School Business Insider Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Mentorship Matters: Cheryl Campbell on Nurturing School Business Leaders
Host: John Brucato
Guest: Cheryl Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at Thomas Tallis School, London
Release Date: May 27, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato engages with Cheryl Campbell, a distinguished school business leader and advocate for mentorship within the education sector. Cheryl shares her extensive experience, the evolution of mentorship in school business management, and the significant impact of mentoring on fostering leadership and diversity.

Cheryl Campbell’s Career Path

Cheryl Campbell begins by recounting her 14-year tenure in local government within a London borough, managing services for approximately 17,000 pupils. Her transition to the school sector was motivated by a desire for a more balanced life during her second maternity leave. "[...] I thought, this is the way to get into school. So I did that qualification whilst on maternity leave and before I'd even got my results, I had already been applied for and been successful in my first school business management role." (01:34)

Initially apprehensive about her lack of direct school experience, Cheryl sought mentorship to bridge the gap between her previous role and her new responsibilities. This decision marked the beginning of her deep commitment to mentorship within the school business community.

The Importance of Mentorship

Cheryl highlights the stark contrast between her role in local government and the demands of school business management. She emphasizes that "[...] I don't think people realize how much work there is to do in schools." (04:48) The shift from centralized local authority support to schools managing more responsibilities independently has significantly increased the workload and complexity of school business roles.

Establishing SBMmentors

Responding to her own need for guidance, Cheryl launched SBMmentors on Twitter (@SBMmentors) in 2019. Initially intended to support new business managers, the platform quickly evolved to assist professionals at various career stages. Cheryl explains, "[...] it was actually quite interesting to see the different people who were then contacting me saying, well, actually I wouldn't mind being a mentor..." (06:48)

Matching Mentors and Mentees

Cheryl describes her meticulous process for pairing mentors with mentees:

• Assessment of Experience: Understanding the background, location, and specialization of potential mentors.
• Identifying Needs: Determining what mentees seek, whether it's navigating a new role or enhancing specific skills.
• Flexibility in Engagement: Adapting to virtual meetings, especially during the pandemic, to facilitate broader connections.

"For example, we have mentors from various types of schools—local authority, academies, primary, secondary—and we match them based on the mentees' specific needs." (10:08)

Overcoming Challenges in Mentorship

Cheryl addresses common obstacles in mentorship relationships:

• Lack of Direction: Often, mentees are uncertain about their goals. Cheryl advises, "Set out what you want to achieve at the start and revisit that throughout your relationship." (16:19)
• Time Constraints: Many mentors may struggle to commit adequate time. Cheryl recommends honest conversations about availability to ensure realistic expectations. "[...] be honest about whether you can fulfill that time commitment." (17:07)

Success Stories

Cheryl shares a personal success story demonstrating the profound impact of mentorship. She sought a mentor to help transition from an operational to a more strategic role, which led to significant professional growth. "He helped me to recognize that yes, I still have to do operational things. It's part of my role. But I am in fact being strategic because I am planning ahead." (20:07)

Fostering a Mentorship Culture in Organizations

To cultivate a supportive environment for mentorship, Cheryl suggests:

• Valuing Mentorship: Organizations must not only endorse but actively support mentorship through resources and encouragement.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections at conferences and training sessions.
• Incorporating Mentorship into Appraisals: Integrating mentorship goals into performance reviews to formalize the process.

"[...] allowing that time out to go to conferences, to go to training sessions where your staff are then able to liaise with like-minded people..." (23:55)

Role of Professional Associations

Cheryl underscores the pivotal role professional bodies play in promoting mentorship. Organizations like ASBO International and the Regional Institute of School Business Leadership can:

• Connect Members: Facilitate mentorship connections across their vast memberships.
• Promote Mentorship: Highlight success stories and the benefits of mentorship through publications and events.

"They owe it to their members to connect the dots and promote mentorship as a key component of professional development." (26:43)

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion through Mentorship

As the founder of ABLED, an association dedicated to BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) Business Leaders in Education, Cheryl discusses the critical role of mentorship in fostering diversity:

• Increasing Visibility: "You can't be what you can't see," emphasizing the need for visible role models.
• Providing Opportunities: ABLED offers bursaries to support individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuing school business leadership careers.

"Our first bursary recipient has progressed from an administrative role to a fully-fledged school business leader, demonstrating the tangible impact of targeted support." (28:03)

Strategies for Accessible Mentorship Programs

Cheryl advocates for both formal and informal mentorship structures:

• Formal Programs: Structured initiatives with dedicated resources and clear guidelines are more sustainable and scalable.
• Celebrating Success: Highlighting successful mentorship relationships to inspire others and demonstrate tangible benefits.

"Anything that has any resources behind it is more likely to flourish and be successful." (30:45)

Advice for Aspiring Mentors and Mentees

Cheryl offers practical advice for those seeking mentorship:

• Clarify Objectives: Understand and articulate what you seek from the mentorship.
• Network Actively: Build connections through professional events and online platforms.
• Be Specific: Identify mentors whose skills and experiences align with your goals.

"Write a few things down in a notebook to be really clear about what you're looking for." (32:21)

Conclusion

Cheryl Campbell’s dedication to mentorship has not only advanced her career but also enriched the broader school business community. Her initiatives through SBMmentors and ABLED exemplify how structured and intentional mentorship can drive professional growth, enhance diversity, and foster a supportive culture within educational institutions.

John Brucato concludes with appreciation for Cheryl’s impactful work, encouraging listeners to embrace mentorship opportunities to elevate their professional journeys.

Notable Quotes:

• Cheryl Campbell on the realization of increased workload in schools:
  “[...] Working in a local authority, I had much more capacity, I had much more time in my day. Now there are not enough hours in the day.”
  (04:48)

• On the importance of setting clear mentorship goals:
  “It's important to have an initial conversation to find out what each of you wants out of this.”
  (13:41)

• Cheryl reflecting on time management for mentorship:
  “[...] it didn't take a lot of my time. I was using the list feature on Twitter. So I had lists of people lined up.”
  (15:11)

• Emphasizing visibility for diversity:
  “You can't be what you can't see.”
  (28:03)

For more episodes and insights into school business management, stay tuned to ASBO International's School Business Insider.