Lead with HOPE

Dr. Brandi Kelly
  • 4.1 (9)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Lead With HOPE Podcast is a faith-forward 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. 6D AGO

    Episode 91| The Power of Touching Dreams with Andrea Bitner

    In this inspiring episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast, we sit down with educator, author, and speaker Andrea Bittner to explore how hope-driven leadership transforms classrooms and lives. With over 20 years of experience supporting English learners (ELs), Andrea shares powerful stories, practical strategies, and mindset shifts that help educators foster inclusive, high-expectation learning environments. From debunking myths about English learners to creating “touch the dream” opportunities for students, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for teachers, school leaders, and anyone passionate about education, equity, and student success. Andrea also discusses her books Take Me Home and When Niagara Falls, highlighting themes of resilience, cultural understanding, and the importance of asking for help. If you're looking to reignite your purpose in education or lead with greater impact, this episode will leave you motivated and equipped. Key Topics Covered Supporting and empowering English learners (ELs)Building inclusive and culturally responsive classroomsThe “Touch the Dream” strategy for student motivationLeadership mindset: We before MeBreaking out of the “educator bubble” for growthThe power of alumni connections and real-world exposureTeacher resilience, gratitude, and impactAndrea Bitner’s books and storytelling approach in educationKey Takeaways Hope is a leadership strategy: Students thrive when educators create clear pathways and belief systems for success.Representation matters: “If they can see it, they can be it” isn’t a slogan—it’s a classroom practice.Connection fuels learning: Linking student interests to real-world opportunities increases engagement and motivation.Collaboration is essential: Great educators grow by learning from others beyond their immediate environment.Gratitude transforms culture: Recognizing teachers and mentors strengthens morale and purpose.Resilience requires support: Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness—for both students and educators.Resources & Links Andrea's Website: https://www.andreabitnerbooks.com/ Click Here to Read more about Take Me Home and Click Here to Learn More about my second book When Niagara Falls. Click Here for Andrea's free weekly newsletter sign up. She sends to more than 2,500 educators to support their work with English Learners.   Lead withHOPE Legacy Sponser: Conversari: https://www.conversaripress.com/Spark HOPE Edu Website: https:sparkhopeedu.com Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Lead with Hope00:47 – Andrea Bittner’s Journey into Education02:50 – Teaching Struggling Readers & Finding Purpose05:09 – “Touch the Dream”: Motivating Students08:17 – Lessons in Leadership: We Before Me10:19 – Burst Your Bubble: Growing as an Educator13:17 – Finding Joy in Life and Teaching15:24 – About Take Me Home15:33 – Inside When Niagara Falls18:33 – Gratitude for Teachers & Impact Stories22:52 – What Gives Andrea Hope Today25:32 – Where to Connect & Final Thoughts Keywords (SEO) education leadership, English learners, EL students, teaching strategies, culturally responsive teaching, student motivation, teacher inspiration, Andrea Bittner, Lead with Hope podcast, literacy education, inclusive classrooms, teacher mindset, educational leadership podcast, resilience in education, inspiring educators, school leadership development

    26 min

  2. APR 4

    Episode 90 | Reset and Reclaim Your Power: A Guide to Overcoming Overwhelm | Lead with HOPE Podcast

    Episode Summary Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained? In this solo episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast, Brandi Kelly shares practical tools to help you manage stress, regulate emotions, set healthy boundaries, and reconnect with purpose. Through the framework of Acknowledge, Reflect, and Reset, this episode offers hope-filled strategies for building resilience, protecting your well-being, and leading with clarity. Key Topics Managing overwhelm and emotional exhaustionThe power of acknowledging your emotionsThe neuroscience of naming what you feelReflection as a leadership and self-awareness toolSetting healthy boundaries to protect your well-beingReconnecting with your purpose and valuesSmall resets and micro-rests for emotional regulationBuilding resilience through hope, self-care, and connection Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leading with Hope01:21 The Power of Acknowledgment04:25 Reflecting on Stress and Needs06:36 The Importance of Resetting Links & Resources Connect with Brandi Kelly and explore more tools for hope-fueled leadership, resilience, and personal growth: Follow the Lead with HOPE PodcastShare this episode with a leader, educator, or friend who needs a resetSubscribe for more conversations on leadership, mindset, resilience, emotional wellness, and hopeResources/Links: Visit your sparkhopeedu.comLearn more about Conversari PressDo you need a HOPE-Fueled Leadership Kickstart? Learn more here! SEO Keywords leadership podcast, overwhelm, burnout recovery, stress management, emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness, mental health for leaders, leadership development, self-care, healthy boundaries, purpose-driven leadership, hope, emotional wellness, reflection, mindset, educator burnout, leadership mindset, personal growth, Brandi Kelly, Lead with HOPE Podcast

