Empowering the Next Generation: Insights from ASBO's Emerging Leaders

Summary

School Business Insider: Empowering the Next Generation – Insights from ASBO's Emerging Leaders

Released: May 29, 2025

In this enlightening episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato delves into the journeys of two inspiring ASBO International Emerging Leaders Scholarship recipients: Brandy Smith of Montoursville Area School District, Pennsylvania, and Bailee Nash from Edina Public Schools, Minnesota. The conversation explores their career paths, the transformative impact of the scholarship, and the crucial role of professional networking in shaping their roles as emerging leaders in school business management.

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1. Introduction to the Episode

John Brucato opens the episode by highlighting the focus on the next generation of leaders within the school business sector. He introduces Brandy Smith and Bailee Nash, both recipients of the Emerging Leaders Scholarship, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on their professional experiences and growth.

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2. Guests' Career Journeys

Bailee Nash’s Path

Bailee Nash shares her entrance into school finance, which began in June 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by her mother, a seasoned school business professional, Bailee transitioned from an accounting specialist to the assistant director of finance at Edina Public Schools. She credits ASBO’s certification and leadership courses as pivotal to her professional development.

“A huge part of my learning has been our state affiliate of ASBO. I did their certification, their leadership courses. Without ASBO, I wouldn't be as proficient as I am in this career.”
— Bailee Nash [02:05]

Bailee also humorously mentions her passion for ASBO pins, which symbolize her deep-rooted connection to the profession and facilitate networking opportunities.

“Jim Westrom gifted me a pin trader pin in which there's only two ever made, and I have to find the person who has the other one.”
— Bailee Nash [03:56]

Brandy Smith’s Path

Brandy Smith recounts her career transition from restaurant management to school finance. After completing her bachelor's degree in accounting and working part-time in payroll at Montoursville Area School District in 2012, Brandy discovered a passion for school business management. Mentorship played a crucial role in her ascent to the position of business manager in 2020.

“I stumbled into that and it was part-time, and I started working here. I found a love for it, and I had a great mentor who allowed me to grow.”
— Brandy Smith [05:06]

Brandy emphasizes the importance of learning from diverse perspectives within the school business office, which has been instrumental in her career development.

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3. Impact of the Emerging Leaders Scholarship

Brandy’s Experience (2015)

Brandy reflects on her 2015 scholarship experience, highlighting how it broadened her understanding of school business operations beyond her immediate role. The scholarship facilitated connections with peers from various states, exposing her to different approaches and solutions.

“Seeing how other states look at things kind of gives you ideas on how to fix problems in your own states, too.”
— Brandy Smith [09:09]

Bailee’s Experience (2023)

Bailee discusses the recent impact of the scholarship, particularly the pre-conference workshops that allowed her to build strong relationships with fellow recipients. These connections have provided her with a support system that extends beyond state lines, enhancing her professional network.

“Building those relationships before going into the conference was very impactful for me.”
— Bailee Nash [10:53]

Bailee also notes the evolution of these networks into ongoing educational collaborations, further solidifying the scholarship’s long-term benefits.

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4. Networking and Professional Development

Both Brandy and Bailee underscore the significance of networking facilitated by the scholarship. They highlight how connecting with peers from different states fosters the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices.

“We have to think outside the box. Education is constantly evolving, so we have to use ideas from each other.”
— Brandy Smith [22:59]

Bailee adds that the networking opportunities have been invaluable, especially in an industry where collaboration across districts and states is essential for effective school business management.

“The networking countrywide is so crucial. Different states could be doing something that's more effective or found a better way through an issue you’re also going through.”
— Bailee Nash [23:19]

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5. Experiences at the ASBO International Annual Conference and Expo

Bailee’s First Conference

Bailee describes her first ASBO International Annual Conference held in Maryland in September 2023 as both overwhelming and inspiring. Despite initial navigation challenges, she appreciated the diverse session offerings and the emphasis on both technical and soft skills.

