The Global Leadership League Announcements

Ask AI Poll Results

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:20:03 GMT

Every month we ask a poll question in our newsletters and on our social media in order to engage more fully with our current and future members. For the month of August 2025, we asked the poll question of:

Inspired by our recent summer series and webinar topic, let’s play: What is the one question you want to ask AI about the future of global education? Go ahead, write it here!

Well, here are the answers to our AI and Global Education questions! Answers have been provided by Claude - one of the AI platforms recently discussed in our summer series webinar.

1. "How can the industry of international education management in the United States restructure to pay its employees better salaries without sacrificing student experiences on study abroad programming?"

The international education industry can improve employee salaries by diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional program fees, such as developing corporate partnerships, consulting services, and scalable digital programming that generates income without proportional cost increases. Operational efficiency through technology automation and shared services models can reduce administrative costs while allowing staff to focus on high-value student support, creating room in budgets for better compensation. Moving toward value-based pricing that reflects the transformational nature of international education, rather than cost-plus models, enables organizations to invest in experienced staff as a quality differentiator that justifies premium pricing.

2. "Who among our government officials will regret their current negative stances on global education in the future and why?"

Government officials who currently oppose or underfund global education initiatives will likely face future regret as economic competitiveness increasingly depends on cross-cultural competency and international collaboration. Politicians who cut funding for international exchange programs, language education, or global citizenship curricula may find themselves defending these decisions when their constituents struggle to compete in an interconnected global economy where employers prioritize candidates with international experience and cultural fluency. Those who frame global education as unnecessary spending rather than strategic investment will particularly regret their stance as other nations that prioritize international educational exchanges and global competency development outpace the US in innovation, diplomacy, and economic partnerships, leaving American students and workers at a disadvantage in fields ranging from technology and healthcare to environmental science and international business.

3. "In an era of rapid geopolitical, technological, and environmental change, how can international education evolve to remain both relevant and resilient—while ensuring equitable access and meaningful cross-cultural engagement?"

International education must embrace adaptive programming that combines virtual and in-person experiences, enabling institutions to maintain connections even during crises while reducing costs and environmental impact to expand access to underrepresented populations. Programs should integrate real-time global challenges—such as climate change, migration, and technological disruption—as core learning themes that connect students across borders to collaborate on solutions, making education immediately relevant while building resilience through diversified partnerships and flexible delivery models. To ensure equity, the field needs innovative funding mechanisms like income-share agreements, employer partnerships, and technology-enabled micro-experiences that provide meaningful cross-cultural engagement without the traditional barriers of cost, time, or geographic mobility, while maintaining deep cultural immersion through extended virtual exchanges, community-based learning, and reciprocal hosting arrangements that distribute both costs and benefits more equitably across participating communities.

4. "Will we revert to education for the elite instead of the current ethos of education for the masses?"

The risk of reverting to elite-only education is real and growing, driven by rising costs, technological divides, and increasing inequality, but the momentum toward mass education is likely too strong to completely reverse due to economic necessity and democratic values. While we may see a bifurcation where premium educational experiences become increasingly exclusive—particularly in international education, private schools, and elite universities—the fundamental need for an educated workforce in a knowledge economy will maintain pressure for broad access to quality education, even if it takes different forms than traditional models. The more likely scenario is a stratified system where basic education remains universal but advanced opportunities, personalized learning, international experiences, and cutting-edge resources become increasingly concentrated among those who can afford them, creating a two-tiered system that maintains the rhetoric of "education for all" while delivering vastly unequal outcomes—making the fight for equitable access more critical than ever to prevent a de facto return to education as a privilege of wealth rather than a democratic right.

5. "What will be the long-term impact of AI on society and the environment?"

AI's long-term societal impact will likely be profoundly transformative, potentially solving critical challenges like disease, climate change, and resource optimization while simultaneously creating unprecedented risks around employment displacement, privacy erosion, and the concentration of power in the hands of those who control AI systems. Environmentally, AI presents a paradox: it could dramatically accelerate sustainable solutions through optimized energy grids, precision agriculture, and climate modeling, but its current trajectory of exponential computational growth threatens to consume vast amounts of energy and resources, potentially offsetting environmental gains unless we develop more efficient architectures and renewable energy infrastructure. The ultimate outcome will depend largely on governance decisions made in the next decade—whether we can establish international frameworks that ensure AI serves broad human welfare rather than concentrating benefits among tech elites, whether we can solve the alignment problem to keep AI systems working toward human values, and whether we can transition to sustainable AI development that enhances rather than degrades our planetary systems, making this a pivotal moment where our choices will determine whether AI becomes humanity's greatest tool or its greatest existential risk.

6. What can universities do to better build social license for international education?"

Universities can build social license for international education by demonstrating clear, measurable benefits to local communities and the broader public, such as showcasing how international partnerships bring research funding, create jobs, and address local challenges while highlighting how globally educated graduates contribute to regional economic development and innovation. They need to move beyond abstract claims about "global citizenship" to provide concrete evidence of impact through data on graduate employment rates, salary premiums, entrepreneurship outcomes, and community contributions, while actively engaging local stakeholders through public events, research collaborations, and service projects that make the value of international education visible and tangible. Most importantly, universities must address equity concerns by expanding access through need-based aid, community college partnerships, and alternative program models, while proactively communicating how international education strengthens rather than weakens national interests by producing citizens better equipped to compete economically, engage diplomatically, and solve transnational challenges—framing global engagement as patriotic investment in national competitiveness rather than elitist luxury.

7. "Will there come a time when AI manages all of the study abroad advising?"

