David Beaty is a recently retired career banker with HSBC. He held senior and executive leadership roles for 20 years culminating in the role of UK Head of Business Banking. On leaving HSBC, he established Bali Consulting, using his experience to provide leadership coaching and consultancy. He was a school Governor and Trustee of a fast growing Staffordshire Multi-Academy Trust for over ten years.

Emma Hughes, is Browne Jacobson's Head of HR Services, bringing over 15 years’ experience in generalist HR in both the private sector and the public sector. Emma has worked as HR director and regional HR business partner for two large, national school trusts and regularly networks with other HR leaders in the education sector.

Emma is a qualified Executive Coach, a TRiM Practitioner and a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. 

Iain is a partner at Browne Jacobson, advising on governance and leadership issues. He was Managing Partner at the firm for 11 years, a period which saw unprecedented growth and expansion for the business. 

He wanted to make use of the skills, insights and experience – of both highs and lows - he gained as a leader and believed that this would be valuable to clients as they look at issues around leadership and governance. 

Iain completed the Academy of Executive Coaching (AOEC) Practitioner Diploma course and is now a qualified coach accredited at Practitioner level by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). 

Performance Consultant, Executive Coach, NED, General Counsel, Company Secretary and Olympic Gold Medalist. 

Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST).

Leora is the founding Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts – the national organisation and sector body for academy trusts in England.  

She is a teacher and has spent many years working at director level in local government. 

She is Visiting Professor at UCL Institute of Education. Leora was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours, 2022.

Sara Burks is the Founder and Managing Director of Adaptis Limited, where Sara excels in getting the best from people during transformational change through great leadership. 

Sara also serves as a Director for Azalee Interiors, an online luxury interiors and home furnishings business. Sara previously held directorial positions at Bar des Arts, People Development International, GE Capital, and IMCO Group PLC. 

Sara holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Organisation Psychology from London South Bank University.