Biography 

Dr Lei Zeng (LZ) is a Lecturer from the Department of Materials. She serves as a Year Manager in Fashion Business Technology and as the project lead for the International Students Support Project. 

Dr Wennie Subramonian (WS) is a Senior Lecturer (Teaching and Scholarship) from the Department of Chemical Engineering. She is currently the Deputy Admissions and Outreach Lead and was previously a Deputy Undergraduate Programme Director.  

Acknowledgement  

We like to take a moment to thank Prof Rachel Cowen (University Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), Kathy Bradley (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner), and the University for giving us this opportunity to join a career-meaningful programme.  

Acknowledging Leadership Challenges from the Start 

Early academic careers can feel isolating, especially in fields like science and engineering, where women remain underrepresented. Working alongside senior academics with decades of experience can be both inspiring and intimidating. At the beginning of their careers, many women may feel uncertain about whether leadership is something they can aspire to, questioning if it’s truly within reach. Messages from the wider academic culture often reinforce this doubt. 

Why did I choose to join the Aurora programme by Advanced HE? 

LZ:  Feelings of disconnection and self-doubt led me to join Aurora. Being one of few young women in a male-dominated field often brought on feelings of invisibility. Despite being surrounded by excellence, it is difficult to find shared experiences or visible role models. 

Leadership, while frequently discussed in academic circles, often feels out of reach among those at the beginning of their careers. I chose to join Aurora because I believed in the importance of thinking ahead, and I realised that leadership is something you don’t have to wait for. The programme offered a platform to reconnect with my sense of purpose, and explore a space where women support women. 

WS: I joined Aurora at a point in my academic career when I wanted to understand what leadership could look like for someone like me, who identifies as a woman, an international staff member, and a newcomer to the university. I was motivated to grow, not just in role or responsibility, but in confidence and influence. At the time, I felt caught between ambition and uncertainty, a feeling common among women in academia. I knew I wanted to lead beyond my immediate role at the departmental level but was unsure how to move in that direction. Aurora stood out as more than just leadership training. It offered reflection, community and mentorship, which deeply resonated with me. 

Were there any ‘lightbulb moments’ during the programme that shifted my thinking? 

LZ: One transformative realisation was that growth in leadership is continual. There is no perfect moment to begin, only the willingness to try, reflect, and keep going. Another key moment came from recognising common patterns in others: the same doubts, the same isolation. There was something powerful in recognising that those feelings were shared by others. 

I realised women are ready to lead and don’t need to wait to be chosen. Leadership often begins with the courage to own one’s voice, and this was a profound shift in perspective. 

WS: One lightbulb moment came during the Action Learning Sets. I brought a challenge about navigating influence in a committee setting where I felt my voice was not having an impact. I realised the issue was not just external; it was also about how I was presenting myself and framing my ideas. This reflective space helped me see that I already had the knowledge and credibility. I simply needed to own it and communicate more strategically. That shift from self-doubt to self-awareness was powerful. I left that session with practical actions and a renewed sense of agency. 

How has the programme influenced my leadership approach and future aspirations? 

LZ: Leadership, now, is no longer seen as something distant or abstract. It is present in daily choices, in mentoring others, in building inclusive spaces, in questioning outdated norms. The Aurora programme made clear that it is not necessary to mimic traditional models of leadership. There is strength in empathy, collaboration, and relational leadership I’ve come to see leadership not just as personal growth, but as a responsibility to help build spaces where diverse voices are truly heard and valued. The goal is to lift others while continuing to grow. 

WS: Aurora has helped me become a more strategic, reflective and values-driven leader. I now lead with greater intention, building connections and seeking collaboration with colleagues who share similar passions. It has also shaped my long-term goals. I want to contribute not just through my pedagogical research and teaching, but through strategic leadership that supports inclusivity and innovation in higher education. Aurora helped me see that as not only possible but necessary. 

What advice would I give to others considering Aurora, and what’s next for me as a woman leader? 

LZ: Programmes like Aurora are not only for those ready to lead, but they are also for those ready to explore leadership on their own terms. They provide structure, inspiration, and connection. They challenge limiting beliefs and build new ones. 

The next step is to be proactive. Start building networks, mentor others, and challenge outdated assumptions. Leadership should be collaborative. Emotional intelligence is not a weakness but an asset. Women’s leadership brings people together and helps everyone thrive. 

And most importantly: leadership is not about leading alone. It’s about rising together. 

WS: If you’re already considering Aurora, then apply! Especially if you’ve ever doubted your leadership potential or felt unsure where your place is in the system. Aurora offers a space to reflect, grow, and connect. You just need to be open to growth. 

What’s next for me? I’m taking what I’ve learned and applying it through collaborative work with new and existing colleagues, practising inclusive leadership, and strategising medium to long term aspirations with my Aurora mentor. I feel more confident stepping into spaces of influence, not because I have all the answers or experiences, but because I know who I aspire to be as a leader in higher education. 

For more details on the programme featured in this blog, please visit the official page: 

https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/developing-leadership/aurora 

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