In this episode, David sits down with Peter Stiepleman—former superintendent of one of Missouri’s largest school districts, leadership advisor, podcast host, and author of Serving as a Lead Learner: Powerful Reflections from America’s Superintendents

Peter shares his unconventional path from working at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid to becoming a bilingual teacher in Oakland, California, and eventually leading a district of 19,000 students through times of both growth and crisis. He reflects on the lessons learned from embracing “imperfect leadership,” the importance of vulnerability, and the power of shared decision-making.

Together, David and Peter explore:

How personal journeys shape leadership philosophies
What it means to be a “lead learner” and embrace discomfort
Building shared values with teachers, parents, and students
Why microschool leaders can benefit from these same leadership principles
The importance of community voice and creating systems that honor every stakeholder

This conversation is full of insights for anyone leading in education—whether you’re running a large public school system, launching a micro school, or simply seeking to lead with more empathy, collaboration, and courage.

Resources & Links:

Peter’s book: Serving as a Lead Learner: Powerful Reflections from America’s Superintendents:
https://www.amazon.com/Serving-Lead-Learner-Reflections-Superintendents/dp/B0F78RC6H9
Peter’s podcast: An Imperfect Leader:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-imperfect-leader-the-superintendents/id1644897856

Imperfect Leadership & Shared Vision in Education with Peter Stiepleman