Feeling overwhelmed by leadership, burnout, or uncertainty about your purpose?

In this powerful episode, Dr. Eric Moyer explores how understanding your identity in Christ can transform the way you lead, grow, and navigate life’s challenges. Through a faith-based conversation on authentic leadership, biblical identity, and personal growth, listeners will discover practical strategies for overcoming counterfeit identities, aligning their principles and priorities with God’s truth, and leading with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. This podcast episode offers encouragement for leaders seeking spiritual growth, leadership development, and hope while balancing the pressures of leadership and life transitions. Topics include overcoming leadership burnout, purpose-driven leadership, faith and leadership, spiritual transformation, Christian personal growth, mindset shifts, and becoming the leader God created you to be.

Chapters with timestamps:

1. Introduction to Identity and Growth (0:03)
2. Dr. Eric Moyer's Journey (1:06)
3. Identity-Based Leadership (5:14)
4. Counterfeit Identities (5:36)
5. Aligning with God's Vision (8:16)
6. The Four Ps of Identity (13:01)
7. Leadership and Priorities (17:31)
8. The Story of Jonah (29:52)
9. Hope and Transformation (43:08)

Resources and Links:

Conversari Press - a Legacy Partner of the Lead with HOPE Podcast

Connect with Dr. Eric Moyer:

https://redeemingidentity.com/

Keywords:

1. Educational Psychology
2. Biblical Truth
3. Identity-Based Leadership
4. Dr. Eric Moyer
5. Redeeming Identity
6. Counterfeit Identities
7. Leadership Development
8. Christian Faith
9. Spiritual Growth
10. Jonah Story
11. Aligning with God
12. Four Ps of Identity
13. Leadership Priorities
14. Hope and Transformation

In this inspiring episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast, we sit down with educator, author, and speaker Andrea Bittner to explore how hope-driven leadership transforms classrooms and lives. With over 20 years of experience supporting English learners (ELs), Andrea shares powerful stories, practical strategies, and mindset shifts that help educators foster inclusive, high-expectation learning environments.

Key Takeaways

• Hope is a leadership strategy: Students thrive when educators create clear pathways and belief systems for success.
• Connection fuels learning: Linking student interests to real-world opportunities increases engagement and motivation.
• Collaboration is essential: Great educators grow by learning from others beyond their immediate environment.
• Gratitude transforms culture: Recognizing teachers and mentors strengthens morale and purpose.
• Resilience requires support: Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness—for both students and educators.

Resources & Links

• Andrea's Website: https://www.andreabitnerbooks.com/
• Click Here to Read more about Take Me Home and Click Here to Learn More about my second book When Niagara Falls.

  Click Here for Andrea's free weekly newsletter sign up. She sends to more than 2,500 educators to support their work with English Learners.

• Lead withHOPE Legacy Sponser: Conversari: https://www.conversaripress.com/
• Spark HOPE Edu Website: https:sparkhopeedu.com

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Lead with Hope00:47 – Andrea Bittner’s Journey into Education02:50 – Teaching Struggling Readers & Finding Purpose05:09 – “Touch the Dream”: Motivating Students08:17 – Lessons in Leadership: We Before Me10:19 – Burst Your Bubble: Growing as an Educator13:17 – Finding Joy in Life and Teaching15:24 – About Take Me Home15:33 – Inside When Niagara Falls18:33 – Gratitude for Teachers & Impact Stories22:52 – What Gives Andrea Hope Today25:32 – Where to Connect & Final Thoughts

Keywords (SEO)

education leadership, English learners, EL students, teaching strategies, culturally responsive teaching, student motivation, teacher inspiration, Andrea Bittner, Lead with Hope podcast, literacy education, inclusive classrooms, teacher mindset, educational leadership podcast, resilience in education, inspiring educators, school leadership development

Summary

In this episode of the Lead with Hope podcast, host Dr. Brandi Kelly is joined by Melissa Wilkinson, the founder of Anchored with Purpose. Melissa shares her powerful transition from leading a $28 million retail organization with over 200 employees to becoming a faith-based entrepreneur and podcaster.

Together, they explore the profound questions leaders face during seasons of change:

• Who am I beyond my title? Understanding identity when careers and roles shift.
• What happens when God calls us to pivot? Navigating the move from corporate leadership to motherhood and entrepreneurship.
• How do we stay grounded in hope? Learning to trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance when life feels uncertain.

