ISSN: 2782-893X
eISSN: 2799-0664
ISSN: 2782- 893X
— This study examines the experiences of the participants in the implementation of The Leader in Me (TLIM) program as perceived by teachers and students using exploratory sequential mixed method approach for SY 2022- 2025. The respondent profile reveals that the majority of teacher respondents were aged 20-29 years, while most student respondents were 15 years old, and female dominated teachers and students respondents. Eleven (11) themes emerged based on the testimonies of the participants: Cultivating holistic leadership and collaborative growth for personal development; Self-leadership towards empowered a values-centered school community; Systemic and operational challenges in adopting transformational educational programs; Supporting collaborative and sustainable mechanism for effective program implementation; Empowered academic excellence through personal development and leadership; Building sustainable and inclusive values-centered school community; Empowered self-leadership with relational skills; Holistic transformation in school culture and personal development through TLIM implementation; Personal, social, technological, and organizational factors of effective TLIM implementation; Adaptation and resilience in implementing the TLIM program; and Empowered and inclusive learning school environment. Findings indicate strong support for TLIM among both teachers and students, with high ratings in leadership development, school culture transformation, and values-centered communities. Teachers rated systemic challenges, collaboration, and personal, social, and technological factors as Implemented to a Great Extent, while students rated them as Implemented to a Great Extent. Data shows significant differences in TLIM perception were observed between teachers and students, with teachers consistently rating the program’s implementation higher. Differences were also noted based on age and gender for certain themes. Based on the findings, an action plan was proposed to enhance TLIM implementation and address identified challenges, further strengthening leadership development, academic excellence, and inclusive school environment. Keywords — Challenges, Experiences, Implementation, Holistic Leadership Development, School Culture Transformation, The Leader in Me (TLIM)