Leaning into Leadership

In Episode 262, we explored the hidden cost of distraction and how trust, psychological safety, and connection erode when leaders aren’t fully present. This is Part 2 of our three-part series on leadership presence. In this episode, Darrin focuses on why distraction keeps happening — and how to intentionally break through the cycle of overwhelm. Chaos isn’t loud. It’s cumulative. It’s the stacking of interruptions, back-to-back meetings, unresolved conversations, decision fatigue, and carrying problems that aren’t yours to carry. When leaders operate in survival mode, presence becomes nearly impossible. In this episode, you’ll learn: calendar integritydecision disciplineTop Three priorities15-Minute Weekly Presence Audit Plus, Darrin shares a free resource: 📥 The School Leaders Weekly Planner — a tool designed to help you schedule your priorities, build margin, and protect your presence. Download the free planner using the link here. Reflection Question: What on your calendar right now is stealing margin from the moments that matter most? Find one thing. Change one thing. Break the chaos. Build the margin. Protect the moments. Next up in Episode 264: The interpersonal work that makes leadership presence genuine and authentic. Thank you to our Amazing Sponsors This episode is sponored by DigiCoach, helping leaders capture real-time instructional data, provide meaningful feedback, and build clarity through strong systems. Go to digicoach.com and tell them you heard about them here on the Leaning into Leadership podcast for special partner pricing. This episode is also brought to you by HeyTutor, delivering high-impact, research-based tutoring that supports students while reducing leadership overwhelm. Connect with them at HeyTutor.com

This episode kicks off a powerful three-part series on leadership presence. In Part 1, Darrin explores the hidden cost of distraction and how leaders unintentionally erode trust, psychological safety, and emotional connection when they are not fully present. Through personal stories from his time as a high school principal, Darrin shares moments of realization when distraction cost him relational depth — and what those experiences taught him about culture and leadership. In this episode, you’ll learn: 60-Second Reset Reflection Question: Where this week does someone need the fully present version of you? This episode sets the foundation for Part 2, where we’ll explore how to intentionally create margin and break the patterns that keep leaders stuck in distraction. Thank you to our Amazing Sponsors This episode is brought to you by HeyTutor, delivering high-impact, research-based tutoring that supports students while reducing leadership overwhelm. Connect with them at HeyTutor.com This episode is also sponored by DigiCoach, helping leaders capture real-time instructional data, provide meaningful feedback, and build clarity through strong systems. Go to https://www.digicoach.com/ and tell them you heard about them here on the Leaning into Leadership podcast for special partner pricing.

In Episode 261, I’m coming to you on location from Edmond, Oklahoma, where I had the opportunity to sit down with my friend Joe Beckman at the OASSP conference. Joe has spent more than 20 years traveling the world with one simple mission: reclaim human connection. And if we’re honest, that mission has never been more urgent. Loneliness is at an all-time high. Belonging and self-worth feel fragile. Technology is louder than conversation. So what does that mean for school leaders? In this conversation, Joe challenges us to rethink where connection lives on our priority list. It’s not one more thing on the plate. It is the plate. We talk about: Joe also shares how he is personally leaning into leadership right now by stepping into uncomfortable spaces and using his voice where it matters most. If you care about culture…If you care about your people… If you care about leading well in a distracted world… This episode is for you. Connect with Joe: www.joebeckman.com Thank you to our Amazing Sponsors This episode is sponored by DigiCoach, helping leaders capture real-time instructional data, provide meaningful feedback, and build clarity through strong systems. Go to https://www.digicoach.com/ and tell them you heard about them here on the Leaning into Leadership podcast for special partner pricing. This episode is also brought to you by HeyTutor, delivering high-impact, research-based tutoring that supports students while reducing leadership overwhelm. Connect with them at HeyTutor.com

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, I’m joined by George Couros, one of the most influential voices in education around innovation, culture, and human-centered leadership. George and I dig into his leadership journey — not from a place of “having it all figured out,” but from a place of learning out loud. We talk about how blogging helped him find his voice, not just share it, and why writing, reflection, and vulnerability matter more than ever for leaders. We also explore the ideas behind George’s newest book, Forward Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times, including: somebody hates you We close with a powerful reflection on leadership and self-care, as George shares how prioritizing his health has changed not only how he leads — but how he models leadership for his own kids. This is an honest, thoughtful, and deeply human conversation about what leadership really looks like right now. You can learn more about George at his website Grab his new book on Amazon Here is the link to the blogpost I referenced in the show Thank you to our Amazing Sponsors This episode is brought to you by HeyTutor, delivering high-impact, research-based tutoring that supports students while reducing leadership overwhelm. Connect with them at HeyTutor.com This episode is also sponored by DigiCoach, helping leaders capture real-time instructional data, provide meaningful feedback, and build clarity through strong systems. Go to https://www.digicoach.com/ and tell them you heard about them here on the Leaning into Leadership podcast for special partner pricing.

