Voices of Change Article – Kathryn

Article #11 – Kathryn Hemming

Kathryn Hemming is an Executive Coach and Educational Leadership Consultant with over 25 years of teaching and leadership experience across the UK and Asia. She specialises in supporting education leaders to strengthen their practice through coaching, research-informed programs, and tailored professional support. Kathryn currently leads relationship development across Southeast Asia and China, working closely with educators and organisations to build leadership capability and improve outcomes across the education sector.

What inspired you, as a woman, to step into educational leadership?

Other women have been some of my greatest sources of inspiration. When I reflect on my time as a student and later as a young teacher, I was fortunate to be surrounded by incredible role models. They were kind, strong, brave and deeply intelligent women who led with empathy and integrity. Watching the way they supported others, made thoughtful decisions and remained true to their values had a lasting impact on me. They inspired me to emulate those qualities in my own leadership journey.

Wendy Heslop, Pat Allan and Irene Leaves are three such examples. Although they are now retired, their influence and the example they set continue to stay with me. They showed me what thoughtful, compassionate leadership can look like in practice, and I remain incredibly grateful for their guidance.

Which achievements in your leadership journey are you most proud of?

While there have been many moments throughout my career that I am proud of, the achievement that stands out most is the positive contribution I have made to building strong and collaborative teams. These were teams where people worked together openly, supported and celebrated each other, held one another accountable, and ultimately created exceptional learning environments for the children in their care.

I strongly believe that relationships are at the heart of creating positive cultures. Throughout my career, I have focused on establishing, nurturing and maintaining meaningful relationships with the people I have worked alongside. Knowing that those relationships have helped foster supportive, high-functioning teams is something I value deeply and take great pride in.

What challenges have you encountered as a woman leader, and how have you navigated them?

I feel that I have been very fortunate in my career, and many of the challenges I have faced have been those that come with leadership more broadly rather than being specific to my gender. Leading people, navigating change, and making difficult decisions are part of the role for any leader.

That said, like many women in leadership, there have been moments where I have had to back my own judgement, speak up with confidence, and ensure my voice is heard at the table. I’ve navigated these situations by focusing on building strong relationships, staying grounded in my values, and continuing to learn from the people around me. Having supportive colleagues and mentors along the way has also been incredibly important in shaping my leadership journey.

How do you see women leaders influencing the future of education today?

I’m encouraged by the increasing number of women stepping into leadership roles and the individual perspectives they bring with them. Many women lead with a strong sense of empathy and flexibility, shaped by the realities of balancing professional responsibilities with family and personal commitments. Managing full-time work while raising children, caring for older relatives, and handling the many demands of daily life is no small task.

Because of these experiences, women leaders often bring a deeper understanding of the human side of work. This awareness can help create more supportive, flexible and inclusive workplaces, where people are recognised not just for the roles they perform but for the lives they lead beyond them. I believe this perspective is important in shaping more creative and adaptable ways of working for the future.

What message or advice would you offer to the next generation of women aspiring to lead in education?

My advice would actually be to not look to leap into leadership too quickly. Take the time to become an expert where you are and really enjoy working with your students, as this is always the most enjoyable and rewarding part of the job. Those years in the classroom are invaluable and help shape the kind of leader you may become later on.

Focus on building strong practice, learning from experienced colleagues, and developing a deep understanding of teaching and learning. This foundation will serve you well if and when you decide to move into leadership.

When the time feels right, work with a mentor who can offer guidance on possible next steps and help you navigate the opportunities ahead. It can also be valuable to work with a coach to build greater self-awareness, understand your leadership style, and further develop your strengths over time.

What is a project, initiative, or area you are particularly passionate about?

As a coach, I now wish that I had benefited from training to be more coach-like while I was a school leader. I feel that this would have made me more self-aware, more present, a better listener, and more skilled at empowering others to find their own solutions and grow in confidence.

Looking back, developing those coaching skills earlier in my leadership journey would have shaped the way I supported my teams, had conversations, and created space for others to contribute meaningfully. It is a skill set that can have a powerful impact on leadership practice.

At Make Space for Better (MSB), we run the training that I wish I’d had. MSB exists to make space for what matters most – people. In a sector that can sometimes feel transactional, isolated, and predominantly driven by performance, we choose a different path: one rooted in courage, curiosity, and connection, where leaders are supported to slow down, reflect, and lead with greater awareness and intention.