My Book:
from CRO to CEO

CR0 to CEO is an honest and straight-talking memoir about growing up on the Waddon estate in Croydon and building a career in education, technology, curriculum and leadership. Billy Smith’s journey did not begin with privilege, certainty or a carefully planned career path. It began in CR0, shaped by council estate life, a complicated family home, music, humour, instability, resilience and the people who noticed him along the way. From primary school dinners and strict teachers to high school pressure, early acting dreams, computers, pubs, pets and the influence of key adults, Billy reflects on the moments that quietly shaped who he became. At the heart of the book is education. Not just education as a sector, but education as a lifeline. As Billy moves from student to staff member, from pastoral support to eLearning, from schools to academy trusts, local authority work, further education and consultancy, he shows how opportunity can grow from unlikely beginnings. The book follows his development through real experiences: supporting vulnerable students, leading digital change, building learning platforms, designing curriculum, stepping into senior leadership, going independent and eventually becoming Chief Executive Officer of a national organisation. But this is not a polished success story pretending the path was easy. CR0 to CEO explores the reality behind leadership: self-doubt, setbacks, difficult decisions, imposter feelings, organisational politics, failure, resilience and the challenge of rebuilding after a senior role ends sooner than expected. It is a book about what leadership really looks like when titles are stripped away. Through personal stories and practical reflections, Billy shares lessons about people, purpose, technology, curriculum, governance, confidence and the importance of being useful. His story challenges the idea that your starting point defines your future. It also reminds readers that leadership is not about status or job titles, but about the impact you create for others. Modern, personal and grounded in real experience, CR0 to CEO is for anyone who has ever questioned whether they belong in certain rooms, anyone working in education, and anyone who believes that background should never limit ambition. It is a story of survival, curiosity, second chances and finding purpose. Above all, it is proof that the journey does not have to start perfectly to still lead somewhere meaningful.