Difference between "spearhead" and "lead"

Question

New onsite graduate programs are bringing DePaul through the door at some of the area’s most prominent employers. This summer, two corporate onsite cohorts began with the delivery of a Master of Business Administration degree program at Medline, a major manufacturer and distributor of healthcare supplies, and a Master of Public Health degree program at Lurie Children’s Hospital—resulting in 70 new graduate students and $3.2 million in revenue over the duration of the program. These partnerships were spearheaded by EMM’s Corporate and Employer Outreach (CEO) initiative.

From https://offices.depaul.edu/enrollment-management-marketing/enrollment-matters/Pages/ceo-launches-corporate-onsite-graduate-programs.aspx

Could you explain the connotation of ‘spearhead” here? How is it different from “lead”?

spearhead /ˈspiɚˌhɛd/ verb

: to be the leader of (something, such as a political movement)

http://www.learnersdictionary.com/definition/spearhead

Here is research I have done. I am not sure if it is correct.

Spearheaded

Meaning: To spearhead means to be the leader of something. But more important is the word's connotation. This word just oozes leadership, taking charge, and being a self-starter.

https://www.pongoresume.com/blogPosts/152/5-power-words-to-make-your-resume-get-noticed.cfm

Answer 1

As you say, "Spearhead" basically means exactly the same as "lead" but with more militaristic, dynamic, positive overtones.

In theory, one could lead a project from a position of fear, whereas spearheading suggests far more passion and drive.