In Lead with H.O.P.E.: Building a System of Self-Efficacy, Dr. Brandi Kelly, Ed.D., shares her personal journey of overcoming tragedy and the actionable practices that can help educators and leaders thrive, even in the face of adversity. With deep reflection, personal stories and research-backed insights, this book presents a blueprint to cultivate a positive mindset, build consistency and foster a culture of hope within our schools.
Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or leader in education, Lead with H.O.P.E. offers the tools you need to build resilience, empower your community and spark lasting change. When we lead with H.O.P.E., we not only transform ourselves – we inspire those around us to reach new heights. If you’re ready to embrace adversity, lead with purpose and create a thriving environment of growth and success, this book is for you.
Hope is not a wish. It’s a choice to take action. Let’s spark HOPE together!
Topics covered in Lead with H.O.P.E.
The power of hope as a leadership practice
Why hope is not a feeling or a wish, but a strategic, actionable choice leaders make daily.
Turning tragedy into purpose
How personal loss and adversity can become the foundation for meaningful, hope-filled leadership.
The system of H.O.P.E.
A practical framework for sustainable leadership built on:
Habits that create stability and momentum
Optimistic outlook grounded in faith, truth and resilience
Purpose that anchors decisions and fuels perseverance
Excellence redefined as growth with integrity, not perfection
Cultivating a positive, resilient mindset
Tools to reframe challenges, manage stress and lead with confidence in uncertain times.
Building consistency in leadership and life
How small, intentional practices create long-term impact—for individuals and organizations.
Leading through adversity and change
Strategies for staying grounded, courageous and compassionate when the pressure is high.
Fostering a culture of hope in schools and organizations
How leaders can create environments where people feel seen, valued and empowered to thrive.
Empowering educators and teams
Practical ways to develop self-efficacy, resilience and shared ownership within your community.
Hope-centered decision making
Aligning values, faith and purpose with daily leadership actions.
Creating lasting, ripple-effect change
How hope-filled leadership transforms not just systems, but the people within them.
Why should people read it? Who is the book for?
Lead with H.O.P.E. is for leaders who are carrying the weight of responsibility while quietly wondering how to keep going without burning out or losing sight of their purpose. If you’re an educator, administrator, or leader facing constant change, adversity, or pressure to do more with less, this book offers both reassurance and direction. Through personal stories, deep reflection and research-backed practices, it reminds you that hope is not naïve or passive—it’s a powerful, actionable choice that strengthens resilience and clarity.
This book is for those who want more than inspiration; it’s for leaders ready to build consistent habits, cultivate a grounded and optimistic outlook and create cultures where people feel empowered to thrive. Lead with H.O.P.E. meets you where you are and equips you with practical tools to lead with purpose, even in hard seasons—so you can transform not only how you lead, but how those around you grow.
Single most important takeaway:
HOPE is a daily, disciplined choice that transforms how we lead, live and serve, even in the face of adversity.
Meet the author
Dr. Brandi Kelly, Ed.D, is a two-time Principal of the Year, former superintendent and CEO of Spark HOPE Edu, with over 20 years of experience empowering leaders to rise with clarity, courage and purpose. As a speaker, author and coach, she blends storytelling, strategy and hope to help leaders overcome burnout, strengthen their mindset and lead with confidence. Brandi is the creator of the System of H.O.P.E.—Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose and Excellence—a practical framework guiding leaders to navigate challenges, build resilience and cultivate thriving, purpose-driven cultures. She is the author of Lead with H.O.P.E.: Building a System of Self-Efficacy, inspiring leaders to step fully into their influence and spark lasting impact.
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