While AI will likely handle increasingly sophisticated aspects of study abroad advising—such as program matching based on academic goals, real-time risk assessment, visa guidance, and even some crisis response—the complete replacement of human advisors is unlikely due to the deeply personal, culturally sensitive, and emotionally complex nature of international education decisions. AI excels at processing vast amounts of data to recommend programs, track compliance requirements, and provide 24/7 support for routine questions, but the nuanced work of helping students navigate family concerns, cultural anxieties, identity development, and life-changing decisions requires empathy, cultural competency, and the ability to read between the lines in ways that current AI cannot replicate. The more probable future is a hybrid model where AI handles the technical, administrative, and informational aspects of advising while human advisors focus on the high-touch, emotionally intelligent work of mentoring, crisis intervention, and helping students process transformative experiences—creating a more efficient system that leverages AI's strengths while preserving the irreplaceable human elements that make study abroad advising effective and meaningful.

8. "How can we encourage students (and ourselves) to be curious and comfortable with not knowing things in an era of quick answers?"

Cultivating curiosity and comfort with uncertainty requires deliberately designing learning experiences that reward the process of inquiry over quick resolution, such as assigning open-ended research projects with no clear answers, encouraging students to sit with ambiguous questions for extended periods, and modeling intellectual humility by regularly admitting when we don't know something and demonstrating how to pursue deeper understanding. We must resist the urge to immediately Google every question that arises, instead creating "wondering time" where questions are collected, explored through discussion, and investigated through multiple perspectives before seeking definitive answers—while teaching students to distinguish between questions that benefit from quick factual lookup versus those that require sustained reflection and exploration. This shift requires fundamentally changing our relationship with knowledge from consumption to creation, celebrating the questions students generate as much as the answers they find, and designing assessments that value intellectual risk-taking, hypothesis formation, and the ability to articulate what we don't yet understand—creating environments where uncertainty becomes a doorway to discovery rather than a problem to be immediately solved.

9. "Given the rise of nationalism across the world, what will global education look like in ten years?"

Global education in ten years will likely become more fragmented and politicized, with programs increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions that limit student mobility between rival nations, create "education blocs" aligned with political alliances, and force institutions to navigate complex diplomatic relationships that affect partnerships, research collaborations, and even curriculum content. The field will probably adapt through greater emphasis on regional exchanges within politically aligned countries, increased virtual and hybrid programming that can transcend physical borders, and a shift toward "glocal" education that combines international perspectives with explicit attention to local and national identity—satisfying nationalist concerns while maintaining global connections. Despite these constraints, the fundamental human desire for cross-cultural connection and the economic necessity of global competence will likely sustain demand for international education, though it may manifest in more diverse, decentralized, and carefully curated forms that emphasize mutual respect, reciprocal benefit, and cultural exchange rather than one-way knowledge transfer, potentially making global education more equitable and less neo-colonial even as it becomes more politically complex to navigate.

10. "Will the increased use of AI decrease curiosity and interest in traveling to new cultures and places?"

AI may paradoxically both diminish and enhance interest in cultural travel, creating a bifurcated response where some people become satisfied with virtual cultural experiences and AI-generated travel content while others develop even stronger desires for authentic, embodied experiences that AI cannot replicate. The convenience of AI-powered virtual tours, language translation, and cultural simulation might reduce casual travel curiosity among those who mistake information consumption for genuine understanding, particularly as AI becomes more sophisticated at creating immersive virtual experiences that feel "good enough" for surface-level cultural exploration. However, AI's limitations in capturing the unpredictable, sensory, and deeply personal aspects of cultural immersion—the unexpected conversations, the disorienting moments of confusion, the physical sensations of being in a completely different environment—may actually heighten appreciation for real travel among those who recognize what AI cannot provide, making authentic cultural exchange feel more precious and necessary as people become increasingly aware of the difference between algorithmic prediction and lived experience. The key will be how we frame AI as a tool that can enhance rather than replace cultural curiosity, using it to prepare for deeper engagement rather than as a substitute for the irreplaceable human work of navigating difference, uncertainty, and genuine cross-cultural connection.

11. "How can we best leverage AI to take International Education to the next level for administrators as well as participants?"

AI can transform international education by automating administrative burdens like visa tracking and risk assessment while providing students with 24/7 personalized support through intelligent chatbots, adaptive cultural preparation, and real-time language assistance during programs. For administrators, AI enables data-driven decision making through predictive analytics about student outcomes and program effectiveness, while for participants, it creates scalable personalized experiences like customized pre-departure training, intelligent peer matching, and post-program career guidance that connects international experiences to professional opportunities. The key advantage is AI's ability to democratize high-touch, individualized support that was previously only available in premium programs, while freeing human advisors to focus on the complex emotional and cultural work that requires human empathy and expertise.

12. "Will it still be revenue driven in the future?"

International education will likely remain revenue-driven but evolve toward more sustainable models that balance profit with social impact, such as employer partnerships tied to graduate outcomes, subscription-based platforms, and income-share agreements. The shift will be from transactional program fees toward value-based pricing that measures success through learning outcomes and career advancement rather than simply maximizing profit margins. While financial sustainability will always be necessary, the industry may adopt more transparent, equitable funding models that align revenue generation with educational mission and social equity rather than pure profit maximization.

13. "Is the field of int'l education any more robust and resilient than it was when Covid 19 almost obliterated it?”

The international education field is modestly more resilient than pre-COVID but remains fundamentally vulnerable to similar disruptions, having made incremental rather than transformative changes to address its core structural weaknesses. While most programs have developed hybrid delivery models, improved digital infrastructure, and created more flexible programming options, the industry still relies heavily on physical mobility, tuition-dependent revenue streams, and just-in-time operational models that leave little buffer for crisis response. The field has gained some diversification through virtual exchanges, micro-credentials, and alternative program formats, but hasn't solved the underlying problems of high costs, limited accessibility, and dependence on geopolitical stability that made it so fragile during the pandemic—meaning another major global crisis could still cause severe disruption, though perhaps with faster recovery due to lessons learned about remote engagement and stakeholder communication.

