Grayson Winchester ’23

Texas A&M Senior and Mays Business Honors Student, Grayson Winchester is far from ordinary. Despite a high school graduating class of just a dozen students, Winchester has always felt at home among the expansive Texas A&M student body he now helps to lead. We talked to Winchester about his servant-minded leadership, the evolution of his aspirations, and the faith that keeps him grounded. His experiences with Mays have been
central to his collegiate development and long-term vision – and he’s quick to share the credit for his laudable achievements. As the acting Commander of the Corp of Cadets, the senior from Fort Worth, Texas has been emboldened with ample opportunity to put his leadership aptitude into action.

A NEW PATH

Winchester’s commitment to excellence is evidenced equally across his academic and extra-curricular endeavors. Set to begin a career in management consulting upon graduation, Winchester is driven to pursue meaningful change through high-level problem solving and experimentation, as well as thought leadership and good-old-fashioned hard work. But at the onset of his collegiate career Winchester’s ambitions looked different. His early goals included law school, but exposure to the consulting track at Mays and the opportunities associated with Business Honors helped to shift his focus. We asked Winchester’s Mays advisors to elaborate.

“Business Honors is a great fit for a student like Grayson with unconventional long-term career aspirations,” shares Claire Raabe Program Manager for Business Honors and Deputy Director of Business Fellows at Mays Business School. A Business Honors major gives students the freedom to build their own program, effectively customizing curriculum and cherry-picking the courses that best suit their interests and aspirations, from management and leadership, to venture capital and consulting. “We offer the flexibility and encouragement for students to gain core competencies across business functions, as well as the freedom to explore and customize their academic experience,” shares Raabe. “Additionally, we put a lot of emphasis on values and self reflection – because freedom and flexibility aren’t as valuable if you don’t know who you are and where you want to make an impact,” she notes, “and Grayson is one of the most reflective students I have worked with.”

Now, with a position at top-tier consulting firm, Deloitte, lined up after graduation, Winchester looks forward to putting the skills he’s honed at Mays into practice. “Early on I envisioned using a law degree in the nonprofit sector to fight injustice,” shared Winchester. “Now, I am confident that the skills and relationships I will build by launching my career in the consulting space, will position me well for long-term, meaningful involvement in the nonprofit sector.”

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

Prior to his time at Texas A&M Winchester was quick to tackle every leadership opportunity in his reach, even reading up on leadership strategy in advance of his arrival in College Station. It was time well spent, informing his involvement in the Corps of Cadets, Student Government Association, Legislative Relations Commission, and countless other organizations and honors that have shaped his time in Aggieland.

Commandant of the Corp of Cadets, Brigadier General Patrick R. Michaelis has worked closely with Winchester as both mentor and direct supervisor in Winchester’s capacity as Corps Commander. “Grayson’s level of reflection and maturity, is what you could expect of someone with 10-15 years experience in industry,” shares Michaelis, who is quick to credit
Mays programs for contributing to the polish and intentionality that underscore Winchester’s leadership style. “Coming out of a program like Mays Business Honors Grayson understands span of control, organizational and management theory; he’s someone who thinks deeply and strategically.” He paints a picture of Winchester as grounded in organizational leadership – laying out a thoughtful and compelling vision with clear goals; engaging and listening to those he leads, and thereby developing a “coalition of the willing” with whom he puts vision into action. In keeping with Michaelis description of his work ethic, Winchester frequently reminds himself (and others) that, “you can’t do it all on your own; but in whatever you do, give your best – because you will never have that same opportunity again.”

Winchester’s myriad leadership demands require an exceptional knack for balance and scheduling and he seems to take the rigorous pace of his involvement in stride. “Sure, my schedule is a lot, but I really wouldn’t have it any other way,” he shares. “I work to find balance, but the opportunities to serve my fellow students, and the learning opportunities I’ve been afforded here at Mays, can’t be matched.” He tackles his commitment to striking a balance –between academics, his leadership roles, and relationships– with the exceptionalism he applies to every endeavor.

GROUNDED BY FAITH

A person with Winchester’s lofty goals, notable achievements, and demanding schedule often draws on a deeper source of motivation. For Winchester, the undercurrent that keeps him moving –when he seems grounded and at ease on days that hardly leave time for a breath– is faith. Asked about how he manages such a full plate, that’s his answer. “I remind myself to trust that God has a bigger plan, and to entrust Him with everything that lies ahead; I know I’ll see His imprint on each of the decisions I make, and I can go to him first in prayer.” Winchester believes the key to success for each of us is “to find that grounding principle that will keep you motivated and resilient.” This practice of tapping
into a higher calling, and meditation through prayer, has kept him moving forward, and it’s that impenetrable faith to which he contributes much of his success and motivation.

SERVICE DRIVEN

The strength of Winchester’s leadership can be attributed to a marriage of his indefatigable work ethic and ability to inspire others, with his natural penchant for selfless service, a quality his Mays advisors and Corp leadership were quick to notice and encourage. “Grayson’s priority is truly philanthropy and service,” shares Michaelis, “and he uses his considerable platform to reinstill this value of selfless service in support of others.”

When he takes on a position of leadership, such as his role as Commander of the Corps of Cadets, he is driven to shape an atmosphere of mutual respect and support. Winchester expands, “ I always want to create an environment where authenticity is the baseline for team members who care about each other’s success and growth.” He continues, “practically speaking, that looks like serving those around you; prioritizing the work of others alongside your own; and, for leaders – not being afraid to get into the weeds.” He notes that effective leadership requires your team to see you exercising the same excellence and discipline you ask of them.

Unsurprisingly, Winchester would one-day love to put his servant-leadership skills to use in more direct, service applications. Recently, he spent time serving in Burma, where he was involved with the organization Free Burma Rangers. Founded in 1997 by a Texas A&M former student, Free Burma Rangers is a multi-ethnic humanitarian aid group fighting to
provide relief to communities facing poverty and political despotism as the result of prolonged civil war in Burma. The group provides medical aid, food support, and encouragement to vulnerable populations. Winchester was impressed in volunteering with the group that their goal is to deliver not only basic necessities but to come alongside those they serve in love. He was also struck by the way love was central to the cohesiveness of each unit. He shared, “as they spend more time with one another, they become less united from a common enemy perspective and more out of a common love for one another.” He aims to unite those he leads with a similar energy, and his positive outlook has been described as contagious. “With so many people in need globally, I want to be a part of the change.”

Winchester’s excellence, leadership, vision, and determination to give back reflect a value set Mays’ students continuously strive for. The transformational leadership style he’s embodied will leave a lasting legacy on a campus renowned for leader-building. General Michaelis’ most telling observation reflects that legacy, “I’m confident Grayson Winchester will be remembered as one of the greatest Corps Commanders of the last several decades.” For such a storied institution, that’s a high bar.

Brigadier General Patrick R. Michaelis is the acting Commandant of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, the largest uniformed student body in the nation, outside of the military academies. As Commander, Grayson Winchester is his top-ranking student leader.