Episodes

Glenn Robbins, an award-winning superintendent and best-selling author, shares insights on finding calm in chaos, turning rejection into redirection, and applying ancient stoic wisdom in modern school leadership. He emphasizes the importance of family, mentors, and timeless principles in leadership. His books, 'Calm in the Chaos,' 'I Won't Back Down,' and 'Unclench Your Fist,' offer valuable lessons from historical leaders and personal experiences. Glenn finds hope in education through the dedic...

Summary In this episode, leadership coach Dr. Brandi Kelly talks with Will McLean, a principal navigating change and overthinking in leadership. They explore how to shed armor, trust oneself, and lead with authenticity amid challenges. Keywords: leadership, coaching, overthinking, trust, change, education, self-awareness, leadership growth Key Topics The impact of armor and overthinking on leadership The importance of self-awareness and trust Cost of inaction and hesitation in leadership ...

Rob Martinez, the resilience guy, shares his 38-year career journey from school psychologist to superintendent, emphasizing the importance of caring for people and building relationships. He highlights the value of resilience, hope, and positive leadership in the face of adversity. Takeaways Resilience Caring for People Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins 02:11 Transition to Administration 05:22 Leadership in Challenging Times 18:05 Aligning Vision and Values 24:38 Sustaining Clarity and ...

In this episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast, Brandy Kelly shares the story of her brother Brandon, highlighting the importance of connection and community in overcoming life's challenges. She emphasizes that true strength lies in recognizing our need for others and encourages listeners to reach out and support one another. Takeaways Connection is essential in leadership Strength includes asking for help Chapters 00:00 Brandon's Story: A Journey of Hope 03:20 The Importance of Connection ...

Dr. Rebel Heasley shares her journey from nursing to leadership, overcoming adversity, and the power of intentional growth. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, resilience, and self-awareness in leadership and life. Takeaways Resilience and intentional growth are key to overcoming adversity. Self-awareness and mindset shifts are essential for personal and professional growth. Chapters 00:00 Journey from Nursing to Leadership 03:01 Overcoming Adversity 10:07 The Power of Intentional G...

The conversation explores the concept of hope and leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-care, reflection, and connection. It delves into personal stories, challenges, and the five R's of the Hope Reset, offering a practical tool for leaders to navigate difficult times. The hosts also introduce the Hope Collective, a coaching and networking opportunity for leaders. Takeaways Hope is essential for leadership Self-care and reflection are crucial for effective leadership The five R's of...

Matt Thoman shares his powerful journey of overcoming adversity and building mental toughness. He emphasizes the importance of intentional practice and positivity in achieving mental health and success. The conversation delves into the impact of mental health in athletics, education, and leadership, highlighting the need for intentional habits and a positive mindset. Takeaways Mental toughness is built through intentional practice Positivity is a mindset that can be developed over time Small...

This episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast is about embracing your story, the shaping power of experiences, and the renewed commitment to self-care and well-being. It emphasizes the connection between health and purpose, and the importance of prioritizing self-care as a leader. Takeaways Embracing personal stories shapes leadership and life. Prioritizing self-care is essential for leading with hope and purpose. Chapters 00:00 Embracing Your Story and Leading with Hope 01:43 The Shaping Pow...

The conversation explores the evolution of leadership, the journey in education, leadership lessons from adversity, vulnerability, compassionate leadership, mindset work, writing and sharing personal stories, daily habits for personal growth, the importance of mentorship and coaching, transitioning beyond the principal role, and hope in the future of education. Takeaways Evolution of leadership through personal growth and experience Importance of vulnerability and compassionate leadership Ch...

Dr. Brandi Kelly shares her personal reflections on her birthday and the goals she has set for the next year of her life. She emphasizes the importance of intentional living, health, focus, and presence in her journey of becoming the person she is called to be. Takeaways Intentional living leads to purposeful growth Health, focus, and presence are key elements of personal development Chapters 00:00 Reflections on Birthdays and Intentional Living 02:46 Setting Health Goals and Embracing Cha...

In this episode, Dr. Brandi Kelly interviews Dr. Kyle Thompson, the superintendent of the Regional Office of Education #11. They discuss leadership, self-care, professional background, the transition to phone-free schools, the impact of cell phones on students, educating the public on screen time, and parenting in the digital age. The conversation covers themes of adversity, faith, habits, family-first culture, and the power of hope. Kyle shares personal experiences of facing adversity and how i...

The episode explores the experience of feeling stuck and overwhelmed, providing practical leadership tools and emphasizing the importance of building hope. It introduces a five-step reset for navigating uncertainty and discusses the connection between leadership and hope, concluding with an invitation to join the Hope Collective for leadership development and support. Takeaways Practical leadership tools Building hope Chapters 00:00 Feeling Stuck and Overwhelmed 01:40 Navigating Seasons of...

The conversation with Todd Bloomer covers the importance of self-reflection, the impact of adversity on leadership, and the hope found in the next generation of young people. Todd shares insights on prioritizing self-care, creating healthy margins in life, and the power of scheduling priorities in the calendar. His journey from New York to San Antonio and the lessons learned from navigating adversity provide valuable takeaways for leaders and educators. The conversation emphasizes the need for p...

Dr. Brandi Kelly shares a powerful analogy of building a home to illustrate the importance of creating a blueprint for leadership. She emphasizes the need to dream, design, and build intentionally in order to become the leader one aspires to be. Takeaways Dream, design, and build intentionally Leadership requires intentional planning and action Resources: Visit sparkhopeedu.com and book a Leadership Clarity Call with Dr. Brandi Kelly The Leadership Well Being Blueprint - Complimentary Reso...

In this episode, Phil Januszewski shares his journey from a physics teacher to a motivational speaker focused on helping educators and givers thrive without burnout. Discover practical strategies for building resilience, finding joy, and creating sustainable leadership in challenging times. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Phil Januszewski 01:14 Phil's Journey from Teaching to Speaking 02:17 Strategies for Avoiding Burnout 05:04 Adversity and Resilience in Education 06:55 Building Sustainabl...

Episode Summary As school leaders prepare to welcome students and staff back this fall, it's easy to focus on schedules, staffing, professional learning, and school improvement plans. While those responsibilities are important, this episode offers a different perspective: What if the most important thing you bring into your building this year is the hope you cultivate and the joy you model? In this episode, Dr. Brandi Kelly explores why hope and joy are not simply emotions... they are intenti...

Summary This episode of the Lead with Hope podcast features veteran leader, mentor, and speaker Vernon Wright. Dr. Brandi Kelly and Wright discuss the fundamental role of self-awareness and intentional connection in human-centered leadership. Wright shares insights from his journey, emphasizing that leadership is a lifelong process of "reflecting and refining" to elevate humanity. Key Takeaways The Law of the Lid: A leader's own level of efficacy and learning acts as a "lid" for their organizat...

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 confid...

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 seasons Steve’s person...

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 in...

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 ...

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 t...

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 purpose The power of persistence Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Family Promise 06:06 The Power of Persistence 13:59 Finding Purpose and Passion 19:15 Building Community and...

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 Purpose Hope and Leadership Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude 05:12 Finding Purpose ...