Send Appreciation To A Colleague The Mad-Lib Way

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 21:00:00 GMT

In just a few short weeks, it will be Thanksgiving day in the US for our American counterparts. At the heart of this holiday is the spirit of gratitude and appreciation for the people, places, and things that improve our lives.

This Thanksgiving season is the perfect time to let your colleagues know how much you appreciate them. Take a moment to fill out our Mad-Lib style message below, and email away or print and anonymously slip it onto their desk. Either way, your expressed gratitude is sure to bring a smile!

Dear _____________,

I’m so grateful for your [adjective] _____________ support in [project or task] ______________; it’s made all the difference in achieving [goal or outcome] _____________. Your [noun] ______________ brings so much value to our team, and I feel lucky to have such a [positive trait] _______________ colleague by my side. Working with you has been an absolute [noun] _________________, and your [adjective] ____________ approach to [specific task or responsibility] _________________ truly elevates our work. I appreciate how you consistently bring [noun] _______________ to [meeting, task, or project] _________________ — your [positive trait] _________________ makes it truly a pleasure to collaborate with you!

The League's Motivational Playlist

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 23:00:00 GMT

We’re dropping our special playlist—curated by our incredible members and online community friends, filled with their favorite songs. It’s the perfect soundtrack to inspire your leadership journey!

Motivational Songs Playlist.pdf

Word Of The Year

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 21:00:00 GMT

Thanks to all members and guests who came to our New Year virtual hoopla last week! We met new people, played some fun book trivia (It was challenging!), shared our favorite books and set our intentions for 2024. Each year The League surveys its leaders for words that can help set the vibe for the new year. We had over 100 submissions and the final Word of the Year was revealed during the Hoopla. Do you want to know what the word is? Check out this Word Cloud and you will see visual results of all the words and the biggest word is our action word for the new year. What goal can YOU set for yourself with this word in mind?

Read Your Way Into The World Book List

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The Global Leadership League is excited to share our compiled reading list from this year’s New Year Hoopla. Our theme for the Hoopla event was “Read your Way into The World,” where we collected our community’s favorite books that helped transport them to a different place. Contributors often told us why they liked the books, too! We hope this reading list helps to transport you to different places as well.

Read your Way into The World Book List.pdf

Crossing Borders: Exploring Connection as a Mode of Learning in International Education

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:00:00 GMT

Connection as a Mode of Learning: White Paper on the Global Leadership League’s Mentoring & Career Connections programs

The Global Leadership League was started by a group of women in the field of international education for the purpose of advancing leadership skills, knowledge, and connections. The organization has since expanded and now serves all genders and all professional levels across the globe.

Since its founding in 2017, The League has offered programming and content geared toward the professional interests of the organization’s growing membership base. To serve the needs of its members, The League learned that professionals desire a more personal approach to solving workplace challenges where they could discuss openly with others who have similar experiences to gain useful and relevant insights. To best facilitate these conversations among professionals, The League created the Mentoring Circles and Career Connections programs for members to connect with one another in a virtual format. To date, these programs have been very successful and many members sign up a few times each year.

In conjunction with The League’s recent five year anniversary, the Mentoring and Career Connections team aimed to understand the impact of each of these programs (two of the League’s most popular) on current and former participants.

Both the Mentoring Circles and Career Connections programs focus on facilitating professional development and growth opportunities by connecting League members with one another in a collaborative learning environment.

The Mentoring Circles program matches 3-5 members in a group format, to meet over the course of a few months while focusing on a specific professional topic, guided by an accompanying workbook complete with a series of content and prompts.

The Career Connections program matches members in a one-on-one pairing, where one participant seeks guidance on a specific goal or professional objective, while the other participant practices their leadership and mentoring skills.

With hundreds of League members having participated in one or both of these programs since the League was established, we wanted to gain more insight into each program’s impact on members, with a focus on connection as a mode of learning (e.g. how personal connection can be used as a method for growth and development). The following narrative highlights the diverse voices and perspectives of our members.

Survey data found that both the Mentoring Circles and Career Connections programs offer a significant opportunity for networking. League members enjoyed each program’s ability to connect them with peers or with professionals of different experience levels, across institutions, countries and continents. One respondent appreciated the ability to develop:

“Genuine, lasting connections with colleagues across the field, and across the globe”.

Underscoring the opportunity for networking was a recognition of the importance of interpersonal relationships in the field of International/ Higher Education,” with members sharing:

“So much of the attraction of being in this field is the people who comprise it. It's a wonderful, welcoming, intelligent, open community, and being connected to more people reinforces my motivation to stay here.”

“I came away from my mentoring circle with colleagues who have turned into long-term professional contacts and with whom I've worked to build partnerships between our institutions, based on the relationships we developed in the circle!”.

Beyond creating valuable networking opportunities and connections between International/ Higher Education professionals, participants also found that the program enabled them to encounter different points of view and an opportunity to expand their perspectives on the breadth of the field and opportunities for growth within the field. Highlights of member feedback are shared below:

“The mentoring circle really helped me to expand my understanding of all of the diverse options available within IE.”

“Seeking out different views on a subject matter and hearing how others interpret or approach the material provided in the workbooks, helped us connect with one another and network. The mentoring circles have been great for professional development outside of my organization.”

Many respondents appreciated that the programs create a safe and intentional space to connect with others, with time set aside for structured reflection/ introspection on career-related topics. Members shared some of the following comments:

“It is helpful to hear from other colleagues that they are going through similar feelings even if our circumstances are different. The guidance of the topics helped to get the conversations started and allowed us all to open up.”

“It was validating and cathartic to talk through our topic with peers from the field. It broadened my perspective, because we all had very different personal life and family situations, and it was interesting how much we all struggled with similar challenges regardless of that.”

