How to transform a MAT in only 14 months - Vulnerable leadership, building networks & improving outcomes

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Anita Notta, CEO of The Khalsa Academies Trust, who shares her inspiring leadership journey and the strategies she used to transform a struggling trust into a success story. Anita took on the role of CEO at a time when the trust was under a ‘notice to improve’ from the Department for Education (DfE), with serious concerns about its performance. In just over 14 months, Anita and her team closed off the notice, turning around the trust’s trajectory. In our conversation, she opens up about the challenges she faced, the rapid changes she implemented, and the leadership qualities that helped her overcome them.

Anita highlights the importance of building networks as a CEO and trust leader, particularly when facing external challenges. With no formal handover when she first stepped into the role, Anita had to quickly establish relationships with key stakeholders, including the DfE, local authorities, and other external partners. She shares practical advice on how to build developmental relationships with external organisations and why these networks are critical to long-term success. We also explore how professional relationships and effective communication with stakeholders helped strengthen the trust’s position and improve outcomes for the students and staff involved.

A key theme in our discussion is Anita’s approach to leadership, specifically what it means to be a "vulnerable leader." Anita believes that embracing vulnerability and authenticity as a leader has been essential to her success, especially in times of crisis. She shares her thoughts on why being open and transparent with her team and stakeholders has helped build trust and resilience within the organisation. Anita also talks about the importance of mindset, explaining how cultivating a strong, positive outlook enabled her to navigate difficult community challenges and internal organisational shifts.

Whether you’re looking to turn around an underperforming school or seeking advice on building effective professional networks, this episode is packed with insights from a leader who’s been through it all. 

For more on how The Key can support your trust, visit key.sc/trustsupport or get in touch with our team here: key.sc/trust-enquiry.

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To find out more about Anita Notta, visit her LinkedIn profile.

All views expressed in this episode are the guest's own. Any mention of commercial providers, resources or products is on the guest’s recommendation and should not be considered an endorsement by The Key.