Women around the world are leading incredible change in our schools, making bold decisions, having tough conversations, and achieving quiet wins no one sees. They are shaping cultures of belonging, fostering innovation, and nurturing the next generation of learners and leaders. These moments define our schools and communities, yet too often their stories go untold.
The Spark for Lead Her Higher
Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary women who have inspired, mentored, and challenged me. Their leadership takes many forms: quiet acts of integrity, bold visions for change, and the courage to lead authentically in spaces that haven’t always welcomed it. As I began exploring senior leadership opportunities in my own journey, I found myself in deeply meaningful conversations with other women leaders. These exchanges fueled my growth and left me wondering, why aren’t these stories shared more widely? What if teachers, emerging leaders, and young women could access the insights of those already shaping schools with courage and authenticity?
That question became the foundation for Lead Her Higher, a podcast sharing the stories of women transforming education through leadership. Each episode features a woman whose work has shaped her school community and the wider field of international education. From Heads of School and Principals to innovators and advocates, these women speak candidly about their journeys, the mentors who lifted them, and the lessons learned along the way.
Leadership Rooted in Purpose
When I launched Lead Her Higher, I wanted to create a space grounded in real experience, one that celebrates both the triumphs and the challenges of leadership. Our conversations are open, honest, and reflective. We talk about courage and vulnerability, the weight of responsibility, and the joy of seeing others flourish. We explore the evolution of identity, the importance of balance, and the power of leading in alignment with one’s values.
Across conversations - whether in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, or North America - similar themes emerge: connection, reflection, and community. Yet leadership also looks different depending on cultural and institutional contexts. What it means to lead with authenticity in Seoul may differ from Toronto or Dubai, and that diversity of perspective enriches our understanding of human-centred leadership. Representation in educational leadership matters deeply. While women make up the majority of teachers worldwide, they remain underrepresented in senior leadership, especially in international schools. This imbalance isn’t only about equity; it’s about impact. Diverse leadership teams foster inclusion, make stronger decisions, and model for students what’s possible.
Each guest on Lead Her Higher shares how she has navigated these realities with courage and creativity, revealing the strategies, values, and support systems that have helped her thrive. By sharing these stories, the podcast shines a light on both the obstacles and the opportunities in women’s leadership journeys, offering insight and inspiration for anyone striving to lead with purpose and heart.
The Power of Collective Elevation
The title Lead Her Higher comes from the belief that when one woman rises, she brings others with her. Leadership, at its best, isn’t a solo climb; it’s a collective elevation. Along the way, there are women who lift us up, open doors, and help us find our voice - our mentors, sponsors, colleagues, and friends.
Each episode includes a segment spotlighting a woman who has profoundly influenced my guest’s leadership journey. These moments remind us that when we share our stories, we create pathways for others to follow, and when we lift each other, we redefine what leadership can look like for generations to come.
Through Lead Her Higher, my hope is to amplify the voices of women shaping schools around the world and offer listeners tangible insights and inspiration for their own journeys. These stories are not only for women; they are for anyone who believes in the transformative power of education and the lasting impact of leading with empathy, courage, and integrity. Because when we lead her higher, we all rise—together.
The Lead Her Higher podcast shares a new woman’s story every other Wednesday, so tune in and don’t miss an episode. Until next time, lead with courage, lift others up and always, Lead Her Higher.
Spotify: https://bit.ly/leadherhigherpodcast
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gm9wzXyj
YouTube: https://bit.ly/leadherhigheryoutube
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadherhigherpodcast/
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/leadherhigher
Emily MacLean is the Head of junior school at Branksome Hall in Toronto and the host of the Lead Her Higher podcast, where she highlights the journeys of women shaping education globally. With experience across multiple countries and school systems, Emily is passionate about building positive, inclusive school cultures and nurturing young learners to reach their full potential. With oversight of Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6, she drives student-focused learning built on social-emotional growth, innovation, and future-forward skills. Through her leadership and storytelling, she aims to inspire both educators and students to lead with empathy, courage, and purpose, while championing the voices of women in leadership.
