Such apparent shyness seems misplaced for someone who has achieved such a successful career – from teaching in a South African township to leading the Confederation of School Trusts. Leora Cruddas The Confederation of School Trusts chief executiveBeing bolderCruddas says she believes “ministers respect you if you air particularly strong disagreements quietly first” and don’t “shout in the press”. Leora Cruddas The Confederation of School Trusts chief executiveSchool segregationCruddas values democracy. Leora Cruddas The Confederation of School TrustsAusterity cutbacksWhilst teaching, Cruddas took an English literature master’s degree, intending to forge a career in academia. Leora Cruddas Confederation of School TrustsConfederation of School Trusts is bornIt was during her last 18 months at ASCL that Cruddas realised the government lacked a “good way” to engage with the newly-emerging academy trust sector, beyond approaching “a few favoured CEOs”.