Ever left a leadership team meeting feeling like it was so productive—then realized a week later nothing really changed? In this solo episode, Darrin unpacks why that gap between effort and impact is rarely about commitment—and almost always about clarity. Building on his “Cycle of Chaos” episode, he shares the ALIGN Framework, a practical system for strengthening team dynamics and keeping teams focused on what matters most. In this episode, you’ll learn: ALIGN FrameworkA — Agree on the Vision and Goals:L — Language and Communication:I — Intentional Role Clarity:G — Growth Through Cross-Training:N — Navigate with Intention: Reflection questions to take back to your team: Support for leaders and teams If you’re thinking, “This sounds like my team, but we’re struggling to get there,” Darrin invites you to reach out for coaching, team support, or a leadership team alignment retreat designed to reset vision, roles, and priorities. Connect with Darrin: darrinpeppard.com | roadtoawesome.net | @darrinmpeppard Thank you to our Amazing Sponsors This episode is brought to you by HeyTutor, delivering high-impact, research-based tutoring that supports students while reducing leadership overwhelm. Connect with them at HeyTutor.com This episode is also sponored by DigiCoach, helping leaders capture real-time instructional data, provide meaningful feedback, and build clarity through strong systems. Go to https://www.digicoach.com/ and tell them you heard about them here on the Leaning into Leadership podcast for special partner pricing.

Weston Kieschnick has been in the work for a long time—as a classroom teacher, coach, author, and speaker—and this conversation feels like two colleagues reconnecting around what actually drives performance. We dig into Weston’s newest work and the idea that the gap between high performers and underachievers usually isn’t talent. It’s behavior—especially in the moments when adversity hits. In this episode, we explore: four performance pitfallsBlameExcusesSelf-deceptionGiving upOwnershipSolutionsTruthGritBarbara Corcoranfeedback is the raw material for performance Key takeaway When life gets hard, your default matters. You don’t rise to the level of your goals—you fall to the level of your patterns. This episode is a gut-check and a playbook. Connect with Weston Find Weston at WestonKieschnick.com and connect with him on social media to follow his work (and his “10-second truth” videos). Thank you to our Amazing Sponsors This episode is brought to you by HeyTutor, delivering high-impact, research-based tutoring that supports students while reducing leadership overwhelm. Connect with them at: https://heytutor.com/?utm_source=RTA&utm_medium=RTA&utm_campaign=RTA This episode is also sponored by DigiCoach, helping leaders capture real-time instructional data, provide meaningful feedback, and build clarity through strong systems. Go to https://www.digicoach.com/ and tell them you heard about them here on the Leaning into Leadership podcast for special partner pricing.

Leadership doesn’t fall apart overnight. More often, it slowly drifts into a pattern that feels overwhelming, exhausting, and reactive. In this solo episode, Darrin introduces The Cycle of Chaos—a framework that helps leaders name what they’re experiencing and begin interrupting the patterns that keep them stuck in survival mode. Rather than offering quick fixes or productivity hacks, this episode invites reflection, clarity, and intentional leadership. In this episode, you’ll hear about: This conversation is a reminder that leaders don’t need to work harder—they need to lead clearer. Sponsors This episode is brought to you by HeyTutor, delivering high-impact, research-based tutoring that supports students while reducing leadership overwhelm. Additional support comes from DigiCoach, helping leaders capture real-time instructional data, provide meaningful feedback, and build clarity through strong systems.

School leaders everywhere are wrestling with the same challenge: How do we support students who are behind — without overwhelming teachers or relying on systems that don’t deliver results? In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Darrin Peppard sits down with Jennifer Sheffield, CEO of HeyTutor, for a grounded, practical conversation about what effective tutoring and intervention really look like in today’s schools. Jennifer brings a unique leadership lens — blending her background in law, governance, and education — to help leaders rethink how tutoring fits into MTSS, Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports, and daily school operations. In this episode, you’ll hear about: high-impact tutoringhuman capital challengemiddle and high schoolspipeline for future educators Jennifer also shares a powerful personal story that shapes her leadership philosophy — reminding us that great leadership is ultimately about people, belief, and opportunity. Learn more: https://www.heytutor.comjennifer@heytutor.com If you’re a school or district leader searching for intervention strategies that actually move the needle — this conversation will help you think differently. Episode Sponsors: 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 special partner pricing) This episode is also brought to you by HeyTutor - HeyTutor delivers customized, evidence-based, high-dosage Math and ELA tutoring to K–12 school districts nationwide. Their focus is on in-person tutoring, while also offering flexible online options — all tailored to meet diverse student needs and aligned with state standards. Head over to HeyTutor.com to learn more - tell them you heard about them on the Leaning into Leadership podcast.

