In this episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast, Dr. Brandi Kelly tackles one of the most common leadership and personal development struggles: how to build habits when you’re overwhelmed.

If you’ve ever tried to start a new routine, improve your mindfulness, strengthen resilience, or follow through on goals — only to feel stuck — this episode is for you.

Rooted in behavioral science and inspired by principles from Atomic Habits, Brandi introduces the power of micro actions — tiny, consistent changes that create massive long-term impact.

You don’t need more willpower.You just need a tiny anchor.

Instead of chasing dramatic overhauls, you’ll learn how habit stacking makes new behaviors obvious and easy by anchoring them to routines you already do every day. Small change leads to momentum. Momentum builds resilience. Resilience sustains leadership.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to:

• Use micro actions to build sustainable habits• Apply habit stacking to strengthen goal setting• Practice 60-second mindfulness routines• Avoid burnout through consistency• Adopt the powerful mindset: never miss twice

Micro actions are the secret weapon of resilient leaders. Shrink your goals. Anchor them. Stack them. Start today.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Overcoming Overwhelm01:42 – The Power of Micro Actions03:45 – Habit Stacking for Success05:56 – The Challenge of Micro Actions06:43 – EmpowerHER Mastermind Announcement08:24 – Core HOPE Habits for Clarity09:27 – Embracing Leadership and Hope

Connect with our Legacy Partner

We’re proud to partner with Conversari, helping leaders strengthen communication, trust, and culture.

Learn more:
👉 https://www.conversaripress.com/

Don’t miss our monthly Midday EmpowerHER Mastermind sessions for women leaders focused on empowerment, sustainable leadership, and intentional growth.

Join the Spark HOPE Community here:
👉 https://sparkhopeedu.com/drbrandikelly-4049

Find your tiny anchor.Stack your micro action.And lead with H.O.P.E.

In this inspiring episode of Lead with H.O.P.E., I sit down with Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases, to discuss his incredible journey from a child in the foster care system to a successful businessman and social impact leader. Rob shares how small acts of kindness, community involvement, and empathy can transform the lives of vulnerable children. Learn how Comfort Cases provides dignity and hope to children in foster care and why every child deserves a safe, caring start.

Key Takeaways:

• Rob Shear’s foster care journey began at age 12.

• Small acts of kindness can change lives.

• Comfort Cases provides essential items to children entering foster care.

• Dignity and hope are crucial for children entering the system.

• Comfort Cases has delivered over 300,000 comfort cases.

• Investing in children is investing in society’s future.

Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction: Lead with H.O.P.E.
2:15 – Rob Shear’s Foster Care Story
8:40 – The Birth of Comfort Cases
15:30 – The Power of Small Acts of Kindness
22:10 – Community Involvement & Social Impact
28:45 – Empathy & Teaching the Next Generation
35:20 – How You Can Make a Difference
40:00 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

Links & Resources:

• Legacy Partner – Convesary: https://www.conversaripress.com/

• Book a Call with Brandi at Spark HOPE Edu

• Contact Comfort Cases: https://comfortcases.org

Keywords: foster care, Rob Scheer, Comfort Cases, kindness, community, empathy, hope, nonprofit, children's welfare, social impact

🎧 Listen, share, and leave a 5-star rating to help spread hope and inspire leaders to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care!

In this episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. podcast, host Dr. Brandi Kelly explores the profound impact of love and hope in leadership.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Brandi shares personal reflections and leadership insights, drawing powerful lessons from children’s movies to illustrate that love is not merely a romantic idea.. it is a strategic, intentional force that builds connection, fuels growth, and strengthens courage.

Brandi also unpacks the Science of Hope, highlighting its cognitive components, goals, pathways, and agency, and explains how love fuels each one. When leaders lead with love, they create environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to pursue meaningful goals.

This episode is especially for female leaders who are tired of carrying leadership alone. You’ll be reminded that community matters, connection is essential, and leadership becomes truly transformational when love and hope work together.

• The word guiding Brandi’s leadership for 2026 is love

• Children’s movies teach powerful lessons about leadership and connection

• Hope is a cognitive process built on goals, pathways, and agency

• Love fuels all three components of hope

• Female leaders often carry heavy burdens alone—community is essential

• The Spark HOPE Community exists to support and empower female leaders

• Leadership becomes transformational when love and hope work together

Chapters

00:00 – The Power of Love in Leadership
06:01 – Hope as a Cognitive Process: Goals, Pathways, and Agency
07:55 – Building Community and Connection Through Love

Tune in, give us a 5 star rating to help us spread hope to other leaders, and keep leading with H.O.P.E.

A special thank you to Craig Williams and Conversari for supporting this episode! Learn more about their work at ⁠https://www.conversaripress.com

Join the Spark HOPE community to connect with like-minded women leaders through monthly masterminds, courses, and a supportive network designed to help you lead with heart, alignment, and purpose.

