Aiming to highlight the influence and impact of those influencing the sector, the digest lists 50 voices working across the continent who are providing valuable commentary, in the hope of inspiring a conversation about leadership and personal brand.

The list is not designed to be definitive, but instead to serve as a signpost to key influencers carrying out exemplary work in the sector.

Following on from the release of the European and Australia and ASEAN versions of The PIE’s leadership digest, the latest edition features a headline interview with Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, in which she summed up perfectly the importance of using personal influence for greater change.

“There’s a difference between power and influence and I gravitate toward influence,” Aw shared with The PIE.

“Think about movements. Think about those who’ve been change agents in this world. Often it is a single person who had a vision of possibilities and was relentless in the pursuit of those possibilities,” said Aw.

Leaders need the humility to know that we don’t have all the answers

“Leaders need the humility to know that we don’t have all the answers, nor are we expected to have all the answers, but that we must be willing to be curious and work with others to seek answers.”

Isaac Garcia-Sitton, Executive Director, Toronto Metropolitan University called it an “honour” to be recognised amongst the leading voices in international education across North America for 2023.

“It is great to see such a diverse representation of both scholars and practitioners that are some of the most influential thought leaders and policy actors steering the ever dynamic international education sector,” said Garcia-Sitton.

Garcia-Sitton, who has long admired the work of Aw, said “it was a pleasure to read about humility being a core component of her leadership philosophy and the reiteration of our responsibility to advocate for those who are vulnerable in our community.”

Author and senior advisor on the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, Rajika Bhandari is just one of the voices who took to social media to share the achievement with their networks. Bhandari said she is “thrilled” to feature on the list and reminded us of the varying ways sector leaders can build their personal brand and influence.

“The people on this list remind us that influence ought not to be measured by social media metrics and ‘likes’ and ‘followers’. Some on this list are social media mavens others have quiet yet powerful impact,” said Bhandari.

“It’s gratifying to be recognised in this way,” said Eddie West, assistant dean of international strategy and programs at SDSU Global Campus on being featured.

“As with all such accolades, I think it speaks volumes about the team I’m part of at SDSU Global Campus. It’s a very supportive environment – great for students and for staff – and the hard, creative work done by my colleagues inspires me to do the best I can.”

The release of the digest coincides with The PIE Live North America, taking place in Boston on November 13-14, where many of the voices will be sharing knowledge and insight on a breadth of topics across various panels. A specially curated panel will see four of the 50 voices take to the stage to discuss the role that personal brand plays in achieving the goals of those elevating the industry.

Readers can download The PIE’s 50 voices of 2023 – North American edition here.