Lead with HOPE

Dr. Brandi Kelly

Lead With HOPE Podcast is a leadership podcast hosted by Dr. Brandi Kelly, designed to inspire leaders to live, lead, and serve with purpose. Rooted in faith, real stories, and hope, each episode features meaningful conversations, practical insights, and testimonies of resilience that remind you God is still at work; even in hard seasons. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or navigating a season of growth or uncertainty, this podcast will refuel your faith, strengthen your leadership, and reignite hope so you can lead with clarity, courage, and impact. Faith. Stories. HOPE.

  1. 3h ago

    Episode 99 | Finding Joy in the Journey with George Philhower

    Are you feeling overwhelmed as a leader? Discover how focusing on joy can be an unexpected but powerful tool for inspiring your team and cultivating hope in education. In this episode, we explore superintendent George Philhower's innovative approach to leadership that emphasizes the importance of joy, connection, growth, and success—culminating in the inspiring annual Joy Jam conference. Key Topics Covered: The importance of intentional joy in education and leadershipHow Joy Jam was born out of strategic promises focused on joy, connection, growth, and successPractical ways to embed moments of joy into daily school experiencesThe impact of self-awareness and shifting out of autopilot to create hope and purpose Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome 00:34 - Introducing George Philhower 01:24 - George's background 02:43 - The influence of early teaching experiences and impactful moments 04:43 - The significance of adults modeling joy and hope for students 05:37 - Challenges in recruiting and retaining educators 07:06 - How joy and intentionality are integrated into leadership and school culture 08:17 - The origins and evolution of Eastern Hancock’s core promises 09:14 - Deep dive into the concept of layers of joy and meaningful moments 10:13 - Making joyful moments memorable and impactful in learning 12:28 - Building connection and creating a safe space for vulnerability 13:24 - Focus on growth and lifelong learning for students and staff 13:53 - Ensuring academic success while cultivating a positive culture 14:23 - The origin story of Joy Jam and its purpose 15:48 - The experiential and fun elements of Joy Jam (circus, puppies, memorable moments) 16:57 - Extending the strategic vision through educator conferences 18:09 - Feedback from Joy Jam attendees and its influence on school culture 20:45 - Overcoming setbacks and creating a safe environment to grow 21:44 - Personal story of vulnerability and embracing mistakes 24:40 - Reimagining education through personal challenges and resilience 25:22 - How personal adversity fuels the passion for joyful leadership 26:23 - The importance of contagious joy in inspiring communities 27:38 - Practical strategies for sharing joy and hope 29:12 - The significance of intentionality 30:35 - The role of self-awareness in cultivating hope and joy 31:58 - How to connect with Joy Jam and start spreading joy in your community 32:50 - What gives George hope today 33:29 - Last words and encouragement Resources & Links: Joy Jam 2026 – Information on upcoming Joy Jam conferenceLead with H.O.P.E. - Book by Dr. Brandi Kelly– Gain insight into hope-fueled leadership practicesLegacy Partner: Conversari Press – Guided dialogue that listens deeply, probes thoughtfully, and reveals what truly matters

    32 min
  2. May 23

    Episode 97 | Authentic Leadership Starts with Identity | Dr. Eric Moyer

    Feeling overwhelmed by leadership, burnout, or uncertainty about your purpose? In this powerful episode, Dr. Eric Moyer explores how understanding your identity in Christ can transform the way you lead, grow, and navigate life’s challenges. Through a faith-based conversation on authentic leadership, biblical identity, and personal growth, listeners will discover practical strategies for overcoming counterfeit identities, aligning their principles and priorities with God’s truth, and leading with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. This podcast episode offers encouragement for leaders seeking spiritual growth, leadership development, and hope while balancing the pressures of leadership and life transitions. Topics include overcoming leadership burnout, purpose-driven leadership, faith and leadership, spiritual transformation, Christian personal growth, mindset shifts, and becoming the leader God created you to be. Chapters with timestamps: Introduction to Identity and Growth (0:03)Dr. Eric Moyer's Journey (1:06)Identity-Based Leadership (5:14)Counterfeit Identities (5:36)Aligning with God's Vision (8:16)The Four Ps of Identity (13:01)Leadership and Priorities (17:31)The Story of Jonah (29:52)Hope and Transformation (43:08)Resources and Links: Conversari Press - a Legacy Partner of the Lead with HOPE Podcast Connect with Dr. Eric Moyer: https://redeemingidentity.com/ Keywords: Educational PsychologyBiblical TruthIdentity-Based LeadershipDr. Eric MoyerRedeeming IdentityCounterfeit IdentitiesLeadership DevelopmentChristian FaithSpiritual GrowthJonah StoryAligning with GodFour Ps of IdentityLeadership PrioritiesHope and Transformation

