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/

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

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.

Through Coaching, leadership retreats, and team development, he supports leaders in building Clarity, alignment, and lasting impact.

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Darrin Peppard Dr. Darrin Peppard

Dr. Darrin Peppard is an author, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and growing emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering high school principal’, Darrin shares strategies and lessons learned from 26 years in public education to help leaders gain clarity, find joy in their work, and walk in their purpose.