Lead with HOPE

Dr. Brandi Kelly

Lead with H.O.P.E. is a leadership podcast hosted by Dr. Brandi Kelly that equips leaders to grow through challenge, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact. Rooted in faith and real-life stories, each episode explores resilience, leadership, and the power of hope in action; especially in seasons that feel uncertain or heavy. Through meaningful conversations and practical insight, you’ll be encouraged to strengthen your mindset, elevate your leadership, and remember that God is still at work; even in hard seasons. Whether you’re leading in education, business, or your personal life, this podcast will help you lead with clarity, courage, and hope.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 108 | The Elephant and the Rope: What’s Really Holding You Back?

    In this powerful episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. Podcast, Dr. Brandi Kelly explores a simple but transformational story about an elephant and a rope—and how it mirrors the invisible limits many leaders place on themselves. You’ll hear how past experiences can quietly shape present beliefs, and how those beliefs often become the “rope” that holds us back long after we’ve grown beyond them. This episode challenges listeners to examine the internal narratives that limit growth, leadership confidence, and personal potential. Through the lens of the H.O.P.E. System—Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence—you’ll be encouraged to reframe old stories, rebuild self-belief, and step into a more empowered way of leading and living. Key Takeaways:Why past failure can create invisible limitationsHow beliefs—not ability—often determine actionThe connection between mindset and leadership growthHow to begin rewriting your internal story using H.O.P.E.Take the Next Step: Leadership Clarity AssessmentIf this episode resonated with you, you may be carrying a “rope” that’s no longer serving your leadership growth. Schedule your complimentary Leadership Clarity Assessment to gain insight into your strengths, identify growth opportunities, and gain clarity on your next leadership steps. 👉 Schedule here: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/tdpdiscovery-e57cf8be-1fb0-470c-966d-f9ffb843015a Or visit: https://sparkhopeedu.com and click the Schedule button in the upper right-hand corner. Explore More & Connect:Website: https://sparkhopeedu.comFeatured Resource: Conversari Press — https://www.conversaripress.com/ Keep building your System of H.O.P.E. and remember: the rope only holds you if you believe it still can.

    8 min

  2. Jun 20

    Episode 107 | Reclaim Your Worth with Steve Wormer

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the weight of leadership and life's challenges? In this episode of Lead with HOPE, we explore how hope, faith, and intentional habits can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and purpose. Join us as Steve Warmer shares his journey from self-doubt to confident leadership, emphasizing the importance of community, mindset, and unwavering hope. In this episode:How hope serves as a core leadership strategy, especially during tough seasonsSteve’s personal story of faith, family, and rediscovering his purpose as a leaderThe significance of understanding your strengths and vulnerabilities through assessments like DISCThe role of coaching, accountability, and cultivating a healthy circle of influencePractical habits for building confidence, clarity, and resilience dailyThe power of gratitude and mindset work in rewiring the brain for positivityEmbracing change and growth in your circle and leadership journeyHow childhood dreams and hope fuels can reignite your purpose later in lifeFinding hope amidst global struggles and personal trialsSteve’s impactful work with the You Are Worthy Network and his message to those feeling unworthyTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Moving from pain to purpose in leadership 00:29 - Steve’s faith journey and family background 01:06 - The importance of understanding ourselves through DISC assessments 02:55 - Embracing strengths and growth as a leader 04:24 - The power of resilience and patience in leadership 07:55 - The role of coaching in refining character and leadership skills 10:12 - Building a healthy circle of influence for success 13:37 - Navigating change in relationships and maintaining surrender in growth 15:04 - Daily habits for confidence, clarity, and communication 16:44 - The impact of mindset work and self-love exercises 19:08 - How focus and gratitude reshape our brains 21:03 - Walking with hope through life’s seasons and global challenges 27:22 - Steve’s vision for future dreams and growth 30:31 - Connecting with Steve Warmer and the You Are Worthy Network 34:02 - The story of overcoming unworthiness and embracing purpose 35:04 - Encouragement for those feeling unworthy today 37:08 - Closing thoughts: Hope as the foundation for leadership Resources & Links:Steve Wormer- Connect and learn more about his journeyCoversari Press - Thanks to Craig Williams, a Legacy Partner of the Lead with HOPE PodcastHope-Fueled Leadership Kickstart - Book your free discovery session to reignite your leadership purpose

    35 min

  3. Jun 19

    Episode 106 | The Secret to Speaking So People Actually Listen with David Swihart

    What if the reason your message isn't landing has nothing to do with your speaking skills and everything to do with your healing? In this powerful episode of Lead with H.O.P.E., Dr. Brandi Kelly sits down with pastor, speaker, and speech coach David Swihart to uncover what separates forgettable presentations from messages that truly transform lives. David shares the surprising truth about storytelling, why unresolved pain can undermine your impact, and how leaders can turn their experiences into messages that inspire action, connection, and purpose. Whether you're speaking from a stage, leading a team meeting, teaching in a classroom, or simply trying to influence others more effectively, this conversation will change the way you think about communication. Takeaways Leadership starts with what one carries on the insideCrafting a message of purpose requires healing from painEffective speech delivery involves customizing content to the audienceThe younger generation's renewed interest in Christianity is a source of hope Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lead with Hope Podcast06:00 Crafting and Delivering Impactful Speeches30:00 Renewed Interest in Christianity Resources and Links Coversari Press: https://www.conversaripress.com/Book a Call with David Swihart: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/8c320544/appointment/45388914/calendar/3483949?appointmentTypeIds[]=45388914Visit https://sparkhopeedu.com to learn more about Dr. Brandi Kelly and Hope-Fueled Leadership

