Road to Awesome, LLC

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Road to Awesome, LLC

Road to Awesome provides customized solutions for leadership teams, individuals, schools, and districts through consulting, coaching, speaking, and publishing.

Our goal is to be the catalyst that sparks your journey on the road to awesome!

08/17/2024

🎉 New Blog Post is Live! 🎉

Earlier this week, I had a great conversation with a principal and assistant principal that took a quick turn to a familiar challenge—negativity from a small group of staff. When negativity creeps in, it can quickly erode your school culture.

In this week's blog, I’m sharing three essential strategies to tackle negativity head-on and keep your environment positive and mission-driven.

Don't miss out—check it out now!

https://darrinpeppard.edublogs.org/2024/08/15/stop-it-three-strategies-to-combat-negativity/

08/10/2024

New Blog Post: Leaders, so many times, we get lost in the work and forget about what we hold as our priorities, what is important to us. Your job is more than fighting fires and running from crisis to crisis. But how do you do it? Moving from Reactive Management to Proactive Leadership is the topic of this week's blog - check it out right here ⬇️

https://bit.ly/4dfQG4p

08/04/2024

This week on it’s the return of the collaboration with Joshua Stamper and the podcast.

Josh and I sat down and talked burnout, firefighting, and the things that pull leaders off task

Get it here or where you get yours - it’s also available on Josh’s podcast!

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1c2541b8-1fa2-4998-9362-1bba4f43d841/

YouTube version: https://youtu.be/sLfn1DhK8qU?si=f4Ai7yNzPhWPbeQr

08/03/2024

New blog post: The first week back with your staff is pivotal for setting the tone for the entire year. It’s a time when your leadership style, vision, and approach will begin to take shape. How you navigate this initial period can significantly impact the culture and success of your school. To help, this week’s blog post outlines five key strategies to help you make a strong start, build positive relationships, and set clear expectations

https://darrinpeppard.edublogs.org/2024/08/03/five-essential-strategies-for-a-successful-first-week/

07/28/2024

Leaders: we need to be strategic to be effective and efficient. But how do I overcome the Superman syndrome and lean into leading my campus, district, or organization?

Start by leaning into leadership’s 152nd episode with the author of the book ‘STRATEGIC: The Skill to Set Direction, Create Advantage, and Achieve Executive Excellence’ Rich Horwath.

This episode is just sooooo good!! Get it here or wherever you get your podcast fix 🎤

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9524442f-e28e-4e40-987b-d12b98c43612/

YouTube version: https://youtu.be/v_GKPLxvOeE?si=Km2XMj9-SoYvp2oB

07/27/2024

New blog post: I had an awesome conversation with my friend Joshua Stamper recording for both of our podcasts. We were talking about leadership vs management and how that can be a big challenge for new school leaders.

Effective school leadership requires more than just managing day-to-day operations. It involves inspiring others, setting a vision, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

For more on how to make this a reality, check out this post with 7 steps leaders can take to move beyond management.

https://darrinpeppard.edublogs.org/2024/07/26/beyond-management-a-7-step-guide-for-new-school-leaders/

07/26/2024

Awesome day of pouring into educators in Glenwood, IA. Thank you to Chad Lang for bringing me and Jonathan Alsheimer together for this day of engagement and culture building

07/21/2024

Episode 151 features an awesome conversation with Coach Kurt Hines - we are talking about leadership team development, creating the culture you wish to see, and pouring into others - we’re also talking about his incredible new book ‘Called to Empower’

This one is straight 🔥🔥🔥

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d6af8685-69cc-4f86-a3b3-3afae5fc506e/

Get it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DNvUuIofN-o?si=eoaCD-Dtpub40y-c

07/20/2024

New Blog Post: As a former principal and superintendent, I know firsthand the challenges that school leaders face daily. Reactive management is a barrier to true leadership. To help keep you out of firefighter mode, here are 7 strategies for true leadership in your school.

Check the blog out here: https://darrinpeppard.edublogs.org/2024/07/20/escaping-firefighter-mode-7-strategies-for-true-leadership-in-schools/

07/19/2024

Here we go!! Coach Kurt Hines at the top of the charts just a couple of days after its launch!!

“Called to Empower dives into those traits and experiences that has shaped Coach to this day. I'm honored to follow this man and learn to better myself in my life.” via Eric Weddle, Head Coach, NFL Veteran, Super Bowl Champion

Get your copy here ⬇️⬇️

Called to Empower https://a.co/d/07FVURn

07/18/2024

If you’ve ever read his tweets or watched his Instagram and TikTok videos, you NEED this book from Coach Kurt Hines - it’s absolute 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Some of the best of his posts combined with insights, tips, and a time out challenge with every element Coach discusses.

