The Mindset That Changes Everything
Hey friend,
I’m excited to share some powerful reflections on leadership and connection, inspired by Dale Carnegie’s timeless wisdom. In this issue, we’ll explore how mindset and habits can reshape the way you lead—and how small, intentional actions create lasting impact.
Plus, you’ll hear how a speech pathologist and dad brings these values to life every single day.
Let’s dive in—and Spark H.O.P.E. together.
It Starts With a Thought
I recently picked up How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and started reading it on a quiet Sunday afternoon. As I flipped through the pages, one sentence jumped off the page and made me think:
“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.”
That line reminded me of something I’ve witnessed again and again—in schools, boardrooms, and communities across the country:
Our ability to lead, connect, and inspire doesn’t come from what we do—it comes from how we think.
And when our thinking aligns with purpose, passion, and consistent habits, transformation begins.
Lesson 1: Influence Begins with Mindset
Before "emotional intelligence" had a name, Dale Carnegie was already living it. He understood that how we manage our inner world shapes every interaction we have with others.
So ask yourself:
Do I begin each day expecting the best in others?
What story do I tell myself in moments of tension or conflict?
Do I pause to reflect—or simply react?
A mindset rooted in compassion, confidence, and curiosity doesn’t just improve your mood—it shapes the experience others have with your leadership.
Carnegie said it best:
“People may forget your title, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.”
That’s a truth I hear echoed in stories from educators on the Lead with HOPE podcast. For example, some make it a point to greet every student by name each morning. It’s a small act—but one that makes students feel seen, safe, and valued. These daily habits—eye contact, kind words, a warm welcome—quietly build bridges of trust.
It all starts with mindset.
Lesson 2: Habits Shape Your Leadership
Leadership isn’t defined by the big, spotlight moments. It’s shaped in the quiet, daily choices that no one sees—but everyone feels.
Returning a call when it would be easier not to.
Opening a meeting with gratitude instead of urgency.
Choosing reflection over reaction in a tough conversation.
These habits may seem small, but over time, they build trust. And trust builds influence.
Lesson 3: Purpose Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential
Some days are hard. Progress feels slow. Recognition is scarce.
In those moments, motivation fades—but purpose remains.
Purpose aligns your “what” with your “why.” It connects what you do with who you're becoming. Without it, burnout is inevitable. With it, even difficult work becomes meaningful.
As Carnegie believed:
When people feel important, they rise.
Purpose does that for us, too.
Lesson 4: Passion Needs Perseverance—and Community
Passion fuels your start, but perseverance sustains your journey. And perseverance needs the right people around you.
Carnegie emphasized the power of genuine connection—building relationships with people who lift you up, challenge your thinking, and believe in your purpose.
“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
When you have a circle that celebrates your wins and walks with you through the tough moments, you don’t just survive—you grow.
Without that support, the journey can feel isolating. But with it, you find strength you didn’t know you had.
🌟 Lesson 5: Excellence Is a Daily Commitment
Excellence isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
It’s choosing integrity in the small, unnoticed moments. It’s keeping your word, even when no one’s watching. It’s showing up—for yourself and others—consistently, intentionally, and with heart.
Take Dennis Mathew, a speech pathologist and devoted dad who shared his story on Episode 15 of my podcast. Every day, he commits to being fully present with the children he supports—listening deeply, celebrating small wins, and treating each child with care and respect. As a father, he wants that same experience for his own child: to feel seen, safe, and valued.
And that’s what excellence looks like.
🔑 The Timeless Truth
Dale Carnegie wrote:
“All men have fears, but the brave put down their fears and go forward…”
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up—imperfect but present, learning and growing, aligning your mindset and habits with your greater purpose.
Wherever you are on your leadership journey—beginning again, recovering from a setback, or trying to stay steady through uncertainty—remember this:
Transformation begins with mindset and habits—hope kindles the soul, purpose grounds the heart, passion lights the fire, perseverance carries you forward, and excellence leaves your legacy.
Let’s rebuild what’s broken.
Let’s refocus on what matters.
Let’s Spark H.O.P.E. together.
📩 Explore coaching, workshops, or the Lead with HOPE podcast: www.sparkhopeedu.com
📬 Want to collaborate? Email: sparkhopeedu@gmail.com
Interested in learning more about Collaborative Response?
Download the introductory chapter from this bestselling text, which includes a link to gain free access to an online companion website with a large number of templates, videos and other resources to learn more about the framework impacting thousands of schools across North America and beyond!
Are you wanting to take your PLC, MTSS and RTI efforts to the next level?
Are you trying to address issues of teacher burnout, exhaustion and feelings of overwhelm when trying to meet the diverse needs of students?
Collaborative Response is frequently described as the "missing piece" when establishing highly intentional and focused cultures of collaboration and intervention.
Access an overview article to learn more about this school-wide framework, which shares
why EVERY school needs four layers of collaboration and what these layers look like,
why we should stop focusing on the same students in every layer,
how data and evidence can be used to focus on students who have not driven our discussions in the past, and
why schools need to stop tiering students!
Collaborative Response is a powerful framework to ensure success for all students, build staff capacity and establish high levels of collective efficacy!
Lead with Clarity with Casey Watts, Episode 42
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. 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!
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior.” – Psalm 42:11
I started my career in education as a school social worker, supporting those feeling hopeless—hurt by systems and relationships. Though I couldn’t always share my faith openly, I offered hope through listening and reminded them they weren’t alone. For me, lasting hope comes from faith in God. Psalm 42:11 urges us to put hope in Him, even when we feel downcast, knowing He brings strength and peace. What gives you hope when life feels uncertain?
"True leadership begins with a heart of service."
The most impactful leaders are defined not by titles but by their commitment to serving others with compassion and purpose. True leadership shows in quiet acts of care—supporting teams, guiding individuals, and helping communities heal. When leaders put service before status, they create belonging and empower growth, building trust, resilience, and hope. Are you leading with service, and how do your actions reflect compassion and dedication to others’ growth?
📚 Lead with H.O.P.E. Book Study – Now Forming!
Are you ready to spark meaningful change in your personal and professional life?
The Lead with H.O.P.E.: Building a System of Self-Efficacy Book Study is forming now, and you’re invited to be part of this transformational journey!
👉 Spots are limited—don’t miss your opportunity to join us!
📩 Click here to sign up or learn more: https://forms.gle/Xu4HYKzZ2bfyaSFA6
✨ Let’s Spark HOPE together!
Dr. Brandi Kelly
Author | Speaker | Coach & Consultant
Founder, Spark HOPE Edu, LLC
✉️ sparkhopeedu@gmail.com