Finally, as the Mentoring and Career Connections programs aim to facilitate guided learning experiences in both peer-to-peer and mentor-mentee formats– respondents confirmed their appreciation for the built-in mentoring and support for navigating career goals and challenges. The following feedback highlights the strength of mentoring opportunities:

“The idea of networking with people at different experience levels was helpful. I can be shy sometimes about engaging with more established professionals, but this put us together for a set period of time, and we all embraced the opportunity.”

“The career connections program helped me ask for a mentor in a formal way, which felt much more comfortable than asking a colleague.”

“Participating as a Guide in the Career Connections program has been extremely rewarding. I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with colleagues to help them negotiate next steps in their careers and I found that sharing our stories was even therapeutic. The program compelled me to be "on my game" and to show up fully present when anticipating our meetings. It was and is important for me to feel like the time spent together was/is worthwhile and helpful.”

“The program strengthened my belief in my mentoring skills.”

As the Global Leadership League reflects on a successful first five years, we are grateful for the enthusiastic participation of our members in the Mentoring Circles, the Career Connections program, and other League offerings. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue to serve our growing membership base by expanding upon these opportunities to connect, learn and grow! More information about League programs and events is available on our website (https://globalleadershipleague.com).

Women’s Perspectives on Paving a Career Path in International Education

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:00:00 GMT

The Global Leadership League was delighted to have our LimeLight Interviews be the subject of a recent research article by Iryna Lambrianides.

Abstract

This article examines perspectives of 29 women regarding their personal and professional growth in the international education field. The information was drawn from the interviews conducted by volunteers of the Global Leadership League, a women-founded professional development organization advancing feminine leadership traits and skills, knowledge, and community. These Limelight series of interviews were analyzed to shed light on how women from different countries and career levels were able to launch and advance in their careers and grow as leaders in international education. The key learnings from their stories can support career development in other professions as well.

Click here to read the full article.

A Letter From Our Directors

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:32 GMT

Dear Members:

Why did the educator sprinkle sugar on their pillow on New Year's Eve?.....

……. They wanted to start the year with sweet dreams.

Laughter and joy are excellent ways to manage tough times, and laughter is scientifically proven to reduce stress. With our often-chaotic work and personal lives, we could all use a bit more of that tonic! And let's add some sweet dreams too.

The Global Leadership League is also here to help you manage your complex lives. Five years ago, we started this organization as a way for us to become more connected in our profession, and we remain committed to giving you, our members, meaningful learning opportunities as you advance your careers. Yes, the global pandemic set our plans back a bit, but we are reviving ourselves along with others in the field. We owe our thanks to the amazing group of volunteers who not only founded The League but who help to run the programs for you.

Read the complete blog.

International Women's Day Event RECORDING AVAILABLE

Cynthia Banks — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 22:13:33 GMT

Please find the recording of our 2022 International Women's Day event HERE.

Irene Butter spent a part of her childhood in Nazi-controlled concentration camps, where she survived horrible conditions and tragedies. She tells her story on behalf of the six million other Jews who have been permanently silenced. Irene's account celebrates the exercising of empathy for others in even the most inhumane conditions, a relevant message in an age where similar hatreds and discrimination rise once again. Irene has shared the stage with peacemakers such as the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Elie Wiesel. She is a well-known peace activist, Holocaust survivor, and Professor Emerita of Public Health at the University of Michigan. Her award-winning memoir "Shores Beyond Shores, from Holocaust to Hope" is translated into five languages and available where all fine books are sold.

This conversation was hosted on International Women's Day 2022 and was hosted by NAFSA's Women in Leadership Member Interest Group and the Global Leadership League.

Leadership Monday!

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 19:30:00 GMT

25 Leadership Qualities That Makes You A Good Leader

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 23:00:00 GMT

No one ever said being a leader was easy... but are there specific qualities one can possess to potentially facilitate easier leadership?

Read the complete article here.

This Framework of Thinking Can Improve Your Leadership Skills

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 17:30:00 GMT

Green - Red - Blue - This article shares an interesting idea about using these colors as references for the state of your thoughts... and how you can utilize them as a leader.

Read the complete article here.

Congratulations to the PIEoneer Awards 2021 Winners!

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 00:26:24 GMT

A big CONGRATULATIONS to all of the PIEoneer Awards 2021 winners! What a wonderfully talented group of people and organizations! See the full list of winners here.

If You're Not Outside Your Comfort Zone, You Won't Learn Anything

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 16:53:37 GMT

When was the last time you did something that scared you?

We know that comfort zone is so, well, comforting. But your professional growth could depend on you stepping outside of it.

Read the complete article here.

Leadership Monday!

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:30:00 GMT

The Secret to Successful Leadership? Focusing on Others.

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 16:45:00 GMT

Are you aware of "conscious leadership?" Are you practicing it? Successful leadership should be defined by how much the leader focuses on others, also known as conscious leadership. These leaders honor their conviction and mission yet never lose focus of the elements in life that matter.

Read the complete article here.

Women Leading Transformative Change in Higher Education

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 15:30:00 GMT

We had a wonderful time at the recent webinar on Women Leading Transformative Change in Higher Education with ISEP Study Abroad. Thank you to all who attended this event. If you were unable to watch Live, you can view the recording here: https://lnkd.in/duMcVri

It was an inspiring conversation between women leaders on finding mentors, learning one's strengthens, overcoming imposter syndrome, negotiating salaries, and much more.

Welcome Emily Marlton to the Volunteer Team!

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 18:00:00 GMT

We are so excited to welcome to our Volunteer Team Emily Marlton!

Emily Marlton has worked in the Study Abroad Office at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) since 2011. She holds a BS in International Business and a BA in French from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Master of International Studies from North Carolina State University (NCSU). Her experience abroad includes studying in France and the Czech Republic, teaching English in primary schools in France, and traveling in Europe and Oceania for both business and pleasure. From 2006 Emily worked in the Study Abroad Office at NCSU until she started at UNC in 2011.

