NBOA President and CEO
If you’re like me, perhaps you’re seeking opportunities that will supercharge your strategic thinking and set the tone for success as you enter the school year ahead. For professionals in the association space, the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting does just that — a chance to connect, learn and find inspiration. ASAE’s mission is to empower association professionals to transform society through the power of collaboration. Said another way, it is the national association for people that work for associations.
Held annually in August, the meeting offers a timely reset before the school year begins, and this year’s opening keynote speaker was nothing short of “magical,” to say the least. Earvin “Magic” Johnson opened the meeting by leaping off the stage to share the leadership lessons from his life and career. Whether reflecting on his upbringing as one of ten siblings, his legendary basketball career at Michigan State and the LA Lakers, or his success as CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, his unscripted thoughts on leadership were exactly what I needed. His leadership lessons struck a chord — and I believe they will be just as relevant and inspiring for independent school business leaders. With that in mind, here are seven key takeaways worth exploring:
1. Stay Anchored in Your Mission
We know that mission drives everything. When Johnson secured a stake in 125 Starbucks locations, he made a deliberate choice to place them in underserved communities, at a time when corporate investment in urban neighborhoods was seen as risky. The success not only boosted his own net worth but also reshaped how Starbucks’ approach to social impact, showing that profitability and purpose can thrive together.
For schools, whether it’s modeling tuition or facilities planning, our work should reflect the values and aspirations of our communities.
2. Lead with Empathy and Accountability
Magic Johnson’s leadership style — demanding yet understanding — mirrors what we see in the most effective independent school business leaders. It involves knowing your team, recognizing their strengths and supporting their growth are essential. According to Magic, empathy isn’t soft; it’s strategic. It builds trust, loyalty, and performance.
3. Embrace Healthy Competition
Throughout his career, Johnson often joked about “hating” his longtime rival Larry Bird, but beneath the banter was a clear mutual respect that fueled their growth. In the same way, business leaders and independent schools thrive when they learn from their colleagues and peers. Benchmarking, collaboration and even friendly competition can elevate our standards and sharpen our practices. Let’s continue to push each other to innovate and improve and leverage the one-of-a-kind collegiality omnipresent in the NBOA community.
4. Adapt to Change with Purpose
Change is inevitable — whether it’s AI, cybersecurity or evolving enrollment trends, change will be on the menu for the upcoming school year and the years ahead. Johnson’s message is clear: leaders must evolve. He reframed change not as a disruption but as an opportunity — and, dare I say, a necessity. For independent schools, adapting with agility and vision is not just important; it’s imperative.
5. Build Community Through Financial Stewardship
Johnson’s investments were instrumental in creating jobs and revitalizing entire neighborhoods. In fact, he shared an incredible anecdote about hiring thirty young men involved in inner-city gangs for construction jobs, which led two-thirds of them to continue in the construction industry and leaving their gangs behind. That kind of leadership is truly transformative. In our context, financial leadership is about creating sustainable models that support diverse, inclusive and thriving school communities. Every budget decision is a chance to reinforce our commitment to providing opportunity and excellence for every student.
6. Practice Humility and Shared Leadership
Johnson’s story about Michael Jordan, arguably the best player at the time, stepping back to let others lead the 1992 Olympic basketball team is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about ego. It’s about knowing when to step forward and when to delegate and empower others to assume business leadership roles. In our schools, collaborative leadership across our business offices and between heads, CFOs, enrollment and advancement leaders, and trustees is key to long-term success.
7. Cultivate a Resilient Mindset
Magic Johnson said it best: “Leaders make adjustments. Leaders find a way to win. I don’t care if it’s my plan or someone else’s as long as we win.” Independent school business leaders face complex challenges, from rising costs of education to shifting demographics within our markets. But with resilience, creativity, and collaboration, we can — and will —find a way forward.
Thanks, Magic, for your continuing leadership and for inspiring this association executive at the perfect time as we begin the new school year!
Follow NBOA President and CEO Jeff Shields on LinkedIn.
