Episode 210 – Schools That Give an F: Clarity, Culture, and Contribution with Rob McLeod

In this episode, Darrin is joined by international educator and podcast host Rob McLeod to explore a critical leadership conversation: school alignment. Drawing from his own career across three countries and multiple school systems, Rob shares how he rediscovered his passion by finding alignment between his personal values and the work his school was doing.

Together, they discuss:

• The three distinct types of schools: Expert, Coach, and Counselor
• How to identify your school’s default leadership style
• Why many schools unintentionally pull in different directions
• How leaders can use a values-based framework to bring their school into alignment
• The importance of understanding staff priorities: Responsibility, Achievement, or Meaning

Rob’s upcoming book, Schools That Give an F, offers practical tools for school leaders to create environments where every educator contributes meaningfully.

🎧 Learn more and connect with Rob here: https://linktr.ee/reinventingeducationpodcast

Check out Rob's kickstarter for his forthcoming book here

In this special midweek crossover episode with the Teach Better Podcast, Darrin sits down with Teach Better CEO and Co-founder Chad Ostrowski to dive deep into one of the most important leadership tasks schools face: planning professional development that actually moves the needle.

Darrin and Chad unpack the mistakes too many schools make—like treating PD as a day, not a movement—and offer a practical, strategic approach to make learning stick all year long. You'll hear about:

• How to build clarity into every phase of your PD plan
• The power of tiered professional development
• Why leaders must model differentiated support
• How to avoid turning your PD initiative into “the villain”
• Planning walkthroughs, building internal capacity, and protecting your time as a leader
• And how Teach Better + Road to Awesome are partnering to offer aligned leadership and instructional growth

Whether you’re a new principal or a veteran leader, this episode is packed with practical steps to help you develop PD that actually leads to instructional improvement.

👉 Learn more and schedule a conversation at www.roadtoawesome.net

👉 Connect with Chad and the Teach Better Team at www.teachbetter.com

What if your biggest mistakes became the very stories that helped others succeed? In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Kevin Mecchella — former class clown turned classical musician, educator, and nationally recognized student speaker — to talk about the power of decision-making and how schools can equip students with tools to choose better every day.

Kevin shares his personal journey from chasing laughs to chasing success, including a pivotal life moment that redefined how he views choices and consequences. Drawing on his experiences as a K–12 teacher and professional musician, Kevin now fuses music, humor, and vulnerability to deliver unforgettable mental health and leadership programming for schools across the country.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Kevin’s transformation from educator to keynote speaker
• The importance of teaching students a process for decision-making
• Why motivational talks fall short — and how his “Visionary Values” program creates lasting change
• His favorite stories and questions from students (including one involving a flugelhorn!)
• How he’s leaning into leadership by leaning back into his own self-care

Whether you’re a principal seeking meaningful programming for your students or a leader reflecting on the power of our own past, this episode will inspire you to show up more intentionally — for yourself and for those you serve.

📍 Learn more about Kevin’s work and book him to speak: www.kevinmecchella.com

In this inspiring episode, Darrin sits down with Ronn Nozoe, lifelong educator and Chief Executive Officer of NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals). Together, they explore the current landscape of school leadership, the importance of supporting new leaders, and how educators can take ownership of their professional growth.

Ronn shares reflections from his journey — from a classroom in Hawaii to national leadership — and discusses how listening, connection, and collaboration are reshaping the future of educational leadership. You'll also hear about the value of NASSP’s Principal of the Year program and the upcoming United Conference in Seattle.

Key Takeaways:

• Why school leaders today are true heroes and must be seen as professionals
• The impact of rapid turnover in leadership roles and how to navigate it
• How NASSP fosters deep, authentic professional learning
• Why listening is one of the most powerful leadership moves
• The value of peer networks and nationwide connection through the United Conference

About Ronn Nozoe:

Ronn Nozoe is a lifelong educator and the Chief Executive Officer of NASSP. He has held leadership roles at ASCD, the U.S. Department of Education, and across Hawaii’s Department of Education. A former principal and teacher, Ronn brings decades of wisdom and a deep commitment to transforming education through school leadership.

