School Business Insider

Episode: “Lean On Me: Building Your Professional Network”

Host: John Brucato
Guest: Cindy Reilman, CFO, Special School District of St. Louis County
Date: December 2, 2025

Episode Overview

In this insightful episode, host John Brucato sits down with Cindy Reilman—his co-author and longtime colleague—to explore the transformative power of professional networking for school business officials. Drawing on their shared experiences and recent article (“Lean on Me: Building Your Professional Network”), they discuss the pivotal role of mentors, the unique culture of collaboration in school business, practical strategies for building connections, and how strong relationships influence not just professional growth but also lifelong friendships.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Why Professional Networking Matters

• Genesis of the Conversation

  • Inspired while serving together on ASBO’s Editorial Advisory Committee, John and Cindy realized the fundamental impact networks have had on their careers.
  • Both switched districts to areas with different demographics, highlighting the need for diverse perspectives.
  • “It just kind of encouraged me and reminded me how important our network is and how people we meet at any level, at any opportunity can help us give back to the profession as well as learn ourselves.” —Cindy (01:49)

• Transition Support & Career Growth

  • Strong networks guide professionals at every career stage, not only during district transitions.
  • Early mentorship catalyzed Cindy’s career, providing guidance and future opportunities.
  • “No matter what district I’ve been in, I’ve always been able to reach out to people in my network for advice... It is very impactful as well as important, and I do believe it has helped me become the school business official I am today.” —Cindy (03:36, 04:57)

Camaraderie and Collaboration in School Business

• Unique Non-Competitive Environment

  • “We’re not in competition with each other... We’re all in it together, trying to prepare the next generation of students.” —John (04:57)
  • The profession values sharing resources and best practices to avoid ‘reinventing the wheel.'

• Examples of Peer Support

  • Reaching out to colleagues for expertise (e.g., salary projections, grant writing strategies).
  • Learning from conferences and sessions, regardless of state or region.

The Role of Mentorship

• Mentor Influence

  • The scope and activity level of a mentor’s own network directly shapes a mentee’s opportunities and engagement.
  • Experienced professionals are urged to be visible, active, and accessible—forging mentorship programs within local and state affiliates.

• Challenges in Developing Mentorship Programs

  • Affiliates often struggle to formalize mentorship structures; informal connections still thrive when veterans take initiative.
  • “If I don’t go away meeting at least five to 15 new individuals, then I don’t feel like I’ve really engaged in that opportunity.” —Cindy (09:59)

• Making Connections Stick

  • Cindy is heralded as a ‘connector’ who introduces colleagues across states, catalyzing new collaborations and friendships (e.g., Aziza Gaev).
  • ASBO’s mentor-mentee program fosters critical relationships for newcomers.

Practical Strategies for Building Your Network

• Get Involved at Every Level

  • Attend local/state meetings; join committees; contribute to planning and governance.
  • Seek out diverse perspectives: include superintendents, business officials, bookkeepers, etc. on committees. (13:00–14:51)

• Be Genuine, Down-To-Earth, and Vulnerable

  • Share your “rookie” experiences—normalizes struggles for newcomers, encourages openness.
  • “I always encourage people that are new... what you’re doing is probably new to you, it’s not new to everybody else.” —John (16:48)

• Small Touches Matter

  • Remembering names, following up, and introducing people ensures lasting relationships.
  • “I make it a priority to remember people’s names because I want them to know I value them.” —Cindy (18:16)

Career Trajectory & Confidence Building

• From Observer to Presenter/Writer
  • Cindy: Six to seven years to gain confidence for presenting; writing articles came even later.
  • Presenting is almost job-required, but writing for publication is a skill that takes time.
  • “Presenting was pretty easy... it was a transition to really sharing knowledge in a written form that was much more challenging.” —Cindy (23:18–25:50)

Lessons from Mentees and Peers

• Continuous Mutual Learning
  • “If we allow ourselves to be mentored, then we can always learn from others.” —Cindy (26:34)
  • Cindy’s unique district context (special education only) means she continues to seek guidance and share with peers across the country.

