Leaning into Leadership

As 2025 comes to a close, Dr. Darrin Peppard reflects on the year that was and what the work of leadership is asking of us as we head into 2026. In this year-end solo episode, Darrin invites both individual leaders and leadership teams to pause, reflect, and resist the urge to rush into the new year without clarity.

Drawing from his work with leadership teams across the country, Darrin shares the key trends he’s seeing shape leadership in the year ahead—including the growing need for clarity, the non-negotiable role of culture, and the shift from compliance-driven leadership to coaching-focused practice.

Darrin also reflects on his personal one-word theme for 2025 (Evolve) and looks ahead to 2026 with a renewed commitment to leading fiercely—with clear priorities, strong boundaries, and intentional focus. This episode is designed to be listened to individually or together as a leadership team, offering space for reflection, alignment, and forward momentum.

This episode is sponsored by digiCOACH — an easy-to-use mobile platform that empowers school leaders to provide teachers with positive, actionable feedback tied to research-based instructional practices, with real-time data to support fidelity and instructional decision-making.

Learn more at digicoach.com (mention the show for partner pricing)

1. Why pausing to reflect matters before stepping into the new year
2. The leadership trends shaping 2026
3. The importance of clarity for leaders and leadership teams
4. Why culture must remain a top priority
5. The shift from compliance to coaching in effective leadership
6. One-word reflection: Evolve (2025) and Fierce (2026)

To stay connected and receive reflective leadership insights in 2026, visit roadtoawesome.net and sign up for the newsletter. Go to darrinpeppard.com to learn more about Darrin's speaking, leadership workshops, and retreats.

If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with other leaders or leadership teams who may benefit from this conversation.

This episode is sponsored by DigiCoach. Make walkthroughs meaningful. Simplify your coaching culture. Visit digiCOACH.com and mention Darrin for special partner pricing.

In Episode 252 of Leaning Into Leadership, Darrin Peppard sits down with Scott Borba, superintendent–principal in California’s Central Valley and author of The Leader You’re Not. Together, they explore leadership identity, the cost of perfectionism, imposter syndrome, delegation, boundaries, and why sustainable leadership begins with self-awareness.

This is a candid, reflective conversation for leaders at any stage — especially those feeling the weight of trying to do it all.

1. Why early-career leaders often fall into the “superhero” trap
2. The unique challenges of serving as both superintendent and principal
3. How COVID forced many leaders to confront identity, confidence, and calling
4. The importance of trusted mentors and leadership networks
5. Why perfectionism quietly fuels burnout and imposter syndrome
6. How delegation and asking better questions build leadership capacity
7. The cost of saying “yes” — and why boundaries are not selfish
8. Why leaders must stop comparing themselves to “Facebook leadership”
9. The freedom that comes from knowing who you’re not as a leader
10. Why legacy matters most at home — where leaders are not replaceable

1. “Trying to be the perfect leader kept me from growing.”
2. “Every yes comes with a cost.”
3. “You’re not replaceable at home — and that matters.”
4. “Delegation isn’t weakness; it’s leadership.”

Scott Borba is a superintendent–principal serving a small, rural school district in California’s Central Valley. With over 20 years in school leadership, Scott is deeply committed to relational leadership, mentorship, and sustainability in the profession.

He is the author of The Leader You’re Not: Why It’s Just as Important as the Leader You Are, a reflective exploration of leadership identity, self-awareness, and letting go of unrealistic expectations. Scott also teaches in a university administrator preparation program and leads a countywide leadership network focused on connection, growth, and reducing burnout.

1. 📘 The Leader You’re Not by Scott Borba
2. 📩 Connect with Scott Borba ( [email protected])

Leadership isn’t about being everything to everyone.

It’s about knowing yourself well enough to lead with clarity, humility, and purpose.

This episode is sponsored by DigiCoach. Make walkthroughs meaningful. Simplify your coaching culture. Visit digiCOACH.com and mention Darrin for special partner pricing.

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Darrin sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Danny Steele to explore what it truly means to lead with heart, clarity, and purpose. Danny reflects on his 31-year career in education, the mentors who shaped him, the mistakes that taught him, and the passion that continues to fuel his work supporting educators today.