Links Mentioned:

• Learn more about NASSP: nassp.org
• Explore the United Conference: unitedconference.org

In this powerful episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Dr. Brandi Kelly—author, speaker, coach, and founder of Spark Hope EDU—to explore what it truly means to Lead with Hope. Dr. Kelly shares her deeply personal story that led her to develop the HOPE framework: Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence. Through her new book and nationwide work with leaders, Brandi challenges us to lean into self-reflection, build our self-efficacy, and become the encouragers our schools need more than ever. Whether you're leading a classroom or a district, this episode will reignite your purpose and remind you why culture, connection, and hope matter most.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Brandi Kelly is an accomplished author, speaker, podcaster, coach, and consultant with a passion for building thriving organizational culture. With over 20 years of experience, she is dedicated to empowering leaders to inspire growth, create positive change, and cultivate environments where success thrives. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Maxwell Certified Coach, Dr. Kelly is the recipient of numerous leadership honors, including the NAESP Distinguished Elementary School Principal Award and Middle School Principal of the Year Award. She is also the founder of Spark Hope EDU. Learn more at www.sparkhopeedu.com.

Key Takeaways:

• How personal tragedy inspired Brandi’s journey into education
• The HOPE system and how it builds self-efficacy
• Why reflection isn’t optional for leaders—it’s essential
• The role of optimism, purpose, and habits in resilient leadership
• What it looks like to lead with hope in today’s schools

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Brandi at www.sparkhopeedu.com
• Grab your copy of Lead with Hope (available May 5!)
• Follow Brandi on social media @SparkHopeEDU
• Subscribe to the Lead with Hope Podcast
• Learn more about Darrin’s work and speaking: www.roadtoawesome.net

In this episode, I’m joined by Jimmy Casas—best-selling author, leadership coach, and former award-winning principal. Jimmy and I dive into his incredible journey from bar manager to one of the most recognized school leaders in the country. We unpack the power of origin stories, the traps of superhero leadership, and why leaders must know who they want to be in order to lead effectively.

Jimmy shares how Culturize became the game-changing book it is today, why so many school leaders fall into “fixer” mode, and how coaching has changed the game for him and countless leaders. We also talk about the evolving landscape of school leadership, the importance of building leadership capacity, and his belief that culture is caused—by adults, not students.

Whether you're early in your leadership journey or a seasoned veteran, this conversation is packed with practical insights, authentic reflection, and coaching wisdom that will inspire and equip you to lead with clarity and purpose.

🔗 Connect with Jimmy Casas: https://www.jimmycasas.com

📘 Learn more about Culturize and Words on the Wall

📣 Book Jimmy to speak or coach your team

Jimmy Casas served twenty-two years as a school leader. He is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and leadership coach who has dedicated his career to building better school culture and stronger school leaders. Under Jimmy’s leadership, Bettendorf High School was named one of the best high schools in the country three times by Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report. He was the 2012 Iowa Principal of the Year and the runner-up NASSP 2013 National Principal of the Year. In 2014, he was invited to the White House to speak on the Future Ready Pledge, and in 2015, he received the Bammy Award for National Principal of the Year.

Check out Darrin as a guest on Jimmy's podcast The Interview Chair

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with the brilliant William D. Parker—an award-winning former principal, author, speaker, and executive coach. Will is the founder of Principal Matters, LLC and the host of Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast, with over 1.5 million downloads. Through his coaching, books, and virtual leadership academies, Will empowers school leaders to improve culture, communication, and student outcomes.

Together, Darrin and Will dive deep into the real and raw experiences of school leadership. Will shares his journey from teacher to principal, including the moment he almost walked away from education—and the letter of resignation that changed his life. They explore the importance of reflection, well-being, and why leaders must pour into themselves before they can lead others.

They also discuss Will’s latest book, Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator’s Guide to Doing What You Love, and how leaders can take back their autonomy by acting with clarity, curiosity, and intention.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership begins with personal wellness: Will's turning point came through a wake-up call at home, leading him to redefine how he approached leadership.
• The question every educator should ask: Whose permission are you waiting for?
• Leading with curiosity can unlock clarity and drive real school improvement.
• Scaling your influence is not about doing more—it’s about sharing your expertise and elevating others.
• Reflection and coaching provide the safe space leaders need to grow.

Quotes:

Connect with William D. Parker:

• Website: williamdparker.com
• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: William D. Parker
• Instagram: @william_d_parker
• Facebook: William Davis Parker

Resources Mentioned:

• Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? by William D. Parker
• Pause. Breathe. Flourish. by William D. Parker
• The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
• Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast hosted by Will Parker

Want more? Visit roadtoawesome.net for leadership coaching, professional development, and keynote speaking that inspires and equips school leaders to lean into their purpose and lead with clarity.