    41 min
  3. Episode 96 | Changing the Table: Leadership, Purpose, and Courage

    May 16

    Episode 96 | Changing the Table: Leadership, Purpose, and Courage

    In this inspiring episode of Lead with H.O.P.E., Brandi Kelly reflects on two powerful experiences that reinforced a life-changing realization: she is no longer asking for a seat at the table—she’s changing the table. Drawing from her experience attending the first-ever Mic Drop Live event and speaking at Full Armor Christian Academy, Brandi explores authentic leadership, courage, purpose, kindness, and the importance of creating healthier spaces for future generations. This episode challenges listeners to stop shrinking themselves to fit environments that no longer align with their values and instead begin building the culture, community, and world they truly want to live in. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, burnout, people-pleasing, or waiting for permission to fully step into your purpose, this conversation will encourage you to lead boldly, protect your light, and create meaningful change right where you are. Chapters 00:00 — Embracing Your True Self Brandi shares the realization that came from attending Mic Drop Live and why purpose doesn’t wait for permission. 03:14 — The Power of Kindness and Leadership Lessons learned from sharing Spreading Sunshine with Kindness with students at Full Armor Christian Academy. 05:32 — Building New Rooms for Change Why true leadership means creating healthier spaces, cultures, and communities instead of trying to fit into broken systems. 09:10 — Stop Waiting for Permission Breaking free from people-pleasing, perfectionism, and the fear of being “too much.” 12:02 — Build the World You Want How everyday leadership decisions shape the future for our children, communities, and workplaces. Takeaways ✨ You do not need permission to begin leading with purpose and authenticity. ✨ Real leadership is not about fitting into existing systems... it’s about building healthier ones. ✨ Protecting your light and using your voice boldly can create lasting impact for future generations. ✨ Kindness, hope, and courage are leadership strengths not weaknesses. ✨ The culture you create in your home, workplace, and community matters deeply. Resources & Links: Legacy Partner/Conversari: https://www.conversaripress.com/ 📘 Spreading Sunshine with Kindness by Brandi Kelly Available on Amazon: https://shorturl.at/6vc2k 🎙️ Follow the Lead with H.O.P.E. Podcast for weekly conversations on leadership, mindset, faith, purpose, and personal growth. 🌟 Connect with Brandi Kelly for speaking, coaching, and leadership development opportunities at https://sparkhopeedu.com Keywords leadership podcast, authentic leadership, women in leadership, leadership development, purpose-driven life, mindset growth, personal growth podcast, hope-fueled leadership, emotional intelligence, educator leadership, faith-based leadership, confidence, courage, workplace culture, kindness, burnout recovery, motivation, empowerment, community impact, purpose, culture change, inspirational podcast, leadership coaching, resilience, changemaker mindset

