Lead with HOPE Podcast

Ready to build a life that’s rooted in purpose—not pressure? In this episode of Lead With Hope, we explore the power of mastery goals: goals that focus on growth over perfection, and progress over comparison.

Inspired by last week’s interview with Glenn Forbes and Jenni Donohoo, we dive into what the research says (including insights from John Hattie’s research) and why setting mastery goals fuels agency, resilience, and hope.

You'll...

In this episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast, we’re joined by two distinguished educators and thought leaders—Dr. Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes. Today, they will share about their new book - Collective Impact: Overcoming the 12 Enemies of Teacher Efficacy. Together, Jenni and Glenn share invaluable insights on fostering collective efficacy, elevating professional learning, and driving sustainable school improvement. Don’t miss th...

In this episode, I’m sharing something close to my heart and a major source of hope for the future: The Restore Network. This incredible organization is doing transformative work in the foster care system, providing support, community, and real solutions for vulnerable children and the families who care for them.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference in the lives of children in need, I encourage you to learn more at ...

Today on Lead with HOPE, I'm joined by Michael D. Toth — founder and CEO of Instructional Empowerment, acclaimed author, and visionary thought leader in education. With more than 25 years of experience, Michael has partnered with influential voices like Robert Marzano, published groundbreaking research, and guided school districts across the country in transforming instructional practices.

In this inspiring conversation, we dive int...

In this powerful episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast, I’m opening up about the heart, the journey, and the mission behind Spark HOPE Edu — a mission and movement rooted in healing, purpose, and community. 🌱✨

This isn’t just a story about founding a business. It’s about growing, creating spaces where everyone feels supported, and establishing a system of HOPE to sustain us.

💥 Tune in to here the 5 reasons why...and how leading wit...

In this episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast, I sit down with Amy P. Kelly, a best-selling author, keynote speaker, executive coach, and performance consultant, to explore the powerful role of HOPE in leadership. Amy shares insights on how hope can transform leadership, mindset, and team dynamics. We discuss actionable strategies for cultivating hope, shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset, and creating environments where hope ...

Welcome back to Lead with Hope, the show where we ignite leadership with heart, purpose, and real results. I’m your host, Brandi Kelly—and today, we’re cutting through the noise and getting straight to what’s actually holding schools back.

My guest is the dynamic Casey Watts—educator, coach, and clarity queen! With 20 years in the trenches of teaching, coaching, and leading, Casey knows what it’s like to sit through leadership meeti...

In this episode of Lead with HOPE, we’re joined by Kim, a former teacher turned internationally-known motivational speaker, powerhouse, and leading happiness coach. Kim’s mission is to help others tap into their power and live happier, more fulfilling lives, and she brings a unique blend of positivity and science-backed strategies to the conversation. Drawing from the latest in positive psychology, she shares practical tools that c...

🎙️ Welcome to Lead with H.O.P.E., where we explore stories of resilience, purpose, and leadership through the lens of our system of self-efficacy:
H is for Habits,
O is for Optimistic Outlook,
P is for Purpose, Passion, Perseverance, and
E is for Excellence.

💛 Today’s episode is especially close to my heart. We’re honoring the memory of my brother, Bub, by sharing a heartfelt story from Mistie Adermann, one of his classmates. After I ...

In this episode of the Lead with HOPE podcast, Kurtis Hewson, an award-winning educator and co-author of Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners (Corwin, 2022), shares insights from his extensive experience in education. Kurtis discusses his journey from teacher to administrator and his current work with schools and districts globally, helping them implement Colla...

In this episode, I sit down with Raul Gastón, the Principal of Gompers Junior High School in Joliet, IL, to discuss the powerful themes of building capacity, fostering collaboration, and shaping a positive school culture. With over two decades of experience in education, Raul has become a trailblazer in the field, and in 2023, he made history as the first Latino President of the Illinois Principals Association.

Raul opens up about h...

On this episode of the Lead With HOPE Podcast, we're joined by Sean Gaillard, Principal of Charles England Elementary School in Lexington, NC, and a true champion of creativity, collaboration, and student success.

In this inspiring conversation, we dive deep into the importance of family, relationships, and belonging—the essential pillars that fuel hope and drive in both our personal and professional lives. Sean shares his powerful ...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Lead with HOPE podcast, where we dive deep into the leadership principles that drive success, growth, and lasting impact. Today, we have a special guest, PJ Caposey, a dynamic leader who’s been making waves in education. PJ is currently leading two school districts, a feat that speaks volumes about his leadership capacity, vision, and commitment to creating positive change.

In today’s conve...

Welcome to another episode of the Lead with HOPE podcast, where we explore the mindsets, strategies, and stories behind success and leadership. Today, we're thrilled to have Martin Silverman as our guest, author of the highly acclaimed book Sustaining Excellence.

In his book, Martin dives deep into the principles that allow individuals and organizations not just to achieve excellence, but to maintain it over the long term. Drawing o...

Podcast Description:

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Charles Williams, founder of CW Consulting: Educational Services and the creator of #Educrew, to dive deep into the power of equity, the CHAMP framework, and the importance of leading with HOPE in education. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, school leader, and consultant, Charles shares his expertise on fostering culturally responsive environments, build...

In this inspiring episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast, we are joined by Lori Franke Hopkins, an educator whose journey has spanned roles from teacher to principal, superintendent, and now consultant. With a wealth of experience in education management, Lori has dedicated her career to transforming school communities and empowering educators at every level.

As a highly skilled trainer and consultant, Lori is currently making a sig...

The Lead with HOPE podcast is thrilled to introduce Craig Randall, the developer and author of Trust-Based Observations (TBO), a transformative system for improving teacher observations. Craig has dedicated his career to training school leaders worldwide on how to implement TBO, shifting the focus from traditional evaluations to a model rooted in trust, support, and growth. In this episode, Craig discusses how TBO empowers educator...

On this powerful episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Jacki Mjoen, a 7th grade math teacher, Teach Better Team Ambassador, aspiring author, and an incredible brain cancer fighter. Jacki's story is one of courage, resilience, and purpose. Despite her diagnosis of brain cancer, she continues to serve as an inspiration to her students, colleagues, and the broader education community.

As a middle school tea...

Todd Nelsoney is my guest on the podcast today. Our conversation was so much fun! He is someone I could talk to all day! We talked about family, boundaries, and so much more! You will not want to miss this episode!

Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He has also served as an award-winning principal of a PreK-5th Grade campus of ov...