Spark Series, Episode 4: Connection, Community, and Belonging

IntroductionThe Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions.While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they’re doing today.SummaryIn this episode of Sparks, Alex sits down with May Spark Kelley Drebes, a leader whose impact is rooted in connection, community, and helping people feel like they belong.Known by many as a “human dot connector,” Kelley shares how experiences of loneliness and searching for community shaped the way she leads today. Through mentorship, culture-building, intentional relationships, and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued, Kelley has built a leadership style grounded not in authority, but in influence and authenticity.Together, Alex and Kelley explore leadership beyond titles, workplace culture, mentorship, motherhood, friendship, books that shaped them, and the importance of staying true to yourself in every season of life.This conversation is a reminder that leadership is not about position, but rather it’s about how we show up for the people around us. Takeaways~ Leadership is about influence, not authority. ~ Community and belonging can change lives. ~ People want to feel seen, heard, and valued.  ~ Authenticity matters in every season of life.  ~ Small acts of connection can change someone’s world.   ~ Creating belonging starts with intentional relationships.  ~ Your spark and purpose may evolve through different seasons of life.Chapters00:00: Welcome to Sparks & Introducing Kelley Drebes03:55: What It Means to Be a “Human Dot Connector”06:45: Loneliness, Community & Why Connection Matters10:40: The Questions Kelley Uses to Truly Know People16:20: Identity Beyond Job Titles & Leadership Through Influence20:40: Kelley’s Career Journey in Healthcare & Walmart24:15: Growing a Mentorship Community Through Connection28:25: Family, Reading, Friendship & Life Outside of Work Connect with KelleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelleydrebes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelleyRaeBellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleydrebes/Favorite Book (A Raisin in the Sun): walmart.com KeywordsKelley Drebes; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; connection; community; belonging; leadership; mentorship; authentic leadership; workplace culture; women in leadership; human connection; personal growth; leadership podcast Connect with The SoulFire CollectiveWebsite: thesoulfire.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/