PMP463: Leaning into Leadership with Darrin Peppard

A quick note to listeners: 

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker take a few minutes to discuss the following question:

What feedback do you have for an AP who feels like they are carrying all the weight of the Principal?

Listen in to hear their response!

Leaning into Leadership with Darrin Peppard:

Hi, Principal Matters listeners! This week’s episode is something a little different from our usual content. Rather than our regularly scheduled episode of Principal Matters Podcast, we are sharing an interview from Darrin Peppard’s podcast, Leaning into Leadership. Listen in to hear him interview me about Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator’s Guide to Doing What You Love. Below are Darrin’s show notes:

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with the brilliant William D. Parker—an award-winning former principal, author, speaker, and executive coach. Will is the founder of Principal Matters, LLC and the host of Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast, with over 1.5 million downloads. Through his coaching, books, and virtual leadership academies, Will empowers school leaders to improve culture, communication, and student outcomes.

Together, Darrin and Will dive deep into the real and raw experiences of school leadership. Will shares his journey from teacher to principal, including the moment he almost walked away from education—and the letter of resignation that changed his life. They explore the importance of reflection, well-being, and why leaders must pour into themselves before they can lead others.

They also discuss Will’s latest book, Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator’s Guide to Doing What You Love, and how leaders can take back their autonomy by acting with clarity, curiosity, and intention.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership begins with personal wellness: Will’s turning point came through a wake-up call at home, leading him to redefine how he approached leadership.
• The question every educator should ask: Whose permission are you waiting for?
• Leading with curiosity can unlock clarity and drive real school improvement.
• Scaling your influence is not about doing more—it’s about sharing your expertise and elevating others.
• Reflection and coaching provide the safe space leaders need to grow.

You can find the original interview via Darrin’s website, or on YouTube. Check out his website to learn more about the amazing work he does!

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