Sign up here: ⁠https://sparkhopeedu.com/drbrandikelly-4049⁠

If you want to learn more about HOPE-Fueled leadership, book your free consultation today: ⁠https://sparkhopeedu.com

Keywords

leadership, love, hope, community, connection, female leaders, personal growth, storytelling, intentionality, empowerment

In this episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast, Dr. Brandi Kelly sits down with Shellee Howard, founder of College Ready, mother of four, and champion for student empowerment. Shellee shares how her personal journey navigating the college admissions process led her to build a system that has helped students earn over $10.3 million in scholarships proving that a debt-free college education is possible.

Together, they explore the critical role of self-discovery, leadership development, and core values in preparing students not just for college but for life. Shellee offers practical guidance for parents who want to support their children without pressure or judgment, empowering students to confidently articulate who they are during the admissions process.

This conversation is a must-listen for parents, educators, leaders, and anyone passionate about college readiness, leadership, and infusing hope into our lives and leadership.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Shellee Howard’s Journey

02:22 – The Birth of College Ready

03:09 – Navigating Today’s College Admissions Landscape

04:40 – Empowering Students and Parents

05:52 – Leadership Lessons from Life Experiences

07:24 – Why Self-Discovery Matters for College Admissions

10:52 – Creating Opportunities for Students

11:57 – Inspiring Change in the Next Generation

13:21 – Final Thoughts, Resources, and Support

19:51 – A Call for Leadership in Challenging Times

Key Takeaways

• 🎓 Students can graduate college without debt with the right guidance and strategy

• 🌱 Understanding core values helps students confidently navigate admissions conversations

• 💬 Parents should create open, judgment-free dialogue about dreams and aspirations

• 🧭 Self-discovery is essential for students to clearly articulate who they are to colleges

• 🤝 Leadership skills grow through service, courage, and stepping outside comfort zones

• 💡 Encouragement and affirmation from adults significantly shape leadership identity

• 🏆 Over $10.3 million in scholarships proves what’s possible with intentional preparation

Ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose?

The HOPE-Fueled Leadership Kickstart - a short, powerful private coaching experience. With expert guidance and key assessments, I’ll help you clarify your vision, gain confidence in your decision making, and build lasting connection and community so you can finally get a clear roadmap to maximize your resources, people, and impact as a leader.

👉 Join the HOPE-Fueled Leadership Kickstart: https://sparkhopeedu.com/home--spark-hope-edu

Thank you to Craig Williams and Conversari for being a legacy partner of the Lead with HOPE Podcast.

Learn more about Conversari: https://www.conversaripress.com/

College Ready, College Admissions, Debt-Free College, Student Empowerment, Shellee Howard, HOPE-Fueled Leadership Kickstart, Dr. Brandi Kelly

Leadership Development, Parenting Teens, Scholarships, Education Leadership, Self-Discovery

Are you a leader feeling the stress?

Join us as we talk with Dan Stecken, a superintendent, former varsity head coach, and founder of the Stressed Leaders Retreat. Dan shares his unique approach to wellness and vulnerability and what it takes to thrive under pressure in leadership.In this episode, you will learn about:

• Dan's Journey and Book: Dan wrote his book, Stressed Leaders Stay in the Game, to himself from five years ago, during his first overwhelming year as a superintendent. The book and the retreat grew out of a desire to support colleagues who were also struggling.
• The Power of Vulnerability: Writing his book was a cathartic opportunity for reflection. Dan discusses why he chose to remain vulnerable in his writing despite a publisher's caution, believing it is vital to help other stressed leaders.
• Stressed Leaders Retreat: Dan founded the retreat to help educators build the stamina for passionate, purposeful leadership. The retreat has grown into a powerful network that is not limited to educators; it welcomes healthcare professionals, small business owners, entrepreneurs, accountants, and firemen—leaders across various industries. Dan discusses plans to expand the retreat to a new market in the Indianapolis area in June 2026, in addition to the event in Illinois.
• Mental Health and Wellness: Learn how Seneca High School fosters a culture that prioritizes student and staff mental health and wellness. Dan also reflects on the importance of self-care and finding "me time," even for high-flying workaholics.

Connect with Dan: Find out more about the book, upcoming events, and how to sign up for the Stressed Leaders Retreat by visiting stressedleers.com.

A special thank you to Craig Williams and Conversari for supporting this episode! Learn more about their work at ⁠https://www.conversaripress.com

✨ Learn more about Dr. Brandi Kelly's ⁠H⁠OPE-Fueled Leadership Kickstart⁠ ⁠and book a free discovery call at sparkhopeedu.com.

Key Topics/Keywords: Leadership, Stress, Wellness, Vulnerability, Superintendent, Stressed Leaders Retreat, Mental Health, Education, Purpose, Passion, Lead with Hope Podcast, Dan Stecken.

