Episode 82 | Choosing Love: Why My Word for 2026 Is Love

In this episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. podcast, host Dr. Brandi Kelly explores the profound impact of love and hope in leadership.As Valentine’s Day approaches, Brandi shares personal reflections and leadership insights, drawing powerful lessons from children’s movies to illustrate that love is not merely a romantic idea.. it is a strategic, intentional force that builds connection, fuels growth, and strengthens courage.Brandi also unpacks the Science of Hope, highlighting its cognitive components, goals, pathways, and agency, and explains how love fuels each one. When leaders lead with love, they create environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to pursue meaningful goals.This episode is especially for female leaders who are tired of carrying leadership alone. You’ll be reminded that community matters, connection is essential, and leadership becomes truly transformational when love and hope work together.The word guiding Brandi’s leadership for 2026 is loveChildren’s movies teach powerful lessons about leadership and connectionHope is a cognitive process built on goals, pathways, and agencyLove fuels all three components of hopeFemale leaders often carry heavy burdens alone—community is essentialThe Spark HOPE Community exists to support and empower female leadersLeadership becomes transformational when love and hope work togetherChapters00:00 – The Power of Love in Leadership06:01 – Hope as a Cognitive Process: Goals, Pathways, and Agency07:55 – Building Community and Connection Through LoveTune in, give us a 5 star rating to help us spread hope to other leaders, and keep leading with H.O.P.E.A special thank you to Craig Williams and Conversari for supporting this episode! Learn more about their work at ⁠https://www.conversaripress.comJoin the Spark HOPE community to connect with like-minded women leaders through monthly masterminds, courses, and a supportive network designed to help you lead with heart, alignment, and purpose.Sign up here: ⁠https://sparkhopeedu.com/drbrandikelly-4049⁠If you want to learn more about HOPE-Fueled leadership, book your free consultation today: ⁠https://sparkhopeedu.comKeywordsleadership, love, hope, community, connection, female leaders, personal growth, storytelling, intentionality, empowerment