“The combination of sessions offered was really important... soft skills like team building and mentoring were included.”
— Bailee Nash [16:39]

She also highlights the unique pin trading culture, which serves as a catalyst for networking and building lasting connections.

“Once I was introduced to the PIN trading, it was like an aggressive subculture of the conference.”
— Bailee Nash [17:58]

Brandy’s First Conference

Brandy recounts her 2015 conference experience as initially overwhelming but ultimately rewarding. She found the flexible session structure beneficial and valued the leadership seminars that provided motivational insights.

“I did a lot of leadership seminars... It was also very welcoming. Everyone's very welcoming.”
— Brandy Smith [18:54]

Both guests agree that the supportive atmosphere and the willingness of attendees to help newcomers greatly enhanced their conference experiences.

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6. Mentorship and Ongoing Connections

Bailee’s Mentorships

Bailee speaks about her ongoing relationships with fellow recipients, including mentoring roles and collaborative projects. These connections have led to opportunities for leadership and personal growth within the ASBO community.

“I have one...[a connection] that leads to opportunities like this to pay it forward.”
— Bailee Nash [26:45]

She also mentions the importance of having a support system beyond one's state, which provides diverse perspectives and solutions to common challenges.

“Having that perspective where something's always going on in our schools, and you can handle this is okay.”
— Bailee Nash [23:19]

Brandy’s Continued Involvement

Brandy emphasizes the importance of staying involved with ASBO beyond the scholarship period. Her ongoing participation in committees and mentoring new scholars has kept her connected and continuously learning.

“I stayed involved... I'm currently on the Legislative Advocacy Committee with ASBO.”
— Brandy Smith [28:29]

She highlights that the relationships formed through the scholarship have been key to her long-term success and ability to mentor others effectively.

“You get to meet a lot of people and take different things from each of them and give different things to each.”
— Brandy Smith [29:55]

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7. Advice to Aspiring Applicants

Both Brandy and Bailee offer heartfelt encouragement to school business professionals considering the Emerging Leaders Scholarship, especially those who may be introverted or apprehensive about networking.

“Just do it. You have to do it. It brings you out, it gives you confidence.”
— Brandy Smith [32:17]

Bailee shares a story of an introverted colleague who thrived after overcoming her fears, underscoring the transformative power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

“If you apply and say, and you don't get it, you're right where you already are. It hurts to do nothing.”
— Bailee Nash [31:17]

Both guests emphasize that the benefits of the scholarship far outweigh the initial discomfort, offering lifelong connections and professional growth opportunities.

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Conclusion

John Brucato wraps up the episode by urging listeners to apply for the Emerging Leaders Scholarship before the June 1, 2025 deadline. He commends Brandy and Bailee for sharing their invaluable experiences, providing listeners with a compelling case for pursuing this opportunity to advance their careers in school business management.

“Thank you both for joining me this afternoon and really enlightening us about your experiences.”
— John Brucato [33:12]

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Key Takeaways:

• Career Growth: The Emerging Leaders Scholarship significantly propels the careers of early-career school business professionals through education and mentorship.

• Networking: Building a broad professional network across states fosters the exchange of innovative ideas and support systems essential for career success.

• Professional Development: Attending the ASBO International Annual Conference offers diverse learning opportunities and the chance to engage in both technical and soft skill development.

• Mentorship: Ongoing involvement with ASBO and mentoring peers sustains professional growth and leadership within the community.

• Encouragement to Apply: The scholarship is highly beneficial, even for those hesitant about networking, as it offers confidence-building and invaluable connections.

For school business professionals eager to advance their careers and become tomorrow’s leaders, the ASBO International Emerging Leaders Scholarship presents an unparalleled opportunity to grow, connect, and make a meaningful impact.