A special thank you to Craig Williams and Conversari for supporting this episode! Learn more about their work at https://www.conversaripress.com

In this empowering episode of Lead with HOPE, we give you a sneak peek of the first session of EmpowerHER Mastermind, Heart, Home, and Hustle. If you’re a woman leader feeling the pressure to constantly do more, hold it all together, and push through even when your heart is tired, this episode is for you.

We explore the danger of hustle in leadership, especially when productivity becomes tied to worth. Discover why rest isn’t weakness and stillness isn’t idle; both are acts of trust and obedience, guided by God’s command: “Be still and know that I am God.” Learn how hustle can quietly replace faith and how to reclaim alignment in your leadership.

This episode breaks down a biblical framework for sustainable leadership: God first, then spouse, children and grandchildren, and finally work. You’ll also hear the three keys to sustainable leadership:

• Love God first – anchors your values and shapes your vision.

• Love people – invest in relationships because leadership is inherently relational.

• Serve all – remember leadership is about influence, stewardship, and contribution, not titles.

Whether you’re seeking faith-based leadership guidance, practical strategies for balance, or a community of women leading with heart, this episode gives you the tools to move from pressure-driven hustle to HOPE-fueled, sustainable leadership.

Join the Spark HOPE community to connect with like-minded women leaders through monthly masterminds, courses, and a supportive network designed to help you lead with heart, alignment, and purpose.

Sign up here: https://sparkhopeedu.com/drbrandikelly-4049

If you want to learn more about HOPE-Fueled leadership, book your free consultation today: https://sparkhopeedu.com

🤝 Legacy Sponsor

This episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast is proudly supported by our Legacy Sponsor, Conversari - ⁠https://www.conversaripress.com/

What happens when strong, capable leaders reach the end of what an unsustainable system demands of them?

In this powerful and deeply human episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast, host Dr. Brandi Kelly is joined by Dr. Lindsey Hall—educator, former superintendent, mentor, and coach—for a candid conversation about leadership, burnout, boundaries, and becoming the leader your life actually needs.

With decades of experience spanning the classroom, principalship, district leadership, and the superintendency, Lindsey shares wisdom earned through both professional challenge and personal loss. Together, they explore what it means to lead with habits, optimism, purpose, and excellence—especially during seasons of pressure, grief, and transition.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why work-life integration is more honest than “work-life balance”

• The invisible mental load and guilt many women leaders carry

• How to recognize when it’s time to end a role with grace and integrity

• Leading through conflict, COVID, and difficult governance

• Finding joy now, not someday—inside and outside of leadership

• Why hope is not soft, but essential for resilient leadership

This conversation is for leaders who love their work but are tired. For those questioning how long they can keep going and whether there’s a better way.

Contact Dr. Lindsey Hall

Email: lahall21864@gmail.com

lahall5@ilstu.edu and lahall21864@gmail.com

Visit Spark HOPE Edu @ https://sparkhopeedu.com/

✨ Learn more about Dr. Brandi Kelly's H⁠OPE-Fueled Leadership Kickstart⁠ and book a free discovery call at sparkhopeedu.com.

🤝 Legacy Sponsor

This episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast is proudly supported by our Legacy Sponsor, Conversari - https://www.conversaripress.com/⁠

In this episode of the Lead with Hope podcast, Dr. Brandi Kelly discusses the challenges of leadership, particularly in the context of burnout and emotional exhaustion. She shares her personal journey of feeling depleted while leading a school district and emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy, alignment with personal values, and the role of community in leadership.

The conversation highlights key lessons learned from 2025, including the significance of recognizing burnout as a signal for recalibration and the need for leaders to create space for reflection and rest. Brandi encourages listeners to redefine their understanding of leadership and to embrace their unique journeys with hope and purpose.

Takeaways

• Leadership is demanding, especially when you care deeply.
• 70% of leaders report feeling burnout.
• Burnout is a signal, not a failure.
• Leadership begins with self-efficacy.
• You can be both successful and struggling.

Visit Spark HOPE Edu

Book your Free Discovery Call with Brandi today!

Website: https://sparkhopeedu.com/

EmpowerHER Leadership Monthly Mastermind is a monthly mastermind designed for female leaders who want to step into their power, overcome challenges, and lead with confidence, clarity, and impact. Each session provides expert guidance, actionable strategies, and a supportive community to help you grow your influence and embrace your purpose.

✨ Learn more about the HOPE-Fueled Leadership Kickstart!

The HOPE-Fueled Leadership Kickstart is a short, powerful private coaching experience designed to help leaders reclaim their purpose, confidence, and clarity. Through assessments and deep-dive coaching on mindset, habits, purpose, and passions, participants create a personalized H.O.P.E. in Action Plan to lead with confidence, connection, and courage.