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 lead...

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, San...

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...

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 t...

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 po...

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...

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 a...

 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,...

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...

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. A...

In this episode of the Lead Her Higher podcast, host Emily MacLean sits down with Jen Buchanan, Principal of Think Global School, the world’s first travelling high school. Jen shares her unconventional journey to leadership in innovative educational environments and explores what it takes to lead a school that moves with the world. She dives into the transformative model of learning in motion, hig...

Episode 7 -   Lead Her Higher with Allison Prandolini  In this episode of Lead Her Higher, host Emily MacLean connects with Allison Prandolini, an accomplished Head of Junior School in Australia, advocate for girls’ education, and incoming President of the Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA). With more than two decades of leadership across primary schools, Allison brings a blend...

In this episode of the Lead Her Higher podcast, host Emily MacLean sits down with three inspiring women leaders in education: Jessica Delgado, Maki Nishihara, and Julie Villers. whose leadership stories intersected in the most unexpected way: interviewing for the same role during an intensive, multi-day in-person selection process. What could have been a competitive dynamic instead sparked connect...

In this episode of the Lead Her Higher podcast, host Emily MacLean sits down with Karen Jurjevich to explore her remarkable journey in educational leadership. Karen shares the early influences that shaped her path, how her understanding of success evolved, and the ways she has empowered young women to find their voices. She reflects on the delicate balance between honouring tradition and embracing...

In this episode of the Lead Her Higher podcast, host Emily MacLean shares her personal leadership journey, reflecting on the experiences and influences that have shaped her approach to leadership in education. She emphasizes the importance of connection, clarity, and curiosity in leadership, and highlights the impact of mentorship and community. Emily also discusses the purpose of the podcast in a...

In this episode of the Lead Her Higher podcast, Sandra Chow shares her journey to leadership, reflecting on her experiences as a woman leader in diverse educational contexts. She discusses the importance of role models, the challenges faced as a visible minority, and the significance of taking risks and finding allies. Sandra emphasizes the need for intercultural competency in leadership and the b...

In the second episode of Lead Her Higher , host Emily MacLean is joined by Martha Perry, a passionate advocate for girls’ education and a thoughtful leader in the independent school world. Their conversation explores Martha’s journey as a leader, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning, embracing vulnerability, and building strong relationships at the heart of leadership. She reflects on...

🎙️ Episode 1 | Lead Her Higher with Liz Cho In the inaugural episode of Lead Her Higher , host Emily MacLean welcomes Liz Cho , a dynamic leader in international education whose path has taken her from the US to Korea and now to Laos. Their conversation explores what it means to navigate leadership across cultures, and how Liz’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment has shaped her ap...

Nothing says new school year like a new project. I’m excited to share a new project of my own—the trailer for my podcast, Lead Her Higher . Each episode spotlights candid conversations with women leading in education—the wins, the challenges, and the pivotal lessons that shape their leadership. This podcast is for anyone passionate about supporting women in leadership, amplifying voices, and shapi...