Together, they dig into:

• Danny’s early leadership missteps and the moment he realized his job was to serve teachers first.
• The concept of “passion drift”—why educators lose their edge and how leaders can help them get it back.
• Why administrators must redefine their light bulb moments to sustain joy and impact.
• The insecurities that quietly derail leadership—and how vulnerability becomes the antidote.
• How to lead instructional improvement without being an expert in every subject area.
• Key ideas from Danny’s brand-new book, The Instructional Leader in You: 10 Strategies for Every School Leader, including why curiosity must come first and why leaders must prioritize learning over teaching.
• Practical, reflective questions every leader can ask themselves to grow in 2025 and beyond.

This episode is a masterclass in humility, clarity, and the power of leading from a place of authenticity. Whether you're a principal, assistant principal, district leader, or teacher-leader, this conversation will leave you challenged and inspired.

• Danny’s Website: SteeleThoughts.com
• Danny on Social Media: @SteeleThoughts
• Email Danny: [email protected]
• Get Danny’s New Book: The Instructional Leader in You

This episode is sponsored by DigiCoach

Make walkthroughs meaningful. Simplify your coaching culture. Visit digiCOACH.com and mention Darrin for special partner pricing.

For this milestone episode, the script gets flipped. Longtime friends and frequent guests Todd Bloomer and Dominic Armano take over the show and interview host Dr. Darrin Peppard about the lessons he’s learned from 250 episodes and a lifetime in school leadership.

They dig into leadership clarity, time management, burnout, support systems, and why relationships will always matter more than perfect paperwork. You’ll hear practical advice for current principals, assistant principals, and aspiring leaders who are wondering, “Am I in the right seat?” or “Am I ready for the next step?”

• Reaching 250 episodes
• What Darrin has learned from starting the podcast in 2022 and pushing past the “most podcasts die by episode 10” barrier.
• How consistency, clarity, and curiosity have shaped the show.
• Coaching, walkthroughs, and making feedback part of the job
• Why leaders must get crystal clear on what they care about and what they’re looking for in every classroom.
• How to shift from “gotcha” feedback to curious, growth-focused conversations with teachers.
• For principals who haven’t been in classrooms enough
• Using the Eisenhower Matrix to separate what’s truly important from what just feels urgent.
• A simple exercise with sticky notes to analyze where your time really went this semester.
• How to build systems and delegation so you can focus on instruction and culture.
• Support systems & avoiding burnout as a leader
• The critical role of a great secretary/admin assistant in protecting your time and priorities.
• Why every leader needs people outside their building—coaches, mentors, colleagues—to call when things get heavy.
• The power of a trusted circle at home and how podcasts can be “free PD” that keeps you growing.
• For assistant principals who are struggling or ready for more
• What to do when you’re coming home thinking, “Did I make a mistake?”
• Reflective questions Darrin uses with leaders:
• What have you learned about yourself as a leader?
• What’s actually going well (even if it doesn’t feel like it)?
• How to think about your trajectory if you’re ready for the next role.
• If Darrin could wave a magic wand…
• The one administrative task he’d eliminate: the bureaucracy of evaluation.
• What evaluation could look like if it was purely about coaching, growth, and support rather than compliance.
• Advice for new principals starting mid-year
• Why your first job isn’t to “fix” everything—it’s to build relationships and listen.
• How to learn the subculture of your new school community before making big moves.
• Seeing the rest of the year as your “learning runway” before truly leading in year one.
• The teacher Darrin would rather mentor
• Given the choice, why he’ll always choose the relationship-rich but disorganized teacher over the hyper-organized teacher who struggles to connect with kids.
• How systems can be taught, but genuine connection with students is much harder to create from scratch.
• How Darrin is leaning into leadership right now
• His commitment to finding every possible avenue to pour into leaders—whether or not they hold a formal title.
• Helping leaders find clarity, act with intention, and walk in their purpose.

For more visit darrinpeppard.com

This episode is sponsored by DigiCoach

Make walkthroughs meaningful. Simplify your coaching culture. Visit digiCOACH.com and mention Darrin for special partner pricing.

If you’ve followed high-level high school athletics—especially in Colorado—you’ve probably heard of Valor Christian High School. From state titles to nationally ranked teams, Valor has built a reputation for excellence. But what most people don’t see is the intentional culture, systems, and faith-driven leadership behind the wins.