Transcript

[John Brucato]

You're listening to ASBO International's School Business Insider. I'm your host, John Brucato. Each week on School Business Insider, I sit down with school business officials and industry experts from around the world to share their stories and explore the topics that matter most to you. Find out what it means to be a school business official and get your insider pass on all things school business. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to School Business Insider. Today, we're shining a spotlight on the next generation of leaders in school business. The ASBO International Emerging Leaders Scholarship is designed to recognize and support school business professionals with five or fewer years in the field, providing them with opportunities to develop into tomorrow's leaders. Joining me today are two recent scholarship recipients. Brandy Smith, business manager and board secretary in Montoursville Area School District in Pennsylvania and scholarship recipient in 2015. And Bailee Nash, assistant director of finance at Edina Public Schools in Minnesota, receiving her Scholarship in 2023. Today we'll discuss their journeys, the impact of the Emerging Leaders Scholarship on their careers, and in the vital role of professional networking in the early stages of the school business officials career. Welcome, Bailey and Brandy. I'm so happy to have both of you today.

[Brandy Smith]

Hello. Hi.

[Bailee Nash]

I'm happy to be here.

[John Brucato]

Yeah, this is great. The Emerging Leaders Scholarship is something that we've talked about previously on the. On the podcast before, it's really nice to kind of really dissect the experience and how it's been so impactful for emerging leaders in the profession. So before we get into really, your experiences specific to, you know, Brandy, you in 2015, and Bailey, you more recently in 2023, I'd really like for you to kind of share your. Your journey and your career path with. With the audience. So, Bailey, why don't we start with you? You know, what. What really took you to where you started in the career to. To. To where you are today.

[Bailee Nash]

So I started in school finance in June of 2020, because who doesn't want to start with COVID to learn school finance? My mother made her career out of this, and so that's what led me to knowing that this was a career path. And she's like, I really think that you would be good at this with your call to serve and your constant need to do that. And then you're just so good with numbers that I think that you will really find a vocation here. And I struggled really hard saying that she was right, but I do. I love it. So I started in 2020 as an accounting specialist and then worked my way up from Accountant to controller and now assistant director. A huge part of my learning has been our state affiliate of asbo. I did their institution, their certification, their leadership courses. And I can honestly say that without ASBO and like masbo, I wouldn't be as proficient as I am in this career. It is just a huge resource that I am incredibly grateful for and it's made me a better mentor. And I have a couple people that I'm mentoring through possibly doing this scholarship this year as well. And so I'm just loving watching the industry grow through this. And yeah, I'm just.

[John Brucato]

That's great. I mean, you've really gone all in on the professional development and the professional networking and maybe little known fact, something I just learned about you. We were talking offline. You're kind of the ASBO international pin aficionado because you have such a lineage in the profession. You have some real relics, right?

[Bailee Nash]

Yeah. My mom gave me all of her pins that she earned during her career because she was on our state affiliate board. So I have like her old school SFO pin, her president's pin and all of those. And then Jim Westrom gifted me a pin trader pin in which there's only two ever made and I have to go find the person who has the other one.

[John Brucato]

It's like an individual scavenger hunt.

[Bailee Nash]

Yes, but I mean, there's such stories behind all of these. And so it's come up at our annual conferences and stuff. Other people come and talk to me, explain to me how they developed their president pin when they were president and wanted to show it to me. And it's really just opened network and conversation and then created those relationships. So later in life when I actually have like work questions or work problems, I can go talk to those people because we already had those icebreakers and those relationships develop over something as simple as a pin. But yeah, it's a running joke here in the state how many I have been gifted.

[John Brucato]

That's incredible. Yeah, that's incredible. Okay, so Brandy, why don't you share a little bit about your story and your career path to where you are today in Pennsylvania.

[Brandy Smith]

Education is a second career for me. I worked in the restaurant industry for several years on restaurant management. Then I left management and went back and finished my bachelor's degree in accounting. Working on through that, I kind of stumbled into a job as I was preparing to become a CPA as a part time payroll person at Montoursville school district in 2012. So I stumbled into that and it was part time and I started working Here I found a love for it, and I had a great mentor here. The business manager that was here at the time saw that I could take additional work on and do things, and he allowed me. He allowed me to grow. And then, you know, when he moved on, he recommended me for the job here. So I just kind of fell into my path here. And I will also say, like, I had a lot of great people that helped me along the way. I didn't become business manager until 2020 or. Yeah, 2016. So when I went to Grapevine, I was still a payroll person. So it was. It was different because we had different perspectives on things, and I learned a lot, but I was able to meet people and start learning from them early on. And I think that's one thing that really helped me develop in my career.

