This paper offers insights into educational leadership in relation to the example of Sweden exceptionalism that kept most of its schools open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Informed discussions based on reports from conversations with principals, media and a survey highlight three themes identified as challenges for the principals: dealing with pupils, staff members and parents’ anxiety, a constant state of uncertainty and the ones left behind. These themes ignite discussions of implications for educational leadership in which the elements of trust, the formation of stable organizations and equity are leadership strategies in what we consider leadership as (un)usual.