In this episode, Darrin sits down with Keith Wahl, longtime coach and now Athletic Director at Valor Christian, to talk about building a mission-centered athletic program in the middle of NIL, transfer portals, club sports pressure, and sky-high parent expectations.

Keith shares how Valor has stayed anchored to its founding mission and culture documents, how they rebuilt systems after a difficult season, and why he believes sports don’t teach life lessons—people do.

• Keith’s journey into leadership at Valor Christian
• From opening Mountain Vista High School as its first head baseball coach… to a “divine nudge” text from his wife… to becoming Valor’s first head baseball coach and eventually Athletic Director.
• From “pioneer” to nationally respected athletics program
• How Valor went from a brand-new school with a bold Christian mission to a MaxPreps Top 50-level athletic department—without abandoning its original vision and purpose.
• Culture documents, team plans, and the power of clarity
• Why written team plans and an athletic handbook became game changers for culture, communication, and peace—and what happened when those systems disappeared (and then had to be rebuilt).
• Leading in the NIL and transfer era
• How NIL, club sports, and transfer rules have reshaped high school athletics—and what leaders can do to stay mission-focused instead of becoming purely transactional.
• Youth sports pressure and parent expectations
• Why today’s parents often have less trust and higher expectations, and how schools can respond with value, transparency, and a holistic vision of sport.
• Faith, sport, and deeper meaning beyond the scoreboard
• Keith’s work with Baylor’s Faith & Sport Institute, their “Away Game” cohort, and what it looks like to build an athletic experience that forms character—not just winners.
• The trust triangle & the athletic leadership team
• How Keith uses the “trust triangle” (with authentic vulnerability at the base) to lead his internal team and create a second-family culture among his staff.
• Knowing your people: Enneagram, Working Genius & AI
• How Keith uses tools like the Enneagram, Working Genius—and yes, even ChatGPT—to better understand his team and tailor his communication to each person.
• A powerful tribute to Coach Janie McHugh
• The story of longtime Valor volleyball coach Janie McHugh, her fourth straight state title, and why Keith believes deeply that knowing your people is one of the greatest gifts of leadership.

• Valor Athletics: valoreagles.com
• Social: @CoachWahl22 on all major platforms

This episode is sponsored by DigiCoach

Make walkthroughs meaningful. Simplify your coaching culture. Visit digiCOACH.com and mention Darrin for special partner pricing.

In this inspiring episode, NAESP President April D. Knight joins Darrin to explore what leadership looks like when it stays grounded in relationships, service, and intentional support for school leaders. April shares the story of her 34-year career, her leadership journey through Columbus City Schools, and how her deep commitment to equity and connection led her to the NAESP presidency.

Together, they dig into three major initiatives shaping NAESP’s future:

• The groundbreaking NAESP–AMLE partnership, focused on elevating support for middle-level leaders.
• The National School Leaders Conference, including new strands for early childhood, middle school, and secondary success.
• The National Gold Star School Program, NAESP’s bold new recognition initiative honoring schools for culture, systems, and people—not just test scores.

April also shares timeless advice for early career principals, discusses the evolving nature of school leadership, and reflects on what it means to “lean into leadership” during times of change.

• April Knight’s leadership journey from classroom teacher to NAESP President
• The importance of relationships and trust-building in early leadership
• How NAESP is expanding support for middle-level leaders
• Behind the scenes of the new NAESP–AMLE partnership
• What leaders can expect from the 2025 National School Leaders Conference in Orlando
• Details and criteria for NAESP’s new National Gold Star School Program
• Advice for aspiring and first-year administrators
• How April is “leaning into leadership” right now

With 34 years in education and over two decades as a principal, April Knight is a nationally respected advocate for students, teachers, and school leaders. She serves as the 2025–2026 President of NAESP and leads Avondale Elementary in Columbus City Schools, Ohio’s largest district. Her work focuses on academic excellence, equity, mentoring future school leaders, and advancing the principalship nationwide.

• NAESP Website: https://www.naesp.org
• National School Leaders Conference Information & Proposal Submission
• National Gold Star School Program (application open through Jan. 31)
• AMLE Website: https://www.amle.org
• Connect with April:
• Email: [email protected]
• X (Twitter): @AKnightApril

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

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 this solo episode of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, Dr. Darrin Peppard takes leaders deep into one of the most important—and most avoided—responsibilities of leadership: crucial conversations.