    30 min

  4. Jun 18

    Episode 105 | Positive School Culture & Hope in Education with Danny Steele

    Danny Steele, a 31-year education veteran, shares insights on building a positive school culture, finding purpose in education, and the paradigm shift in school leadership. He discusses the power of redefining light bulb moments, making a difference, collaborating with Todd Whitaker, and finding hope in education. Takeaways Positive school culture is built through purposeful leadership.Redefining light bulb moments and making a difference are key to staying inspired in education. Chapters 00:00 Building a Positive School Culture09:40 Paradigm Shift in School Leadership16:15 The Power of Making a Difference22:09 Finding Hope in Education Resources and Links Visit Conversari Press - https://www.conversaripress.com/ Visit Spark HOPE Edu - https://sparkhopeedu.com/hopefueledpd26 Danny Steele - https://www.steelethoughts.com/

    24 min

  5. Jun 17

    Episode 104 | You Only Get One Ticket: Living and Leading with Intentional Joy

    The conversation with Cyndy Walsh Rintzler, VP of Programs and Services at Inroads to Opportunities, explores the themes of embracing clarity and confidence, the power of hope in leadership, resilience and joy in adversity, finding joy in the journey, the impact of consistent empowerment, shifting mindset and paradigm, the role of mindset in leadership, cultivating habits for effective leadership, fostering encouragement and belief, defining success and excellence, recognizing unique gifts and talents, and finding hope in the helpers. Takeaways Embracing clarity and confidence in leadershipThe power of hope and resilience in adversity Chapters 00:00 Embracing Clarity and Confidence05:24 Finding Joy in the Journey13:07 Cultivating Habits for Effective Leadership20:40 Defining Success and Excellence29:04 Recognizing Unique Gifts and Talents Resources and Links Conversari (Legacy Partner): https://www.conversaripress.com/ Inroads to Opportunities: http://www.inroadsto.org/ 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @sparkhopeedu posts a new video on youtube! Website - sparkhopeedu.com Email -bkelly@sparkhopeedu.com Instagram: @hopefueled_leaders LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandi-kelly-ed-d-lcsw/

    39 min

  6. Jun 16

    Episode 103 | Meant for More with Karen Olsen

    The conversation with Karen Olson, founder and CEO of Family Promise, delves into the power of turning pain into purpose, the importance of persistence, overcoming adversity, finding purpose and passion, building community and kindness, hope in humanity, and concludes with a call to action. Takeaways Turning pain into purposeThe power of persistence Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Family Promise06:06 The Power of Persistence13:59 Finding Purpose and Passion19:15 Building Community and Kindness25:29 Hope in Humanity Links and Resources: Coversari (Legacy Partner: https://www.conversaripress.com/ Karen Olsen: https://www.karenolsonauthor.com/ Family Promise: https://familypromise.org/ Reach out to Brandi Kelly, Ed.D, LCSW at https://sparkhopeedu.com/

    26 min

  7. Jun 15 ·  Bonus

    Episode 102 | Surviving a Secret Life with Mandi Pratt

    The conversation explores the journey of pain and purpose, highlighting the power of hope and leadership. It delves into facing unimaginable circumstances, finding purpose, taking micro steps, and leading at home and in business. The importance of self-care, reflection, and choosing how to respond to pain is emphasized, along with the message of finding hope and purpose in life. Takeaways Pain into PurposeHope and Leadership Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude05:12 Finding Purpose and Hope13:38 Leading at Home and in Business22:47 Talking to Yourself and Reflecting31:25 Reflecting on the Journey Links and Resources: Our Legacy Partner - Conversari: https://www.conversaripress.com/ Learn more about Mandi Pratt: https://womenawareandprepared.com/ Learn more about Brandi Kelly @ Spark HOPE Edu: https://sparkhopeedu.com/

    34 min

  8. Jun 14 ·  Bonus

    Episode 101 | Creating Breathing Room with Rachel D. Baker

    The conversation with Rachel Baker explores the themes of hope, resilience, and the power of connection. Rachel shares her journey, emphasizing the importance of daily best, acts of kindness, and the cultivation of hope and optimism. The discussion delves into the significance of self-awareness, prioritizing, and finding fulfillment in education. It also highlights the role of community, faith, and the impact of daily acts of kindness in fostering hope and resilience. Takeaways Connection and community are essential for cultivating hope and optimism.Daily best is enough, and it's important to hold onto hope and faith.Acts of kindness and love can bring hope to others and ourselves. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude05:01 Creating Breathing Room in Life10:09 Self-Care and Self-Worth15:16 Hope in Daily Acts of Kindness21:15 Choosing Hope and Optimism26:16 Connection and Kindness in the World32:20 Acts of Kindness and Love38:30 Choosing Hope and Optimism44:39 Hope in Daily Best and Faith Links & Resources Conversari Press (Legacy Partner): https://www.conversaripress.com/ Rachel D. Baker: https://racheldbaker.com/ Visit https://sparkhopeedu.com and schedule a Leadership Clarity Assessment by clicking on the button in the upper right hand corner!

    41 min
See All (108)

4.3
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Lead with H.O.P.E. is a leadership podcast hosted by Dr. Brandi Kelly that equips leaders to grow through challenge, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact. Rooted in faith and real-life stories, each episode explores resilience, leadership, and the power of hope in action; especially in seasons that feel uncertain or heavy. Through meaningful conversations and practical insight, you’ll be encouraged to strengthen your mindset, elevate your leadership, and remember that God is still at work; even in hard seasons. Whether you’re leading in education, business, or your personal life, this podcast will help you lead with clarity, courage, and hope.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Brandi Kelly
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Brandi Kelly
  • Show Website
    Lead with HOPE

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