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 intentional leadership strategies that shape school culture, strengthen resilience, and help educators thrive even during challenging seasons.

As you prepare for a new school year, remember:

The hope you build.
The joy you model.
The culture you create.

Those may be the most important leadership decisions you make all year.

🎁 Free Resource: H.O.P.E.-Fueled Culture System

Looking for practical strategies to strengthen your school culture this year? Download the complimentary H.O.P.E.-Fueled Culture System, filled with communication templates, leadership tools, first-day agenda ideas, and practical strategies to help you intentionally build a culture where people thrive.

Download here:
https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/vgzwyCOCT6P8SuSNruxR

🌐 Learn more about leadership coaching, professional development, keynote speaking, and additional free resources at:
https://sparkhopeedu.com

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another school leader? Together, we can create schools where hope grows, joy is contagious, and every leader has the confidence to make a lasting impact.

Remember...

Lead with H.O.P.E. because the world needs more leaders who inspire others to believe that tomorrow can be better than today.

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 organization; the organization's impact can only grow as high as the leader's own growth.
• Kaizen (Reflecting and Refining): Effective leadership requires a commitment to being a lifelong learner who constantly reflects on and improves their practice.
• Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: Many organizations focus too heavily on "lagging indicators" (outcomes) rather than the "leading indicators" (daily habits and processes) that actually drive success.
• Network Big, Circle Small: While branding and professional connections require a large network, personal growth and resilience depend on a small "inner circle" of trusted "grace-givers and truth-tellers".
• Service as Life's Fulfillment: True fulfillment is found when a leader commits their life to causes beyond themselves and focuses on elevating humanity through service.
• Value-First Relationships: Rather than approaching others with an "ask," transformational leaders should focus on what thing of value they can offer first.

Resources

• Books Mentioned:
  • Drive by Daniel Pink
  • The 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
  • Atomic Habits by James Clear
  • The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling
  • Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
  • Everyone Communicates, Few Connect by John C. Maxwell
• Podcasts and Concepts:
  • At the Table with Patrick Lencioni (Working Genius)
  • The John C. Maxwell Leadership Podcast
  • HQIM: High-Quality Instructional Materials
  • Kaizen: The Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement

Contact Information

• Guest: Vernon Wright
  • https://www.instagram.com/thewrightleader/

• Host: Dr. Brandi Kelly
  • Podcast: https://sparkhopeedu.com

• Sponsor
  • Conversari Press and Craig Williams: https://www.conversaripress.com/

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.

• Why past failure can create invisible limitations
• How beliefs—not ability—often determine action
• The connection between mindset and leadership growth
• How to begin rewriting your internal story using H.O.P.E.

If 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.

• Website: https://sparkhopeedu.com
• Featured 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.

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 personal story of faith, family, and rediscovering his purpose as a leader
• The significance of understanding your strengths and vulnerabilities through assessments like DISC
• The role of coaching, accountability, and cultivating a healthy circle of influence
• Practical habits for building confidence, clarity, and resilience daily
• The power of gratitude and mindset work in rewiring the brain for positivity
• Embracing change and growth in your circle and leadership journey
• How childhood dreams and hope fuels can reignite your purpose later in life
• Finding hope amidst global struggles and personal trials
• Steve’s impactful work with the You Are Worthy Network and his message to those feeling unworthy

Timestamps:

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 journey
• Coversari Press - Thanks to Craig Williams, a Legacy Partner of the Lead with HOPE Podcast
• Hope-Fueled Leadership Kickstart - Book your free discovery session to reignite your leadership purpose

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 inside
• Crafting a message of purpose requires healing from pain
• Effective speech delivery involves customizing content to the audience
• The younger generation's renewed interest in Christianity is a source of hope

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Lead with Hope Podcast
• 06:00 Crafting and Delivering Impactful Speeches
• 30:00 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[]=45388914
• Visit https://sparkhopeedu.com to learn more about Dr. Brandi Kelly and Hope-Fueled Leadership

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 Culture
• 09:40 Paradigm Shift in School Leadership
• 16:15 The Power of Making a Difference
• 22:09 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/

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 leadership
• The power of hope and resilience in adversity

Chapters

• 00:00 Embracing Clarity and Confidence
• 05:24 Finding Joy in the Journey
• 13:07 Cultivating Habits for Effective Leadership
• 20:40 Defining Success and Excellence
• 29:04 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/

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 Kindness
• 25:29 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/