Welcome, Emily!

Leadership Monday!

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:30:00 GMT

What we’ve learned about leadership from the COVID-19 pandemic

Mon, 24 May 2021 20:00:00 GMT

"Experts who study crisis and leadership say while some aspects of the pandemic transcend any one person’s power, a few key themes have emerged from countries that have contained the virus and kept public trust: a clear messaging campaign absent of false hope or misinformation, as well as the prioritization of science over politics."

Read the complete article here.

WEBINAR REVIEW: Why you Need a Side Hustle with Brooke Roberts (Founder of Inside Study Abroad)

Mon, 10 May 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Does anyone remember the 1970s disco era dance called the Hustle? This is a tune you just can’t get out of your head. And you will feel the same about our recent webinar with Brooke Roberts who walks you through the necessary elements of getting a side business hustle.

Side hustles are often things you are passionate about or have a special skill in. A side hustle is not just a part-time job or something you don’t get paid for. It is something you create to give value to someone else. In the program, Brooke tackles the tough questions about money, types of hustles, and inspires us to be systematic in our approach to creating our own hustle. Don’t forget to take good notes while Brooke tells you all about the four key drivers to a great side hustle (hint: discovery, leads, sales and profits). As a member of The League you can watch the recorded version of this program here.

Congrats to our Advocate Partner, The University of Texas at Austin!

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 14:00:00 GMT

A BIG congratulations to our Advocate partner The University of Texas at Austin for winning The Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization from NAFSA Association of International Educators. The award recognizes overall excellence in internationalization efforts as evidenced in mission, strategies, programs, and results. We are so happy to see them receive this well deserved recognition for all of their hard work!

My Career: Now and Future; Transitions, Changing Places and Spaces

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 20:00:00 GMT

CHATBOX RECAP: My Career: Now and Future; Transitions, Changing Places and Spaces

- Make connections! Put those networking skills to use and find out what is happening with other people/organizations.
- Reconnect with old contacts, and make new ones.
- Have LOTS of conversations.
- Consider what is important to you at this point and what will propel you to the next step in your career?
- Where you can, prep and build your network of support BEFORE it is needed.

Are you a Global Leadership League member? You have access to all Chat Box recordings and summary takeaways through your membership portal. Login here.

The Higher Purpose of Higher Education

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 22:30:00 GMT

A big SHOUT OUT to our counterparts in The League chapter in India, Sannam S4, for hosting the event 'The Higher Purpose of Higher Education.' The discussions were truly insightful and inspiring!

See their LinkedIn posting here.

Leadership Monday!

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Why Women's History Month is in March

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:25:26 GMT

March is National Women's History Month, but since women are pretty historic year-round, it begs the question: Why March? The answer is a lil bit history and a lil bit coincidence...

Read the complete article by CNN here.

It's Not Just You. A Lot Of Us Are Hitting A Pandemic Wall Right Now.

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 17:30:00 GMT

Pandemic. Fatigue.

You may not be alone in feeling overwhelmed or burnt out...

Read the complete article by HuffPost here.

5 Points For Building An Inclusive Leadership Culture That You Should Not Ignore

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 21:18:06 GMT

How inclusive is your organizational leadership culture?

Does it strive for diversity and equity? Here are 5 points to support those in leadership positions to develop diversity and inclusion authentically.

Read the complete article from Forbes here.

Image Source: Getty

The Hill We Climb, By Amanda Gorman

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 19:32:19 GMT

We want to share a very special shout-out to the incredibly talented 23-year old poet laureate, Amanda Gorman. We are sharing below the full transcript of her powerful poem, The Hill We Climb, from the 46th Presidential Inauguration.

When day comes we ask ourselves,
where can we find light in this never-ending shade?
The loss we carry,
a sea we must wade
We've braved the belly of the beast
We've learned that quiet isn't always peace
And the norms and notions
of what just is
Isn’t always just-ice
And yet the dawn is ours
before we knew it
Somehow we do it
Somehow we've weathered and witnessed
a nation that isn’t broken
but simply unfinished
We the successors of a country and a time
Where a skinny Black girl
descended from slaves and raised by a single mother
can dream of becoming president
only to find herself reciting for one
And yes we are far from polished
far from pristine
but that doesn’t mean we are
striving to form a union that is perfect
We are striving to forge a union with purpose
To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and
conditions of man
And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us
but what stands before us
We close the divide because we know, to put our future first,
we must first put our differences aside
We lay down our arms
so we can reach out our arms
to one another
We seek harm to none and harmony for all
Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true:
That even as we grieved, we grew
That even as we hurt, we hoped
That even as we tired, we tried
That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious
Not because we will never again know defeat
but because we will never again sow division
Scripture tells us to envision
that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree
And no one shall make them afraid
If we’re to live up to our own time
Then victory won’t lie in the blade
But in all the bridges we’ve made
That is the promised glade
The hill we climb
If only we dare
It's because being American is more than a pride we inherit,
it’s the past we step into
and how we repair it
We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation
rather than share it
Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy
And this effort very nearly succeeded
But while democracy can be periodically delayed
it can never be permanently defeated
In this truth
in this faith we trust
For while we have our eyes on the future
history has its eyes on us
This is the era of just redemption
We feared at its inception
We did not feel prepared to be the heirs
of such a terrifying hour
but within it we found the power
to author a new chapter
To offer hope and laughter to ourselves
So while once we asked,
how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?
Now we assert
How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?
We will not march back to what was
but move to what shall be
A country that is bruised but whole,
benevolent but bold,
fierce and free
We will not be turned around
or interrupted by intimidation
because we know our inaction and inertia
will be the inheritance of the next generation
Our blunders become their burdens
But one thing is certain:
If we merge mercy with might,
and might with right,
then love becomes our legacy
and change our children’s birthright
So let us leave behind a country
better than the one we were left with
Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest,
we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one
We will rise from the gold-limbed hills of the west,
we will rise from the windswept northeast
where our forefathers first realized revolution
We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the midwestern states,
we will rise from the sunbaked south
We will rebuild, reconcile and recover
and every known nook of our nation and
every corner called our country,
our people diverse and beautiful will emerge,
battered and beautiful
When day comes we step out of the shade,
aflame and unafraid
The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it
If only we’re brave enough to be it

