Dr. Rona Mackenzie

Rona has spent more than two decades immersed in education and leadership development, learning first-hand what it takes to lead in complex, fast-moving environments. Her career began in classrooms, where she learned quickly that teenagers are some of the most demanding and honest leadership teachers you can find. Those years shaped her belief that learning should be challenging, reflective and deeply human.

She went on to lead schools across six local authorities and became the Founding Principal of Lincoln University Technical College. From there, Rona stepped into executive leadership roles beyond education, including positions in luxury goods and cyber security. This breadth of experience gives her a rare understanding of leadership across both public and private sectors, from early careers through to the most senior levels.

Rona joined Inspirational Group in 2021 and has played a key role in shaping its education and future leaders work. She has designed and delivered leadership programmes that blend strategy, character development and self-awareness, always with a strong focus on practical impact. One of her proudest moments at IG was leading the Future Airport Leaders programme for Riyadh Airport Company, a three-week programme delivered over ten months that saw clear growth in participants and outstanding feedback throughout.

Academically, Rona brings depth and curiosity in equal measure. She holds a Doctorate in Leadership in Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Disadvantage and Special Educational Needs, alongside an MBA and the Professional Qualification for School Inspectors. She is a qualified coach, an NLP Master Practitioner and certified in Hogan, DiSC, ECR and ECR360 assessments. She is currently studying for a Master’s in Character Education, exploring how values shape leadership behaviour and decision-making. She is also actively involved in AI implementation, learning through hands-on experimentation rather than theory alone.

Outside of work, Rona is rarely still. Sport has been part of her life since her first race at the age of three, and she continues to learn through the mountains, roads and open water. She thrives on challenge and momentum, whether coaching leaders, testing new ideas or training for the Everest Marathon in 2027. She draws inspiration from people who try things they are scared of, who think deeply, remain curious and do not need to be right.

Her favourite quote reflects her approach to growth and commitment:

Do or do not, there is no try.

Rona enjoys working with IG because of the freedom to think, experiment and learn alongside people who care deeply about development. She values relationships built on curiosity, trust and challenge, and brings warmth, energy and insight to everything she does.