Darrin shares a vulnerable story from early in his principalship and unpacks the powerful lesson he learned about how silence, avoidance, and hesitation can erode culture, damage trust, and create uncertainty. From there, he introduces a clear, actionable, eight-step framework rooted in the work of Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler’s Crucial Conversations, adapted for leaders in every sector.

Listeners will learn how to:

• Center themselves before delivering hard messages
• Remove assumptions and stay grounded in facts
• Create psychological safety
• Describe performance gaps clearly and respectfully
• Invite honest dialogue
• Collaboratively build solutions
• Reinforce alignment through clear commitments
• Sustain accountability through effective follow-up

Darrin then applies the framework to three real-world leadership scenarios—from education, construction, and healthcare—providing detailed sample dialogue and leadership moves leaders can use immediately.

Whether you’re leading a school, a team, a department, or an organization, this episode will equip you with the clarity, confidence, and courage to navigate the tough moments that shape culture.

• Why tough conversations define leadership effectiveness
• What makes a conversation “crucial”
• The 8-step Crucial Conversations Leadership Framework
• How to avoid assumptions and approach conversations with purpose
• How to balance accountability with empathy
• How leaders across industries can apply these steps (with detailed examples)

1. Education — Staff not following safety protocols
2. Construction — Crew leader disrespecting team members
3. Healthcare — Nurse omitting required patient handoff details

These examples model exactly what effective leadership conversations sound like.

• The AWESOME Leadership Action Guide
• Leadership keynote information go to https://darrinpeppard.com
• Connect with Darrin on LinkedIn, Instagram, and social platforms

Partner Spotlight:

Let’s face it — leadership is complex. That’s why Darrin is proud to partner with digiCOACH, a walkthrough and coaching platform that simplifies observation and feedback so leaders can focus on what really matters — students and instruction.

Visit digiCOACH.com and mention that Darrin sent you for special partner pricing.

In Episode 245 of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Jayme Braida, Principal of Columbus Elementary in Chariton, Iowa, and the 2025 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year.

Jayme opens up about her personal journey—from overcoming childhood ADHD and family trauma to becoming a passionate advocate for trauma-informed leadership, equity, and authentic connection. She shares the mindset shifts that helped her turn her challenges into strengths and how those experiences shape her leadership every single day.

Listeners will learn:

• Why vulnerability and self-awareness are the foundation of strong leadership
• How to foster safety and belonging for students and staff
• Practical steps to build trauma-informed practices into everyday school culture
• The importance of joy and purpose in sustaining long-term impact

This is an episode full of honesty, reflection, and hope—a must-listen for any leader who believes in the power of connection to drive transformation.

Connect with Jayme at jaymebraida.com

Partner Spotlight:

Let’s face it — leadership is complex. That’s why Darrin is proud to partner with digiCOACH, a walkthrough and coaching platform that simplifies observation and feedback so leaders can focus on what really matters — students and instruction.

Visit digiCOACH.com and mention that Darrin sent you for special partner pricing.

Have you ever felt like you’re just running from one issue to the next — solving problems, answering questions, and checking boxes — only to end the day realizing you didn’t actually move the needle on what matters most?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The issue isn’t time — it’s clarity.

In this solo episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard dives deep into why clarity is the most powerful tool a leader can possess. He explores how clarity transforms busyness into impact, how it builds trust, and how leaders can create cultures where everyone understands the “why” behind the work.

You’ll learn practical steps to:

• Gain clarity for yourself by aligning purpose, priorities, and actions
• Communicate clearly so your team knows where you’re going and why
• Model and empower clarity to drive ownership and momentum
• Build a culture of clarity that strengthens trust and accountability

Darrin also references Hubert Joly’s Harvard Business Review article on values-driven leadership and shares how Stephen Covey’s reminder — “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities” — is foundational to effective leadership.

Because when leaders lead with clarity, organizations move with purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

• AWESOME Leadership Action Guide — a free tool to help you clarify your purpose and priorities
• “5 Principles of Purposeful Leadership” by Hubert Joly (Harvard Business Review)
• Visit our website: https://darrinpeppard.com/