In this episode of Lead Her Higher, Emily MacLean sits down with Diana Segărceanu, co-founder and executive director of Avenor College, one of Romania’s leading international schools.

Diana shares her unconventional journey from corporate leadership in telecommunications to building a school that began with just five students and has grown into a thriving community of more than 800 learners. She reflects on the importance of curiosity, trust, strategic thinking, and why schools need both educational vision and strong business leadership.

The conversation also explores women leading in Romania, the power of mentorship, and what it means to truly “lead her higher” by helping others grow beyond you. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation with a leader building the road to the future of education.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership paths don’t need to be linear
• Curiosity is a powerful leadership trait
• Great schools need both purpose and sustainability
• Trust and culture take years to build
• The intersection of business leadership and school leadership
• True leadership lifts others higher
• How Avenor College began with just five students
• Why alumni success is the true measure of a school’s impact

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

Key Words: Leadership, Women in Education, Business, Trust, School Culture, Education Leadership, International Schools, International Education