Are you a leader feeling the stress?

Join us as we talk with Dan Stecken, a superintendent, former varsity head coach, and founder of the Stressed Leaders Retreat. Dan shares his unique approach to wellness and vulnerability and what it takes to thrive under pressure in leadership.In this episode, you will learn about:

• Dan's Journey and Book: Dan wrote his book, Stressed Leaders Stay in the Game, to himself from five years ago, during his first overwhelming year as a superintendent. The book and the retreat grew out of a desire to support colleagues who were also struggling.
• The Power of Vulnerability: Writing his book was a cathartic opportunity for reflection. Dan discusses why he chose to remain vulnerable in his writing despite a publisher's caution, believing it is vital to help other stressed leaders.
• Stressed Leaders Retreat: Dan founded the retreat to help educators build the stamina for passionate, purposeful leadership. The retreat has grown into a powerful network that is not limited to educators; it welcomes healthcare professionals, small business owners, entrepreneurs, accountants, and firemen—leaders across various industries. Dan discusses plans to expand the retreat to a new market in the Indianapolis area in June 2026, in addition to the event in Illinois.
• Mental Health and Wellness: Learn how Seneca High School fosters a culture that prioritizes student and staff mental health and wellness. Dan also reflects on the importance of self-care and finding "me time," even for high-flying workaholics.

Connect with Dan: Find out more about the book, upcoming events, and how to sign up for the Stressed Leaders Retreat by visiting stressedleers.com.

A special thank you to Craig Williams and Conversari for supporting this episode! Learn more about their work at ⁠https://www.conversaripress.com

✨ Learn more about Dr. Brandi Kelly's ⁠H⁠OPE-Fueled Leadership Kickstart⁠ ⁠and book a free discovery call at sparkhopeedu.com.

Key Topics/Keywords: Leadership, Stress, Wellness, Vulnerability, Superintendent, Stressed Leaders Retreat, Mental Health, Education, Purpose, Passion, Lead with Hope Podcast, Dan Stecken.

A special thank you to Craig Williams and Conversari for supporting this episode! Learn more about their work at https://www.conversaripress.com

In this empowering episode of Lead with HOPE, we give you a sneak peek of the first session of EmpowerHER Mastermind, Heart, Home, and Hustle. If you’re a woman leader feeling the pressure to constantly do more, hold it all together, and push through even when your heart is tired, this episode is for you.

We explore the danger of hustle in leadership, especially when productivity becomes tied to worth. Discover why rest isn’t weakness and stillness isn’t idle; both are acts of trust and obedience, guided by God’s command: “Be still and know that I am God.” Learn how hustle can quietly replace faith and how to reclaim alignment in your leadership.

This episode breaks down a biblical framework for sustainable leadership: God first, then spouse, children and grandchildren, and finally work. You’ll also hear the three keys to sustainable leadership:

• Love God first – anchors your values and shapes your vision.

• Love people – invest in relationships because leadership is inherently relational.

• Serve all – remember leadership is about influence, stewardship, and contribution, not titles.

Whether you’re seeking faith-based leadership guidance, practical strategies for balance, or a community of women leading with heart, this episode gives you the tools to move from pressure-driven hustle to HOPE-fueled, sustainable leadership.

Join 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-4049

If you want to learn more about HOPE-Fueled leadership, book your free consultation today: https://sparkhopeedu.com

🤝 Legacy Sponsor

This episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast is proudly supported by our Legacy Sponsor, Conversari - ⁠https://www.conversaripress.com/

What happens when strong, capable leaders reach the end of what an unsustainable system demands of them?

In this powerful and deeply human episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast, host Dr. Brandi Kelly is joined by Dr. Lindsey Hall—educator, former superintendent, mentor, and coach—for a candid conversation about leadership, burnout, boundaries, and becoming the leader your life actually needs.

With decades of experience spanning the classroom, principalship, district leadership, and the superintendency, Lindsey shares wisdom earned through both professional challenge and personal loss. Together, they explore what it means to lead with habits, optimism, purpose, and excellence—especially during seasons of pressure, grief, and transition.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why work-life integration is more honest than “work-life balance”

• The invisible mental load and guilt many women leaders carry

• How to recognize when it’s time to end a role with grace and integrity

• Leading through conflict, COVID, and difficult governance

• Finding joy now, not someday—inside and outside of leadership

• Why hope is not soft, but essential for resilient leadership

This conversation is for leaders who love their work but are tired. For those questioning how long they can keep going and whether there’s a better way.

Contact Dr. Lindsey Hall

Email: lahall21864@gmail.com

lahall5@ilstu.edu and lahall21864@gmail.com

Visit Spark HOPE Edu @ https://sparkhopeedu.com/

✨ Learn more about Dr. Brandi Kelly's H⁠OPE-Fueled Leadership Kickstart⁠ and book a free discovery call at sparkhopeedu.com.