    12 min

  3. MAR 28

    Episode 89 | Leadership & Identity: Anchored with Purpose

    Summary In this episode of the Lead with Hope podcast, host Dr. Brandi Kelly is joined by Melissa Wilkinson, the founder of Anchored with Purpose. Melissa shares her powerful transition from leading a $28 million retail organization with over 200 employees to becoming a faith-based entrepreneur and podcaster. Together, they explore the profound questions leaders face during seasons of change: Who am I beyond my title? Understanding identity when careers and roles shift. What happens when God calls us to pivot? Navigating the move from corporate leadership to motherhood and entrepreneurship. How do we stay grounded in hope? Learning to trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance when life feels uncertain. Melissa opens up about overcoming anxiety and spiritual adversity, sharing how she now helps women clarify their purpose and pursue their God-given dreams with confidence. Listeners will gain practical strategies for building a daily faith practice and cultivating optimism by rooting their thoughts in scripture. Key Topics Faith-Based Leadership: Redefining success and leadership through a Christ-centered lens. Identity Shifts: Finding your true self when moving between corporate roles, motherhood, and business. Overcoming Adversity: Using prayer and the Holy Spirit to navigate anxiety and spiritual attacks. Dreaming Big: How to host "Dream Workshops" and give yourself permission to pursue your calling. Daily Faith Practice: Practical steps to start habit-stacking prayer and scripture reading. Habit Audits: Identifying what to start, stop, or continue to lead with optimism. Action Steps for Listeners Start Small: Dedicate 5 minutes a day to reading a devotional or scripture. Conduct a Habit Audit: Reflect on which habits are fueling your purpose and which are causing noise. Embrace Your Dreams: Write down your dreams, trusting that if the vision comes to you, it is for you. Seek Community: Surround yourself with a circle of support to pray with and encourage you. Episodes 00:00 — Introduction to Melissa Wilkinson and Anchored with Purpose 04:35 — Transitioning from Corporate Retail to Motherhood 05:53 — The Struggle of Identity and Finding a New Calling 09:38 — Navigating Adversity and Spiritual Attacks 14:31 — God’s Better Vision: The Story of the Dream House 19:42 — Helping Women Dream Big Through Workshops 24:29 — Cultivating Optimism and Taking Thoughts Captive 30:57 — Why Do Bad Things Happen? Trusting God’s Will 32:19 — Resources and Connecting with Melissa Resources & Links YouVersion Bible App: Bible.com Bible Plan: "From Lent to Lifestyle" by Melissa Wilkinson Anchored with Purpose Podcast: Listen Here Melissa Wilkinson Website: anchoredwithpurpose.com Spark HOPE Edu: https://sparkhopeedu.com Legacy Partner: Craig Williams at Conversari - https://www.conversaripress.com/ Keywords: Faith Leadership, Christian Leadership, Identity in Christ, Women of Faith, Overcoming Anxiety, Purpose-Driven Life, Spiritual Growth, Hope-Fueled Leadership, Daily Faith Practice, Faith-Based Entrepreneurship.

    37 min

  4. MAR 21

    Episode 88 | Consistency, Not Perfection: The Resilient Leader's Rule for Never Missing Twice

    In this powerful episode of Lead with H.O.P.E., Brandi Kelly dives into one of the biggest barriers in leadership—perfectionism—and reframes it through the lens of resilience, faith, and forward momentum. Grounded in the message of Philippians 3:12–14, this conversation challenges leaders to release the pressure of perfection and instead pursue consistent progress. Brandi shares real-world leadership insights and practical strategies to help you stay anchored in hope, navigate setbacks with confidence, and continue moving forward—even when the path feels unclear. If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or like you're falling short, this episode will remind you: growth isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about pressing on with purpose. Resource Links ⁠Schedule your Free HOPE Leadership Clarity Assessment⁠ Conversari Press - Legacy Sponsor of the Lead with HOPE Podcast - ⁠https://www.conversaripress.com/⁠Website: ⁠⁠https://sparkhopeedu.com⁠Book: ⁠⁠Lead with H.O.P.E.: Building a System of Self-Efficacy⁠⁠ Chapters 00:00 – Navigating Setbacks as a Leader04:18 – The Pursuit of Progress Over Perfection06:37 – Building Resilience and Hope in Leadership06:39 – Pressing On with Purpose Key Takeaways Progress—not perfection—is the true measure of effective leadership Resilience is built in the decision to keep going, not in avoiding failure Setbacks are not the end—they are part of the growth process Every small step reinforces your identity as a leader Clarity, intention, and belief fuel sustainable momentum Hope is not passive—it’s a disciplined, daily practice Keywords leadership development, resilient leadership, progress over perfection, leadership mindset, personal growth, self-efficacy, hope in leadership, overcoming setbacks, leadership motivation, growth mindset, faith-based leadership, Philippians 3:12-14, leadership habits, perseverance, intentional leadership