In this special shared episode, Darrin Peppard and Dr. Frederick Buskey—host of The Assistant Principal Podcast—tackle a challenge leaders are facing more and more often: angry, escalated parent interactions. This conversation was sparked by a real question from the field—a leader Frederick supports reached out looking for guidance on how to handle parents when emotions are high. Together, Darrin and Frederick unpack a practical, grounded framework for what to do before, during, and after conflict shows up at your door. In this episode, you’ll hear: before anything goes wrongproactive, positive contactseparate the student from the behaviorstudent-written statementslisteningfeeling disrespectedIt’s not about you—and remembering that makes it easier to listen Key takeaway When conflict rises, your job isn’t to “win” the conversation—it’s to protect dignity, stay calm, listen deeply, and build partnership forward. Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by HeyTutor - HeyTutor delivers customized, evidence-based, high-dosage Math and ELA tutoring to K–12 school districts nationwide. Their focus is on in-person tutoring, while also offering flexible online options — all tailored to meet diverse student needs and aligned with state standards. Head over to HeyTutor.com to learn more - tell them you heard about them on the Leaning into Leadership podcast. This episode is also 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 special partner pricing)

What does it mean to be a dealer in hope — not as the source of hope, but as someone who helps others discover it for themselves? In this first episode of 2026, Darrin sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Mark Brown for a powerful conversation about leadership, hope, and intentional presence. Mark shares the story behind his “Hope Dealer” philosophy, why hope is for everyone (not just those in crisis), and how leaders can create cultures where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. As a first-year high school principal, Mark also reflects on the transition from assistant principal to principal, the importance of asking for help, and how modeling leadership behaviors matters more than any directive. The conversation closes with a reminder many leaders need to hear: taking care of yourself is not selfish — it’s essential. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Connect with Dr. Mark Brown: www.markbrownedu.comHope Dealer: Leaning In to Lift Others 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) This episode is also brought to you by HeyTutor - HeyTutor delivers customized, evidence-based, high-dosage Math and ELA tutoring to K–12 school districts nationwide. Their focus is on in-person tutoring, while also offering flexible online options — all tailored to meet diverse student needs and aligned with state standards. Head over to HeyTutor.com to learn more - tell them you heard about them on the Leaning into Leadership podcast.

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) In This Episode EvolveFierce Connect & Continue the Conversation 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. Key Topics & Takeaways not Memorable Moments About the Guest: Scott Borba 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. Resources & Links The Leader You’re Not

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: teachers“passion drift”light bulb momentsThe Instructional Leader in You: 10 Strategies for Every School Leader,learning 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. Links & Resources Danny’s Website:SteeleThoughts.comDanny on Social Media:Email Danny:danny@steelethoughts.comGet 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?” In this episode, we explore: Reaching 250 episodesCoaching, walkthroughs, and making feedback part of the jobFor principals who haven’t been in classrooms enoughEisenhower MatrixSupport systems & avoiding burnout as a leadersecretary/admin assistantoutsideFor assistant principals who are struggling or ready for moreIf Darrin could wave a magic wand…bureaucracyAdvice for new principals starting mid-yearsubcultureThe teacher Darrin would rather mentorrelationship-rich but disorganizedHow Darrin is leaning into leadership right now

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. In this episode, you’ll hear: Keith’s journey into leadership at Valor ChristianFrom “pioneer” to nationally respected athletics programCulture documents, team plans, and the power of clarityteam plansLeading in the NIL and transfer eraYouth sports pressure and parent expectationslesshigherFaith, sport, and deeper meaning beyond the scoreboardThe trust triangle & the athletic leadership teamKnowing your people: Enneagram, Working Genius & AIA powerful tribute to Coach Janie McHugh Connect with Keith Wahl valoreagles.com@CoachWahl22

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 partnershipThe National School Leaders ConferenceThe National Gold Star School Program 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. Key Topics Covered National Gold Star School Program About Today’s Guest – April D. Knight 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. Links & Resources Mentioned https://www.naesp.orgNational School Leaders Conference Information & Proposal SubmissionNational Gold Star School Program (application open through Jan. 31)https://www.amle.orgaknight@naesp.org@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: 🔥 Conversation Highlights Leadership is about influence, not titlesteacher leadership is NOT “one more thing”five major goalsteacher leadership and student outcomes 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. About Dr. Chris Jochum 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...

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 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: 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. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Three Real-World Scenarios Covered: These examples model exactly what effective leadership conversations sound like. Episode Resources: AWESOME Leadership Action Guidehttps://darrinpeppard.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. 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: 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: 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 Guide5 Principles of Purposeful LeadershipHarvard Business Reviewhttps://darrinpeppard.com/