Sponsor Spotlight: digiCOACH

Support for today’s episode comes from digiCOACH — the walkthrough and coaching platform designed to simplify data collection, strengthen feedback, and improve instructional clarity. Visit digiCOACH.com, mention Darrin sent you, and ask about special partner pricing.

In Episode 247 of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, Darrin welcomes back repeat guest Dr. Christopher J. Jochum, founder and CEO of CJ Leadership Solutions, LLC, Professor and Chair of Teacher Education at Fort Hays State University, and a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, coach, and author.

The episode opens with a reflection on the “tap on the shoulder” moment many leaders experience — the first time someone sees leadership potential in them. Darrin connects this to research showing that 95% of students and 90% of teachers equate leadership with a title, highlighting why the work of developing teacher leaders is so critical.

Chris and Darrin explore the unique intersection of K–12 and higher education, including what Chris has learned as he transitioned into leading one of the largest teacher preparation programs in the country. He highlights the people, the culture, and the innovative mindset that make Fort Hays State a standout institution at a time when many university teacher prep programs are shrinking.

The conversation then pivots to Chris’s new book, You Don’t Have to Leave to Lead: A Practical Guide to Teacher Leadership — a culmination of years of teaching, research, and on-the-ground leadership development. They unpack key themes from the book, including:

• Leadership is about influence, not titles — and why this mindset shift is crucial for teachers.
• Why teacher leadership is NOT “one more thing” but rather strengthens a teacher’s core practice.
• The five major goals of teacher leadership and why they matter for school and district leaders.
• The connection between teacher leadership and student outcomes — and how raising the “leadership lid” (Maxwell) elevates entire campuses.
• How teacher leadership can extend careers, support retention, and create meaningful growth pathways.
• The “field of diamonds” metaphor and why leaders must look to the talent already in their building.

Chris finishes by sharing how he is currently leaning into leadership — continuing to challenge himself, sharpen the saw, and prepare to write his next leadership book aimed at a broader audience.

Dr. Christopher J. Jochum is the founder and CEO of CJ Leadership Solutions, LLC. A sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach, Chris partners with organizations throughout the U.S. and abroad to transform culture by developing leadership capacity at every level. He believes that leadership is about influence, not formal authority.

Chris also serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Teacher Education at Fort Hays State University, leading one of the nation’s largest teacher preparation programs. With nearly 30 years in K–12 and higher education, Chris began his career teaching Spanish and English as a Second Language before holding faculty appointments at the University of Central Missouri and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

His research focuses on leadership development in both K–12 and higher ed, along with the value of study abroad. He hosts The Department Chair Leadership Podcast and is also the author of The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership.

🌐 Website: CJLeadership.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Podcast: The Department Chair Leadership Podcast

📘 Books: You Don’t Have to Leave to Lead and The Department Chair (Road to Awesome Publishing)

Dr. Jochum's previous appearance on Leaning into Leadership