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As someone embarking on my first managerial role (head of department), I turned to the feature "Breeding leaders" ( September) for ideas and inspiration. I experienced the opposite.

Apart from Christine King, the former vice-chancellor of Staffordshire University, the only women mentioned are a wife and a daughter. The impression given is less of "nurturing talented leaders" (however talented the individuals are) than of jobs for the boys. If my own university is anything to go by, this does not reflect the current state of play and it is sad to see this impression perpetuated.

Farah Mendlesohn, Professor of literary history, Head of the department of English, communication, film and media, Anglia Ruskin University