NCMLE Bonus: The Motivation Equation & Leading with Hope with Frederick Buskey and Dr. Brandi Kelly

Recorded live at the NCMLE Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, Joshua sits down on the conference floor with two dynamic educational leaders, speakers, and authors, Frederick Buskey and Dr. Brandi Kelly. Frederick shares his work building a Leadership Excellence Network in partnership with the North Carolina Middle Level Education Association and dives into his conference presentation on the Motivation Equation, a framework that moves leaders and teachers from a place of judgment to curiosity when students or staff aren't showing up the way we expect. Dr. Brandi Kelly shares the heart behind her book and her powerful session, Leading with Hope: A Blueprint for Resilient Leadership, unpacking her HOPE framework of Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence, and why cultivating hope is the key to addressing the leadership crisis in education today. About Frederick Buskey: Frederick is the founder of Strategic Leadership Consulting, and the host of The Assistant Principal Podcast. He is passionate about improving life and leadership for school leaders by making complex ideas simple and building the mindset, structures, and skills to help school leaders focus on supporting and growing teachers. Frederick uses his experiences and understanding of research to inform practical ideas and strategies for busy leaders. His 30+ years of educational experience include being a National Board Certified Teacher, entry-year teacher program coordinator, and 13 years as a researcher and principal licensure program coordinator at Western Carolina University and Clemson University. He lives and plays in the mountains of Western North Carolina and is a happy husband and father to four grown offspring. Follow Frederick Buskey: Website:https://www.frederickbuskey.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/frederickcbLinkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting About Dr. Brandi Kelly Dr. Brandi Kelly brings over 20 years of heart, hustle, and hands-on experience to the world of education. A licensed clinical social worker and Maxwell Certified Coach, she’s worn many hats — from school social worker to principal to superintendent. Along the way, she’s been honored with the Distinguished Elementary School Principal Award and Middle School Principal of the Year Award. Dr. Kelly is proud to be part of inspiring networks like the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), Teach Better Network, Illinois Principals Association (IPA), and the Educational League of Illinois (ELI). She loves sparking change through speaking, writing, and hosting the Lead with HOPE podcast — where she shares real conversations about leadership, resilience, and growth. Follow Dr. Brandi Kelly: Website:https://sparkhopeedu.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-kelly-ed-d-lcsw https://www.amazon.com/Lead-H-P-Building-Self-Efficacy/dp/B0F6K2665V?&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=b0b37bdb043926be16e265ab2019e969&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 trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and est