[John Brucato]

That's great. And you know, Brandon, I have to say, I think you were more the norm of stumbling into the career. I can definitely relate to that. Because when. I'm sure when you were in the food service industry, did you even have an idea that there was a business office in school districts? Because I certainly had. No.

[Brandy Smith]

I thought it just all happened, right?

[John Brucato]

It's just a bunch of teachers and a principal and maybe a superintendent. Right.

[Bailee Nash]

And it seems that, like, I work discus in track events at our schools because I just like to get around the kids, right. And they're like, so are you a teacher? And I'm like, no, I work in the finance department. They're like, what is that?

[John Brucato]

It's like this whole machine behind the scenes, you know, get your textbooks and your computers right.

[Bailee Nash]

So, yeah, I feel like it's very rare that you just kind of have like a generational thing. I think you're right. That Brandy. I think most people just happen to discover it on like a. Indeed. Or like a posting. Like, yeah, but it's not a career that people go to college understanding, like, because there's no coursework really associated with school finance. We have one college here that just started implementing one course distinctly on school finance, and that.

[Brandy Smith]

One too, we have Wilkes.

[John Brucato]

So, yeah, we. So I adjunct teach at my alma mater. And we recently introduced. Because in the state of New York, you need to have your MBA to get your school finance certification, which is called the School District Business Leader sdbl. We just implemented trying to streamline the process of dual MBA SDBL certification because we were finding that it's just so challenging for people to get into the role because there's so many perceived barriers to entry and let alone people don't even know it exists. So it's like, why are you gonna spend all this time and money educating yourself on, you know, a profession that you really have no idea about? But, you know, Bailey, my. My thing now, it can't be my thing anymore. It's like, I can count on one hand the number of people I. I know who knew about school finance and wanted to become, you know, a business official. But now I have to use, like, my. My second hand. So I have six people now. I think I can. I can tally. So to that end, let's talk a little bit more about the scholarship itself. Brandi, when you received your 2015 or you were part of the cohort of the 2015 of emerging leaders, when you think about that time in your career, how has that scholarship really influenced your professional development and really where you've landed today?

[Brandy Smith]

I think it was very beneficial because, like I said at the time, I was just the payroll person, so I was starting to branch out into other areas, into my office and learn new things. But being able to. After you receive the scholarship, you go into the network, and then you start chatting. So you start learning about each other and what everyone does and getting to know each other a little bit before you go to the conference. So that helped. And then once you got there and you got to learn about, you know, people doing the transportation, the food service, you know, all the different people that are involved in it and seeing the different pieces, I think it really helped broaden knowledge overall and just to see how other states look at things, because that was a big thing, like, you know, your own state, but how they do it in other states, you know, kind of gives you ideas on how to fix problems in your own states, too.

[John Brucato]

Yeah. Yeah. I think you make a great point, because a lot of us are dealing with the exact or similar issue, but there's just so many different ways of kind of attacking that. And being able to kind of workshop your ideas and talk about that with what might seem as strangers at first and then become professional and personal friends really makes such a difference, because you're able to kind of think about your own issue from a different lens. So you. You make such a great point. And so, Bailey, what about you is you've received a scholarship more recently. What's the influence in your career so far?

[Bailee Nash]

I think my favorite thing about the scholarship as a whole was the workshop before the conference. You really got to know your other recipients during that, and building those relationships before going into the conference was very impactful for me, let alone the work we just did in the workshop, you know, collaborating, working through troubleshooting those issues that Brandi was talking about and getting to develop those relationships. Like, my state affiliate role is pretty deep to our Hasbro conferences. I think there was over 20 of us my scholarship year there. So, like, I knew I had people around, but one of my colleagues from my recipient year was from Kentucky, and she was the only one from Kentucky. So having that. If you're from a state affiliate that maybe just can't or doesn't send as many people, it's a nice way to actually meet people. So when you're going through this huge conference, you've already had some icebreakers and some connections to walk through and meet. As you're going to different sessions, you see some familiar faces, and it's a lot easier to engage in that capacity. I still meet monthly with a handful of my recipient.

