Coaching 

You're working 60-80 hour weeks, fighting the same battles over and over—staff conflicts, budget crises, district pressure. The problem isn't effort. It's approach. You're stuck in reactive mode, exhausted because sustainable leadership requires different thinking, not just more hours.

WHY WORK WITH DARREN?

Real Principal Experience

19 years as assistant principal and principal in Oakland schools—Kaiser Elementary, Montera Middle School, and others. I've lived your challenges: budget crises, staff conflicts, district pressure, and 70-hour weeks that never end.

Strategic Thinking Frameworks

My approach combines real principal experience with strategic planning frameworks from 8 years of military service, including deployment to Desert Shield/Storm. I learned high-stakes decision-making under pressure and translated those frameworks to the reality of schools.

Different Approach

Most coaches offer general leadership development. I teach strategic thinking—specific frameworks for assessing complex situations, prioritizing limited resources, and making decisive moves under pressure. Not about working harder. About thinking differently.

Proven Methodology

Author of "The Principal's Art of War: Strategic Leadership for Schools Under Pressure".

WHAT LED ME TO BUILD THIS COACHING PRACTICE

After 19 years leading schools and then moving to central office supporting principals and assistant principals across the district, I saw a pattern I couldn't ignore: talented leaders burning out—not because they weren't working hard enough, but because they were stuck in reactive mode.

I watched principals working 80-hour weeks, fighting the same battles year after year, slowly losing their passion for the work. From my district position, I could see it happening across multiple schools—K-12, elementary through high school—the same exhaustion, the same reactive patterns, the same unsustainable leadership.

I had been one of them. As a principal, I lived that grind until I learned strategic frameworks that changed how I led. Instead of fighting harder, I learned to think strategically. I built systems that worked. I reclaimed my time and energy. I led differently.

Now, from both sides—having led schools myself and having supported principals from central office—I know what separates sustainable strategic leadership from the reactive firefighting that burns leaders out.

That transformation is what I help principals achieve. Strategic leadership isn't about working more hours—it's about building systems that prevent the crises that consume your time.

If you're ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and strategic direction, you're in the right place.

Choose the Strategic Solution That Fits Your Situation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is the "Founding Client Rate" and why is it lower? 

I've spent 19 years coaching principals—first as a principal myself at Kaiser Elementary and Montera Middle School in Oakland, then from district level supporting principals across multiple schools K-12. The S-ORDER framework works. I've seen it transform how principals lead. 

Now I'm transitioning this methodology into private practice. The founding client rate ($1,500 vs. standard $2,500-$3,500) is available to the first 10 principals who work with me in 2026 as I build independent testimonials and case studies outside the district context. 

Founding clients get: - 

• Full 6-month Strategic Leadership Intensive (same program, same results) -

•  Priority scheduling for all sessions - Direct input on refining materials as we work together - 

• Locked-in rate for any future coaching

 In exchange, I ask for: -

•  Honest feedback on program effectiveness - 

• Testimonial upon completion - 

• Participation in a post-program debrief about what worked 

This is a strategic investment in proof-of-concept. After the first 10 clients, pricing increases to reflect the established track record. 

Q: I'm in my first year as principal. Is this right for me?

The Strategic Leadership Intensive is designed for principals ready to move from reactive to strategic leadership. 

Crisis Intensive is available to principals at any experience level facing immediate high-stakes decisions.

Q: How is this different from other principal coaching?

Most coaching focuses on general leadership development. I teach strategic thinking—specific frameworks for making high-stakes decisions under pressure, building sustainable systems, and moving from reactive to proactive leadership.

Q: Can my district pay for this?

Yes. Many districts have leadership development budgets that cover external coaching. Strategic Leadership Intensive qualifies as professional development. I provide documentation for district reimbursement.

Strategic Cohort is designed for district purchase with invoicing and documented PD hours.

Q: What if I can't commit to 6 months right now?

Crisis Intensive gives you a chance to experience strategic coaching in one 90-minute session plus follow-up. Many Crisis Intensive clients later enroll in Strategic Leadership Intensive.

Q: Do you work with principals outside the Bay Area?

Yes. All coaching is via Zoom, so I work with principals nationally. The frameworks apply regardless of location.

Q: What's your refund policy?

Strategic Leadership Intensive: Full refund if dissatisfied after first session (5-day notice). After first session, all payments are non-refundable.

Crisis Intensive: Non-refundable once scheduled.

Q: How do I know if we're a good fit?

After you apply, we'll have a 20-minute Strategic Fit Conversation to discuss your challenges, goals, and whether strategic coaching is the right approach. I turn down clients who aren't a good fit—this work only succeeds when we're aligned.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Not sure which program is right for you? Email me at strategicedleadership@gmail.com