    10 min
  4. Episode 95 | 
Purpose-Driven Leadership with Michelle Sloan

    May 9

    Episode 95 | Purpose-Driven Leadership with Michelle Sloan

    Episode SummaryIn this powerful interview, Michelle Sloan shares her journey from educator to leadership expert, revealing how purpose-driven leadership transforms schools from the inside out. She breaks down how principals can move beyond vision alone by building strong systems, cultivating belief, and leading with hope. If you’re a school leader looking to create alignment, strengthen culture, and lead with clarity and intention, this conversation delivers practical strategies you can implement right away. Key Topics Purpose-driven leadership in educationBuilding aligned systems and strong school cultureFostering belief, hope, and clarity in leadershipChapters00:00 – Introduction + Guest Overview 00:53 – Michelle Sloan’s Journey in Education 03:50 – What Purpose-Driven Leadership Really Means 06:31 – Helping Principals Discover Their Purpose 09:08 – The Power of Belief Statements 11:12 – Embedding Purpose into Systems 13:54 – Building Capacity + Delegation 15:50 – Aligning Vision, Systems, and Culture 16:51 – Leadership Through COVID Challenges 19:27 – Self-Awareness + Strong Teams 21:44 – Supporting Principals Under Pressure 26:20 – Building a Foundation for Joy 36:00 – Inside The Purpose Driven Principle 37:08 – Finding Hope in Education 38:12 – How to Connect with Michelle Resources & Links 📘 The Purpose Driven Principal: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Driven-Principal-Finding-School-Leadership/dp/🌐 Michelle Sloan Website: https://sloanleadership.com/🎤 Conversari Press (Storytelling for Leaders): https://www.conversaripress.com/Spark HOPE Edu: https://sparkhopeedu.comKeywordsschool leadership, purpose-driven leadership, principal coaching, educational leadership, school culture, leadership systems, leadership clarity, self-awareness in leadership, building belief in schools, hope in leadership, leadership strategies for principals

    42 min
  5. Episode 94 | The Self-Awareness Gap in Leadership (and How to Fix It)

    May 2

    Episode 94 | The Self-Awareness Gap in Leadership (and How to Fix It)

    Episode Summary You don’t need more leadership strategies... you need more self-awareness. In this episode, Brandi Kelly unpacks one of the most overlooked gaps in leadership today: the lack of understanding around how you are actually wired. You can work hard, care deeply, and show up consistently and still feel misaligned, overwhelmed, or exhausted in your leadership. Why? Because when you don’t understand yourself, you end up fighting yourself. Brandi introduces the DISC Assessment as a practical tool to help leaders gain clarity around communication styles, decision-making patterns, and stress responses. When leaders understand their wiring, everything shifts... from how they lead others to how they lead themselves. This episode will help you move from confusion to clarity, and from striving to alignment. The DISC Assessment reveals how you communicate, decide, and respond under pressureSelf-awareness leads to less stress, better communication, and healthier leadershipReal leadership rest comes from alignment, not overperformancePractical Leadership Reset StepsChapters 00:00 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership 04:58 Understanding DISC Styles for Effective Leadership 06:56 Practical Steps for Leadership Clarity 08:06 Embracing Leadership and Hope Links & Resources 👉 Learn more about the DISC Leadership Clarity Session 📩 Reach out to Brandi Kelly to schedule your personalized DISC assessment walkthrough ✨ Limited to 10 spots for May – DISC Leadership Clarity Sessions Visit our Legacy Partner, Conversari Press @ https://www.conversaripress.com Keywords Leadership development, self-awareness in leadership, DISC assessment, emotional intelligence in leadership, leadership coaching, leadership burnout, communication styles, leadership growth, Christian leadership, school leadership, executive leadership coaching, personal development podcast, Brandi Kelly podcast, Lead with Hope podcast, leadership clarity, healthy leadership habits