We are proud at Road to Awesome, LLC to have been a part of this project and to partner with Coach in sharing his power and passionate message

Are you Called to Empower?

Get your copy now!!

https://a.co/d/0hdzs3z

07/17/2024

One hundred fifty…wow

Episode 150 just dropped and I’m so stoked about it. Who knew when I launched the podcast in January of 2022 that it would be going strong, growing, and talked about like it is…unreal

This special midweek release has me talking with Dom Armano and Todd Bloomer, doing some reflecting as well as talking about Todd’s upcoming book “The Blueprint “

It’s an awesome episode and I hope you’ll check it out

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e9e3fcad-8f67-420c-8448-dba1c04f3bc9/

YouTube version

https://youtu.be/lKK-5_t2KfY?si=TVt6BV9rI4pfjxPB

07/17/2024

How exciting is this?!? Stoked for Coach Kurt Hines and the launch of his first book

New from Road to Awesome, LLC

Get your copy today ⬇️⬇️

Called to Empower https://a.co/d/4vOyaLO

07/17/2024

This special mid-week episode is the seventh edition of a series with Dominic Armano, Todd Bloomer, and Darrin teaming up to talk about the hot topics in educational leadership today. On this episode, we are talking about Todd's upcoming book The Blueprint and celebrating 150 episodes of Leaning into Leadership!

07/14/2024

New Episode Alert: joining me this week is my friend Sean Gaillard. We are talking leadership transitions, the importance of connections, and even a little bit of The Beatles.

This is one seriously fun conversation so don’t miss it out - get it here or where you get yours ⬇️⬇️

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3fe7a41d-3282-4260-bb21-c7d12970fe50

YouTube version ⬇️

https://youtu.be/2xGxnjM6L5M?si=L7CH7vXEJqqcI6zr

07/13/2024

New blog post: As an administrator, you know that coaching and developing your staff is one of the biggest keys to your school’s success. To help, here are three strategies you can lean into to make it a priority and potential benefits you’ll reap by doing so.

Check it out right here ⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://darrinpeppard.edublogs.org/2024/07/13/how-principals-can-find-time-to-coach-and-develop-their-staff/

07/09/2024

Wow, the reaction to this post has been crazy!! Thanks to everyone who’s already read it and shared their thoughts.

If only my new school could talk, what would it say?? Imagine it could write me a letter with tips, insights, and advice.

Imagine it just did…check it out right here ⬇️

https://darrinpeppard.edublogs.org/2024/07/05/if-your-school-could-talk-a-letter-to-the-new-principal/

07/07/2024

Stoked to send this bulk order of Road to Awesome off to Montana!!

Looking for that awesome summer professional read?? Hit the link below and use the code FOBA to get your autographed copy for only $20 plus free shipping

https://checkout.square.site/buy/5HTZEEBAAQ36L35Q2URI52WK

07/07/2024

This week on the podcast, I’m hanging with my friend Andrea Bitner Ricevuto. We are playing ‘myth busters’ with some of the most misunderstood truths about English Language Learners, their families, and their school involvement. This episode is straight 🔥🔥 from one of the very best in the business 💪

Check it out here or wherever you get your podcast fix ⬇️⬇️

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f67baa85-8a15-48b2-a3e2-da74bf5bf050

Want the YouTube version? Grab that here ⬇️

https://youtu.be/yglWBMIrM-E?si=YUtbTbt0uKonnUA8

07/06/2024

New blog post: When I became the principal, my school was over 40 years old. Imagine if those walls could share insights with me. What if my school itself could write me a letter giving me some advice, some things to watch out for, and some words of encouragement? Let’s just say it can…check it out ⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://darrinpeppard.edublogs.org/2024/07/05/if-your-school-could-talk-a-letter-to-the-new-principal/

07/05/2024

School and District leaders - this one’s for you! I love working with school and district teams to help them reach peak performance.

