387. How to Develop Future Leaders and Grow Talent: Featuring Darrin Peppard

In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Darrin Peppard to explore how organizations can intentionally develop future leaders. Darrin shares practical ideas for identifying leadership potential early, creating meaningful growth opportunities, and building the kind of trust and support that helps emerging leaders step into new roles with confidence. Together, they discuss why leadership development cannot be left to chance, how mentorship and coaching shape long-term growth, and what it looks like to create a culture where people are encouraged to lead before they have the title. Darrin also offers insight into how strong leadership pipelines help schools and organizations sustain momentum, strengthen teams, and prepare for the future. About Darrin Peppard: Darrin Peppard is a keynote speaker, author, publisher and consultant focused on what matters most in leadership. Darrin is an expert in school culture and climate as well as coaching and growing emerging leaders. He is known for his keen insight, culture-first leadership style, and dynamic personality. In 2016, Darrin was named Wyoming Secondary School Principal of the Year by WASSP/NASSP and was the 2015 Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year. In 2017, Darrin earned his Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming. In the summer of 2019, Darrin was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame. Darrin shares his experiences from over 25 years in education, specifically those learned as an education leader during the past 13 years. As a ‘recovering’ high school principal, Darrin talks about lessons learned and effective strategies to help leaders of all experience levels become more effective at their craft. Follow Darrin Peppard Website:www.darrinmpeppard.com&www.roadtoawesome.netTwitter:https://twitter.com/DarrinMPeppard(@DarrinMPeppard)Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/darrinmpeppard/?hl=en(@darrinmpeppard)Facebook: Darrin M Peppard & Road to Awesome, LLC (page)Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrin-m-peppard-ed-d-29a7a147/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6WkYpIkcDAAItdZdM02wRg https://www.amazon.com/Culture-First-Classrooms-Leadership-Relationships-ebook/dp/B0F1DSSMCG?&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=3f35a95b0e3eb232accab956612306ff&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl   — Aspire to Lead Cohort Ready to grow your leadership capacity and take the next step in your journey? The Aspire to Lead Cohort is designed to support aspiring leaders with practical tools, guided reflection, and a community of educators who are committed to growth. If you are looking for mentorship, clarity, and encouragement as you move toward your leadership goals, learn more and apply here: https://joshstamper.com/leadership-cohorts/ — #1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate