Teaching topics from my Leading Well curriculum to international fellows, teachers and students over the past fifteen years, I have heard amazing stories of valuable work being done globally. Bringing together your skills and passion, I have learned about your powerful initiatives in Bangladesh and Botswana, Senegal and Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Poland, Tunisia and Turkmenistan and the list goes on.

I meet folks across programs working in similar regions or doing similar work but living across the world from each other – I often wish you all knew each other! You have best practices and innovative techniques that should be shared. You are a great team who is committed to making the world and its inhabitants healthier.

In my Personal Leadership Plan, I envision networks of capable, compassionate leaders collaborating to address the world’s pressing problems. My focus is on supporting international leaders through capacity building, networking, intensive learning opportunities, and eventually, funding.

We tested this concept in 2020 with four online sessions, bringing together 90 leaders from 50 countries. We met for 90 minutes on the last Monday of each month, beginning with a short leadership topic, followed by small group discussions led by trained moderators.

In 2025, with additional funding, the International Leading Well Network became a registered 501(c)(3). Our mission is to provide three core supports:

• Communities of Practice – trusted, confidential groups for reflection and problem-solving on leadership challenges.
• Advanced Training – sessions with technical and leadership experts for active alumni.
• Small Grants – funding to support innovation and program expansion.

I look forward to building this network with you.

With all my best wishes,
Dr. Deidre Combs
Founder, International Leading Well Network