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