SOURCE: Staff, T. (2021, January 21). READ: Transcript of Amanda Gorman's inaugural poem. Retrieved January 25, 2021, from https://thehill.com/homenews/news/535052-read-transcript-of-amanda-gormans-inaugural-poem

Ask Sophia Confidential

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 00:30:00 GMT

New Year, new way to connect with The League!

Ask Sophia Confidential through our In The Vault program for advice on your professional issues and enjoy smooth sailing into 2021.

Submit your professional questions and quandaries to In the Vault today!

Leadership Monday!

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 21:30:00 GMT

Career Connections Program Launch

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 17:21:53 GMT

We are excited to announce the launch of our Career Connections program!

Career Connections is a members-only benefit that pairs experienced League members (Guides) with other members (Explorers) who want to learn from their expertise regarding a professional challenge, while both parties forge a meaningful professional relationship and expand their network.

You can sign up as a guide, an explorer, or both! ️ More information is available on our Career Connections page. Registration opens December 15 and the program launches March 1!

The 10 Best Podcasts of 2020

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Break out the headphones and settle into your favorite comfy chair, here are the 10 Best Podcasts of 2020 according to TIME.

CHATBOX REVIEW: The Virtual Professional: Embracing the Camera

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 20:38:02 GMT

CHATBOX REVIEW: The Virtual Professional: Embracing the Camera, Takeaways

How do we get used to being an ‘object’ and being seen online?
Get comfortable with being on screen. Practice pinning your video.
If you prefer no video, have a profile image.
Showing up on Zoom comes with a price.
Light / Frame / Body / Sound - all will effect image and confidence online, and can be controlled by us.

Leadership Monday!

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 19:47:44 GMT

The best advice for aspiring leaders? Ask for what you want

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 17:02:03 GMT

Hoping to get to management or the C-Suite one day? This software exec who’s worked for Microsoft and Adobe shares her journey and four top tips.

What piece of advice would you add to this list of four top tips for aspiring leaders?

Read the complete article from Fast Company here.

This Working Life Podcast

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 21:52:14 GMT

Looking for a new podcast to lose yourself in?

Here is an Australian produced show that some of our Global Leadership League board members have been enjoying. Take a listen!

This Working Life

CHATBOX REVIEW: So What to Do Now? Advance Your Career Plan!

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:00:00 GMT

CHATBOX REVIEW: So What to Do Now? Advance Your Career Plan! Takeaways

Where are you currently in your career? What obstacles are you facing?
Set Your Goal!
Find an Accountability Partner.
Complete a 90 Day Career Plan: 1. What To Explore? 2. Who Can Help? 3. Action Steps for 30/60/90 days!

Leadership Monday!

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 21:30:00 GMT

The Surprising Traits of Good Remote Leaders

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 17:15:44 GMT

How do you keep your leadership skills strong?

The skills that aided you as a leader for in-person connections won't always translate to online connections.

Read the complete article from the BBC WorkLife.

Image source: Alamy

Why Procrastination Is About Managing Emotions, Not Time

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 14:10:38 GMT

Address the real reasons you procrastinate and you’re more likely to start achieving your goals.

Have you ever been known to procrastinate? For many of us, it's a terrible habit. So, can you learn to stop procrastinating? Read the complete article from the BBC WorkLife here.

Source: Getty Images

League Member Exclusive Access

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:34:00 GMT

If you're a member and have either missed a Chat Box, or want to go back through them all, you can access audio recordings, top takeaways, and relevant League resources through your member portal.

Leadership Monday!

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 19:11:37 GMT

How to Prepare for a Difficult Conversation You Can't Have In Person

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 23:34:02 GMT

With so much of our day-to-day lives now occurring online, lots of difficult conversations are having to be had with this added layer of complexity. So, how do you navigate it all?

See this article from Inc.

Source: Getty Images

Leadership Advice from The League Team

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 18:52:13 GMT

Have you had a chance to read our recent blog, 'The League Team Talks Leadership'?

If you haven't, take a few moments and enjoy this piece from our board members and volunteers. Their answers offered great insights and varied just as much as all the wonderful individuals that shared them with us. Enjoy!

Read the blog here.

How to Avoid Mediocre Leadership in Trying Times

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 18:47:24 GMT

You definitely don’t want to be a mediocre leader but do you know how to avoid it? This article offers great insight in how to stay the leadership course.

In today’s complex world, leaders are being asked to step up in dynamic and unexpected ways.

Unfortunately, many of them are not equipped with the tools they need to lead under pressure. As a result, they fail to serve themselves and their employees effectively, and put the future of their entire organization at risk.

The Behaviors That Result in Mediocre Leadership

Today’s infographic from Vince Molinaro’s Accountable Leaders reveals the common behaviors that can result in leaders becoming mediocre due to mounting day-to-day pressures.

CLICK HERE to continue reading this article by the Visual Capitalist.

Is this the secret of smart leadership?

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 21:23:35 GMT

Have we been underestimating humility as a key trait in leadership?

It’s more than two millennia since the philosopher Socrates argued that humility is the greatest of all virtues. His timeless observation was that the wisest people are the first to admit how little they really know.

