In this episode of Lead Her Higher, host Emily MacLean speaks with international education leader Dana Watts about what it truly means to open doors for others in leadership.

Dana reflects on her journey through international schools in Hong Kong, Delhi, and Bangkok, and her current work with International School Services (ISS), where she focuses on learning, research, and leadership development across the global education community. Throughout the conversation, she shares why great leaders don’t just hold the spotlight - they pass the microphone. Dana also shares powerful reflections on mentorship, authenticity, and a message every aspiring leader should hear: don’t be the side dish - be the entrée.

Together, Emily and Dana explore the mentors who shaped Dana’s path, the importance of meeting people where they are, and how intentional leadership can create opportunities for others to grow. They also discuss the realities of leadership pathways in international education, why titles and visibility still influence opportunity, and how schools can better recognize and nurture leadership talent already within their communities.

This episode is a bold reminder that leadership is about opening doors, amplifying voices, and lifting others higher.

Key Takeaways

• Mentorship matters - one leader seeing your potential can change the trajectory of your career.
• Leadership begins with meeting people where they are and helping them see what’s possible.
• In education leadership pathways, titles and visibility still influence opportunity more than they should.
• Women in leadership don’t need to blend in; they should step forward, own their voice, and take up space.
• Schools must intentionally build leadership pipelines that elevate diverse voices and perspectives.
• The future of education will require reimagining traditional systems, especially as technology and student expectations evolve.

Listen to Dana’s story and be inspired to Lead Her Higher.

Key Words: Leadership, Women in Education, Future of Learning, System Thinking, Diversity, Inclusion, Professional Development, International Education