[John Brucato]

Oh, cool.

[Bailee Nash]

We are evolving. It. It used to just be like a check in, and now we're moving towards some sort of educational component so we can practice that doing, like, virtual presentations or sharing on different topics with each other. And that's been going really well. Minus last month. We all had a busy month and no one showed up on my calls like, thanks, guys. Time of the year happens. We all know it. But that knowledge and just having those relationships and those perspectives where, like you said, Brandy, like, sometimes when I'm struggling with stuff, my. What are you guys doing in your state? What does this even look like?

[John Brucato]

Right.

[Bailee Nash]

For you guys is just a very unique perspective that I'm very, very grateful for, because I think the more perspectives and worldviews you have in the space, the more you can figure out possibilities.

[John Brucato]

So you both mentioned. Yeah, you have to go to those. Those, man, they're the workshops and things like that. Are you encouraged to. To kind of branch out from your comfort zone? Because I think, Bailey, to what you said, you had 20 people from your state from Minnesota, so it's kind of easy to just kind of buddy up with the people, you know? Right. You know, and some people honestly are a little bit more extroverted and probably don't have an issue, you know, making small talk, meeting people. But are you encouraged to kind of like, really dig in with your emerging leader cohort? Like, tell me about that experience.

[Bailee Nash]

Yeah, that. And then we're also just Minnesota. Nice. So we adopted like, four people out of that cohort that didn't have anybody else from their state. They started coming to our state event stuff. We're like, you come along you come along with us, we'll adopt you. We adopt them again the following year. We're a big family that way. But we are very communicative when we're planning to go to the conference. Like, hey, here's like, one or two things we want to do together as a state. But then we want you to go out and spend time with, like, in particular, me and Zach was with me the same year. We had two Minnesotans my year and do the activities and have lunches with. And so I had a lot of plans with my group from my recipient year, and it was very supported by my state affiliate to do that. And I was very grateful. And I was also very grateful that I did have that safety buffer, that if I was uncomfortable, I'm going to go over to my 20 people family.

[John Brucato]

Right, right, right. And Brandon, what was your experience? I mean, when you think back to your cohort, what was it like? Just kind of meeting similarly situated people in their careers, like five years and under.

[Brandy Smith]

It was good. So when going into it, you get their phone numbers, you try to get to really know them all very well. So I would say it was very beneficial for us to get together outside that first day of group, and we'd go to, like, sessions together or grab lunch together. My group is not really connected anymore, but I feel like we learned a lot from each other. ASBO used to do the. The, like hors d' oeuvres and drinks for all the recipients. I don't think they did that last year, but it was always good to catch up with everyone at the time. And I think that was, you know, that was a good thing that we had going on there.

[John Brucato]

Yeah. One of the benefits, too, about the scholarship is that it really puts you into the heart of the ASBO International Organization via the International Annual Conference and Expo. Can you talk to me about your experiences attending that as a scholarship recipient? You know, you talked a little bit about kind of working with your cohort, but you, in effect, are an attendee also as well. So what was kind of your. Your first experience with all of that, Bailey? Maybe we can kick it off with you.

[Bailee Nash]

Well, I'm directionally challenged, so I needed an escort for the first half of the day to show me where to go.

[John Brucato]

So was your. Your first conference, Was that in. In.

[Bailee Nash]

In the fall of 2023?

[John Brucato]

Three. Yeah.

[Bailee Nash]

So it would have been. It was September 2023. I think it was a September year.

[John Brucato]

Maryland facilities are. Yeah, are huge. I also needed, like a GPS just to kind of walk to.

