20 under 40: Brail Watson
Brail’s position is centered around three key areas: worship services, mentorship and facilitation of community engagement. He takes pride in leading multiple teams in creating diverse, non-toxic methodologies of ministry that are reflective of the Hi-Crest community’s cultural, socio-economic and racial make-up.
Brail serves the Hi-Crest Community and surrounding areas through multiple avenues, whether that’s through volunteering at Topeka Public Schools, or using his entertainment industry skills to help record and edit videos and collaborate with SENT Topeka, mentoring through The Billboard 500 Club. He has been actively involved in working with youth through YoungLife of Topeka and Megacake Meltdown Fighting Game Tournaments where intergenerational relationships can be formed around mutual competitions.
Through Brail’s professional and personal pursuits, he takes part in mentoring musicians and spiritual leaders. He’s able to meet with individuals to help them develop skills in administration, performance and leadership to enhance their lives, and the lives of others.
Which local leader has inspired you?
Johnathan Sublet. He gets things done plain and simple. But his “why” is what is the most compelling. He’s able to do so much for the community, because of the years that he spent amassing skills, overcoming poverty and learning how to be a leader. That’s awesome, but the best part is that his main goal is to help others do the same. I believe in sharing the gospel through helping others to use their God-given gifts at their highest level. Johnathan always strives to teach others everything he knows.
What is one big item on your bucket list?
To create the world’s fourth major record label. I believe that the current business model for the record industry is exploitative and limits people’s abilities to use their gifts. I want to create something that will allow people to connect with others through their gifts, grow in their gifts and serve others through creating great music, and I want to plant it in Topeka, Kansas, so that it creates opportunities for future generations to build up the community.
What drives you in tough times?
The love that God has given me for both the company and the uplifting of others.
What should one never take for granted?
That you have the right to be right. Sometimes being correct is not what’s best for those around you.
