Lead Her Higher

In this final episode of Season One of Lead Her Higher, Emily MacLean is joined by Megan Murphy, Global Executive Director of the International Coalition of Girls' Schools, for a powerful conversation about leadership, girls' education, and the transformative potential of girls around the world.

Megan reflects on her own leadership journey from university admissions and school advancement to leading a global organization that connects more than 580 girls' schools across six continents. Together, Emily and Megan explore what girls are telling us they need right now, why girls' schools matter more than ever, and how educators and families can create environments where girls truly flourish.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Leadership begins with listening, building relationships, and helping others see themselves in a larger vision.
• Girls thrive when they are known, valued, challenged, and supported.
• Girls' schools don't simply prepare girls for the world as it is—they prepare girls to shape the world as it should be.
• Confidence in girls is built intentionally; it doesn't happen by accident.
• Girls are telling us they want authenticity, meaningful connection, agency, and adults who will listen to and trust them.
• Creating environments where girls can "see it to become it" has a profound impact on their confidence and leadership aspirations.
• The world needs girls' voices, ideas, courage, and leadership now more than ever.
• When adults believe in girls, sometimes before girls fully believe in themselves, transformative growth becomes possible.

This conversation is a hopeful and inspiring reminder that when we believe in girls, provide meaningful opportunities, and intentionally design environments for them to thrive, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Because when we lead girls higher, we all rise.

Listen to Megan’s journey and be inspired to Lead Her Higher.

Keywords: leadership, women leaders, education, empowerment, confidence, Girls education, Educational leadership, ICGS, women in leadership

In this episode of Lead Her Higher, host Emily MacLean sits down with Sandra Boyes, Executive Director of Professional Learning and Research at Crescent School, to explore what happens when research, relationships, and leadership come together to drive meaningful change in schools. Drawing on a career that spans classroom teaching, school leadership, music education, and educational research, Sandra shares insights on turning research into practice, building professional learning that actually shifts culture, and creating schools where students feel known, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Together, Emily and Sandra discuss what educators are learning about boys, belonging, wellbeing, and character development, as well as the challenges facing young men today. They also explore why sustainable change depends on storytelling, collaboration, and engaging educators as active participants in the work.

Sandra offers thoughtful reflections on leadership, defining success on your own terms, and the importance of serving something bigger than yourself. This episode is a compelling conversation about learning, leadership, and the lasting impact educators can have on the lives of young people.

Key Takeaways

• School improvement only sticks when research becomes real classroom practice.
• The best professional learning is ongoing, collaborative, and embedded in daily teaching.
• The early years shape everything: confidence, identity, literacy, numeracy, and belonging.
• Change works when people understand the why and are part of how it happens.
• Character education should be intentional, visible, and at the heart of a school’s mission.
• Boys thrive when they are known, valued, challenged, and supported by strong role models.
• Women in leadership grow most when they define success for themselves and act before they feel “ready.”
• Leadership is service, built on relationships, purpose, and helping others become their best selves.

Listen to Sandra's story and be inspired to Lead Her Higher.

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

In this episode of Lead Her Higher, host Emily MacLean sits down with internationally recognized education leader Bambi Betts, Director of the Principals' Training Center (PTC), to explore what it truly means to lead for learning in complex global school systems.

Bambi reflects on her unconventional leadership journey - one that emerged not from a planned career path, but from a deep commitment to service, noticing problems, and stepping in when students needed better. She shares candid insights from decades of work supporting school leaders around the world and challenges many of the assumptions that continue to shape leadership in international education.

Together, Emily and Bambi explore the realities of instructional leadership at scale, including why many schools still struggle to align with the science of learning, how professional standards define strong teaching, and why systems, not isolated efforts, are what ultimately drive improvement. Bambi also unpacks the often misunderstood distinction between personal and professional relationships in schools, and why this matters deeply for leadership effectiveness. Bambi offers a powerful reminder that leadership is not about popularity or position, it is about making decisions grounded in impact on student learning. This episode is a masterclass in systems thinking, instructional coherence, and courageous leadership in education.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership often emerges through service and the ability to notice what needs to change
• Schools must be anchored in the science of learning, not inherited practice or tradition
• Professional standards are essential for defining and improving teaching as a profession
• Effective leadership is fundamentally about systems, not isolated actions or events
• There is a critical distinction between personal and professional relationships in schools
• Evaluation should be a tool for growth, grounded in shared professional responsibility
• International schools require deep cultural awareness and attention to context and assumptions
• Strong leadership keeps a relentless focus on learning: What learning is at stake for which students?

