In contemporary educational contexts, leadership faces intricate challenges stemming from continual shifts in educational landscapes. This study scrutinizes the evolution and diverse styles of educational leadership, notably transformative and distributed leadership, within the regulatory framework of Chilean education. The primary objective is to ascertain their impact on educational institution operations, emphasizing enhancements in both student learning outcomes and professional development among educators. Methodologically, semi-structured interviews were conducted with experienced educators, ensuring anonymity and informed consent. These interviews probed perceptions regarding educational leadership and its influence on teaching practices and academic performance. Findings underscore the critical role of instructional leadership in improving teaching quality and transformative leadership in inspiring and motivating the educational community. Both styles are viewed as complementary and pivotal for effective educational leadership. The study underscores the imperative for ongoing training and support for educational leaders, advocating for distributed leadership models to bolster organizational efficiency and foster commitment among teachers and students alike. Educational policies are urged to endorse inclusive leadership models that encourage active participation and cultivate a culture of continuous learning.