    9 min
  6. Episode 93 | Turning Pain Into Purpose with Preston Zeller

    Apr 25

    Episode 93 | Turning Pain Into Purpose with Preston Zeller

    In this powerful and deeply reflective conversation, Brandi Kelly sits down with Preston Zeller to explore how grief, creativity, and faith intersect to shape leadership and purpose. The conversation expands into faith, resilience, and technology as Preston introduces Psalm Log, an AI-powered biblical journaling and guidance app designed to help believers engage Scripture in a more personal, reflective, and accessible way. Together, Brandi and Preston unpack what it means to lead through uncertainty, how to cultivate emotional and spiritual resilience, and why self-awareness is foundational for strong leadership. Key Takeaways Grief can a catalyst for purpose when processed through creativity and reflection instead of avoidance.Leadership begins with self-leadership—you cannot lead others well without first leading yourself well.Creative expression can unlock healing that logic alone cannot reach.Faith and discipline help anchor resilience in seasons of uncertainty and pressure.AI can be a tool for spiritual reflection when used with discernment, not replacement of personal faith.Hope is built through focus on what you can control—your thoughts, actions, and obedience in the present moment.Growth often comes through discomfort and refinement, not ease or certainty.Resources & Links Psalm Log (AI Biblical Journaling App): https://psalmlog.com/The Art of Grieving Documentary - Available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV: https://theartofgrievingfilm.com/Connect with Preston Zeller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonzeller/Conversari Press - Legacy Partner of the Lead with HOPE Podcast: https://www.conversaripress.com/Spark HOPE Edu: https://sparkhopeedu.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility 00:56 Preston’s Personal Story and Loss of Brother 02:08 The Creative Process and Grief 03:57 Lessons Learned from Artistic Expression 07:10 The Power of Visual Art in Healing 09:09 Sharing Preston’s Artwork and Documentary 09:56 The Final Artwork and Its Meaning 12:29 Faith’s Role in Creating Psalm Log 12:49 Using AI for Biblical Guidance 14:54 The Purpose of Psalm Log as a Supportive Tool 16:15 Addressing Fears Around AI and Technology 19:27 Faith and Resilience in Uncertain Times 22:39 Building Hope and Community Through Faith 26:29 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Faith 29:11 What Gives Preston Hope Today 30:47 Practical Steps for Cultivating Hope and Faith SEO Keywords leadership podcast, Christian leadership podcast, faith and leadership, grief and healing, emotional resilience, spiritual growth podcast, Christian mindset, AI and faith, Psalm Log app, biblical journaling, faith based productivity, overcoming grief, creativity and healing, leadership development podcast, optimistic outlook, Brandi Kelly podcast, Lead with Hope podcast, Preston Zeller interview, tech and spirituality, Christian entrepreneurship

    34 min
  7. Episode 92 | How to Do a Quick Thought Audit (When Your Mind Starts Spiraling)

    Apr 18

    Episode 92 | How to Do a Quick Thought Audit (When Your Mind Starts Spiraling)

    Have you ever had a moment where everything feels off—but you can’t explain why? Your energy shifts, your confidence dips, and suddenly you’re questioning yourself for no clear reason. In this episode, Brandi Kelly unpacks what’s really happening in those moments: not external chaos, but internal thoughts running unchecked. Through a personal story and practical teaching, she introduces a simple but powerful 5-step Thought Audit to help you pause, notice, and shift the thoughts shaping your emotions and decisions. This is the quiet work of leadership most people never talk about—the ability to lead your thoughts before they lead you. Key Takeaways Your emotional shifts are often driven by unexamined thoughts, not external eventsThe brain naturally creates “stories” to make sense of situations—often leaning negative for protectionYou cannot change what you don’t noticeSelf-awareness is a leadership skill, not just a personal development ideaSmall mental shifts can create powerful changes in behavior, confidence, and clarityProgress begins with awareness, not perfection Chapters 00:00 Recognizing Subtle Shifts in Energy 03:50 The Five-Step Thought Audit for Self-Awareness 08:26 Embracing Leadership and Hope Resources Mentioned Spark Hope Community (for deeper leadership and mindset work)👉 Learn more about Spark Hope: ⁠⁠https://sparkhopeedu.com⁠⁠👉 Legacy Partner - Conversari Press: https://www.conversaripress.com/ SEO Keywords thought audit, self awareness, leadership mindset, emotional regulation, overthinking, mindset shift, personal development podcast, women in leadership, burnout recovery, cognitive reframing, mental clarity, leadership coaching, stress management, inner leadership, Spark Hope, Brandi Kelly podcast

    9 min
4.3
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Lead With HOPE Podcast is a leadership podcast hosted by Dr. Brandi Kelly, designed to inspire leaders to live, lead, and serve with purpose. Rooted in faith, real stories, and hope, each episode features meaningful conversations, practical insights, and testimonies of resilience that remind you God is still at work; even in hard seasons. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or navigating a season of growth or uncertainty, this podcast will refuel your faith, strengthen your leadership, and reignite hope so you can lead with clarity, courage, and impact. Faith. Stories. HOPE.

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