: [1:56] – Maggie shares what she believes sits at the heart of the trustee role [4:07] – The risk of slipping into a compliance mindset and why curiosity matters more [7:55] – Why Maggie believes one of the most important trustee skills is “hoovering” [9:26] – Building strong relationships between trustees and executive leaders [13:33] – The critical role of the chair and what good chairing looks like in practice [16:36] – How effective chairs build individual relationships and address concerns early [20:10] – Why the mechanics of meetings matter – from papers and minutes to structure and timing [26:17] – How committees can work most effectively within a trust board [28:52] – Avoiding operational drift and where trustees add the most value [33:06] – What Maggie believes the next evolution of the system will require from trustees [35:08] – What system leadership needs in order to grow and become embedded [37:17] – The challenge of recruiting trustees and thinking ahead about succession [41:29] – Maggie’s top three priorities for MAT boards right now 📚 Related Content: Contact Maggie via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-farrar-83071978/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-farrar-83071978/) 🎙️Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here! https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague or leave a quick rating so more leaders can find it. 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura’s website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

6. 

   25 Feb 2026

   007 - Autonomy Versus Centralisation with Sharron Philpot

   In this episode I’m joined by Sharron Philpot, CEO of Victoria Academies Trust, to explore one of the most live questions in trust leadership: autonomy versus centralisation. We dig into how roles, responsibilities and decision-making have been reshaped over time, what has needed to sit at trust level and where schools have been given space to lead and how those choices have played out in practice. Drawing on real examples from across the trust, Sharron shares what has worked, what has been harder than expected and how culture, clarity and consistency have underpinned the journey. ▶️ This episode at a glance: [2:10] – Sharron introduces her trust and what makes it special to her [4:25] – Her journey into the CEO role and the value of growing within one trust [6:32] – How the trust approached needed change through reflection and collaboration [11:19] – Tackling diluted accountability and building frameworks to strengthen organisational identity [13:31] – Revisiting vision, mission and values and embedding them into schools [17:39] – How these principles shaped decisions on autonomy and centralisation [21:55] – What these decisions have meant for the central team, capacity building and succession planning [27:04] – The evidence that this model is working and how it continues to evolve [32:28] – Redesigning the Scheme of Delegation to support the new operating model and clarify decision-making [35:35] – How governance works from board to local academy councils and the role they play [41:30] – Protecting culture through growth and change [44:47] – Sharron’s key do’s and don’ts on autonomy and centralisation 📚 Related Content: Contact Sharron via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharron-philpot-ba894197/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharron-philpot-ba894197/) 🎙️ Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here! https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague, or leave a quick rating so more leaders can find it. 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura's website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

7. 

   4 Feb 2026

   006 - Should MATs be more like Local Authorities? With The Real David Cameron

   In this episode I’m joined by David Cameron, education consultant and former Director of Children’s Services, to explore the question: should MATs be more like Local Authorities? We dig into what trusts can learn from the past, what feels missing in the system right now and what stronger partnerships and structures could mean for schools, families and communities. Drawing on decades of experience, David brings straight-talking insight, humour and a willingness to ask the uncomfortable questions about where the system is heading and why it matters. ▶️ This episode at a glance: [2:02] – David explains why this question matters now and where he sees the biggest gaps in the current system [8:10] – Squaring the circle on budgets, resourcing and what decentralisation has left behind [12:11] – Why supporting the whole child needs a multi-strand approach, not a single solution [15:59] – What a new delivery model could look like in a growing MAT system and the future role of Local Authorities [21:06] – Why variability is not a good enough reason to keep changing systems in education [29:31] – Bringing stakeholders together, the role of community and what schools are really for [39:08] – David’s take on positive imagination and the traps we fall into around progress and policy [44:32] – Answering the big question and David’s final reflections for MAT leaders 📚 Related Content: Contact David via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cameron-72061a15/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cameron-72061a15/) 🎙️ Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here! https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague, or leave a quick rating so more leaders can find it. 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura's website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

8. 

