Brayden Williamson, president of the Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College (Southern) NSLS chapter, is proving that leadership and passion can strike the perfect chord.
A business administration major, Williamson balances his academic, leadership, and musical pursuits with remarkable focus and humility, having already achieved milestones that many dream of.
He earned Guitar Player of the Year at The Evan Dickerson Bluegrass Music Awards, and headlined shows with his band in six states, all while reaching more than 70,000 followers on Facebook.
His first single, “Watchin’ the Grass Grow,” even hit No. 1 on the Mountain Bluegrass WWB charts when he was just 16 years old. On top of his musical pursuits, he was recently elected to serve as the student representative on his college’s Board of Governors.
These achievements highlight not only his musical talent but also his drive to lead with authenticity and impact, both on and off the stage.
Leading on a Foundation of Faith
Williamson’s approach to leadership is rooted in values that have guided him since childhood and in the belief that true leadership is about building others up.
“Leadership means giving someone a foundation to take what you demonstrate to them and build something new from it, leading to success,” he says.
He lives this definition every day, whether it’s mentoring peers through his NSLS chapter or inspiring audiences through music. Beyond his musical career, Williamson remains deeply involved in his church and community as well, striving to live by principles of fairness, humility, and faith.
Those principles are also what he credits for his success. “I was once told to always be honest, firm, and treat everyone with fairness,” he says. “To never think I'm above anyone I ever meet.”
NSLS E-Board Experience Helps Drive Growth
Behind Williamson’s achievements are a core set of skills that he says keep him grounded: leadership, honesty, integrity, strength, and patience.
Each of these, he says, has played a role in shaping his career and outlook, and the NSLS was integral to achieving this.
“The NSLS has given me hope for a future created on the principle of ‘If I work hard enough to achieve it, it will happen,’” he explains, citing Speaker Broadcasts, SNT meetings, E-Board sessions, and his overall experience leading his chapter as contributing to his growth.
As a leader, he’s committed to creating an environment where others can grow, something he practices both in his music and in his leadership roles on campus.
RELATED: MENTORING TO BUILD FUTURES
Meaningful Mentorship Guides the Way
When reflecting on those who’ve inspired him most, Williamson points to Darrell Taylor, Southern’s former Chief Student Services Officer and NSLS Chapter Advisor.
“Darrell Taylor has wisdom and a way to lead his employees and students to achieve great things,” he says. That mentorship has shaped how Williamson now guides others, emphasizing empathy, discipline, and belief in one’s potential.
Setting Short- and Long-Term Goals for Success
While Williamson’s accomplishments already fill an impressive résumé, he’s just getting started.
His long-term goals are ambitious: “To perform on and eventually become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, to achieve longevity in my country music career, and to eventually have over thirty number one songs in my career,” he says.
In the short term, he’s focused on keeping his momentum strong. “My next goal will be to perform more shows in 2026 than I did in 2025,” he says, demonstrating the power of taking small steps to achieve large goals.
It’s a plan that perfectly captures his philosophy of steady growth, one built on hard work, faith, and a commitment to constant improvement.
Brayden’s Advice for Future Leaders
For Williamson, great leadership starts with authenticity and humility.
“Always be honest,” he says, “and make sure you craft your listening skills above all.”
He believes that listening is what separates a good leader from a great one, and will continue to keep his ears open to those around him and to the music inspiring his growth, lifting others up along the way as the show goes on.
An important facet of strong communication is active listening. Learn more about this vital skill in our blog on Best Practices for Effective Communication.
