381. Leading With Hope When the Pressure Is Heavy: Featuring Dr. Brandi Kelly

What does it look like to lead with hope when life, leadership, and responsibility feel overwhelming? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Dr. Brandi Kelly for a powerful conversation about resilience, self-awareness, purpose, and the daily choices that help leaders thrive. Brandi opens up about her personal journey through loss, stress, and major life transitions, and shares how those experiences shaped the way she now leads, coaches, writes, and supports others. A central theme in this conversation is the idea that everything starts in the mind. Brandi explains why self-awareness is so critical for educators and leaders, how reflection can help us identify our fears, blind spots, and limiting beliefs, and why pausing long enough to be intentional can make all the difference. She also unpacks the pillars of hope from her book Lead with Hope, including habits, optimistic outlook, purpose, passion, and perseverance. Brandi and Joshua also discuss how to move from pain to purpose, the importance of treating people well in schools, and why connection, presence, and kindness matter just as much as strategy. She shares practical habits that helped her reclaim margin in her life, including calendar wedges, daily reflection, and protecting time for what matters most. Later in the episode, Brandi also talks about her new children’s book, Spreading Sunshine with Kindness, and her new community for female leaders, Spark Hope Community. About Dr. Brandi Kelly Dr. Brandi Kelly is a two time principal of the year and the CEO of Spark HOPE Edu, dedicated to empowering leaders to rise with clarity, courage, and purpose. With over 20 years of experience leading schools and organizations, she is renowned for her ability to blend storytelling, strategy, and hope, specifically helping people lead with unwavering confidence and resilience in their careers. Brandi is the creator of the System of H.O.P.E.—Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence—a framework designed to support leaders in strengthening their mindset and leading with greater alignment. This system is a vital tool for leaders navigating the challenges of today's professional landscape. As a highly sought-after speaker and author of Lead with H.O.P.E.: Building a System of Self-Efficacy, Dr. Kelly inspires leaders to step fully into their influence and create cultures where people (and possibilities) thrive. Follow Dr. Brandi Kelly Website:https://sparkhopeedu.com/Twitter (X):https://x.com/jbmrkellyLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-kelly-ed-d-lcsw/Free Resource:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GuDDo6OnP2if0EetO5PI7YJXHhSL1x14/view?usp=sharingFree Community:https://sparkhopeedu.com/drbrandikelly-4049 https://www.amazon.com/Lead-H-P-Building-Self-Efficacy/dp/B0F6K2665V?crid=3SNAROA91059N&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DDXMx6hk9M7J8kEmhh60IcK1oRZIzgm6f9xx2Zme4LQ.q0sITlUo9RIHho0isXRhJfE6Wh4beEPDKKV01b4m3vk&dib_tag=se&keywords=lead+with+HOPE+brandi+kelly&qid=1779046894&sprefix=lead+with+hope+brandi+kell%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=80646372c99acc9f2fee3a34faff8dea&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl — #1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate. Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood