In this episode, Jessica talks with Dr. Brandi Kelly, a licensed clinical social worker and former school superintendent who has spent over two decades in education. Brandi’s story starts with deep personal loss. She was in high school when her brother drowned, and that moment changed everything. Since then, she’s walked through grief, burnout, family challenges, and the pressure of leadership at the highest levels.
Now, she’s the founder of Spark Hope EDU and helps others rebuild their lives from the inside out. This conversation is honest, emotional, and packed with wisdom for anyone navigating hard seasons, questioning their path, or wondering if it’s too late to make a change.
Key Takeaways:
Real leadership often starts in the hard places
Burnout is your body asking for something different
It's okay to walk away, even after decades in a role
Healing starts when you stop going it alone
Hope is something you build, not just something you feel
Power Move of the Week:
Practice the pause. Slowing down is sometimes the boldest thing you can do.
Want to learn more?
Follow Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacumming04/
Contact Brandi:
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