Leaning into Leadership

Episode 279: Burn the Script with Jo Lein

In this episode, Darrin sits down with leadership coach and new author Jo Lein to explore what really drives change in people and organizations—and why most coaching efforts fall short when they focus only on skills. Jo introduces the concept of Disruptive Mindset Coaching, challenging leaders to move beyond surface-level fixes and address the beliefs that shape behavior. TOPICS COVERED: * The difference between skill gaps and belief barriers * Why people aren’t “uncoachable”—they’re often operating from protective patterns * The three common patterns that show up in resistant behavior: * Detaching * Surrendering * Overcompensating * How identity, values, and skill all influence leadership behavior * Why systems in education are built on underlying beliefs—and how those beliefs shape outcomes * The danger of compliance culture in schools * What it means to “burn the script” as a leader * How leaders can create environments where innovation and growth are possible ABOUT JO LEIN: Jo Lein is a leadership coach, writer, and educator who helps leaders break through limiting beliefs and transform practice. She is the author of Burn the Script [https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Script-Thinking-Transform-Practice/dp/B0GZZVYDQV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OV0mUdNI4qxolPa81DQIaUF9bl-5YwwjMPC4WaCdTPGBejWSjF8z0888JSuu6ktYnYT4P7Pzr7ZEsdOrCej2yx78dpjvfpnIPXPHX2rSBymlSLqlzxwDc2Bx1qqfOgwtXzzhZ9573-0BPlfpGAy00ncuIBMN9F_BKdMvc7N15msqs9q5fdKwrMcYlKUAPf2vsdR4cTKcknJnwG-aobvk10XykdNxrY9vq2fYAjRC3KI.li6rfa6R1IlEvByQpjl14uvqe9D5fl88QrWcyUGRCp4&qid=1779314267&sr=8-1], [https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Script-Thinking-Transform-Practice/dp/B0GZZVYDQV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OV0mUdNI4qxolPa81DQIaUF9bl-5YwwjMPC4WaCdTPGBejWSjF8z0888JSuu6ktYnYT4P7Pzr7ZEsdOrCej2yx78dpjvfpnIPXPHX2rSBymlSLqlzxwDc2Bx1qqfOgwtXzzhZ9573-0BPlfpGAy00ncuIBMN9F_BKdMvc7N15msqs9q5fdKwrMcYlKUAPf2vsdR4cTKcknJnwG-aobvk10XykdNxrY9vq2fYAjRC3KI.li6rfa6R1IlEvByQpjl14uvqe9D5fl88QrWcyUGRCp4&qid=1779314267&sr=8-1] where she introduces her framework for Disruptive Mindset Coaching. CONNECT WITH JO: * TikTok & Instagram: @educoachbyjo * Substack: jolein.substack.com Sponsor Spotlight: This episode is sponsored by HeyTutor. HeyTutor partners with schools and districts nationwide to provide evidence-based high-dosage tutoring support in Math and ELA while helping schools remain intentional about staff capacity and student support systems. Learn more here: HeyTutor.com [https://heytutor.com/?utm_source=RTA&utm_medium=RTA&utm_campaign=RTA ]

Episode 278: Compliance Can Control a Team. Alignment Can Transform One.

What happens when strong leaders slowly stop speaking? In this reflective solo episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard explores the hidden cost of compliance-based leadership cultures and the long-term impact they can have on trust, alignment, and organizational health. Drawing from personal leadership experiences, conversations with leaders around the country, and John Maxwell’s “Law of the Lid,” Darrin unpacks what happens when high-capacity leaders find themselves working in environments driven more by control and compliance than collaboration and alignment. This episode is not about criticizing leaders. It’s about understanding how organizational cultures develop, why strong leaders sometimes disengage quietly, and how intentional alignment work can help teams rebuild trust and move forward together. IN THIS EPISODE, DARRIN DISCUSSES: * The difference between compliance-based and alignment-based leadership * John Maxwell’s “Law of the Lid” and how it impacts organizations * Why strong leaders often become quieter instead of combative * The emotional and cultural impact of low-trust leadership environments * How political behavior and silence slowly erode healthy culture * Why leadership alignment matters more than forced compliance * The importance of creating trust, contribution, and shared ownership * How leaders can still positively influence culture within their sphere KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Compliance may create short-term control, but alignment creates long-term health. * Silence inside leadership teams is often a warning sign, not a sign of agreement. * Healthy organizations allow honest dialogue, healthy tension, and contribution. * Leadership culture outlives individual leaders—for better or worse. * Alignment work is intentional work. SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by HeyTutor. HeyTutor partners with schools and districts nationwide to provide evidence-based high-dosage tutoring support in Math and ELA while helping schools remain intentional about staff capacity and student support systems. Learn more here: HeyTutor [https://heytutor.com/?utm_source=RTA&utm_medium=RTA&utm_campaign=RTA ]