   21 Jan 2026

   005 - Wellbeing and High Performance with Jamie Peacock MBE

   In this episode I’m joined by Jamie Peacock, former Rugby League legend turned wellbeing mentor and leadership speaker, to explore what wellbeing really looks like for trust leaders. We talk about how wellbeing links to sustainable performance, why small everyday choices matter more than big gestures and how leaders can make changes that help them feel better, lead better and still have something left in the tank at the end of the week. ▶️ This episode at a glance: [1:27] – Jamie shares his journey from professional rugby to working in the wellbeing space [4:25] – How Jamie defines wellbeing and high performance and why the two are closely linked [7:36] – Why wellbeing is not a nice to have and what Jamie calls positive selfishness [10:25] – Simple, practical ways to prioritise wellbeing in everyday routines [13:16] – Positive wellbeing practices Jamie has seen working in schools and MATs [17:22] – The role of culture and communication in supporting wellbeing across organisations [20:14] – Balancing delivery, accountability and responsibility with looking after wellbeing [23:30] – The role of leaders in modelling wellbeing and creating the right conversations [26:33] – Why line managers matter when it comes to individual wellbeing [29:47] – Maintaining momentum with wellbeing strategies and setting yourself up for success [32:08] – Common mistakes organisations make when trying to embed a wellbeing culture [34:37] – Supporting wellbeing when leaders are struggling and how to seek help [41:18] – Moving beyond policy to elevate wellbeing across organisations 📚 Related Content: Contact Jamie via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-peacock-mbe-4b2aa746/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-peacock-mbe-4b2aa746/) 🎙️ Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here! https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague, or leave a quick rating so more leaders can find it. 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura's website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

9. 

   7 Jan 2026

   004 - Evolving the Business Function Within a MAT with Jonny Coates

   In this episode I’m joined by Jonny Coates, now a CFOO in a large MAT in Cumbria, to unpack what it really takes to evolve a business function in a growing trust. We explore how structures and line management shift over time, how to lead change without losing sight of school context and how to strengthen communication, collaboration and succession planning across business teams. Jonny also shares honest reflections on mistakes, balancing organisational need with individual strengths and what he’s learned along the way. ▶️ This episode at a glance: [2:15] – Jonny shares how the business function in his trust has evolved since he took up post [5:23] – How line management structures across the business function have developed over time [7:33] – Leading change while staying grounded in individual school context [10:10] – Creating better communication, collaboration and CPD across business teams [15:04] – Jonny outlines his approach to succession planning within the business function [19:11] – Balancing organisational need with individual strengths and personalities [21:40] – Why mistakes are inevitable and how learning from them supports innovation [26:42] – Jonny explains why he chose not to take the obvious route when reshaping teams [30:08] – Supporting teams to balance school-level needs with central responsibilities [33:04] – The role of the Regional Business Manager within the wider trust structure [35:45] – How Jonny’s education business background shapes his perspective and influences board-level conversations [38:11] – Jonny’s key do’s and don’ts for trusts looking to evolve their business function [42:12] – Audience Q&A from the original live webinar recording 📚 Related content: Contact Jonny via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnycoates/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnycoates/) 🎙️ Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here! https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague, or leave a quick rating so more leaders can find it. 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura's website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

10. 

    17 Dec 2025

    003 - The People Side of MAT Growth and Rebrokering with Dr. Chris Whitmore

    In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Chris Whitmore, CEO at The Schools People and HR Director within the Schools Advisory Service Group, to talk about the legal side of MAT growth and rebrokering. We get into the practical do’s and don’ts of employment law when trusts expand, how to put the right legal foundations in place early and what can go wrong when a rebrokering process doesn’t quite go to plan. ▶️ This episode at a glance: [1:44] – Chris shares the problem-solving framework he uses to understand what level a trust is really operating at [5:40] – How to think about growth when it starts to feel stretching or misaligned [7:40] – Setting risk boundaries during growth and knowing when missing information should trigger a pause [11:16] – Putting systems in place to support due diligence and objective decision-making [17:30] – Why culture belongs in due diligence and how qualitative insight strengthens the data [22:40] – Making sense of liability, future risk and how to protect the organisation [26:05] – Managing stakeholders, competing agendas and external pressure during growth [33:00] – Using intelligence to surface future issues early and reduce risk over time [35:42] – Key differences between schools joining from local authorities and those moving between MATs [40:37] – Risks and miscommunications trusts often cannot control and the wider system impact [42:22] – The one thing Chris says trusts should never do when it comes to growth and rebrokering [44:10] – Audience Q&A from the original live webinar recording 📚 Related content: The Schools People: HR Consultancy & GDPR Compliance: https://schooladvice.co.uk/the-schools-people (https://schooladvice.co.uk/the-schools-people) Contact Chris via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-j-whitmore-ma-phd-keele-ilm-l7-mcct-f-afc-fiol-23a80834/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-j-whitmore-ma-phd-keele-ilm-l7-mcct-f-afc-fiol-23a80834/) 🎙️ Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here! https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague, or leave a quick rating so more leaders can find it. 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura's website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

11. 