Science has been slow to catch up to this argument, but the last decade has offered a spate of new studies examining this trait and its effects on our thinking and reasoning. According to this research, people with greater humility are better learners, decision-makers and problem solvers. One study even found that someone’s humility could trump actual IQ in predicting their performance.

The latest findings suggest that the trait is especially important for leaders, with evidence that displays of humility can improve strategic thinking and boost the performance of colleagues across an organisation.

CLICK HERE to continue reading this article by the BBC.

Congratulations to All Finalists for The PIE PIEoneer Awards 2020!

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 18:34:13 GMT

Congratulations to the PIEoneer Awards 2020 finalists! There are so many wonderful organizations and institutions included in this list.

The PIEoneer Awards are the only global awards that celebrate innovation and achievement across the whole of the international education industry.

With a distinguished judging panel representing geographical and professional diversity, The PIEoneer Awards recognize both individuals and organizations who are pushing professional standards, evolving their engagement, or redefining the international student experience.

Due to ongoing restrictions on travel and networking, we can confirm that this September, The PIEoneer Awards will take place in a virtual format offering an online event of celebration and networking. This is the fourth year the awards have run.

See the finalists for 2020 here.

Inclusive Leadership - A Guest Post by Malaika Serrano

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 18:00:00 GMT

From our advocate and volunteer, Malaika Serrano of Worldstrides/ISA:

Dear @GlobalLeadershipLeague members and advocates:

Like so many of you, I am heartbroken, outraged, and traumatized by the repeated acts of violence against unarmed Black men and women. And yet everyday, I get up, check on my children and start another work day...on the outside, I may look calm and collected but honestly, I'm emotionally exhausted.

This timely and thought-provoking read by McKinsey and Co. on why "Diversity Still Matters" underscores why organizations cannot turn their backs on diversity, equity and inclusion.

As an equity-minded practitioner, the central messages of the article ring true and align with our work - ignite change across the global education field by empowering, connecting, and training leaders, who actively create spaces for inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

We warmly welcome your feedback and reflections.

With love,
Malaika Serrano

https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-still-matters

2020 Annual Signature Event - Hob Nob Happy Half Hours

Cynthia Banks — Thu, 28 May 2020 19:12:35 GMT

We loved hanging out with all of you for a fun and engaging 30 minutes online! Here is the amazing list of great book recommendations from event attendees. Also, congrats to the book raffle winners from each Hob Nob -they each won an Amazon Gift Card to apply to a book of their choice! HobNobSummerReadingList.pdf

OUR 2019 NAFSA CONFERENCE SIGNATURE EVENT WAS A SUCCESS!

Global Leadership League ADMIN — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 04:22:03 GMT

Our 2019 Signature Event in Washington DC was a sell-out success! Guest enjoyed networking, food & drink, and our book raffle selected & donated by the event sponsors. This year, The Global Leadership League brought a second copy of the books for twice the fun!

Thanks to our sponsors:

CAPA The Global Education Network, ISA International Studies Abroad, Terra Dotta Software, CET Academic Programs, DIS- Study Abroad in Scandinavia, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, CIEE, ISEP Study Abroad, CIS Abroad, Global Experiences, API Academic Programs International

Add to your summer reading list!

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

Do you know Pippi Longstocking? by Astrid Lindgren

Feminist Fight Club by Jessica Bennett

In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney

On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Mount Everest by Alison Levine

Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success by Sylvia Ann Hewlett

Radical Candor by Kim Scott

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire by Simon Sinek

The Happiness Advantage Shawn Anchor

The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates

The Power of Positive Leadership: How and Why Positive Leaders Transform Teams and Organizations and Change the World by Jon Gordon

Wolfpack by Abby Wambach

Advocate Feature - CET Academic Programs

Global Leadership League ADMIN — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 04:20:09 GMT

Mark Lenhart,
CET's Executive Director shares:

Why did your organization want to be involved in the Global Leadership League?

We support the mission. We recognize that women still face barriers in our field, and we want to help the League create a space where strategies and solutions can be discussed. We also think the League’s unique approach to mentorship will be great for CET’s staff—we want the women who work at CET to have the chance to engage with women from other organizations.

As a leader at CET, I want to support the League so that I can develop a deeper understanding of the barriers women face. I’m in a position to create change and perhaps remove some of these barriers, at least at CET. So I want to engage in the discussion and learn ways I can be a part of the solution.

What inspires you in your work?

My standard answer has always been our students-- they are fearless in their approach to learning, and you can't help but be optimistic about the future when you spend time with them.

More recently, I have also been inspired by our staff. In my generation, most people sort of fell into study abroad because of parallel interests or career goals. I'm excited to see employees arrive at CET with a clear commitment to our mission. They figured out early that they want to pursue a career in study abroad, and they are now making it happen.

My own priorities have broadened so that I'm not just interested in creating quality study abroad programs, I'm also interested in creating great jobs and a supportive office culture. I know that these goals are linked: it's easier to do the first when you've accomplished the second.

Who has been a professional mentor for you and how did they influence you?

My boss and business partner, Kate Simpson, has been my mentor since CET became a part of Academic Travel Abroad in 1995. Kate exemplifies the best leadership qualities: she is empathetic and caring, but direct and honest when it comes to making tough business decisions. She is also passionate about our mission, and she works tirelessly to help us achieve our goals. One of the qualities I love about Kate is that she always strives to do the right thing—she demonstrates real integrity. I think that’s so important today: we all want to look up to our leaders and know that they are putting the interests of our students, partners, or teams above their self-interests. I’d like to think I’ve internalized many of Kate’s leadership qualities, and after so many years of working together, we can practically complete each other’s sentences.

Which professional development experience/s have been most important to you in your career?