Mid-Month Edition with Todd Bloomer & Dominic Armano

This month, the Three Amigos—Darrin Peppard, Todd Bloomer, and Dominic Armano—are back with an episode that dives headfirst into one of the most common questions they get:

“How do I land that principal job?”

From the nerves of the interview to that surreal moment when you finally kick your feet up in the principal’s chair (even if it only lasts 10 minutes), this episode is packed with real talk, practical tips, and plenty of laughs.

Whether you're just starting to think about school leadership or are gearing up for your third-round interview, this is the episode for you.

• How to prepare for interviews (and what not to say)
• The fine line between confidence and cockiness
• Doing your homework on the school, superintendent, and district
• Making a strong impression with school colors, mission alignment, and personal touches
• Internal vs. external candidates: how to stand out
• What to do when you don’t get the job
• The importance of being your authentic self—and including your family in your story

Plus, Todd drops some killer one-liners (as always), Dom gets nostalgic, and Darrin makes peace with the Rockies' rough start to the season.

• Be humble, but don’t undersell your leadership experience
• Research isn’t just about the school—it’s about the people
• Scenario-based interview questions are your friend
• Rejection isn’t the end—it’s a chance to reflect and grow
• Your personality and values matter just as much as your resume

• Wear the school colors
• Use the school’s hashtag or mission language
• Bring a notebook and call interviewers by name
• Answer with “I did,” not “I would”

Subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode, and connect with us on social to keep the leadership conversation going.

🛣️ Until next time, have a Road to Awesome week.

Dr. Frank Rudnesky is a professional speaker, author, and educational leader known for his contagious energy and passion for leadership. He has penned several books, including Fired Up Leadership, Fired Up Student Leadership, and 50 Great Things Leaders Do: Let’s Get Fired Up. Dr. Rudnesky draws on his extensive experience as a teacher and award-winning middle school principal to deliver transformative keynotes, workshops, and presentations.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard welcomes his long-time friend and leadership expert, Dr. Frank Rudnesky. Together, they explore the critical role of student leadership in schools and how empowering students can profoundly impact school culture. Dr. Rudnesky shares personal stories, practical strategies, and lessons from his latest book, Igniting Students’ Passions: Empowering Lifelong Leaders. The conversation touches on creating leadership opportunities for all students, fostering trust, and igniting passions that inspire lifelong leadership skills.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is not confined to titles; it’s a choice and a mindset.
• Creating intentional leadership opportunities for students helps them discover their potential and sets them on a path of lifelong leadership.
• Empowering students to step out of their comfort zones and take ownership of their learning fosters a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Practical strategies like leadership academies, service projects, and mentorship programs can help schools cultivate student leaders.
• Amplifying the voices of students and educators builds strong, connected communities and reinforces the importance of servant leadership.

Connect with Dr. Rudnesky at FiredUpLeadership.org, via email at [email protected], or on X, Instagram, and TikTok @DrFrankRud.

On this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Darrin welcomes Chris Dormer, Superintendent of Norristown Area School District in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Chris brings nearly three decades of educational experience from diverse settings, including roles as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent.

Chris shares powerful insights into shifting school leadership from crisis mode—something many leaders have felt stuck in since the pandemic—to a more proactive, intentional leadership approach. He emphasizes the importance of serving each and every student, rather than focusing broadly on “all students,” and how this subtle yet powerful shift in mission can transform school culture.

Throughout the conversation, Chris offers practical strategies leaders can immediately implement, including prioritizing classroom visits, giving actionable and meaningful feedback, and ensuring leadership teams stay focused on what truly matters most—teaching and learning.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Why proactive leadership is crucial in moving beyond crisis-driven schools.
• How shifting from “all” students to “each and every” student can profoundly impact your school’s culture.
• Practical ways to protect your calendar and prioritize instructional leadership.
• Strategies for developing and empowering leadership teams through intentional professional growth.

This episode is packed with leadership wisdom and practical insights that will help you and your team refocus, reenergize, and recommit to the most important work in education.

Connect with Chris Dormer:

• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: Christopher Dormer
• Website: Norristown Area School District

Book Darrin for your next event!

Darrin Peppard is currently booking keynotes and workshops for opening convocations, teacher and principal conferences, and leadership development events. If you want to set the stage for an unforgettable school year or inspire meaningful growth at your next conference, reach out to Darrin today!

• Website: roadtoawesome.net
• Email: [email protected]
• Connect on LinkedIn: Darrin Peppard

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