Lead Her Higher

16. Lead Her Higher with Diana Segărceanu

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

15. Lead Her Higher with Bambi Betts

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

14. Lead Her Higher with Sarah Fleming

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

13. Lead Her Higher with Dana Watts

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

12. Lead Her Higher with Kath Murdoch

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