[Bailee Nash]

Yeah. I was grateful, though, that my boss at the time was on the board, so we traveled together, so I didn't have to travel by myself and get there. But the conference as a whole, I was really impressed by the different offerings of the sessions because, like Brandy talks about, like, depending on the size of your district, you could wear all of the hats, or you could be siloed into a very particular hat that's needed because your district is just so robust. And the fact that they offer those different sessions and space them out so you can find something that either you want to stretch and learn about or get updates and grow within your area of expertise already, I really enjoyed it. And then they partnered those a lot. There was a lot of soft skill offered as well, and I think that's really important. And sometimes we overlook it because there's so much like legislative. Legislative update, audit updates, and all of those things that we need that sometimes it can get overlooked, like the team building or to having hard conversations, mentoring, and those kind of things. So I really liked the overall combination of things that were being offered. And then once I was introduced to what the PIN trading was, that was an aggressive.

[John Brucato]

That's a whole, like, subculture of, you know, iceberg.

[Bailee Nash]

Because then you're, like, looking for different states, and you're just introducing and making connections that way. And it was really interesting. And I loved that, like, D.C. was my first ASPO experience. It was a really, really amazing conference.

[John Brucato]

So that's fine. The pin thing, when I first started attending acne was just hilarious to me because you would have complete strangers, like, make a beeline up to you and look at your badge to see what state you're from, and then look at you, like, do you have a pin from New York? I'm like, do I? It was just, like. It was so funny to me. And now it's such a. Like I said, such a subculture of the conference. So, Brandy, what about you? When you think back to your 2015 cohort experience in being immersed in acne, you know, what were kind of your experiences there?

[Brandy Smith]

It was a little overwhelming, I would say, at first.

[John Brucato]

Sure.

[Brandy Smith]

Because it's a big conference and there's a lot going on. What I did, like, was there was multiple focuses. So, like, if I wanted to focus on something for finance, I could do that. But then if I changed my mind and wanted to do something else, I could change where I was going at any time. I wasn't locked into a certain session at a certain time. So being able to move around and do you know, what I wanted to do based on how I felt at the time. I did a lot of leadership seminars.

[John Brucato]

Right.

[Brandy Smith]

And those are always good. They're motivational. They. They bring. I feel like they always bring it up. So I like doing those. But it was also very welcoming. So I would say, you know, it's. It's. You're overwhelmed, but then once you get into the flow of it, it's. Everyone's very welcoming. If you're lost, someone will notice that you're lost, and they'll be like, hey, do you need help? And to carry on with the pins. A lot of people will, like, go up to you and look at your badge, and then they'll be like, oh, you're from Pennsylvania. You don't have pins.

[John Brucato]

Or even better, it's like, oh, you're from so and so. I already have your pin, but nice to meet you. And then take off somewhere else.

[Bailee Nash]

Correct.

[John Brucato]

Just chop liver. Because you already have the.

[Brandy Smith]

Yes, you do. It's. You make those, and then you laugh together and you have fun, and it's. It's a really good experience. I would say the first one is always scary, but after that, there. It's always a good experience. And you always take a lot back.

[John Brucato]

Yeah. To your point, everybody is so friendly and willing to help you, and there must just be, like, a standard, like, I don't know what's going on look on your face. Because people will come out of the woodwork and think, hey, you look a little lost. Or like, maybe you need help navigating to the expo floor. Like, here's. This is where you go, so. And it's not even just the ASBO staff, who, by the way, are absolutely incredible.

[Bailee Nash]

They're phenomenal.

[John Brucato]

Yeah. It's your fellow colleagues that can notice that kind of, like, scant look on your face, like, oh, let me come give you a hand. But you both make such great points. Let's talk a little bit more about the networking aspect. I mean, you both have spoken to its importance in your personal careers, but can you tell me how the Emerging Leaders Scholarship has really opened the door for your networking opportunities? And to that end, why do you feel it's so important for emerging school business officials to really engage in that networking practice? Brandy, why don't we kick it off with you?

