Leaning into Leadership – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Leaning into Leadership

Darrin Peppard

Education

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/6d. Total Eps: 226

We all want to see successes in both our personal and professional lives. Often, that requires strong leadership. In a time when leadership can be more challenging than ever, this podcast is dedicated to cultivating leaders by elevating the voices of leaders and promoting positivity. Join Dr. Darrin Peppard, lifelong educator and best-selling author, for this mixed platform podcast (some solo, some guest interview) for inspiration and insight, and some great leadership stories from those are living it, excelling at it, and celebrating it. Together, let's lean into leadership.

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇺🇸 USA - selfImprovement
23/07/2025
#68
🇺🇸 USA - selfImprovement
22/07/2025
#47
🇺🇸 USA - education
22/07/2025
#88

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

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https://roadtoawesome.net/
143 shares
https://roadtoawesome.net/our-services
135 shares
https://roadtoawesome.net/contact-us
130 shares

https://de.linkedin.com/in/andersindset
6 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielevanbauer/
4 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesjohn/
2 shares

https://twitter.com/alienearbud
4 shares
https://twitter.com/DarrinMPeppard
3 shares
https://twitter.com/lindsayblyons
2 shares

RSS feed quality and score

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 83%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

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Episode 225: Creating High Performing Leadership Teams with the AWESOME Framework

Season 1 · Episode 225

Sunday, July 20, 2025 • Duration 24:00

In this solo episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard shares the framework and mindset behind truly effective leadership teams. Drawing on his work from coast to coast, including a recent workshop at the Innovative Schools Summit in Nashville, Darrin explains why high-performing leadership teams don’t happen by accident—they’re built with clarity, trust, and purpose.

Through powerful stories and practical takeaways, Darrin walks you through his AWESOME framework, a leadership model that has helped schools and districts across the country move from dysfunction to alignment. Whether you're leading a building or a district, this episode offers actionable insights to help your team become more aligned, accountable, and impactful.

In This Episode:

What separates great leadership teams from the ones that just get by
The most common traits of ineffective teams (misalignment, lack of trust, unclear roles)
How to implement the AWESOME Teams Framework:
Accept the challenge
Welcome feedback and support
Examine your priorities
Stand on your values
Operate intentionally
Model what you expect
Engage in reflection
Why team norms and trust are essential for collaboration
How to align your leadership team around shared instructional goals
The value of team retreats and neutral-facilitated reflection

Memorable Quotes:“If I want a better WE, I’ve got to be a better ME.”“Great leadership teams aren’t built by accident. They’re built on purpose.”“Be the thermostat, not the thermometer—set the tone instead of just reflecting it.”Resources & Links:

RoadToAwesome.net – Website
The Principal Academy – Online leadership course
Blog: Road to Awesome – Weekly leadership insights
Book: Road to Awesome: The Journey of a Leader
Book: Culture First Classrooms

Connect with Darrin:

Instagram/Facebook: Darrin M Peppard
TikTok/X: @DarrinMPeppard
LinkedIn: Darrin Peppard
Leadership Retreats: Contact via Road to Awesome

Call to Action:

Share this episode with your leadership team and start a conversation about how you work together.
Reflect: What is one step your team will take this week to become more aligned and intentional?
Looking for a leadership retreat or customized support for your team? Reach out to Darrin to schedule your session.

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Episode 125: Tone Down Your Walk with Claire Chandler

Season 1 · Episode 125

Sunday, February 25, 2024 • Duration 48:04

Claire Chandler, President and founder of Talent Boost, deeply believes that leaders shape cultures, and stronger cultures drive greater success. Leveraging 30 years of experience in people leadership, human resources, and business ownership, Claire helps organizations expand their business without losing their best talent using her proven “Growth on Purpose” methodology.

Claire holds a certificate in strategic HR leadership from Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, a master’s degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and a bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University. She has appeared as a guest on more than 150 podcasts, is the author of several books on leadership and business strategy, and is a contributing writer for Forbes.