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

Keywords: Leadership, International Education, School Improvement, Instructional Leadership, Systems Thinking, Science of Learning, Women in Leadership, School Culture, Professional Standards

In this episode of Lead Her Higher, host Emily MacLean sits down with Sarah Fleming, Head of Preparatory at Upper Canada College, to explore what it means to lead with both strength and humanity in today’s educational landscape.

Sarah reflects on her leadership journey across international schools and Canadian independent education, sharing how her understanding of leadership has evolved, from positional authority to influence, and ultimately to leading complex systems with authenticity and care. She speaks candidly about the personal experiences that have shaped her leadership, including her journey through illness and motherhood, and how these moments deepened her empathy, resilience, and sense of purpose.

Together, Emily and Sarah explore the realities of leading in high-expectation environments, the importance of emotional regulation, and the transformative power of coaching in building capacity in others. They also discuss what it means to lead as a woman in visible leadership roles, particularly in boys’ schools, and the responsibility leaders have in shaping how young people understand leadership, identity, and belonging.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about position, but about presence, and the impact we have on others through how we show up every day.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership evolves from position to influence to system-level impact.
• Emotional regulation is a critical, and often overlooked, leadership skill.
• Coaching is one of the most powerful ways to build capacity and self-direction in others.
• Personal experiences shape professional leadership more than we often acknowledge.
• Visibility matters, especially for women in leadership and the models we provide for young people.
• High-performing cultures require both high expectations and deep care.
• Great leaders create the conditions for others to grow, not just succeed themselves.

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

Key Words: Leadership, Women in Education, Coaching, Emotional Intelligence, School Culture, Wellbeing, Independent Schools, International Education

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

In this episode of Lead Her Higher, host Emily MacLean sits down with Kath Murdoch, internationally respected educator, author, and advocate for inquiry-based education.

Kath reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to global thought collaborator in education, while challenging traditional definitions of leadership. She shares why she does not see leadership as a title or destination, but as a way of being, grounded in curiosity, vulnerability, collaboration, and a deep commitment to learning.

Together, they explore how inquiry shapes not only student engagement but also leadership practice and professional growth. Kath speaks candidly about navigating uncertainty, leading through influence rather than authority, and the responsibility experienced educators have to lift others along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is not positional - influence can exist without formal authority.
• Inquiry is not just a teaching strategy; it is a stance toward learning and leadership.
• Curiosity and vulnerability are essential for building trust and strong school cultures.
• Women in leadership often lead through collaboration, relationships, and relational trust.
• Professional learning must mirror the inquiry we want to see in classrooms.
• Listening deeply is one of the most powerful and most challenging leadership skills.
• Experienced educators have a responsibility to nurture and elevate emerging leaders.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership lives in classrooms, in staff rooms, and in everyday acts of integrity and care. Whether you are a teacher, school leader, or educational changemaker, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with courage, cultivate curiosity, and always keep learning.

Listen now to Kath’s journey and be inspired to Lead Her Higher.

Keywords: leadership, education, women in leadership, student-centred, teaching, curriculum, self-care, collaboration, inquiry, professional learning, curiosity, influence

 In this episode of Lead Her Higher, Emily MacLean sits down with Tanya De Hoog, Junior School Principal at Southridge School, to explore an unexpected leadership journey shaped by courage, mentorship, and deep commitment to student-centred learning.

Tanya reflects on stepping into leadership early, developing her voice, and leading with what she calls “soft, elegant armour”,  balancing empathy, decisiveness, and authenticity. From curriculum passion to navigating crisis, mentorship, and finding joy outside of work, this conversation offers an honest look at the human side of school leadership and the power of imagining possibilities for ourselves and others.