I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to travel internationally with partners and colleagues, usually on site visits or to attend international conferences. Traveling on my own is great, of course. But with a traveling companion, you tend to see things differently—through their eyes—and you learn more. There’s something special about sharing the experience, even if that experience includes getting stuck in airports or eating bad food together. In fact, these moments are when we really get to know one another, and talk. Traveling with colleagues gives me the chance to hear about the challenges they face in their jobs, and I always come home feeling more connected to them, and better prepared to face my own challenges.

What excites you most about the future of this field?

Many things in our field are changing at once. There are new pressures to measure outcomes and make sure study abroad is a worthy investment. Traditional program models are giving way to more innovative models. Technology is making it easier for students to remain connected to their home campuses and faculty. Partnerships are becoming more innovative. And the study abroad population is changing, with more diverse students bringing a wider range of expectations to their programs. What excites me about all this change is that it forces us all to be more intentional and transparent about what we’re doing. In a way, we’re all held to a higher standard than ever before, and that’s good! I’m excited to think about how our programs will improve in the future.

Advocate Feature - The Intern Group

Global Leadership League ADMIN — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 04:19:32 GMT

Samantha Cameron,
Global Partnership Manager at The Intern Group shares:

Why did your organization want to be involved in the Global Leadership League?

It seemed like a natural fit based on the sheer fact that 75% of our staff are women. Upon further investigation, we realized that there were amazing initiatives that could help our staff grow as professionals while surrounded by a network of phenomenal women in our field. We are a young organization in that many of our staff are under the age of 35, so we loved that regardless of age or role, anyone can learn and also contribute their expertise.

What inspires you in your work?

I am inspired every day by students who want to step outside of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in new cultures. They will be our next generation of leaders which is what inspires me to get as many students abroad as possible. I am also inspired by my partners at universities across the world, it never ceases to amaze me the innovative initiatives that they come up with to make international education more accessible.

Which professional development experience/s have been most important to you in your career?

Early in my career, I was catapulted into a position where I was without a supervisor for a few months and had to figure things out with little guidance. I had an amazing support system within my organization, however, we were all learning how to do things in my particular department and I naturally made mistakes. In my opinion, there is no course or degree you can take that can prepare you as well as simply rolling up your sleeves and leaving all your fears behind. Mistakes are inevitable and it's how you grow - just don't make the same mistakes again!

What excites you most about the future of this field?

What excites me is that despite anti-globalization rhetoric, there remains a huge community of passionate people pushing for the internationalization of education across the world. I think there is still a lot of work to be done to make international education accessible and inclusive, but I am confident that we are on the right path. I am excited to see recent graduates get involved in the field so we can use their perspectives and technological/marketing expertise to get more students abroad.

Advocate Feature - Learning Abroad Center -University of Minnesota

Global Leadership League ADMIN — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 04:18:46 GMT

Martha Johnson,
Assistant Dean for Learning Abroad at the University of Minnesota shares:

Why did your organization want to be involved in the Global Leadership League?

I viewed it as an opportunity to be a part of an important cultural shift and to support the empowerment of the future leaders in our field.

What inspires you in your work?

I am inspired by the change in students we are a part of and contribute to. I am inspired by the amazing peer mentors, colleagues, and friends I get to work with around the world who are all working towards a common goal.

Who has been a professional mentor for you and how did they influence you?

I have been particularly lucky in my peer mentors. I joined the field at a time when there were few women, GLBT, or people of color in leadership positions, so I did not get much mentorship from leaders I personally identified with. My generation of peers, however, who started at the same time...as the field was becoming professionalized... are an inspiring cohort of mentors from whom I have learned so much. There are too many to name, but I can think of so many ways they individually inspired, supported, and pushed me.

Which professional development experience/s have been most important to you in your career?

Volunteer and leadership positions on non-profit organizations and boards outside of my daily position have been particularly helpful in developing my skills. Contributing in contexts outside of your work can help you see the bigger picture, learn from other organizations, and engage with interests you are passionate about. I have been on the board for the University YMCA, a girls school in Kenya, a professional theatre company, and the Fund for Education Abroad, and in all cases I have learned as much as I have contributed.

What excites you most about the future of this field?

When I see the talent and intentionality that the next generations are bringing to the field I am inspired. The field is barely recognizable from when I started, and so it is up to all of us to make sure international education is what we want it to be. The ability to influence a profession is daunting and exciting, and the younger professionals are certainly up for the challenge and are innovating in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Advocate Feature - CAPA

Global Leadership League ADMIN — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 04:18:24 GMT

John J. Christian
CAPA's President/CEO shares:

Why did your organization want to be involved in the Global Leadership League?

When we first learned of this important and new organization, we knew it would be important to not only applaud the initiative, but to financially support it. The time has come to find the best leaders in all areas of work and life and this organization is cultivating future woman in a way that has not been done before in our field. IT is timely and the outcome will be critical to our future as international educators.

What inspires you in your work?

The continued challenge to improve our work, find new ways to impact learning and outcomes and the immense passion and creativity that we find from our colleagues in support of this work. Never a dull moment is cliché, that’s because it is true with this work.

Who has been a professional mentor for you and how did they influence you?

There are many. Historically this would be Dr. Jose Perez, the director of International Education at SUNY Oswego, my alma matter and where I first worked as a professional in the field. So much so that I have donated a full fee scholarship in his name for SUNY Oswego students to study and China and England where Dr. Perez helped me learn and work abroad.

Which professional development experience/s have been most important to you in your career?

Being a resident director in London and Beijing. My understanding of the core basics of programming, student care and teaching and learning were matured in this role and continue to influence my decisions and thoughts on quality learning abroad. And that was from the wins and the mistakes in my work.

What excites you most about the future of this field?

Innovation and the use of technology to achieve high impact globally thinking students. Using new resources to re-think how we build and manage our programs as well as prepare students to work in a globally inter-connected world.