Get Claire's free ebook, The Culture Effect, here

Connect with Claire:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairechandlersphr/

https://www.clairechandler.net

https://www.talentboost.net

Book Darrin to speak at your school or conference contact us here

Grab your copy of Darrin's FREE e-book Walk in Your Purpose

Check out Darrin's blog for great leadership tips and ideas

for the Road to Awesome

Episode 124: Guiding Transformational Change with Dr. Kristina Mattis

Season 1 · Episode 124

Sunday, February 18, 2024 • Duration 39:27

Dr. Kristina V. Mattis advises statewide educational technology efforts for the California Department of Education, specifically addressing the Closing the Digital Divide Initiative to achieve digital equity. Kristina’s 20+ years in education spans roles from classroom teaching to executive director, and from strategic plan development to leading change and project management across public and private instructional institutions. She is an ESL multilingual speaker and published author. Kristina’s expansive experience and expertise in educational initiatives allow for her collaborative and holistic systems-thinking approach to examine the needs for high-quality equitable access to necessary technologies that propel instructional opportunities and operational effectiveness so that “we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world” as per the CA DOE mission.

Order your copy of Dr. Mattis' book: Guiding Transformational Change in Education

Connect with Dr. Mattis:

Website: www.consulteddevelopment.org

Twitter: @kristinamattis

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinamattis/

Book Darrin to speak at your school or conference contact us here

Grab your copy of Darrin's FREE e-book Walk in Your Purpose

Check out Darrin's blog for great leadership tips and ideas

Episode 123: Discussing the Undiscussable with Darrin, Dominic, and Todd

Season 1 · Episode 123

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 • Duration 54:26

Got a question for us? Submit it here or hit us up on social media

Episode 123 is a special mid-week collaboration with elementary principal Dominic Armano and high school principal Todd Bloomer. Continuing our special series, Dom, Todd, and I sit down and share our insights on the Super Bowl (complete with our picks) and answer a viewer/listener question about creating a culture where staff will discuss the undiscussable issues.

The article from which this topic came can be found here

Book Darrin to speak at your school or conference contact us here

Grab your copy of Darrin's FREE e-book Walk in Your Purpose

Check out Darrin's blog for great leadership tips and ideas

Sign up for the Road to Awesome email list and newsletter

Have a book idea you'd like to submit to Road to Awesome? Click here

Episode 122: Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Season 1 · Episode 122

Sunday, February 11, 2024 • Duration 45:40

John R. Miles is a leading authority on intentional behavior change, personal growth, and mattering. He is a keynote speaker, author, top-rated show host, and the founder and CEO of Passion Struck®. His award-winning podcast, Passion Struck with John R. Miles, consistently ranks among the world’s top 100 shows and the #1 Alternative Health podcast. Recognized as one of the top thinkers in personal mastery and a Premier 100 Leader, his influence extends far and wide. With over two decades of corporate and military leadership experience, he’s the trusted advisor sought after by some of the world’s most prominent companies and visionary entrepreneurs. Yet, beneath these remarkable achievements, John’s true passion lies in guiding individuals to live a passion-struck life in every facet. His story, like his podcast, is an inspiring journey toward significance.

Get your copy of Passion Struck here

Check out all things Passion Struck: https://passionstruck.com/ & https://johnrmiles.com/

Connect with John on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_r_miles/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesjohn/

Medium: https://medium.com/@JohnRMiles

Twitter: https://twitter.com/John_RMiles

Book Darrin to speak at your school or conference contact us here

Episode 121: Inquiring Minds Want to Learn with Erik Francis

Season 1 · Episode 121

Sunday, February 4, 2024 • Duration 51:25

Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S., is an international author, educator, presenter, and professional development provider with over 25 years of experience in education. He is the author of the book Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method and Model for Deeper Teaching and Learning published by Solution Tree. His book Inquiring Minds Want to Learn: Posing Good Questions to Promote Student Inquiry will be published by Solution Tree in Spring 2024. He is also the author of Now That’s a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning published by ASCD.

