This week, we had the absolute joy of interviewing our very own Leadership Congress Specialist & Website Designer, Brady Smith. Brady works hard behind the scenes and speaking and leading our Leadership Congresses in the summer. He also does an amazing job of making sure that everything on our website runs smoothly. Please enjoy this interview!
Can you share about your professional background and career path leading to this role?
I actually attended Leadership Congress for my last 3 years of high school and loved it. Once I graduated from high school, I bounced around a bunch of jobs—everything from building airplanes, working for UPS, changing tires, construction, and more. The whole time, Patriot Academy was in the back of my mind. I didn’t know what it would look like, I just knew that I wanted to be involved. I began working for them in 2017 and today fill the roles of Leadership Congress Specialist and Website Designer.
Why is what you do important? What is your mission?
Through the Leadership Congresses, we are training the next generation of principled leaders who will keep this country free. I believe that my purpose is to preserve freedom in America so that the Great Commission can continue to be effectively fulfilled. Patriot Academy’s Leadership Congresses are one of the most impactful ways I’ve found to accomplish that purpose.
What does Patriot Academy’s mission mean to you?
Thanks to the “Living Your Purpose” course (thanks, Mr. Green!), I believe it is my life purpose to see freedom preserved and expanded in the United States so that the Great Commission can be effectively fulfilled. This aligns with Patriot Academy’s mission and I’m so grateful to be a part of it!
One of the things I enjoy most about working at Patriot Academy is the ability to present truth to the next generation of leaders. Seeing lightbulbs turn on in their minds and then seeing them take what they learn and put it into action is incredible to watch.
Describe a typical week for you.
It depends on the time of year—we have about a year-long ramp-up period as we prepare for the Leadership Congresses that take place during the summer months, so things start off pretty low-key with a lot of planning, after-action reports, etc. Then, as summer gets closer, it gets busier and busier until the whirlwind of Leadership Congresses begins!
What has been a memorable experience during your time with PA?
Too many to name here for sure! But one of the early ones that sticks in my mind is at my first Leadership Congress (back when it was just called “Patriot Academy”!). There was an impromptu worship and prayer time that just happened one evening. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t directed by the staff. It just happened. Because while the students were to learn about politics, the majority of them were there to grow in Christ and see His Name proclaimed.
What would you say to someone interested in doing what you do?
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. Rights are always accompanied by responsibilities. The freedom you enjoy every day has a cost, and it’s up to each citizen to understand their freedom so they can protect it. There is no better way to do that than through the training provided by Patriot Academy.
What are your hidden talents? 🙂 What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
If I told you, they wouldn’t be hidden anymore…
Hobbies and interests, though, include archery, music (piano and guitar), chess, SCUBA/snorkeling/swimming, audiobooks, and just being in the woods.
What’s your favorite coffee at the Patriot Brew?
The crew was kind enough to do a special order for me – MCT oil, butter, heavy cream, with a touch of maple syrup, all blended together.
What is something God has been teaching you this past year?
Quiet – I’m not very good at sitting still. I’ve been learning a lot about letting God handle things and resting in Him.
What motivates you to do your best work?
Having a family (especially after having kids) is a huge source of inspiration and motivation for making sure that we don’t lose the liberty we enjoy as Americans.
What is your goal looking forward?
We’re working hard to have the maximum number of qualified students attend the Leadership Congresses across the country this year. I know first-hand how impactful Leadership Congress is, and I want to spread that same impact to as many people as possible.
We’d love to have you join us for a Leadership Congress. You can learn more here: https://www.patriotacademy.com/leadershipcongress/
A self-described political junkie from the age of 13, Brady holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and specializes in crafting design & messaging that gets results. Brady makes his home on the edge of society—close enough for good WiFi, but far enough out to not have to worry about traffic.