    7 min

  5. MAR 14

    Episode 87 | Grounded Leadership: Kristen Weikle on Courage, Culture, and Hope

    Episode Summary In this episode of Lead with Hope, Dr. Kristen Weikle shares insights from her 30-year career in education, including her experiences as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. She reflects on the importance of staying grounded as a leader, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and maintaining a positive mindset in challenging environments. Dr. Weikle also discusses the unique challenges female leaders can face in education, including navigating double standards and expectations. Throughout the conversation, she offers practical strategies for fostering well-being within organizations, leading with honesty and clarity, and creating cultures where people feel supported and empowered. Key Takeaways This episode is a thoughtful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the power of hope in education. Surround yourself with supportive people who keep you grounded. Self-awareness and reflection are essential for effective leadership. Address biases and double standards to promote equity in leadership. Honest, direct conversations strengthen teams and build trust. Hope in education grows through community support and intentional leadership. Episode Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Dr. Kristen Weikle’s Background 01:48 — Kristen’s Career Path and Leadership Roles 02:31 — Staying Grounded During Leadership Challenges 03:59 — The Power of Encouragement and Support Systems 04:54 — Personal Joys and Family Life 06:34 — Lessons from Different Roles in Education 08:22 — The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership 09:05 — Barriers for Women in Leadership 11:34 — Fostering Well-Being and Organizational Culture 14:18 — Having Honest and Direct Conversations 18:10 — Leadership in Action and Stories of Hope 21:03 — Support Systems and Moving Forward 23:49 — Community Support and Giving Back 24:37 — How to Connect with Dr. Kristen Weikle 25:20 — Embracing Leadership and Hope Keywords education leadership, female leaders, well-being in schools, honest communication, school administration, leadership lessons, superintendent leadership, hope in education, leadership mindset Links & Resources Learn more about the Conversari framework:https://www.conversaripress.com/ Explore leadership resources at Spark Hope Education:https://sparkhopeedu.com

    27 min

  6. MAR 7

    Episode 86 | Spreading Sunshine with Kindness

    What can a children’s book teach us about leadership, culture, and hope? In this episode, host Dr. Brandi Kelly shares the inspiration behind her new children’s book Spreading Sunshine with Kindness and explores the powerful leadership truths hidden in its message. Through the story of two boys learning kindness from their grandparents, Brandi unpacks three essential leadership principles that apply to classrooms, homes, organizations, and communities. In this episode, you’ll discover why kindness is a powerful leadership strategy, how small repeated actions transform culture, and why consistent acts of encouragement and service build connection, trust, and resilience. Brandi also shares a deeply personal story about the loss of her brother Brandon, and how the small acts of kindness from their community became a lifeline during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. If you are a leader, educator, parent, or someone who wants to build a culture of hope, this episode will challenge you to take one small action this week to spread some sunshine. Episode Chapters 00:00 – IntroductionBrandi introduces the leadership message behind her new children’s book Spreading Sunshine with Kindness. 00:07 – Leadership Truth #1: Kindness Is ModeledWhy culture is shaped by what leaders do, not just what they say. 01:02 – Leadership Truth #2: Kindness Is ConsistentHow small repeated acts of kindness transform culture and relationships. 01:33 – Leadership Truth #3: Kindness Is EnergizingWhy kindness strengthens connection and protects leaders from burnout. 01:55 – A Personal Story of KindnessBrandi shares the story of her brother Brandon and the small acts of kindness that carried her family through grief. 02:18 – The Power of Small ActsWhy we don’t need big opportunities to make a difference. 03:35 – The Sunshine Stack ChallengeBrandi challenges listeners to practice one intentional act of kindness this week. 04:24 – Building a Culture of HopeHow tiny repeated actions create meaningful change in homes, schools, and organizations. 05:15 – Call to ActionShare your Sunshine Stack and spread kindness in your community. 05:45 – Preview of Next Week’s EpisodeA conversation with superintendent Kristen Weikle on leadership, reflection, and resilience. 06:20 – Closing EncouragementLead with hope, embrace your purpose, and shine your light. Links 🌐 Spark HOPE EduSpark HOPE Eduhttps://sparkhopeedu.com 📚 Legacy Partner of the Lead with HOPE PodcastConversarihttps://conversari.com SEO Keywords leadership podcast, kindness leadership, leadership habits, leadership mindset, acts of kindness leadership, hope leadership, educational leadership podcast, school leadership strategies, women leadership podcast, positive leadership habits, culture building leadership, social emotional leadership, leadership inspiration, Brandi Kelly podcast, lead with hope podcast, spreading sunshine with kindness book, kindness in leadership

