Choosing to Lead with H.O.P.E.

In my last article, we explored The Heart, Head, Hands, and Habits of Leadership—how what we feel, think, do, and practice shape the leader we become. Leaders often focus on building skills, nurturing relationships, and strengthening systems. But there’s something we don’t talk about nearly enough:

Adversity is not an interruption to leadership. It’s part of it.

Setbacks, disappointments, conflict, grief, and unexpected challenges—these aren’t signs that we’re failing as leaders. They’re inevitable moments that test what we truly believe. Even the strongest habits can feel shaky when the light inside us dims.

Have you ever felt hopeless, searching for light in all the wrong places?

I have.

When I was 15, my brother Brandon drowned. It was a rainy Saturday in May—my first prom was the night before, and the next day was Mother’s Day. That weekend changed everything.

The grief was overwhelming, but something remarkable happened. Our community rallied around us. Brandon’s classmates created a memory book filled with stories of his mischievous spirit and kind heart. They called themselves the 95ers, and that book became a symbol of love, memory, and resilience that I will always treasure.

In that moment—when I felt like the foundation beneath me had cracked—I discovered something leaders often forget:

Pain doesn’t get the final say. We do.

That experience sparked a choice in me:
I could let tragedy define me—or I could use it to create something meaningful.

I chose hope.

That choice became the foundation of my life’s work and the birth of the H.O.P.E. framework—a leadership practice designed to help you rise through adversity with self-awareness, intention, and inner strength.

H.O.P.E. stands for:
H – Habits
The daily practices that ground us when everything else feels unstable.

O – Optimistic Outlook
The belief that possibilities still exist, even when circumstances are hard.

P – Purpose, Passion & Perseverance
The fuel that keeps us going and reconnects us to what matters most.

E – Excellence
Choosing integrity, presence, and growth—especially in difficult moments.

Through this framework, I’ve watched leaders transform pain into purpose. I’ve seen teams rebuild trust after conflict, educators reignite their passion after burnout, and individuals discover strength they didn’t know they had.

Here’s the truth:
Trauma doesn’t have to lead to tragedy.
Challenges don’t determine who you become—your choices do.

You can choose reflection over reaction.
You can choose purpose over pressure.
You can choose hope over hopelessness.

And that’s exactly why I wrote my first book, Lead with H.O.P.E.: Building a System of Self-Efficacy.
It’s designed to guide you—step-by-step—into building habits, mindsets, and practices that help you turn adversity into growth and hardship into meaningful impact.

Available now on Amazon— start leading with HOPE today!

When my brother drowned, my world fell apart. In those first painful days, I remember my mother clinging to one scripture—

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -- Romans 8:28

At the time, I couldn’t see how anything good could come from such loss. But my mother’s steady faith planted a seed in me. She reminded me that even when life feels impossible, God is still at work—bringing purpose out of pain and light out of darkness.

That verse has carried me ever since. It reminds me that hope isn’t about ignoring the hard things—it’s about trusting that God can use them for good. What once felt like tragedy became the foundation for my purpose, my work, and the message I now share: even in loss, we can lead with H.O.P.E..

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

— Winston Churchill

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with our local CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Program, working with students on self-awareness and leadership development through key assessments.

We spent time exploring how to build meaningful relationships and expand their networks—learning not just to connect, but to collaborate and truly support one another.

As I watched the students encourage each other and celebrate their strengths, I was reminded of something powerful: when we give our time, energy, and guidance, we don’t just help others grow—we spark hope.

Investing in relationships and nurturing self-awareness doesn’t just empower the next generation; it creates a ripple of mentorship, connection, and purpose that reaches far beyond the classroom.

🌟 HOPE in Action: Macoupin County CEO Program

During the month of November, I’ll be shining a spotlight on the Macoupin County CEO Program on the Lead with HOPE Podcast.

These students, and this incredible program, inspire me every day. They’re learning self-awareness, leadership, and how to build strong relationships and networks—skills that give me HOPE for the next generation of leaders.

🎧 Check it out and be inspired!

Thank you for spending a few minutes with me today.

As we move through November, let’s celebrate the hope and potential in our students, in our communities, and in the programs that nurture their growth. The work we do—big or small—can spark confidence, connection, and courage in the next generation.

With HOPE,

Dr. Brandi Kelly
Founder, Spark HOPE Edu
sparkhopeedu.com | [email protected]