Dr. Max Caruso, Headmaster of Harrow Li De School in Hengqin, China, has been named one of Asia’s Most Influential Educational Leaders to Watch in 2024 by The Knowledge Review. Known for his genuine leadership and passion for helping students grow, Dr. Caruso is making a big impact in education not just in China, but across Asia.
The main principle guiding Dr. Caruso’s work is being genuine. be real. In Dr. Caruso’s view leaders need to present themselves with honesty along with authenticity. Leaders who display their authentic nature create safe environments in which people respect each other and generate maximum performance. His philosophy of authentic leadership serves as a foundation for how Dr. Caruso leads his school while supporting his instructors and supporting student achievement.
Dr. Caruso started his professional journey as a high school physical education instructor. Dr. Caruso’s strong interest in sports blended with his experience working with teams developed his approach to leadership. He has expanded his career across multiple international school settings beginning in the Middle East before settling in China. His time spent in different school settings revealed to him different cultural routines alongside distinct learning styles of students and proper respects patterns.
Dr. Caruso leads Harrow Li De School in promoting Chinese traditions alongside British teachings while instructing his students to develop courage combined with inquisitiveness and compassionate behavior. As Hengqin’s inaugural bilingual and bicultural establishment Harrow Li De School presents combined domestic learning with global perspectives to its students. Dr. Dr. Caruso guides students to celebrate their cultural identity alongside learning appreciation for different cultures.
Education, according to Dr. Caruso, should help students develop three essential abilities: critical thinking skill, creativity, and resilience. critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. Dr. Caruso encourages his students to question everything while they tackle problems and regain their strength when facing obstacles. The educational approach at Harrow Hengqin exceeds traditional book-based learning. The main goal involves fostering children into autonomous, considerate individuals prepared for post-school life.
Dr. Caruso advocates for new technology tools including artificial intelligence and virtual reality to bring educational experiences to life while making them unique to each student. Through entertaining and meaningful educational experiences, students find opportunities to discover fresh concepts with worldwide connections.
Another part of Dr. Caruso’s leadership is about giving back. The school runs service-learning projects that help students care about their communities and the environment. Whether planting trees or helping others, students learn that leadership means making a difference.
Dr. Caruso also supports his teachers through ongoing training and mentorship. He believes great schools are built by great teachers who are always learning too.
Looking ahead, Dr. Caruso wants to keep building a school where students are seen, heard, and supported. He dreams of a future where education breaks boundaries and children grow into global citizens—people who care about the world and are ready to lead it with heart.
Dr. Caruso’s story is one of honesty, hope, and hard work. He is making a real difference in education. His honest leadership, focus on students, and respect for different cultures are helping shape a better future for young people. He leads with heart, always putting students first and helping them grow into strong, confident individuals.
We’re proud to feature Dr. Max Caruso in The Knowledge Review as one of Asia’s Most Influential Educational Leaders to Watch in 2024.
