This paper is about strategic change in Pasifika education and growing the leaders to help make that happen. ‘Strategy implementation’ is of particular concern and refers to large-scale, future-oriented plans for optimising achievement of an organisation’s mission and objectives. Six categories (network; monitor and manage the implementation of the strategy; nurture personal attributes; develop the strategic plan; advance professional attributes; esteem the presence of Pasifika leaders) and 23 sub-categories are described of what helps in strategy implementation, as reported by leaders of Pasifika ethnicity. The categories and sub-categories are presented as a description of the core competencies for leaders of strategy implementation for Pasifika advancement, and for strategy implementation in education. This paper highlights ways in which leadership education might be usefully informed and expanded by Pasifika perspectives on strategy implementation.