Erik is the owner of Maverik Education, providing professional development, guidance, and support on how to plan and provide teaching and learning experiences that are standards based, socially and emotionally supportive, and student responsive. He is also consistently ranked as one of the World’s Top 30 Education Professionals by the international research organization Global Gurus and the Top 25 Thought Leaders.

Connect with Erik: Twitter / X: @maverikedu12

Book Darrin to speak at your school or conference contact us here

Grab your copy of Darrin's FREE e-book Walk in Your Purpose

Check out Darrin's blog for great leadership tips and ideas

Sign up for the Road to Awesome email list and newsletter

Have a book idea you'd like to submit to Road to Awesome? Click here

Episode 120: Take it Personal with Lisa Parry

Season 1 · Episode 120

Sunday, January 28, 2024 • Duration 45:29

Lisa Parry is a veteran writing teacher and school leader who provides a variety of services to professionals including custom communication, conflict mediation, keynotes, and professional development. She especially loves to help others create scripts for the tough talks we all have to have at home and at work.

Lisa is proud to lead a 2021 National Blue Ribbon Elementary School and a 2020 ESEA Distinguished Elementary School, and she was honored to be named 2022 South Dakota Region 1 High School Principal of the Year.

One of her most gratifying experiences is being asked to co-develop & facilitate the South Dakota Department of Education's Good to Great Teacher Mentoring Program.

In addition to working with South Dakota educators, Lisa enjoys connecting with other professions around the United States. Her expertise transcends the K-12 space and includes a focus on, among other topics, People-Pleasing, Master Mindsets, Meaningful Messaging, and Likable Leadership.

She has presented at the National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference and the Making Schools Work Conference, both in Orlando, Florida; she leads professional development in South Dakota; and she has shared leadership lessons with individuals in industries ranging from telecommunications to photo organizing.

Lisa earned her M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership from South Dakota State University and a B.S.Ed. in English Education from the University of South Dakota.

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn

Contact Lisa:

www.principalparry.com

lisa@principalparry.com

Book Darrin to speak at your school or conference contact us here

Episode 119: A Leader of Significance with Mosongo Moukwa

Season 1 · Episode 119

Sunday, January 21, 2024 • Duration 43:31

Mosongo Moukwa is a seasoned executive and consultant who has dedicated his career to helping companies thrive by commercializing new technologies, diversifying their product offerings, and entering new markets. Across thirty-plus years in leadership, Mosongo has applied his unique talent for identifying leadership gaps and developing the talent and culture necessary for success. He helps solve important innovation challenges that hold organizations back by unleashing the collective creativity of their people.

As a thought leader in leadership development and organizational change, Mosongo has shared his insights such as leadership demystified with Human Capital, and panel discussions on neuroscience, project management, and business moderated by Wanda Curlee of American Public University. His articles have appeared in Business Today, The Journal of Creative Behavior, Crain’s Cleveland Business, R&D Innovator, and he is a regular contributor to Business Standard.

Mosongo serves as the President at Hathaway Advanced Materials and has held leadership positions in R & D and operations at some of the world’s most respected brands, including vice president, global technology at SC Johnson; vice president, global technology at Reichhold; vice president, technology at Asian Paints; director of technology at Avient (formerly PolyOne); and chief, global R & D at PCBL (formerly Phillips Carbon Black Ltd.).

Book Darrin to speak at your school or conference contact us here

Grab your copy of Darrin's FREE e-book Walk in Your Purpose

Check out Darrin's blog for great leadership tips and ideas

Sign up for the Road to Awesome email list and newsletter

Have a book idea you'd like to submit to Road to Awesome?

Leaning into Leadership – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Leaning into Leadership – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

LinkedIn65

Twitter52

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

LinkedIn65

Twitter52