[Brandy Smith]

I think the Emerging Leaders Scholarship, it makes you. It makes you engage with others from other states. And with that initial push, then you want to. So it creates that want by pushing you into it. Whereas sometimes I won't take that Initiative because I'm shy. Like I don't. I hold back. But that makes you want to ask more questions. And the networking is key to success in our jobs because we have to help each other to be successful. We don't have all the answers. We have to think outside the box. Education is different than what it was five years ago, what it was 10 years ago. And it's constantly, constantly evolving. So we have to use ideas from each other. So you know, growing that through the communication through each other is just very important. And I think being Emerging Leader, it made you do it. And then you realize, oh, I can do this.

[John Brucato]

Yeah. Introvert or not, you're in it. Right? So you have to participate. Bailey, you obviously, from kind of what you've said already, are very much involved in the professional networking component of the job. Tell me why you feel it's so important and how the Emerging Leader Scholarship has really kind of helped facilitated that outlook.

[Bailee Nash]

One thing I just have to point out is I love our industry. Cause it's one of the few industries where sharing knowledge and supporting each other is encouraged across districts, across states. Like it's not. We're keeping this secret because we want to be more like effective or more.

[John Brucato]

Yeah, we're not competing against each other.

[Bailee Nash]

We're going to help these kids and we're going to give you any information and share any information we can to help these kids. And so I love that about us. I think the networking key is so important because like I said before, most of the time you're the only one who does what you do in your district. So it's not like you can go down the hall and talk to your co worker because they do something completely different than you. So we really promote networking within our state. But I also just think that the networking countrywide is so crucial. And Brandy touched on this too because a different state could be doing something that's more effective or they found a better way through an issue that you're also going through. And having that perspective and in that space is great. The Emerging Leader scholarship is beneficial in the aspect that you got that initial connections versus just like a random pit trade or walking into a session like I think you should go to the conference either way because it's such a valuable conference. But doing the Emerging Leader Scholarship for your first conference, you have pre established connections from different states when you get there and that comfort helps you grow. Because believe it or not, I am actually an introvert at heart. I know this is so hard for some. I don't believe it, but to believe, because I'm very. I've trained myself to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Because when you talk about that and that like you're networking, you're going to this conference, it's happening. And like, yeah, I love it. Like, I think in the verbiage of the actual application, like if you win, you will go. Right, right. It's on there. Just so you're aware, this is going to be your requirement. Like, you're going to participate, you're going to engage. And sometimes, you know, if you're more introverted or you're a little bit of afraid of it, you kind of need that little, I don't know, parent push. I'd almost call it, like, sure, it's going to be okay, but we're going to force you to do something that might be just a little uncomfortable for you, but it's going to be super beneficial. And you know, I just, I've shot questions to people from different states over the years, like, how is this going? Or when I'm doing my monthly check ins and people are like telling me what's going on in their state, I'm like, I'm very grateful for the situation in my state currently, if that's the issue that's going on over there. So I think it just also gives you a perspective because sometimes, I mean, something's always going on in our schools. It's never not going to have something going on. But every once in a while when you're having like a really bad day, a little jolt of perspective, like there's other bad things going on, you're like, oh, I can handle this. This is okay. I'm gonna, yeah, yeah, adulting. Move on. But how I've been able to grow in this profession and mentor in this profession is hugely because of that. The relationships and the knowledge I gained since 2023 in that scholarship year. So I am just eternally grateful for that.

[John Brucato]

So it's awesome. Can you think of any specific connections or mentorships that have been particularly impactful? I mean, Bailey, you already kind of talked to it a little bit that you have an ongoing cohort kind of connection, opportunity. But anything else that has really emerged as something that has really stood out for you?

[Bailee Nash]

I mean, I have one. It's been really fun watching people get on the ASBO board and people that we have connections with. Like Wanda was just at our annual and I love her and she was the one who was like, wanda's great. I think you should do this. Would you do this. I think this would be great. And it's just those connections in particular that lead to opportunities like this to pay it forward. Um, and then, you know, Howie from Massachusetts, he was one of those people, like, in 2023 that just always had a smile on his face, was making sure that all of us newbies felt.

[John Brucato]

Well, yeah, he's the guy that will come up to you and say, you look lost.