Episode 277: Redefining Educator Professionalism with Dr. Nason Lollar

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Darrin sits down with Dr. Nason Lollar to explore a topic often overlooked in leadership conversations—educator professionalism. Drawing from his book The Five Principles of Educator Professionalism [https://www.amazon.com/Five-Principles-Educator-Professionalism-Rebuilding/dp/B0D8YB5VSH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1VH3IIZ04NGF8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0prqA89oMvSnzu65rP7rWw.cZEFG5sjOBZU8MqP7xGMhWE8UvHnNMycHaTR92WI38E&dib_tag=se&keywords=nason+lollar&qid=1778876207&sprefix=nason+lolla%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1], Nason introduces the TRUST framework, a practical approach to connecting individual behaviors with school culture. The conversation dives into how small, everyday actions—not just major incidents—shape the success, safety, and climate of a school. KEY TOPICS: * Why adult behavior—not student behavior—is often the real leadership challenge * Defining professionalism as a contribution to school culture * The TRUST framework: * Teaching and learning first * Remain vigilant about safety * Understand communication * Seek personal balance * Take ownership of morale * The difference between negatives vs. negativity * Why listening is one of the most overlooked leadership skills * Moving beyond “gotcha” leadership toward genuine support * The power of acknowledgment in building staff morale KEY TAKEAWAY: Professionalism isn’t about compliance—it’s about clarity, consistency, and contribution. When leaders define what matters and support their people well, culture improves—and so does everything else. CONNECT WITH NASON: * Blog: nasonlollar.wordpress.com [https://nasonlollar.wordpress.com/] * X: @nasonlollar * Facebook: Nason Lollar, Author Sponsor Spotlight This episode is sponsored by HeyTutor. If improving student outcomes is part of your plan, don’t wait until the fall to build your support system. HeyTutor provides high-dosage tutoring in Math and ELA—handling recruitment, training, and management—so your team can focus on impact. Learn more at HeyTutor.com [https://heytutor.com/?utm_source=RTA&utm_medium=RTA&utm_campaign=RTA] Let’s Connect If you’re working to move from planning to execution—and want to ensure your team stays aligned and focused throughout the year—Darrin can help [https://darrinpeppard.com/]. Through coaching, leadership retreats, and team development, he supports leaders in building clarity, alignment, and lasting impact.

Episode 276: The Leadership TAP with Dr. Joy Karavedas

In this episode, Darrin sits down with Dr. Joy Karavedas to explore what it really means to develop leaders intentionally—and why that “tap on the shoulder” can be life-changing. Joy shares her journey into leadership and how her research revealed a powerful pattern: nearly every leader can point to a moment when someone saw their potential before they did. The conversation dives into: * The importance of intentionally building a leadership pipeline * Why performance alone isn’t enough to identify future leaders * The reality of the “messy middle” and how leaders grow through it * The role of reflection in leadership development—and why most leaders skip it * How to give emerging leaders space to practice, fail, and grow Joy also introduces her TAP framework: * Trust – The foundation of leadership that must be earned daily * Authenticity – Knowing who you are as a leader and showing up with confidence * Performance – The skills and execution that can be developed over time One of the biggest takeaways? A pat on the back might feel good—but a tap on the shoulder can change someone’s life. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership development isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. Connect with Dr. Karavedas - https://drkaravedas.com/ [https://drkaravedas.com/] Sponsor Spotlight This episode is sponsored by HeyTutor. If improving student outcomes is part of your plan, don’t wait until the fall to build your support system. HeyTutor provides high-dosage tutoring in Math and ELA—handling recruitment, training, and management—so your team can focus on impact. Learn more at HeyTutor.com [https://heytutor.com/?utm_source=RTA&utm_medium=RTA&utm_campaign=RTA ] Let’s Connect If you’re working to move from planning to execution—and want to ensure your team stays aligned and focused throughout the year—Darrin can help [https://darrinpeppard.com/]. Through coaching, leadership retreats, and team development, he supports leaders in building clarity, alignment, and lasting impact.

Episode 275: From Compliance to Connection — Rethinking Classroom Engagement with Megan Diede

In this episode, Darrin sits down with Megan Diede to unpack one of the most pressing challenges in schools today: authentic student engagement. The conversation begins with a familiar frustration—classrooms full of students disengaged on devices—and quickly reframes the issue. It’s not about abandoning technology. It’s about being intentional and purposeful with instruction. Megan introduces a powerful shift in thinking: > Engagement isn’t about activity—it’s about connection. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond compliance-driven teaching and into classrooms where students are actively connected to their learning. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Why the “paper vs. tech” debate misses the point * The real issue isn’t the tool—it’s how it’s used. * Connection over compliance * Megan defines connection as the intentional bridge between people and purpose—and explains how it transforms instruction. * What engagement actually looks like * It’s not always loud or busy. Sometimes it’s quiet, focused, and deeply meaningful. * The role of leadership in creating risk-safe environments * Teachers need permission—and support—to try, fail, and refine their instruction. * Small instructional shifts that create big impact * Engagement doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just intentional adjustments. * The power of team connection (the “coconut story”) * A simple moment of problem-solving revealed how connection fuels collaboration and reduces stress. * How leaders and instructional coaches can support teachers * Through clarity, alignment, modeling, and ongoing—not one-time—support. CONNECT WITH MEGAN DIEDE * Website: https://www.integratedk12.com [https://www.integratedk12.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megandiede [https://www.instagram.com/megandiede] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megandiede [https://www.linkedin.com/in/megandiede] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/integratedk12 [https://www.facebook.com/integratedk12] Sponsor Spotlight This episode is sponsored by HeyTutor. If improving student outcomes is part of your plan, don’t wait until the fall to build your support system. HeyTutor provides high-dosage tutoring in Math and ELA—handling recruitment, training, and management—so your team can focus on impact. Learn more at HeyTutor.com [https://heytutor.com/?utm_source=RTA&utm_medium=RTA&utm_campaign=RTA] 🎯 Let’s Connect If you’re working to move from planning to execution—and want to ensure your team stays aligned and focused throughout the year—Darrin can help [https://darrinpeppard.com/]. Through coaching, leadership retreats, and team development, he supports leaders in building clarity, alignment, and lasting impact.