Leadership can be taught, but it’s even more powerful when it’s lived. In this episode, Sara talks with John and Andy Folsom about the lessons learned from three generations of community leadership. They explore how family values and professional experience have shaped their approach to service, the private sector’s role in driving community impact, and why civic engagement is essential to economic growth. Along the way, they share thoughtful advice for leaders on choosing the right causes, committing your time intentionally, and leading with purpose.

About the Episode 2 Guests:

John Folsom is Chairman Emeritus of Colliers | South Carolina, where he served as President and CEO for more than 30 years. A lifelong Columbian and respected business leader, Johnny has dedicated decades to strengthening the Midlands through civic and community service. He has held leadership roles with organizations including the Midlands Business Leadership Group, Hammond School, Shandon United Methodist Church, and both the Greater Columbia and South Carolina Chambers of Commerce. As a founding board member of Transitions, he led the business community in helping to address homelessness in our city, and in 2013 was named United Way of the Midlands’ Humanitarian of the Year. Johnny has also served as board chair of United Way of the Midlands, continuing a family tradition of service that now spans three generations.

Andy Folsom is President of Companion Life, a subsidiary of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, and a committed community leader. He serves on the boards of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, Riverbanks Zoo Society, Transitions Homeless Shelter, and Central Carolina Community Foundation, and is a founder and board member of Salute from the Shore. Like his father, Andy has served as board chair of United Way of the Midlands and shares a deep dedication to causes that strengthen the Midlands. A proud graduate of Washington and Lee University, Andy is committed to building on his family’s tradition of service, working to make the Midlands stronger for future generations.

What inspires a lifelong commitment to service?

In our debut episode, United Way of the Midlands President & CEO Sara Fawcett sits down with mother-son duo Sharon and Peyton Bryant for an insightful conversation on what drives their deep-rooted dedication service. They dive into the stories and values passed down through families, the role of the private sector in community impact, the connection between civic engagement and economic development, and advice for both nonprofit and business leaders who want to make a difference.

About the Guests:

Sharon Bryant is Regional Executive Vice President at First Citizens Bank and a true pillar of the Midlands community. With more than 40 years in the banking industry, Sharon has not only built an impressive professional career, but she has also dedicated decades of service to making our region stronger, more equitable, and more connected. Her leadership with United Way of the Midlands spans over 30 years. She’s served as a longtime leadership donor and volunteer – as a board member, she co-chaired two consecutive—and record-breaking—annual campaigns, and led the Increasing Impact Revenue Committee, helping shape strategies to fund long-term solutions to community challenges. Sharon also played a pivotal role as a founding member of Women in Philanthropy, an affinity group that now includes over 430 women and invests $50,000 annually in programs supporting women and children across the Midlands.

Peyton Bryant is Managing Partner and Broker-in-Charge at Trinity Partners in Columbia, South Carolina, where he oversees operations, recruiting, and business development. A Wake Forest graduate and proud Demon Deacon, Peyton has also been a dedicated United Way donor and volunteer, serving as chair of our Tocqueville Society, and serving on our Young Leaders Society Steering Committee, Campaign for Good committee, and board of directors. When he’s not making moves in commercial real estate or giving back to the community, you’ll likely find him chasing his two daughters, playing a round of golf, or mowing the lawn.