Episode 101 | Creating Breathing Room with Rachel D. Baker

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 Purpose * Hope and Leadership Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude * 05:12 Finding Purpose and Hope * 13:38 Leading at Home and in Business * 22:47 Talking to Yourself and Reflecting * 31:25 Reflecting on the Journey Links and Resources: Our Legacy Partner - Conversari: https://www.conversaripress.com/ [https://www.conversaripress.com/] Learn more about Mandi Pratt: https://womenawareandprepared.com/ [https://womenawareandprepared.com/] Learn more about Brandi Kelly @ Spark HOPE Edu: https://sparkhopeedu.com/ [https://sparkhopeedu.com/]

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 Gratitude * 05:01 Creating Breathing Room in Life * 10:09 Self-Care and Self-Worth * 15:16 Hope in Daily Acts of Kindness * 21:15 Choosing Hope and Optimism * 26:16 Connection and Kindness in the World * 32:20 Acts of Kindness and Love * 38:30 Choosing Hope and Optimism * 44:39 Hope in Daily Best and Faith Links & Resources Conversari Press (Legacy Partner): https://www.conversaripress.com/ [https://www.conversaripress.com/] Rachel D. Baker: https://racheldbaker.com/ [https://racheldbaker.com/] Visit https://sparkhopeedu.com [https://sparkhopeedu.com] and schedule a Leadership Clarity Assessment by clicking on the button in the upper right hand corner!

Episode 100 | Holding H.O.P.E.: 100 Episodes, 100 Conversations, Countless Lives Impacted

What started as a podcast became a movement. In this special 100th episode of Lead with H.O.P.E., Dr. Brandi Kelly reflects on the lessons, stories, and conversations that have shaped the journey. From the power of human connection to the responsibility of holding hope for others, this milestone episode is a reminder that leadership is less about programs and more about people. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Hope isn't a feeling—it's a practice. * People matter more than programs. * Great leaders hold hope for others until they can hold it for themselves. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Celebrating 100 Episodes 06:21 – The Most Important Leadership Lesson: Holding Hope for Others Resources and Links Conversari (Legacy Partner): https://www.conversaripress.com/ [https://www.conversaripress.com/] Start Your Year Strong Resource Guide: https://www.startyouryearstrong.com/guide [https://www.startyouryearstrong.com/guide] Visit Spark HOPE Edu to learn about Dr. Brandi Kelly's work: https://sparkhopeedu.com/hopefueledpd26 [https://sparkhopeedu.com/hopefueledpd26]

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 leadership * How Joy Jam was born out of strategic promises focused on joy, connection, growth, and success * Practical ways to embed moments of joy into daily school experiences * The 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 [https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ya6we5c/lp/7801bf91-76ed-49a4-a9c4-fac5f41a6293?fbclid=IwY2xjawRJ6BhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2T29IU1FnS04yeW5SbFh0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHucYcYr9hoy_xkbHhabMJBaRpPn-iABxI-8YWoeec9Jm-doaK9IZT-WP0Omm_aem_FMg5Xj-LHM6t3WdHxjsEBA] – Information on upcoming Joy Jam conference * Lead with H.O.P.E. - Book by Dr. Brandi Kelly [https://www.amazon.com/Lead-H-P-Building-Self-Efficacy/dp/B0F6K2665V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FJ8UM8WPGL6Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DDXMx6hk9M7J8kEmhh60IcK1oRZIzgm6f9xx2Zme4LQ.JtWbtnS0UU7HylXxWANWqWAjxh5FSRCk05Fz83gK5ts&dib_tag=se&keywords=lead+with+hope+brandi+kelly&qid=1752076320&sprefix=lead+with+hope%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1]– Gain insight into hope-fueled leadership practices * Legacy Partner: Conversari Press [https://www.conversaripress.com/] – Guided dialogue that listens deeply, probes thoughtfully, and reveals what truly matters

Episode 98 | Real Leadership Starts with Healing, Hope, and Purpose

Dr. Brandi Kelly shares her journey of self-discovery and the importance of hope in leadership. She emphasizes the role of self-awareness, belief, and purpose in effective leadership, and introduces a system of hope to sustain leadership excellence. Takeaways * Leadership starts with self-awareness * Hope is essential for leadership Chapters * 00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery * 05:18 Leadership and Belief Resources and Links * Legacy Partner - Conversari Press: https://www.conversaripress.com/ [https://www.conversaripress.com/] * Spark HOPE Edu Coaching Packages: https://sparkhopeedu.com/coachingpackages [https://sparkhopeedu.com/coachingpackages]