My Book:
from CRO to CEO

Growing up on the Waddon estate in Croydon (CR0), Billy Smith did not imagine working in the education sector. Life at home was complex, school was often challenging and the path ahead was far from clear. But an early fascination with computers and technology opened a door that would lead him into education. What began as curiosity about digital tools evolved into a career spanning schools, academy trusts, local authorities and further education colleges. Along the way, Billy played a role in developing digital learning systems, leading curriculum areas and supporting institutions as they navigated technological change. Eventually that journey led to one of the most unexpected milestones of all - becoming Chief Executive Officer of a national education organisation. But CR0 to CEO is not simply a story about reaching the top. It is a candid account of the realities of leadership, including the challenges of governance, the pressures of senior roles and the lessons learned when things do not unfold as planned. Through honest reflections and personal stories, the book explores what leadership really looks like behind the titles. More than anything, this is a story about the power of education to create opportunity. It shows how curiosity, resilience and the willingness to take chances can transform a life that began in one of South London’s most ordinary postcodes. For educators, leaders and anyone who has ever wondered how far their journey might take them, CR0 to CEO is a reminder that your starting point does not define your future.