Uncertainty is the leader’s constant companion. But what if you had a tool that didn’t just help you endure the unknown—but helped you thrive in it?
In this episode of Her Next Power Move™, I dive into Hope Theory, developed by Dr. C.R. Snyder, and show you how hope is more than a feeling. It’s a framework—rooted in psychology and neuroscience—that gives leaders both the belief they can act and the creativity to find new pathways forward.
Backed by research, personal stories, and practical steps, this episode will help you understand how to cultivate hope for yourself and spread it to your teams.
🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
* What Hope Theory really is and how leaders can apply it
* How hope activates the prefrontal cortex and releases dopamine, fueling creativity and persistence
* Why hopeful leaders are more resilient, engaged, and effective under pressure
* Practical ways to shift from fear to hope in your daily leadership
đź’ˇ Micro-Practice to Try Today
At the end of your day, take five minutes to write down two things:
* A challenge you faced
* One pathway you see toward progress
Even small steps train your brain to seek possibility over paralysis.
✨ Powerful Thought
Hope isn’t a soft skill—it’s a leadership edge. It doesn’t erase uncertainty, but it paints possibility across it.
đź“ť Coaching Question
Where in your leadership right now do you need to shift from fear to hope—and what’s one pathway you can begin to create today?
đź”— Resources & Links
* Join The Circle—my online leadership growth group where we explore topics like resilience, hope, and emotional agility in real time: lmichellesmith.com/thecircle
* Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @lmichellesmith
