A Different Kind of Leadership

As someone who’s spent most of my career navigating corporate boardrooms, I know what it means to drive strategy, manage risk, and stay accountable to results. But a few years ago, I stepped into a very different boardroom—that of a public charter school. And let me tell you: it changed my perspective on leadership and purpose.

Joining the board of a school like Perspectives Charter School didn’t just challenge me. It fulfilled me. It reminded me that the skills we sharpen in business—financial discipline, operational thinking, long-term planning—can and should be used to strengthen the most important system we have: education.

This blog is a call to action. If you’re a seasoned professional or business leader, I’m asking you to consider lending your expertise to a local school board. Not because it looks good on a résumé, but because our students—and our society—need you.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

Let’s be honest. We talk a lot in business about investing in the future, but too often we overlook the most direct investment we can make: our schools.

At Perspectives, many students come from under-resourced communities. They face barriers that most of us never had to worry about growing up. But they also come with untapped potential, grit, and a hunger for opportunity. These kids don’t need charity—they need champions. And they need leadership that understands how to make systems work better.

That’s where we come in.

Our public schools—charter or otherwise—are not just educational institutions. They’re economic engines, community anchors, and opportunity pipelines. If they thrive, we all benefit. If they fall short, we all pay the price.

Business Skills Make a Real Difference

You might be wondering, “What can I actually contribute to a school board?” A lot more than you think.

Business leaders bring a different lens to the table. We know how to read financials, ask hard questions, and hold teams accountable. We’re used to thinking about strategy, not just day-to-day operations. We understand how to manage growth, navigate uncertainty, and align stakeholders around a vision.

At Perspectives, I’ve been able to use these skills to help refine budgeting processes, support fundraising strategy, and weigh in on long-term planning. But more importantly, I’ve brought a sense of urgency. In business, we move fast. We solve problems. We take ownership. Schools benefit from that same mindset.

It’s not about pushing a corporate agenda—it’s about applying what we know to support an organization that’s doing life-changing work.

You’ll Learn More Than You Teach

I’ve served on corporate boards. I’ve sat through investor meetings and earnings calls. But I’ve never been more inspired—or more challenged—than I’ve been serving on a school board.

Education is complex. It’s emotional. It doesn’t move at the pace of quarterly targets. It’s about people, not just performance. And that’s exactly why it’s so meaningful.

Serving in this space has humbled me. It’s reminded me of the power of mission-driven work. It’s taught me that leadership isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about building trust, showing empathy, and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.

It’s also reminded me how much potential our young people have—and how important it is that they see leaders who believe in them, show up for them, and open doors for them.

Representation Matters

Another reason business leaders should step into education leadership roles? Representation. Students benefit from seeing leaders who reflect the world they hope to enter. When they see professionals from different industries, backgrounds, and communities advocating for their success, it expands their horizons.

At Perspectives, we work to expose students to careers they might never have considered. We bring in speakers, arrange mentorships, and create connections that can change lives. Just your presence in the room—as a committed, consistent board member—can show a student what’s possible.

But it’s not just about being visible. It’s about being engaged. Listening. Asking good questions. Challenging assumptions. And always keeping students at the center of the conversation.

How to Get Involved

If this resonates with you, the next step is simple: reach out. Many charter school networks, like Perspectives, are always looking for board members who bring business acumen, strategic thinking, and a heart for service. You don’t need to be an education expert. You just need to care, and be willing to learn.

Start by connecting with local education nonprofits. Attend a school board meeting. Talk to colleagues who already serve. The time commitment is manageable. The impact is massive.

And if you’re worried about whether you’re the “right fit”—remember that leadership comes in many forms. Whether you’re a CFO, an entrepreneur, a consultant, or a retired executive, your experience matters. Don’t underestimate it.

Lead Where It Counts

In business, we spend a lot of time talking about legacy. What kind of impact are we leaving? What will people remember us for?

Serving on a school board has given me the clearest answer yet. Legacy isn’t about titles or transactions. It’s about people. It’s about investing in the next generation—so they can go further, dream bigger, and lead better than we ever did.

If you want to lead where it truly counts, step out of the boardroom and into the classroom. I promise: it’s the best decision you’ll ever make.