[Bailee Nash]

Let me help you, like, constantly, you know, and so it's been really nice. And then my own cohorts, like, over the years, so I earned my SFO last year. So Asia from Kentucky in particular, and a couple others were asking me about how that process went, how it went for me, and we've been collaborating and talking through those things together. And so it's nice sometimes to actually have a support system outside your state for certain things you want to talk to as well.

[John Brucato]

Yeah. Awesome.

[Bailee Nash]

Yeah.

[John Brucato]

Brandon, how about you? Any specific connections or mentorships pop into your mind when you kind of reflect back on your time?

[Brandy Smith]

So just developing the relationship with Asva. So, you know, 2015 was 10 years ago. That's a long time and it goes really fast. But the people you meet that are within the organization are the key to your success. So as you say, it builds opportunities. So I didn't just go to the Emerging Leader Scholarship and then, oh, I'm done with asthma. I stayed involved. And that's the key to it all, is staying involved. And you do get other opportunities open up. I'm currently on the Legislative Advocacy Committee with asf, so it. You have to stay involved. And I think it opened up those relationships through this. And just I mentored, I think, three years ago, the emerging scholars. So you meet new people, and it's just you get to meet a lot of people and you take different things from each of them and you give different things to each. Each of them, too. So it's a give and take. And, you know, if. If you come up with a question, you'll think, oh, I know who I need to contact.

[Bailee Nash]

I got to look it up, though, because.

[Brandy Smith]

Yeah, always remember, like, exactly. But then you can reach out to them and say, hey, I have a question. And we do. We do have great leadership in asbo. So I think that's always very important also.

[John Brucato]

That's great.

[Bailee Nash]

Well, I'll just say, too, like, the educational component, like, our district just started earning the coe, I think, last year as a result of me and Merck going to the conference, and I'm submitting for, like, the MBA I think this year I'm going to try to get my ducks in a row for it, but just learning what that is and how to build that out and how that can benefit your district and the financial transparency and all of that stuff, because, like, we concentrated a lot on, like, the networking and, like, the personal growth, because that is a huge portion of it. But just how this knowledge can benefit and impact, like, your district and your shareholders, I think is pretty substantial as well.

[John Brucato]

That's great. So as we wind down here, what piece of advice would you give to school business professionals that are considering applying for the Emerging Leaders Scholarship? But maybe they're on the fence. Maybe they're an introvert. Maybe the thought of having to socialize and network with people is a little daunting. Bailey, what would you say to those people?

[Bailee Nash]

I'd say just do it. So I. Here's the thing. I mentored a friend of mine, and she won the scholarship last year, and she was in leadership with me, and she's one of the most introverted people I've ever met. And by the first night, she was running around with people from her recipient group and introducing them to us and hanging out with them outside of our comfort group, and she was just thriving. I'm like, so, you know, eat that fear and do it anyways. Because it was just, like, the best feeling in the world to see her so happy and so engaged when she got over that hump of her fear. And here's the thing is, if you apply and say, and you don't get it, you're right where you already are. It hurts to do nothing, to try absolutely nothing.

[John Brucato]

So well said. Brandy, what about you, someone who may be a little apprehensive or is considering the. The Emerging Leader Scholarship? What would you. What would you say to them?

[Brandy Smith]

I will suck at Bailey. Just do it. If you're apprehensive because you're an introvert, you have to do it. That's. It brings you out, it gives you confidence. You meet the best people, and it's. It's all family, Right?

[Bailee Nash]

Yeah.

[Brandy Smith]

As though is a huge family. And people will be good to. To talk to, to. To guide you. You just. Just do it, and it's rewarding.

[John Brucato]

Well said. Well, thank you both for joining me this afternoon. And for those of you listening, if you're considering applying for the Emerging Leader Scholarship, please make sure to do so soon, because applications are due June 1, 2025, so you have a couple more days to do so. But thank you both for hopping on this afternoon and really enlightening us about your experiences.

[Bailee Nash]

Thank you, thank you.

[John Brucato]

Thank you for tuning in to School Business Insider. Make sure to check back each week for your favorite topics on school business.