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.