Brooks Bell

What did you enjoy most about your ASLF experience?

I enjoyed connecting with like-minded student leaders from other campuses in Arkansas who I otherwise would not have met. It was especially interesting to see how each of us were involved in different endeavors on our campuses, yet we shared many of the same leadership qualities, struggles, and experiences. Where our paths were different, we were able to learn from each other and grow through those conversations.

What long term impact on your leadership skills do you see from your time at ASLF?

ASLF gave me the opportunity to be mentored by servant leaders in the marketplace—professionals outside of traditional ministry roles—and to see how they use their careers as a form of ministry. It showed me that even in business settings, leaders can stand out by serving those around them with humility and integrity.

What do you wish you had know before attending ASLF?

I wish I had realized the great value of having a mentor (or even a few) before ASLF. Having people just a step or two ahead of me as both a sounding board and a source of wisdom has been crucial, and being poured into people like such at ASLF ignited that desire to seek out a good mentor. I’m a very hands-on, experiential learner, but I’ve found that I often learn even more through mentorship.

Now that you're in the marketplace, what does it mean to you to be a servant leader?

To me, being a servant leader in the marketplace means approaching my work with humility, putting others first, and leading in a way that builds trust and elevates those around me. It’s about seeing business as more than transactions—it’s the beginning of a relationship or partnership; an opportunity to serve clients, colleagues, and the community with integrity and excellence.