Freshmen Are Receiving Valuable Leadership Insight

The freshman Class of 2W4 is receiving an invaluable opportunity to interact with and learn from business leaders within the construction trades as part of Williamson’s partnership with Executive Leaders Radio (ELR).

Beginning this past February, every few weeks, small teams of freshmen are taking part in a unique virtual seminar with presidents, CEOs, and other business leaders from around the nation. There are six sessions this spring and the rest of the Class of 2W4 will participate fall semester 2022.

The ELR program pairs teams of five to six Williamson students with two business leaders in a 90-minute virtual interview. Students are able to have discussions and ask a wide variety of questions across a broad range of topics from leadership philosophy to personal business experiences.

The ELF staff have been impressed with the drive and energy of the students as they have asked the business leaders such questions as “What does it take to be successful? What traits do you look for in an employee? What was your road to success? What challenges have you faced? What advice do you have for someone just starting their career?”

At a future date, the ELR staff will select a 15-minute segment of each session to include on an ELR national radio broadcast highlighting Williamson and our next generation of leaders. While an exact air date has yet to be announced, the college will release a notice when the radio segments will be broadcast.

Pictured here, participating in the second session, are Matt Basler 2W4, horticulture; Josh Kirkpatrick 2W4, carpentry; Garrett Watkins 2W4, masonry; and Alex Whiteman 2W4 power plant. Carlos Palma 2W4, carpentry, participated off-campus. The guests were Brent Saul, vice president of Weld Wire Co., King of Prussia, PA; Dave Farragut, president of United States Roofing Corp., Norristown, PA; Erik Strid, founding principal of Concentus Wealth Advisors, Newtown Square, PA; and Jeff Mack, executive managing director, Newmark, Wayne, PA.

Executive Leaders Radio is a weekly business radio show in the Mid-Atlantic States which broadcasts interviews with prominent CEOs, CFOs, and presidents, nationally on about 125 radio stations. The programs are intended to demonstrate what it takes to succeed.