    8 min

  7. FEB 28

    Episod 85 | Building Trust in Leadership: A Conversation with Toby Travis

    In this episode of Lead with Hope, Dr. Brandi Kelly sits down with educational leader Toby Travis to explore one essential truth: trust is the foundation of effective leadership in education. If you care about trust, leadership, education, communication, empowerment, sustainability, change management, school improvement, and community impact, this conversation delivers both inspiration and practical strategy. When leaders provide clarity of voice and direction, culture stabilizes. When values align with action, teachers feel empowered. When communication is consistent and transparent, schools thrive. As Toby shares: “Clarity of voice is essential for leaders.” “Building trust starts at the top.” “Setting clear goals is vital for success.” Trust is built in everyday interactions not grand gestures. It grows when leadership decisions reflect core values and when communication is frequent, focused, and authentic. ✔ Clarity fuels confidence. Clear mission and vision prevent drift and build stability.✔ Core values must match behavior. Culture erodes when values are performative.✔ Empowering teachers strengthens engagement. Reducing busy work and trusting educator expertise improves outcomes.✔ Sustainability requires leadership development. Schools need future leaders, not heroic burnout cycles.✔ Change management takes time and community. Sustainable school improvement requires data, SMART goals, and stakeholder investment.✔ The future of education is student-centered. Schools are shifting toward personalized, community-driven approaches. High administrative turnover continues to challenge districts nationwide. Sustainable leadership depends on clarity, trust, and systems that support long-term growth. Toby Travis is an educational leader and author dedicated to helping schools build trust-based cultures that drive lasting improvement. Our Legacy Partner, Conversary, supports leaders in strengthening communication and culture within their organizations.Connect with Conversary here: 👉 https://www.conversaripress.com/ Dr. Brandi Kelly is founder of Spark HOPE Edu, leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and author of Lead with H.O.P.E. Through coaching and professional development, she equips school leaders to lead with: Habits Optimistic Outlook Purpose Excellence Learn more or connect at:👉 https://sparkhopeedu.com 🎙️ Listen, subscribe, and share with a school leader committed to building trust, empowering educators, and creating sustainable change in education.

    50 min

  8. FEB 21

    Episode 84 | How to Build Habits When You’re Overwhelmed: The Power of Micro-Actions

    In this episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast, Dr. Brandi Kelly tackles one of the most common leadership and personal development struggles: how to build habits when you’re overwhelmed. If you’ve ever tried to start a new routine, improve your mindfulness, strengthen resilience, or follow through on goals — only to feel stuck — this episode is for you. Rooted in behavioral science and inspired by principles from Atomic Habits, Brandi introduces the power of micro actions — tiny, consistent changes that create massive long-term impact. You don’t need more willpower.You just need a tiny anchor. Instead of chasing dramatic overhauls, you’ll learn how habit stacking makes new behaviors obvious and easy by anchoring them to routines you already do every day. Small change leads to momentum. Momentum builds resilience. Resilience sustains leadership. In this episode, you’ll discover how to: • Use micro actions to build sustainable habits• Apply habit stacking to strengthen goal setting• Practice 60-second mindfulness routines• Avoid burnout through consistency• Adopt the powerful mindset: never miss twice Micro actions are the secret weapon of resilient leaders. Shrink your goals. Anchor them. Stack them. Start today. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Overcoming Overwhelm01:42 – The Power of Micro Actions03:45 – Habit Stacking for Success05:56 – The Challenge of Micro Actions06:43 – EmpowerHER Mastermind Announcement08:24 – Core HOPE Habits for Clarity09:27 – Embracing Leadership and Hope Connect with our Legacy Partner We’re proud to partner with Conversari, helping leaders strengthen communication, trust, and culture. Learn more:👉 https://www.conversaripress.com/ Don’t miss our monthly Midday EmpowerHER Mastermind sessions for women leaders focused on empowerment, sustainable leadership, and intentional growth. Join the Spark HOPE Community here:👉 https://sparkhopeedu.com/drbrandikelly-4049 Find your tiny anchor.Stack your micro action.And lead with H.O.P.E.

    10 min
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4.1
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Lead With HOPE Podcast is a faith-forward 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Brandi Kelly
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Brandi Kelly
  • Show Website
    Lead with HOPE

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