Dr. Darrin Peppard on Leading Schools Down the Road to Awesome

2025-06-16

In this bold and eye-opening episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams sits down with Dr. Darrin Peppard—former superintendent, best-selling author, and CEO of Road to Awesome—to unpack how one powerful question during a staff meeting changed his entire approach to leadership. From 2,200 discipline referrals to a student-led culture of recognition, Dr. Peppard shares: Why focusing on what students do right is a radical leadership move. How to build school-wide systems of positive referrals and lea...

In this bold and eye-opening episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams sits down with Dr. Darrin Peppard—former superintendent, best-selling author, and CEO of Road to Awesome—to unpack how one powerful question during a staff meeting changed his entire approach to leadership.

From 2,200 discipline referrals to a student-led culture of recognition, Dr. Peppard shares:

Why focusing on what students do right is a radical leadership move.
How to build school-wide systems of positive referrals and leadership.
The “Jeep wave” mindset shift that changed everything.
How administrators can lead with clarity, intention, and heart.

Whether you're a school leader, teacher, or aspiring changemaker, this episode is packed with stories and strategies that will reshape how you think about climate, culture, and the power of showing up differently.

Listen in, and discover why engagement—not compliance—is the true path to impact.

📘 Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Download Dr. Peppard’s free Principal Academy Planning Tool: https://mailchi.mp/roadtoawesome.net/principalplanner
Explore his new book, Culture First Classrooms: https://a.co/d/6U5AjMf

👤 About Dr. Darrin Peppard
Dr. Darrin Peppard is a dynamic keynote speaker, leadership expert, and consultant with a passion for transforming organizational culture and developing the next generation of leaders. As a former high school principal turned leadership coach, Darrin draws from nearly 30 years of experience in education to inspire leaders to embrace clarity, purpose, and joy in their work. He is the best-selling author of Road to Awesome: The Journey of a Leader and the new book Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools. Darrin also hosts the popular Leaning Into Leadership podcast, where he shares actionable insights on leadership, team development, and creating thriving, purpose-driven cultures. With his engaging and authentic approach, Darrin helps organizations reimagine their culture, cultivate strong leadership, and foster environments where people and teams can truly excel.

🌐 Website: roadtoawesome.net

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