Relationships don’t happen by accident. The strongest classrooms, teams, and organizations are built through intentional habits that communicate one simple message: You matter here.

In Episode 288 of Leaning Into Leadership, Darrin sits down with veteran educator, football coach, and leadership speaker Tom Walls to discuss the power of what he calls microinclusions—small, repeatable actions that create belonging, trust, and buy-in without requiring hours of preparation.

Drawing from more than 30 years of experience in classrooms and on football fields across the United States and Canada, Tom shares practical strategies that any leader can begin using immediately.

Among the topics discussed:

• Why great culture is built through consistent daily rituals—not occasional big moments
• The surprising leadership power of a simple handshake
• How repetition creates belonging and shared identity
• Why relationships—not lesson plans—became the most rewarding part of Tom’s teaching career
• The importance of helping people feel seen, heard, and valued
• Why leaders should embrace finesse over force when influencing others
• How asking better questions uncovers the hidden learning gaps our students and staff may have

Whether you’re a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, or organizational leader, this conversation is a reminder that leadership often isn’t about doing more—it’s about being more intentional with the moments you already have.

About Tom Walls

Tom Walls is a veteran educator, football coach, and leadership speaker with more than 30 years of experience building student-led classrooms and championship-caliber football programs. His upcoming book, Coach Like a Teacher, Teach Like a Coach, explores how proven teaching strategies and Coaching principles can be used to develop stronger classrooms, teams, and school communities. Tom presents internationally on leadership, team building, student engagement, and organizational culture.

Connect with Tom

LinkedIn:

http://linkedin.com/in/tom-wallsleadership

Substack:

http://thomaswalls.substack.com

Connect with Darrin Peppard

Website: https://roadtoawesome.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrinmpeppard

Learn more about coaching, consulting, keynote speaking, and leadership development opportunities through Road to Awesome.

Sponsor Spotlight:

This episode is sponsored by HeyTutor.

HeyTutor partners with schools and districts nationwide to provide evidence-based high-dosage tutoring support in Math and ELA while helping schools remain intentional about staff capacity and student support systems.

Learn more here: HeyTutor.com

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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.