About Me
I believe leadership isn’t about titles or hierarchies—it’s about authenticity, courage, and connection.
I work with women in leadership who want to lead with confidence, create impact, and build teams that thrive. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, navigating challenges, or looking to grow as a leader, I’m here to help you gain clarity, resilience, and a leadership style that feels true to you.
I take a human, reflective, and grounded approach—because leadership isn’t just about strategy, it’s about the person behind it.
If you’re ready to step into leadership with purpose and confidence, let’s work together.
Hi, I’m Heidi, Founder of Daring Leadership
My passion for leadership development comes from over 25 years of experience in educational leadership, where I’ve had the privilege of working with inspiring leaders and teams. Throughout my journey, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of authentic, courageous leadership—and it’s this belief that drives everything I do.
After spending 20 years living and working in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, in 2022 I moved back to my hometown of Coonabarabran in country NSW. Returning to my roots made me realise how limited access to leadership development services can be for women in rural areas. That’s why I’m especially passionate about offering coaching and workshops not just worldwide, but in person within these regional communities. Because thriving leaders create thriving communities. When women in leadership are supported, entire organisations and communities flourish.
As a woman living in a rural area myself, I understand the unique challenges these leaders face, and I’m dedicated to providing the resources and guidance they need to succeed.
In my spare time, I love to crochet, get involved within my local community, and go on road trips to other regional areas. These passions ground me, much like the work I do with leaders—helping them find clarity, purpose, and resilience in the midst of life’s complexities.
x Heidi
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up with integrity, being open to growth, and daring to lead with heart.”
Why I Started Daring Leadership
Daring Leadership was born from a simple but powerful belief: leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to ask the right questions, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.
After more than 25 years in educational leadership, I saw firsthand how inspiring and rewarding leadership could be—but also how overwhelming and isolating it often felt. I watched brilliant, capable women juggle high expectations, demanding schedules, and the quiet pressure to be everything to everyone. And in rural communities, where leadership can come with even fewer support systems, that weight can feel even heavier.
I know this because I’ve been there. I’ve felt the burnout, the exhaustion, and the pull between wanting to make an impact and needing to protect my own wellbeing. And I knew there had to be a better way—a way to lead with confidence and clarity, without sacrificing authenticity or joy.
That’s why I created Daring Leadership. I wanted to build a space where women in leadership could pause, reflect, and reconnect with their purpose. A space grounded in authenticity, compassion, and empowerment. A space where leaders don’t just survive their roles—they thrive in them.
Through personalised coaching, in-person workshops, and corporate programs designed specifically for regional leaders, I help women uncover the strengths they already have, build the confidence to use them, and create leadership practices that foster growth—not just for themselves, but for their teams and communities.
At its heart, Daring Leadership is about more than leadership skills—it’s about daring to lead with courage, without burnout. It’s about creating a ripple effect where thriving leaders build thriving communities. And if there’s one thing I want every woman who works with me to know, it’s this: you already have what it takes. I’m just here to help you see it.
My experience and education
With nearly 30 years of experience in the Queensland Department of Education, I’ve served as a teacher and held various school leadership roles, including Curriculum Leader, Deputy Principal, and Principal across both Primary and Secondary settings.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and coaching aspiring and emerging leaders—an experience that naturally guided me into my post-department journey.
I’m deeply passionate about supporting leaders at every stage of their journey, helping them grow their capability and confidence to lead with compassion—without sacrificing their wellbeing along the way.
education
1994 - Bachelor of Arts, University of New England
1995 - Graduate Diploma of Education, University of New England
2023 - Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching, Australian College of Applied Professions
2023 - International Coaching Federation (ICF) Level 1 Coaching Accreditation
2025 - Positive Psychology Coach Certificate, Naturalistico
My Town
Coonabarabran, or "Coona" as the locals call it, is more than just a small town between the Central West and North West Slopes of New South Wales. It’s a place where community runs deep, where neighbours look out for each other, and where the night sky stretches endlessly above the Warrumbungles. Growing up on a farm just outside of town, I was surrounded by the quiet strength of rural life, where resilience isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a way of being.
After years away, living and working in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, I came home two years ago and was reminded of everything that makes this place special. There’s a certain kind of leadership that thrives in the bush, one that’s grounded, resourceful, and built on trust. But there are also challenges, especially for women stepping into leadership roles. Opportunities can feel distant, professional networks are smaller, and balancing career ambitions with rural life isn’t always easy.
That’s why I’m passionate about supporting leaders, especially women, in communities like mine. Through Daring Leadership, I work with local businesses, schools, and organisations, helping leaders in our region gain the skills and confidence to step up, take charge, and make a difference. Whether it’s through coaching, workshops, or leadership programs, my goal is to ensure that regional and rural leaders have access to the same level of support and development as their city counterparts.
Leadership Beyond the Bush
While my roots are in Coonabarabran, my work extends far beyond. I support women in leadership across Australia, from regional towns to major cities helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and lead with impact. No matter where you’re based, leadership in any setting requires courage, clarity, and a strong support system. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and tailored programs, I provide leaders with the tools they need to thrive—whether they’re leading a team in the city or running a business in a remote community.
Coonabarabran is where my leadership journey started, but my mission is to empower women everywhere to step into their full potential—because leadership isn’t defined by location, it’s defined by the impact you make.
Success Stories
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The workshop was amazing! It gave me strategies that I can put into practice in my daily work immediately!
Early Childhood Educator, Warrumbungle Children’s Services
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Confidential, supportive, compassionate - coaching with Heidi has helped me develop the skills I needed to further my own leadership.
School Leader
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Thanks for an engaging and entertaining workshop! It was amazing! I learned lots about myself and others - I loved it!
Early Childhood Educator, Warrumbungle Children’s Services