🎙 On the podcast: Inside the mind of a critic, with Lawrence Toppman
You thought Lawrence Toppman had a strong “voice” in the arts reviews he writes. Wait until you hear his actual voice. We recorded this Q and A the longtime Charlotte arts critic did with residents at The Sharon at SouthPark retirement community earlier this month, and it will leave you both thinking and chuckling.
Toppman has a jovial way of explaining how he tries to keep personal biases out of his reviews, his reaction the first time he saw “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” how badly he missed the mark in his first “Star Wars” review and why he dislikes standing ovations in Charlotte.
Grab some, well, popcorn, and have a listen!
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/inside-the-mind-of-a-critic-with
#cltbusiness #thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #cltstories #charlottepodcast
🎙 On the podcast: Empowering immigrant entrepreneurs in Charlotte, with José Alvarez
Alvarez is vice president of Prospera North Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Latino entrepreneurs. He provides invaluable support to immigrant entrepreneurs by offering bilingual services that guide them through the complexities of starting a business. During his tenure in North Carolina,
Prospera has provided one-on-one business consulting to almost 2,000 people, training more than 3,000 business seminar attendees, facilitating $8M in capital, and resulting in the creation/retention of more than 2,000 jobs.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Alvarez explains that many immigrants are naturally inclined to start businesses due to the challenges they face in adjusting to a new country. Language and cultural barriers often leave them with few other options, which is what makes Prospera’s service so crucial for new business owners.
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/empowering-immigrant-entrepreneurs
#cltbusiness #thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #cltstories #charlottepodcast
🎙 On the podcast: Preserving local farmland, with Tim Belk, Aaron Newton and Cherie Jzar
The Charlotte region is on track to lose about 19,400 acres of farmland by 2040. The Carolina Farms Fund aims to prevent that.
The goal is to protect 5,000 acres in the Charlotte region as working farms and to match farmers to those properties with a path toward ownership. The fund was started in November of 2023 by Tim Belk, the former chairman and CEO of Belk . Belk’s passion for farming comes from the organic farm he started with his wife, Sarah, in 2017, called Wild Hope Farm, in Chester.
On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, staff writer Lindsey Banks talks to Belk, fund program manager Aaron Newton, and Cherie Jzar, who co-owns Deep Roots CPS Farm in northwest Charlotte, which was the first farm to partner with the Carolina Farms Fund.
They discuss the importance of saving local farmland, the origins of the fund as well as its progress, and more!
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/preserving-local-farmland-with-tim
#cltfarming #thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #cltstories #charlottepodcast
🎙On the podcast: Catering to change, with Melissa Sutherland of Best Impressions Caterers
In 2019, Melissa Sutherland left her role as a bank executive at Bank of America to join Best Impressions Caterers as chief operating and financial officer. She helped the company expand from a single location in Charlotte to three, including Raleigh and Charleston. She helped launch “Table & Twine” a home delivery service after the Covid pandemic hit.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Sutherland discusses the challenges of navigating a small business through the pandemic, balancing the operational vs. financial oversight in her role, what she learned about leadership from former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl and more.
This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by Trinity Episcopal School, marking 25 years of creating scholars, nurturing spirituality and embracing diversity in Charlotte's center city. Learn more about admissions for the 2025-26 school year and register for an open house at TESCharlotte.org.
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/helping-parents-neurodivergent-children
#leadership #thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #cltstories #charlottepodcast
🎙 On the podcast: Navigating neurodivergence as a parent, with Diane Reid Lyon
Parents of children with ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, grief and trauma, this is a podcast especially for you. Mental health counselor Diane Reid Lyon of Matthews has just written a book called “Caring for Yourself — Caring for Your Neurodivergent Child.” In it, she counsels the parents of the children she has counseled for years. That’s because she, herself, experienced the stress, heartache and burnout parents often face when raising children with these challenges.
In this podcast, she discusses with Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling how parents can find support and care for themselves while caring for a neurodivergent child. It might be the most important thing you listen to this week. It’s a great thing to share with loved ones as well.
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/helping-parents-neurodivergent-children
#cltparenting #thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #cltstories #charlottepodcast
🎙 On the podcast: Leadership lessons from Hugh McColl
Hugh McColl Jr., the former chairman and CEO of Bank of America, is a pillar not just of the Charlotte business community but the city itself. His work in consolidating the banking industry in the 1980s and 1990s transformed Charlotte into the financial hub it is today. He was also a part of the group of influential Charlotte leaders that pushed to improve the arts and revitalize uptown, among many other civic projects.
In September, McColl, 89, was interviewed in front of an audience at Queens University of Charlotte at an event called “Legacy of Leadership: A Conversation with Hugh McColl.” The Charlotte Ledger received permission from Queens to share the audio of the event on The Charlotte Ledger Podcast.
This is a unique opportunity to hear McColl talk about growing up in the small town of Bennettsville, S.C., learning leadership principles in the U.S. Marines, and executing those while building one of the country’s biggest banks.
He was interviewed by Will Sparks, who is the Dennis Thompson chair and professor of leadership at the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte.