Formal Networking Opportunities

• ASBO/Affiliate Programs
  • Leadership Forum, Eagle Institute, and advocacy events each provide distinct benefits:
    • Leadership skills
    • Teamwork and communication
    • Experiential/historical learning (Eagle Institute)
  • “Even those opportunities allow you to meet new people and grow together... and you learn a lot about yourself.” —Cindy (28:49)
  • Professional development is about building both skill sets and new contacts.

Advocacy: A Network Blind Spot

• Advocacy Isn’t Natural for Everyone
  • Many school business professionals feel unprepared, yet legislative pressures are higher than ever.
  • “It doesn’t come naturally for some of us. Especially for me it does not come naturally for me. But it’s definitely something... I really wish there was a better network or mentoring opportunity for advocacy.” —Cindy (32:19)

From Professional Network to Real Friendship

• Genuine Connections
  • Many professional relationships evolve into close friendships and support systems—sometimes even forming a “second family.”
  • Examples include cross-state travel to visit colleagues, and colleagues looking out for family members.
  • “There are so many people I’ve come to know and love over the years that are just incredible.” —Cindy (36:57)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We don’t steal from one another. We share. We don’t want to reinvent the wheel.” —Cindy (05:34)
• “If I don’t go away meeting at least five to 15 new individuals, then I don’t feel like I’ve really engaged in that opportunity.” —Cindy (09:59)
• “We need to be seen and heard, not just talked to.” —Cindy (18:16)
• “A large part of our jobs is presenting, especially when it comes to community and boards of education.” —John (24:56)
• “If we give [mentees] the opportunity to mentor us, then we always can learn from them.” —Cindy (26:34)
• “What you make a priority is what’s important to you...the people we work with and the people that are our friends and family members, we need to make sure we stay connected.” —Cindy (44:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:49] – Origins of their networking article and importance of professional relationships
• [03:13–04:57] – Early mentorship and its impact on professional trajectory
• [07:11–09:59] – The collaborative, non-competitive culture in school business
• [10:24–12:44] – Examples of how connections shape careers; being proactive in introducing colleagues
• [13:00–14:51] – Strategies for being accessible and inclusive for newcomers
• [16:48–17:24] – Vulnerability and authenticity as tools for supporting new professionals
• [17:38–18:16] – Active listening and remembering names
• [19:33–22:14] – Navigating networking as a woman in a male-dominated space
• [23:18–25:50] – Gaining confidence to present and to write professionally
• [26:34–28:34] – Lessons learned from mentees and the value of a continuous learning mentality
• [28:49–32:19] – Role of formal networking and professional development programs
• [32:19–34:41] – Advocacy as a networking challenge and emerging need
• [35:41–37:27] – Friendships that develop from professional relationships
• [38:45–41:35] – Actionable networking and mentorship advice for new entrants
• [42:52–44:49] – Keeping connections strong during busy times

Actionable Takeaways & Advice

• Start Local: Build connections with nearby business officials before growing your network at the state and national levels.
• Get Involved: Take committee roles, attend events, and seek diverse perspectives.
• Seek & Be a Mentor: Don’t wait for formal programs—make the first move, and help others expand their networks too.
• Be Genuine: Small, personal gestures (remembering names; reaching out) matter.
• Leverage Technology: Connections can transcend geography—Zoom, call, or email.
• Invest in Relationships: Both professionally and personally, networks are a vital support system.
• Utilize Formal Programs: Leadership forums, mentorship pairings, and professional development events are designed to help you grow.
• Advocate for Your Profession: Even if advocacy isn’t intuitive, lean on your network for support and training.

For Listeners

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your roots in school business, this episode underscores: Connection is your most valuable professional tool.
As John puts it: “I really mean it—call, text, email me. I’ve been in your shoes before. I will take the time to help.”

For more guidance, check out their co-authored article “Lean on Me: Building Your Professional Network” in School Business Now.