🚀 Empowering School Leadership Teams: The Vital Role of Coaches and Thought Partners 🚀

Let’s face it, strong leadership teams are game-changers. As schools grow, their leaders need to grow too. Here’s why having a coach or thought partner is key:

1. Fostering Continuous Growth: Coaches help leaders reflect, learn, and adapt, keeping them ahead of the curve.
2. Enhancing Decision-Making: Thought partners bring fresh perspectives, helping leaders make better, more innovative decisions.
3. Building Resilience: Leadership is tough. Coaches provide the support and encouragement leaders need to stay motivated and focused.
4. Cultivating a Positive Culture: Great leadership sets the tone. Coaches help leaders create positive, inclusive environments that benefit everyone.
5. Achieving Long-Term Success: Investing in leadership growth is investing in the future. Thought partners help set and achieve strategic goals.

At Road to Awesome, we’re passionate about developing strong school leaders. Want to learn more about how our coaching and thought partnership can help your team thrive? Connect with us today!

07/03/2024

Continuing to pour into our newest leaders: dropping this throwback episode from last August. I partnered up with the awesome Joshua Stamper to answer burning questions for new leaders. Josh and I will be doing another episode like this in August…stay tuned.

But new leaders, this one’s for you!

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d0e091bc-e1d8-4356-b67a-e0a73888e873

06/30/2024

This week on the Leaning into Leadership podcast I am sitting down with Pam Marcheski to talk about intentional leadership. Pam shares insights into mindfulness, the mPEAK coaching philosophy, and ways to be a proactive leader - it's a great episode, get it right here ⬇️
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/31077224-665f-40d9-b599-4a68513dc114
Or watch it on YouTube ⬇️
https://youtu.be/jDsuGlknqdo

Everyone

06/29/2024

New blog post: Thunder, lightning, and heavy rain, winds near 100 mph consistent for nearly 20 minutes resulted in a nearly three day power outage. This prolonged powerless event got me thinking about leadership lessons - what did I discover? Read this week's blog to find out ⬇️

https://darrinpeppard.edublogs.org/2024/06/28/leadership-lessons-from-an-extended-power-outage/

06/27/2024

What is your vision for the culture of your district, your school, or your classroom? The key question that drives my Road to Awesome culture session.

Here are some quick highlights from AccuTrain Professional Development in Nashville last week

Want to learn more? Message me or go to roadtoawesome.net

https://youtu.be/LhaJRmBK7rQ?si=eToKk-7GO3PDseut

06/24/2024

Big thank you to AccuTrain Professional Development and the ISS Nashville conference crew! Enjoyed the packed house, the energy, and the connections!

06/23/2024

New episode release: this week on the show I’m sitting down with Tom Willis to talk about the importance of culture and the importance of employee engagement

Awesome show - don’t miss it ⬇️⬇️

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4fcf1de2-7945-43d6-a7b2-adda2a25c2f9

YouTube version ⬇️⬇️

https://youtu.be/93xKN5BEZUk?si=Cg7vDCuxZX85ztpP

06/22/2024

New blog post: I spent some time on the links this week. Golf is often seen as a leisurely sport, it’s actually rich with lessons that can be applied to effective leadership. So this week, I’m sharing five key leadership lessons we can learn from playing golf: check it out ⬇️⬇️

https://darrinpeppard.edublogs.org/2024/06/20/5-leadership-lessons-from-a-round-of-golf/

06/20/2024

Back when I was a high school principal, I would walk 9 holes nearly every morning in the summer around 5am. This was my happy place, a place where I could be alone with my thoughts, plan for the future of our school, and reflect.

Today, I found myself back on the course in the early morning thinking and reflecting. It is critical for leaders to have something as an escape. It could be running, like my friend Todd Bloomer - it might be weight lifting like DrDon Parker - hitting the gym for a variety of exercises like Josh Tovar or Sean Gaillard - or walking, which is my usual morning choice.

Make sure, leaders, that you are being intentional about taking care of your mind and body.

What are your go-to methods? Drop them in the comments below ⬇️

06/15/2024

New Blog Post: How do you get your leadership team thoroughly aligned and working collectively toward a common goal? This week on the blog, I am sharing five steps to getting your leadership team firing on all cylinders. ⬇️⬇️

https://darrinpeppard.edublogs.org/2024/06/15/five-intentional-steps-to-work-on-your-team/

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Website

http://roadtoawesome.net/

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Videos

July mid month with Dom & Todd

Episode 118:: What Happens When You Put Three Principals in a Room

This special mid-week release of the show features something new. Once per month I will sit down with my friends Dominic Armano and Todd Bloomer to talk current issues facing leaders in education today. Submit your questions for us to address in an upcoming episode by emailing me [email protected]

