Episode 211: Cracking the Code on Educator Retention with Nate Eklund

Leaning into Leadership

What if the real cause of educator burnout isn’t a lack of resilience or self-care—but the workplace itself?

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Darrin is joined by longtime friend and national thought leader Nathan Eklund, founder of Vital Network, to explore how schools can reimagine themselves as vibrant, sustainable workplaces for educators. With over 20 years in education, including a decade in the classroom and a career dedicated to improving adult work culture in schools, Nate brings deep insight into what truly moves the needle when it comes to retention, satisfaction, and sustainable leadership.

This is not another episode about bubble baths and yoga. Nate and Darrin dive deep into systemic solutions—why burnout is often misunderstood, how leadership isolation contributes to turnover, and what schools and systems can do to create cultures where teachers and leaders actually want to stay.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why burnout is a systems issue, not an individual weakness

✅ How workplace conditions—not perks—determine retention

✅ The power of rethinking daily routines like staff meetings to improve morale

✅ How to support multiple generations of educators under one roof

✅ The overlooked burnout crisis among principals and school leaders

✅ What it means to lead with the phrase: “I don’t know—what do you think?”

✅ How Vital Network partners with states and districts to make long-term, scalable change

✅ Why the best recruitment strategy is being a place people want to work

One Big Takeaway:

Listening isn’t soft leadership—it’s the strategic superpower of leaders who want to build trust, engagement, and longevity in their schools.

Connect with Nate Eklund:

🌐 Website: vitalnetwork.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

📘 Nate's book: How was your day at school?

About the Show:

Leaning Into Leadership is the podcast for school and district leaders who are ready to rise above the daily grind and lead with clarity, purpose, and impact. Hosted by Dr. Darrin Peppard—leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of Road to Awesome—each episode brings practical strategies, authentic conversations, and powerful stories from education changemakers across the country.