This episode is sponsored by DigiCoach. Make walkthroughs meaningful. Simplify your coaching culture. Visit digiCOACH.com and mention Darrin for special partner pricing.

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Darrin sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Danny Steele to explore what it truly means to lead with heart, clarity, and purpose. Danny reflects on his 31-year career in education, the mentors who shaped him, the mistakes that taught him, and the passion that continues to fuel his work supporting educators today.

Together, they dig into:

• Danny’s early leadership missteps and the moment he realized his job was to serve teachers first.
• The concept of “passion drift”—why educators lose their edge and how leaders can help them get it back.
• Why administrators must redefine their light bulb moments to sustain joy and impact.
• The insecurities that quietly derail leadership—and how vulnerability becomes the antidote.
• How to lead instructional improvement without being an expert in every subject area.
• Key ideas from Danny’s brand-new book, The Instructional Leader in You: 10 Strategies for Every School Leader, including why curiosity must come first and why leaders must prioritize learning over teaching.
• Practical, reflective questions every leader can ask themselves to grow in 2025 and beyond.

This episode is a masterclass in humility, clarity, and the power of leading from a place of authenticity. Whether you're a principal, assistant principal, district leader, or teacher-leader, this conversation will leave you challenged and inspired.

Links & Resources

• Danny’s Website: SteeleThoughts.com
• Danny on Social Media: @SteeleThoughts
• Email Danny: [email protected]
• Get Danny’s New Book: The Instructional Leader in You