Lead with 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 meetings where “collaboration” really just means more confusion and zero direction.

Her turning point? Realizing that schools aren’t struggling because they lack programs or PD—they’re struggling because their teams lack clarity.

In this episode, Casey pulls back the curtain on the framework she built to help leaders untangle the chaos, align their teams, and finally get traction. You’ll hear why team dysfunction happens, how to shut down initiative overload, and what to do instead of those “just checking in” meetings (spoiler alert: she’s got better ideas!).

She’s also the host of Catching Up with Casey, a podcast that brings real talk about leadership, team dynamics, and how to build momentum that lasts.

So if you're ready to ditch the overwhelm and start leading with focus, direction, and fire—this one’s for you.

Let’s go! 🔥

Website: https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/

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 can help you manage stress, boost well-being, and create lasting change.

As a mother, wife, dedicated runner, and committed animal rescuer (with an incredible 243 dogs saved! Kim’s passion for making a difference shines through in everything she does. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how to embrace joy, reduce stress, and take practical steps toward a more empowered, meaningful life. You won’t want to miss it!

Gratitude Habits Tracker: https://strobeleducation.com/gratitude-habit-tracker/

Contact Kim Strobel: https://kimstrobel.com/contact/

🎙️ 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 shared the memory book on social media and invited classmates to come on the podcast, Mistie reached out to volunteer. Her story reflects the impact of that moment—and became a gift of healing and an act of hope.

This episode is a reminder of the power of community, connection, and the lasting ripple effect of kindness. I’m so grateful to Mistie for helping us celebrate Bub’s legacy in such a meaningful way.

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 Collaborative Response frameworks. He delves into the three key components of Collaborative Response and how they can transform the way educators support diverse learner needs. Listeners will gain practical strategies for fostering collaboration, improving student outcomes, and building a more responsive educational environment. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or just passionate about education, Kurtis offers valuable wisdom on how to create meaningful, lasting change in schools.

Click here to learn more: https://www.jigsawlearningonline.com/book-introduction

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 his remarkable journey—from growing up in poverty to becoming a respected middle school principal—and how his personal story informs his leadership approach today. As an advocate for equity and inclusion, Raul leads with hope, inspiring others to believe in the transformative power of education.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and creating lasting impact within our schools and communities. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or anyone passionate about positive change, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.

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 insights on how these connections are at the heart of leadership, and how we inspire hope in the communities we serve.

Sean, a recognized leader in education, was honored as the 2019 Wells Fargo-Piedmont Triad Regional Principal of the Year and was a finalist for North Carolina Principal of the Year.

Don’t miss this episode, where we explore how leadership, vulnerability, and connection can inspire profound change. 🌟

👉 Listen now and discover how YOU can Lead With HOPE in your life and community.

And if you haven’t already, subscribe to the Lead With HOPE Podcast so you never miss an inspiring conversation! Let’s continue to amplify hope, one episode at a time.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JryfGica5iaDnydYpNR0c?si=97dd8350d1254296

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-with-hope-podcast/id1716201589

Youtube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeeiLqhYNWW38P-drg2Nvt7RkJoCkeewo&si=lqGPL92bgq2SsMQbhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeeiLqhYNWW38P-drg2Nvt7RkJoCkeewo&si=lqGPL92bgq2SsMQb

#LeadWithHOPE #InspiringLeadership #Belonging #CelebrateMonday #HopeInAction #SubscribeNow

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 conversation, PJ shares his journey of managing multiple districts and the lessons he's learned along the way. We also talk about the profound impact our mentor, Tom Mahoney, has had on our careers and leadership philosophies, as well as the critical role that culture and cultural assessments play in shaping high-performing organizations.

And, of course, we can't talk about leadership in the modern age without touching on the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence. PJ offers his perspective on how AI can be leveraged in education, leadership, and beyond.

So, whether you're a leader in education, business, or any field, you’re going to get a ton of value from today’s episode.

#LeadwithHOPE

https://www.sparkhopeedu.com

To get in touch with PJ, you can find him on the socials @PJ Caposey

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 on decades of experience as a leader, coach, and consultant, Martin offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to stay at the top of your game — through continuous learning, purposeful action, and a commitment to growth.

Whether you're leading a team, running a business, or striving to elevate your personal performance, Martin’s insights will help you understand what truly sustains excellence and how you can apply these principles to thrive.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready for an inspiring conversation with a leader who knows what it takes to sustain excellence.

#LeadwithHOPE

https://www.sparkhopeedu.com

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, building meaningful relationships, and tackling critical issues like mental health and educational equity in schools.

Charles, a first-generation college graduate and passionate advocate for breaking barriers, opens up about his journey and how he empowers educators and leaders to create transformative learning experiences. From dynamic keynotes to interactive workshops, Charles is dedicated to helping schools and educators “Learn, Grow, Lead.” Tune in for a conversation filled with actionable insights, strategies for overcoming barriers, and an unwavering commitment to creating inclusive, resilient educational spaces. Whether you're a school leader, teacher, or anyone passionate about educational transformation, this episode is a must-listen!

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 significant impact with her companies, Just Be Me Consulting and Wrapped in Hearts, working with local school districts to create positive change and foster inclusive, supportive environments. Her deep commitment to the personal and professional growth of educators has earned her a reputation as a trusted leader in the field.

Lori’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and purpose in education. In this episode, she shares insights on leadership, the importance of creating heart-centered school cultures, and how educators can lead with hope to inspire meaningful change.