The Measurable Impact of a Leader's Well-being with Dr. Brandi Kelly - Ep 9
🎙️ Who's on the Mic?
I'm chatting with Dr. Brandi Kelly, a dear friend and the founder of Spark Hope Edu. With over 20 years of experience, Brandi's unique perspective on leadership is shaped by her background in social work and a doctorate in educational leadership. She believes that data should go beyond test scores and start with leaders themselves, and that's exactly what her transformative H.O.P.E system is all about. We dove deep into how leaders can use their own data to lead with more clarity, courage, and compassion.
💬 Episode Snapshot
This conversation was a powerful deep dive into the purpose behind what we do. Brandi shared her personal story of turning a family tragedy into a lifelong mission to support others, which led to her career in education and the founding of Spark Hope Edu. Her experience taught her that finding "hope in hardship" is possible, especially through the support of a strong community.
We discussed a topic that hits close to home for many educators: burnout. Brandi shared her own story of being a superintendent who was tired, overwhelmed, and stressed. This personal experience became the catalyst for her wanting to help others who are navigating similar challenges, reinforcing her belief that what you do is not who you are.
We then went into her H.O.P.E system, which is an acronym for Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, Passion, and Perseverance, and Excellence. Brandi explained how this system provides a framework for leaders to reflect on their own habits, mindset, purpose, and commitment to personal growth. We discussed how this intentional self-reflection and self-awareness are critical for leading yourself first, which is the hardest part.
The key takeaway is that leadership is a "messy mission," and change is always hard. But by leaning into a system of H.O.P.E, leaders can prioritize themselves and cultivate a supportive environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued. This, in turn, not only improves organizational culture but also boosts retention and recruitment.
💡 Key Takeaways
From Tragedy to Purpose: Brandi's journey demonstrates that personal hardship can be a powerful catalyst for finding purpose and helping others. The lesson here is that our most difficult experiences can become the fuel for our greatest work.
Leadership Starts with Self: The hardest person to lead is yourself. Leaders must invest in self-reflection and self-awareness to ground themselves and lead with clarity and compassion. As Brandi put it, if we're constantly chasing tasks and results, it's hard to be "people-driven".
H.O.P.E is a System for Growth: The H.O.P.E system provides a clear framework for intentional, consistent personal growth. It’s a holistic approach that connects daily habits, a positive mindset, and a commitment to excellence to a leader’s core purpose.
The Power of Community: Finding a strong support system is essential for navigating challenges and fostering growth. Brandi's experience shows that collaboration and accountability within a safe community can make change feel possible, even when facing significant adversity.
Data is Holistic: Data isn't just about quantitative metrics like test scores. Brandi’s wellness assessment demonstrates how a mix of qualitative and quantitative data—from surveys and interviews to observations—can provide a holistic view of an organization's health, leading to better outcomes for everyone.
🎬 Actionable Insights
Practice the Pause: To combat burnout and stress, take time for yourself and practice self-reflection. Start with one simple habit, like a five- to ten-minute "micro break" to stretch, walk, or just sit quietly to reset your brain. This intentional self-care is a prerequisite for leading others.
Define Your Purpose: Use the H.O.P.E system to ground your leadership. Consistently ask yourself: What are your daily Habits? What is your Optimistic Outlook? Are you fueled by Purpose, Passion, and Perseverance? And are you pursuing Excellence?
Prioritize Your People: Remember that people often leave organizations when they feel unseen, unheard, and undervalued. Brandi's assessment proves that by intentionally gathering data on staff wellness, leaders can create an environment where people feel seen, which in turn improves retention and recruitment.
Embrace the Messy Mission: Change is hard, and leadership is messy. But small, consistent steps can lead to sustainable change. Brandi advises leaders to surround themselves with a good support system that encourages growth and helps find "joy in the journey".
In this episode of Data in Education, I'm chatting with Dr. Brandi Kelly, a dear friend and the founder of Spark Hope Edu. With over 20 years of experience, Brandi's unique perspective on leadership is shaped by her background in social work and a doctorate in educational leadership. She believes that data should go beyond test scores and start with leaders themselves, and that's exactly what her transformative H.O.P.E system is all about. We dove deep into how leaders can use their own data to lead with more clarity, courage, and compassion.
Learn more about Brandi Kelly at sparkhopeedu.com
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Connect with Brandi Kelly
Email: sparkhopeedu@gmail.com
X: https://x.com/jbmrkelly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-kelly-ed-d-lcsw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LTW24
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandinashkelly/
