Summary

In this episode, I sit down with Grace McCallum from Branksome Hall for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the power of community. Grace shares her journey through education and leadership, offering wisdom on how we can better support young women stepping into leadership roles. We talk candidly about imposter syndrome, the value of authentic leadership, and the importance of building a “personal board of directors” to guide and ground us. Along the way, we reflect on insights from the recent Heads and Chairs Conference and explore how connection, collaboration, and courage shape the educational landscape we all share.

Takeaways:
Imposter syndrome isn’t a flaw—it’s part of the growth journey.
Strong communities are the heartbeat of great schools.
Perceptions of women in leadership still need active, intentional change.
Authenticity is more powerful than perfection.
Mentorship isn’t optional—it’s essential for empowering future leaders.
Quiet leadership styles can be just as powerful as loud ones.
Intersectionality matters—our experiences shape how we lead and how we’re seen.
A “personal board of directors” can provide clarity, courage, and accountability.
Listening to young women means acting on what they tell us.
Collaboration and connection remain our most powerful leadership tools.

Sound Bites:
“I felt massive imposter syndrome.”
“We need more women leading schools and shaping the future.”
“I sleep like a baby—because I know I’m doing meaningful work.”

Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction and Setting the Stage
05:00 — Grace McCallum’s Journey in Education
07:49 — The Importance of Women in Leadership
11:05 — Supporting Young Women in Leadership
13:59 — Reflections from the Heads and Chairs Conference
16:51 — Authenticity, Mentorship, and Taking Action
20:43 — Closing Thoughts