McColl spoke on the occasion of the launch of a newly designed MBA program from the McColl School of Business. Find out more at www.queens.edu/mba.
📷 Photo courtesy of Queens University of Charlotte.
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/leadership-lessons-from-hugh-mccoll
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#thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #charlottenc #cltstories #charlottepodcast
🎙On the podcast: Nate Negrin of SouthernEEZ, landscaping is becoming more sophisticated
What was once seen as a basic maintenance service is now a complex industry that involves everything from sustainable practices to advanced turf management.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Nate Negrin — the owner and president of Southern EEZ Landscaping — talks about the changes in his industry, the challenges of growing a small business and more, with Ledger editor Tony Mecia.
This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by Trinity Episcopal School, marking 25 years of creating scholars, nurturing spirituality and embracing diversity in Charlotte's center city. Trinity offers a unique K-8 curriculum with a focus on critical thinking, curiosity about the world around us, and service to the community. Learn more about the admission process for the 2025-26 school year and register for an open house at TESCharlotte.org.
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/landscaping-industry-growth
#cltbusiness #thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #cltstories #charlottepodcast
🎙On the podcast: Keith Stanley, president and CEO of University City Partners
As the leader of a nonprofit which advocates for and plans improvements in University City, Stanley helps channel resources into various projects, from library renovations to local events like farmer’s markets and wine festivals.
In this episode of the Ledger podcast, he talks about his vision for improving University City, what his organization is working on, and what’s next for the area.
This episode is sponsored by HopeWay, a nonprofit mental health organization offering life-changing treatment and education.
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/university-city-on-the-move-with.
#cltbusiness #thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #universitycity #cltstories #charlottepodcast
🎙 On the podcast: '100 Things to Do in Charlotte Before You Die,' author Brianna Crane
Whether it’s discovering the joy of burgers at "Rusty’s" or finding the best Thai restaurant in your neighborhood, author Brianna Crane takes us behind the scenes of curating a list of the best Charlotte has to offer in the latest in this “100 Things” national series.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Crane explains how she brought her own experiences from covering Charlotte for Axios Charlotte since 2016, as well as a fresh perspective, to the third edition of Charlotte’s "100 Things." She shares challenges she encountered and explains how she struck a balance between beloved staples and hidden gems even longtime residents might not know.
This episode is sponsored by Hopeway, a nonprofit mental health organization offering life-changing treatment and education. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, HopeWay is hosting an evening with Alexi Pappas, an acclaimed Olympian, bestselling author and filmmaker, who will share her story of mental resilience and the lessons she learned along the way. To purchase tickets, visit hopeway.org.
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/100-things-to-do-in-charlotte-before
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#cltbusiness #thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #100things #charlottepodcast
🎙 On the podcast: Leading through 'positive accountability,' with Paulette Ashlin
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, leadership expert Paulette Ashlin delves into the art of effective leadership and positive accountability in the workplace.
She shares tips from her latest book, “Five Actions of Positive Accountability” and discusses topics ranging from setting clear expectations and understanding individual’s motivations, to how to have hard conversations and way to bridge generational differences.
This episode is sponsored by HopeWay, a nonprofit mental health organization offering life-changing treatment and education. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, HopeWay is hosting an evening with Alexi Pappas, an acclaimed Olympian, bestselling author and filmmaker, who will share her story of mental resilience and the lessons she learned along the way. To purchase tickets, visit hopeway.org.
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/leading-through-positive-accountability
#cltbusiness #thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #cltstories #charlottepodcast
🎙 On the podcast: All about Plaza Midwood, with Phil Gussman
Phil Gussman isn’t just a familiar face in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood; he’s a dynamic force of change. As the founder of Gussman Consulting, he’s made a significant impact on the nonprofit sector, but his influence extends far beyond.
Whether he’s spearheading community initiatives, advocating for smart development or ensuring that Plaza Midwood remains a vibrant, connected neighborhood, Gussman’s fingerprints are all over the projects that make this area special.
In this episode of the Ledger podcast, Gussman talks about everything from the establishment of Plaza Midwood’s social district, the potential for a pilot ride-share program, parking issues, and the evolving identity of the historic neighborhood.
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/plaza-midwood-neighborhood-change
#cltbusiness #thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #charlottenc #cltstories #charlottepodcast
🎙 On the podcast: Reimagining Ballantyne, with John Barton of Northwood Office
Seven years ago, developer Northwood Office acquired Ballantyne Corporate Park, a 535-acre property, and set its sights on modernizing Charlotte’s Ballantyne area by adding residential, retail and community spaces.
On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, John Barton, president of Northwood Office, shares insights into the project and his focus on expanding the company's footprint beyond Ballantyne and Charlotte.
If you want more insights, check out our Podcast EXTRA extended cut for Ledger members only, featuring a discussion with John Barton on the state of commercial real estate and challenges in the office sector.
You can listen to this episode of 'The Charlotte Ledger Podcast' by searching wherever you get your podcasts or right here 🎧: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/reimagining-ballantyne-with-john
#cltbusiness #thecharlotteledger #ledgerpodcast #cltstories #charlottepodcast
