Leading the way is an expression that refers to being in front of others and showing the direction. There are several synonyms that we can use to convey this same meaning. One of them is "pave the way," which means preparing the path for something else to follow. We can also use the term "blaze a trail," which emphasizes taking a new and unexplored route. Another synonym for leading the way is "guide," which implies a sense of responsibility for others' safety and success. Finally, "set an example" suggests modeling for others how things should be done and inspiring them to follow suit. All these alternatives to "lead way" allow us to express this concept with different nuances and tone.