Ok, let’s be real…we all have goals, resolutions, or that #OneWord2024 in mind But how do you take it from hope to reality? Today’s #PepTalk gives your three steps to assist you along the way #HappyNewYear2024wishes from the team at Road to Awesome, LLC #RoadToAwesome #LeadershipMatters #crushyourgoals2024

3tipsfornewadministrators-144988-362135.mp4

Time for this week's #PepTalk - this one goes out to our new administrators. Here are three tips you can use to find success in year one! Staff is coming back soon (or might be there already) so be prepared to have a fantastic first year! #RoadToAwesome

Clarity might be one of the most important aspects of #leadership but where and how does that begin? Listen in for Beth Napleton’s advice on getting clear as a leader, identifying who is responsible for what, and more! Get the whole episode here 👇 https://buff.ly/44Nncq3

How can we best support our students with their mental health needs? It starts with supporting adults and ensuring they are both healthy and prepared - listen to Charle Peck 🍎 #ThrivingSchool as she shares her insights on #LeaningIntoLeadership Get the full episode here https://buff.ly/44uXDKN

You can show up and bring positive energy to make a difference in the lives of others OR You can show up as the one who looks to catch everyone doing things wrong. The choice is yours…how will you show up? #RoadToAwesome #LeadershipMatters

This week I’m flying solo and talking about goal setting, reflecting on 2022, and getting excited about 2023! Come check it out 👇👇#RoadToAwesome #oneword #Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaning-into-leadership/id1605493835?i=1000591237696

COMING SOON: Principled Leader by Bobby Pollicino is a practical book to support your learning & growth as a leader. By introducing relationship, leadership, and fitness (mental, physical, spiritual) principles that impact our lives, Bobby shows us how to practice what we preach!! Look for it next week from Road to Awesome publishing #RoadToAwesome

Out of the Trenches book launch with Dana Goodier

Let's come together and celebrate Dana Goodier's new book, Out of the Trenches: Stories of Resilient Educators

A special Teacher Appreciation week edition of the #PepTalk - thank you teachers for all you do 🙏🙏 #RoadToAwesome

Our school culture is so very important and cannot be left up to others. My friend Tom Cody and I have teamed up to bring to you 'Stay in Your Lane: School Culture Starts with You'. This intensive workshop brings to the forefront a reminder that each individual has impact on school culture. Package this into a full-day with the two of us, and you have the BEST back to school kickoff EVER!!! Email me at [email protected] or DM for more information - let's get your school/district on the #RoadToAwesome

This is your day, this is your opportunity, be willing to take a chance on yourself! Sign up for Open Road - Accelerate with @brandonbeckedu & @darrinmpeppard today by visiting roadtoawesome.net. Today is your last chance! You won’t regret it. #uupontherta #roadtoawesome

Anyone else get goosebumps during that intro?! RTA is so fired up about the Leaning Into Leadership podcast! So what are you waiting for? You can listen to our first episode now! #roadtoawesome #leaningintoleadership #podcast

ONE day left until the Leaning Into Leadership podcast! Be sure to subscribe so you can be notified when our first episode is available tomorrow! Catch us everywhere you listen to podcasts. #roadtoawesome #leaningintoleadership

The final podcast appearance we’re featuring for the launch of RTA's podcast is when Darrin M Peppard appeared on @beeredupod! Be sure to subscribe to @andersonedtech & @bdicksonnv’s podcast and also to the Leaning Into Leadership podcast! The first episode drops this Sunday!

The next appearance Darrin M Peppard has made on podcasts is when he was on @outoftrenchespc with host Dana Goodier! You can preview it down below & subscribe so you can listen to more of their episodes! While you’re at it, subscribe to RTA’s new podcast, Leaning Into Leadership

Only 4 days left until the launch of Leaning Into Leadership! For the third appearance Darrin M Peppard has made on podcasts, we have the time he was on “Lasting Learning” w/@daveschmittou! Subscribe to both podcasts & tune in for the 1st episode of RTA's podcast on 01.16

Darrin appeared on “The Counter Narrative: Changing the Way We Talk (and think) About Education” hosted by @_cwconsulting! Subscribe to Charles’s podcast so you can listen to more episodes, and subscribe to Leaning Into Leadership so you can be first to listen!

The fifth appearance that Darrin M Peppard has made on podcasts is for @joshua_stamper’s podcast, Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast. Both his podcast and my podcast, Leaning Into Leadership, are available everywhere you watch podcasts! My first episode drops January 16th!