Leaning into Leadership

Episode 254: Hope Dealer with Dr. Mark Brown

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:What it really means to be a “Hope Dealer”Why leaders shouldn’t try to be the source of hope for othersLessons from Mark’s transition into the principalshipEmpowering others by asking for input — even when you don’t need itModeling leadership through presence, attitude, and behaviorWhy self-care is a leadership responsibility, not a luxuryConnect with Dr. Mark Brown:Instagram: @heymarkbrownWebsite: www.markbrownedu.comBook: Hope Dealer: Leaning In to Lift OthersThis 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.

Episode 253: A Look Back, A Look Forward, and Trends I'm Seeing for 2026

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 EpisodeWhy pausing to reflect matters before stepping into the new yearThe leadership trends shaping 2026The importance of clarity for leaders and leadership teamsWhy culture must remain a top priorityThe shift from compliance to coaching in effective leadershipOne-word reflection: Evolve (2025) and Fierce (2026)Connect & Continue the ConversationTo 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.

Episode 252: The Leader You're Not with Scott Borba

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 & TakeawaysWhy early-career leaders often fall into the “superhero” trapThe unique challenges of serving as both superintendent and principalHow COVID forced many leaders to confront identity, confidence, and callingThe importance of trusted mentors and leadership networksWhy perfectionism quietly fuels burnout and imposter syndromeHow delegation and asking better questions build leadership capacityThe cost of saying “yes” — and why boundaries are not selfishWhy leaders must stop comparing themselves to “Facebook leadership”The freedom that comes from knowing who you’re not as a leaderWhy legacy matters most at home — where leaders are not replaceableMemorable Moments“Trying to be the perfect leader kept me from growing.”“Every yes comes with a cost.”“You’re not replaceable at home — and that matters.”“Delegation isn’t weakness; it’s leadership.”About the Guest: Scott BorbaScott 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 by Scott Borba📩 Connect with Scott Borba ( sborba52@gmail.com)Final ThoughtLeadership isn’t about being everything to everyone.It’s about knowing yourself well enough to lead with clarity, humility, and purpose.

Episode 251: Overcoming Passion Drift - A Conversation with Dr. Danny Steele

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.Links & ResourcesDanny’s Website: SteeleThoughts.comDanny on Social Media: @SteeleThoughtsEmail Danny: danny@steelethoughts.comGet Danny’s New Book: The Instructional Leader in You

Episode 250: Flipping the Mic - Lessons from 250 Episodes of Leaning Into Leadership

This episode is sponsored by DigiCoachMake 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 episodesWhat 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 jobWhy 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 enoughUsing 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 leaderThe 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 moreWhat 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-yearWhy 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 mentorGiven 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 nowHis 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