    3 Dec 2025

    002 - Being the CEO with Alice Gregson

    In this episode I’m joined by Alice Gregson, CEO of Forum Strategy, to dig into the shifting landscape of MAT leadership. We unpack what the latest ‘Being the CEO’ report reveals about the role right now, the pressures and priorities CEOs are naming, how leaders can stay grounded in an increasingly complex system and why succession planning needs to become a far more intentional part of trust strategy. ▶️ This episode at a glance: [1:41] – Alice introduces Forum Strategy and sets out who they are and the work they do [6:06] – How the Being the CEO report began, why it exists and the difference it aims to make [8:37] – Alice shares the key themes and patterns emerging across five years of the report [15:10] – A look at what the data tells us about growth from a CEO’s point of view [21:05] – We explore the rise of the COO role and why strong operational foundations matter [25:22] – The ongoing tension between strategy and operations and what the CEO role should truly hold [27:13] – Changing attitudes towards whether MAT CEOs need a teaching background [32:18] – What the report reveals about where CEOs turn for support [40:04] – How Boards can strengthen CEO leadership and why diversity at Board level is crucial [43:30] – Alice walks us through Forum’s Being the CEO programme and what it offers leaders [46:42] – Audience Q&A from the original live webinar recording 📚 Related content: Forum Strategy: https://forumstrategy.org/beingtheceo-report-2024/ (https://forumstrategy.org/beingtheceo-report-2024/) Contact Alice via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-gregson-32336139/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-gregson-32336139/) 🎙️ Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here! https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague, or leave a quick rating so more leaders can find it. 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura's website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

12. 

    18 Nov 2025

    001 - Culture, Capacity and Change with Dominic Broad

    In our very first episode, I’m joined by Dominic Broad, Deputy CEO of a MAT in the Midlands, to explore three big Cs: culture, capacity and change. We reflect on the greatest asset we have as leaders, why we can’t afford to leave culture to chance, how to balance accountability with empowerment and ways we can create a safe environment for leaders to make mistakes. ▶️ This episode at a glance: [1:19] – Dominic shares what culture means to him through lived experience [3:49] – How Dominic builds culture intentionally as a leader [9:07] – Why being deliberate matters when shaping culture and leading change [11:20] – Bringing leaders with you and maintaining alignment over time [17:52] – Human leadership vs hero leadership and why the difference matters [19:44] – Dominic’s leadership lens explained through a live on-air test [24:58] – How Dominic approaches succession planning and grows future leaders [31:27] – Tackling the loneliness of leadership and building safety and support [36:28] – How developing capacity has shaped Dominic’s own leadership role and systems [43:10] – Advice on where leaders can find personal support and guidance [45:30] – Leadership lessons and insights Dominic has learned from hosting the Olympic Mindset Podcast [48:27] – Audience Q&A from the original live webinar recording 📚 Related content: The Olympic Mindset Podcast: https://www.olympicmindsetpodcast.com (https://www.olympicmindsetpodcast.com) Contact Dominic via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-broad-18384951/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-broad-18384951/) 🎙️ Be a part of MAT Chat: Want to be a guest? Click here --> https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/ (https://ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/podcast-guest-application/) Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague or leave a rating so more leaders can find it! 🎧 Subscribe: If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 📩 Get in touch: This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura's website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

13. 

    17 Nov 2025

    Trailer - What is MAT Chat?

    Welcome to the show about all things Multi-Academy Trust leadership. If it affects how a trust operates, improves or grows we will be talking about it here! Strategy, governance, operations, finance, culture, central teams, risk, collaboration, rebrokering and everything in between... plus the bits no one warns you about, the moments where you hope you're not the only one and the stuff that sometimes we're just afraid to say out loud. Each episode I sit with someone who knows this world inside out whether that's a leader, a specialist or someone supporting trusts and together we dig into what it really takes to run and grow a trust today. If you're a CEO, COO, CFO, Director, Trustee, Governor or Senior Leader and you want space to reflect, compare notes and hear how others navigate the MAT landscape then this podcast is for you. 🎧 Subscribe Hit follow or subscribe in your podcast player so you never miss an episode 📩 Get In Touch with Laura & Schools Advisory Service This podcast is hosted by me, Laura Williams, and sponsored by the amazing team at Schools Advisory Service who are the UK’s largest provider of staff absence insurance and comprehensive whole school wellbeing services. ⭐️ Laura's website: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk (https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk/) ⭐️ Schools Advisory Service website: https://schooladvice.co.uk/ (https://schooladvice.co.uk/)

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