Key Topics

Faith-Based Leadership: Redefining success and leadership through a Christ-centered lens.

Identity Shifts: Finding your true self when moving between corporate roles, motherhood, and business.

Overcoming Adversity: Using prayer and the Holy Spirit to navigate anxiety and spiritual attacks.

Dreaming Big: How to host "Dream Workshops" and give yourself permission to pursue your calling.

Daily Faith Practice: Practical steps to start habit-stacking prayer and scripture reading.

Habit Audits: Identifying what to start, stop, or continue to lead with optimism.

Episodes

00:00 — Introduction to Melissa Wilkinson and Anchored with Purpose

04:35 — Transitioning from Corporate Retail to Motherhood

05:53 — The Struggle of Identity and Finding a New Calling

09:38 — Navigating Adversity and Spiritual Attacks

14:31 — God’s Better Vision: The Story of the Dream House

19:42 — Helping Women Dream Big Through Workshops

24:29 — Cultivating Optimism and Taking Thoughts Captive

30:57 — Why Do Bad Things Happen? Trusting God’s Will

32:19 — Resources and Connecting with Melissa

Resources & Links

YouVersion Bible App: Bible.com

Bible Plan: "From Lent to Lifestyle" by Melissa Wilkinson

Anchored with Purpose Podcast: Listen Here

Melissa Wilkinson Website: anchoredwithpurpose.com

Spark HOPE Edu: https://sparkhopeedu.com

Legacy Partner: Craig Williams at Conversari - https://www.conversaripress.com/

Keywords: Faith Leadership, Christian Leadership, Identity in Christ, Women of Faith, Overcoming Anxiety, Purpose-Driven Life, Spiritual Growth, Hope-Fueled Leadership, Daily Faith Practice, Faith-Based Entrepreneurship.

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 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

What can a children’s book teach us about leadership, culture, and hope?

In this episode, host Dr. Brandi Kelly shares the inspiration behind her new children’s book Spreading Sunshine with Kindness and explores the powerful leadership truths hidden in its message.

Through the story of two boys learning kindness from their grandparents, Brandi unpacks three essential leadership principles that apply to classrooms, homes, organizations, and communities.

In this episode, you’ll discover why kindness is a powerful leadership strategy, how small repeated actions transform culture, and why consistent acts of encouragement and service build connection, trust, and resilience.

Brandi also shares a deeply personal story about the loss of her brother Brandon, and how the small acts of kindness from their community became a lifeline during one of the most difficult seasons of her life.

If you are a leader, educator, parent, or someone who wants to build a culture of hope, this episode will challenge you to take one small action this week to spread some sunshine.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – IntroductionBrandi introduces the leadership message behind her new children’s book Spreading Sunshine with Kindness.

00:07 – Leadership Truth #1: Kindness Is ModeledWhy culture is shaped by what leaders do, not just what they say.

01:02 – Leadership Truth #2: Kindness Is ConsistentHow small repeated acts of kindness transform culture and relationships.

01:33 – Leadership Truth #3: Kindness Is EnergizingWhy kindness strengthens connection and protects leaders from burnout.

01:55 – A Personal Story of KindnessBrandi shares the story of her brother Brandon and the small acts of kindness that carried her family through grief.

02:18 – The Power of Small ActsWhy we don’t need big opportunities to make a difference.

03:35 – The Sunshine Stack ChallengeBrandi challenges listeners to practice one intentional act of kindness this week.

04:24 – Building a Culture of HopeHow tiny repeated actions create meaningful change in homes, schools, and organizations.

05:15 – Call to ActionShare your Sunshine Stack and spread kindness in your community.

05:45 – Preview of Next Week’s EpisodeA conversation with superintendent Kristen Weikle on leadership, reflection, and resilience.

06:20 – Closing EncouragementLead with hope, embrace your purpose, and shine your light.

Links

🌐 Spark HOPE Edu
Spark HOPE Edu
https://sparkhopeedu.com

📚 Legacy Partner of the Lead with HOPE Podcast
Conversari
https://conversari.com

SEO Keywords

leadership podcast, kindness leadership, leadership habits, leadership mindset, acts of kindness leadership, hope leadership, educational leadership podcast, school leadership strategies, women leadership podcast, positive leadership habits, culture building leadership, social emotional leadership, leadership inspiration, Brandi Kelly podcast, lead with hope podcast, spreading sunshine with kindness book, kindness in leadership

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