How a Consultant and New Leader Found Inspiration, Practical Tools, and Connection
Kyle Wagner, a seasoned consultant and newly appointed leader of the middle school at the International Montessori School in Hong Kong, attended the Lead to Succeed Conference both as a speaker and a participant. For Kyle, the conference offered a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded educators, explore solutions to leadership challenges, and gain actionable strategies to implement in his new leadership role. His experience highlights the event’s value for leaders navigating change, managing teams, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
A Unique Conference for Leaders Seeking Practical Solutions
As a first-time attendee, Kyle was struck by the distinctive format of Lead to Succeed. Unlike many other conferences, which are often packed with short sessions, this event focused on deep-dive workshops and provided ample time for reflection and conversation.
“This is a one-of-a-kind conference,” Kyle shared. “The deep dives into specific topics were exactly what I needed as I take on a new leadership role. And the in-between time—those hallway conversations and social events—was just as valuable as the sessions themselves.”
These informal discussions provided Kyle with insights and perspectives from a diverse group of leaders, ranging from seasoned administrators to those stepping into leadership roles for the first time.
Navigating Leadership Challenges and Driving Change
For Kyle, the conference couldn’t have come at a better time. As he transitions into his leadership role at a new school, he was eager to learn about strategies for managing change, building teams, and aligning multiple stakeholders. He found the sessions—particularly those focused on leadership and change management—highly relevant to his work.
“The conference delivered exactly what I was looking for—ideas on how to lead when you’re starting something new, how to manage change with multiple stakeholders, and how to get everyone on the same page,” Kyle explained.
One of the most impactful aspects of the conference was the opportunity to learn from leaders with extensive experience in middle school education. Kyle participated in workshops with leaders who had implemented major programmatic and facilities changes at their schools. “They offered tons of insights and nuggets of wisdom that I can take back to my own school,” he said.
The Value of a Diverse Community of Leaders
One of the standout features of Lead to Succeed was its diverse mix of participants, which included senior leaders, new leaders, and middle leaders from various educational contexts. This dynamic created opportunities for cross-level learning and collaboration.
“It was amazing to have conversations with people at all different stages of their leadership journey,” Kyle noted. “I spoke with someone transitioning from a vice principal to a principal role, and others who were seasoned leaders managing large-scale initiatives. Those conversations opened up new possibilities and ideas I hadn’t considered.”
The conference’s thoughtful design—combining deep-dive sessions, reflective conversations, and social events—made it easy for participants to connect and share experiences. According to Kyle, “Most of the transformative conversations happened in informal settings—grabbing a snack or a drink between sessions. That mix of networking and learning is what makes this conference so powerful.”
Conclusion: A Must-Attend Event for New and Experienced Leaders
Kyle’s experience at Lead to Succeed highlights the conference’s ability to meet the needs of leaders at all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned administrator or a new leader like Kyle, the event offers practical tools, meaningful connections, and a space to reflect on your leadership journey.
“This conference isn’t just about learning—it’s about building relationships, gaining insights, and finding solutions to real challenges,” Kyle reflected. “I left feeling inspired and equipped to take on my new role with confidence.
For leaders navigating change or stepping into new roles, Lead to Succeed is an invaluable opportunity to grow, connect, and succeed.
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