Key takeaways: 

• Leadership journeys are often unexpected -  growth happens when you say yes before you feel ready.
• Confidence with adults often develops later than confidence with students - mentorship matters.
• Trust is built through transparency, especially during moments of uncertainty or crisis.
• Collaboration strengthens decisions, but clarity and decisiveness are still essential.
• Compassionate leadership focuses on listening, presence, and honouring teachers’ agency.
• Mentorship, both giving and receiving, is critical in developing women leaders.
• Personal well-being fuels sustainable leadership - joy, hobbies, and boundaries matter.
• Leaders don’t have to do everything perfectly. Permission to pause is powerful.
• Leading higher begins with self-awareness and imagining possibilities for yourself and others.

 Listen now to Tanya’s journey and be inspired to Lead Her Higher.

Keywords: leadership, education, junior school, women in leadership, student-centred, mentorship, confidence, teaching, curriculum, self-care

In this episode, Lead Her Higher host Emily MacLean is joined by Rachel Marks, Deputy Principal at Lauremont School in Richmond Hill, Canada, for a powerful conversation about leadership transitions, courage, and impact.

Rachel shares her journey from leading the Junior School with deep relational presence to stepping into a broader, system-level leadership role as Deputy Principal. Her insights remind us that while transitions can be challenging, they also provide opportunities for growth and collaboration. Her reflections speak directly to a question many women in education grapple with: When is the right time to take the leap, even when the timing doesn’t feel perfect? Rachel illustrates the power of embracing change and supporting others in their leadership aspirations. By fostering connections and encouraging courageous conversations, we can create a more inclusive environment for women in leadership roles.

This episode explores:
• Letting go of certainty and redefining leadership identity
• Balancing heart-centered leadership with strategic decision-making
• The role of mentorship and sponsorship in lifting women into leadership
• Why women belong in rooms where decisions are made

Rachel co-founded Uplift/LiftUp, an annual Women in Leadership event hosted at Lauremont School,in partnership with CIS Ontario. The next event is March 4, 2026. In addition, she leads the Women in Leadership Model of the CAIS Leadership Institute, for leaders across independent schools in Canada.  

Keywords: leadership, women in leadership, mentorship, professional growth, educational leadership, career transition, empathy, strategic planning, community building, personal development

In this episode of the Lead Her Higher podcast, host Emily MacLean had the privilege of sitting down with Ceci Gomez-Galvez, Elementary EAL Coordinator at Saigon South International School, to explore what leadership looks like when it is rooted in language, identity, advocacy, and belonging.

Ceci’s leadership journey reminds us that leadership is not always tied to a title; it’s tied to impact. As a multilingual educator, Ceci speaks powerfully about moving from working directly with students to leading through teachers, expanding her reach while staying deeply grounded in empathy and purpose. Ceci Gomez-Galvez shares her journey as an EAL coordinator, emphasizing the importance of empathy, advocacy, and redefining success in education. She discusses the challenges of navigating multilingual spaces, the need for equitable assessment practices, and the significance of coaching teachers. Ceci also shares openly about navigating leadership as a woman of colour in international education, the pressure to over-professionalize to be heard, and the liberating moment of choosing to lead as her truest self, unapologetically.

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy in leadership translates to action for students.
• Joyful teachers create joyful learning environments.
• Advocacy should be a daily practice in education.
• Success is measured by the impact on others, not positions.
• Language acquisition is not linear but cyclical.
• Discomfort in learning can lead to growth.
• Coaching should meet teachers where they are.
• Lead equity work with wisdom, patience, and humanity.
• Be “wise rather than right” when navigating resistance.

About Ceci

Ceci is a dedicated collaborator, coach, and advocate committed to empowering educators to create equitable and inclusive learning opportunities for multilingual learners. Born and raised in Guatemala City, Ceci grew up in a bilingual household where languages were equally cherished, a value deeply instilled by her family. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing and extensive experience in international schools, Ceci now leads educators in designing programs that prioritize culturally responsive teaching and ensure equitable access for all learners. Passionate about fostering meaningful change in education, Ceci combines expertise with empathy to champion practices that celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. Connect with Ceci through her professional portfolio at cecigomezgalvez.com.

Listen to Ceci's journey and be inspired to Lead Her Higher.

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Keywords: leadership, multilingual education, advocacy, identity, belonging, equity, language acquisition, women in leadership, empathy, success