Cupcakes, Courage & Career Pivots

The Soldier, the Baker and the Changemaker - Manolo Betancur

On this episode of Beyond the Bio, Cathy Bessant, former CEO of Foundation For The Carolinas, sits down with Manolo Betancur, owner of Manolo's Bakery. From leaving Colombia in search of opportunity to building one of Charlotte's most beloved businesses, Manolo's story is one of resilience, service and heart.    More than a business owner, Manolo has become a champion for the immigrant community, using is platform to create jobs, support neighbors in need and remind others that compassion can create real change. In this candid conversation, he shares the experiences and people who help shape him, the purpose that drives him and why community will always be at the center of his work.  -------------    The Beyond the Bio podcast is powered by Foundation For The Carolinas.     Additional resources:   * Manolo Betancur's Website [https://manolobetancur.com/] * Manolo Betancur World Bread Hero USA [https://manolosbakery.com/manolo-betancur-world-bread-heroe-usa-2021-press-release/] * Connect with Manolo: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ManolosBakeryClt] · Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/manolobetancur/] · LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/manolobetancur/] · Twitter [https://twitter.com/BetancurManolo]     Studio | A Sign of The Times - The Arts Factory at West End Studios [https://www.asignofthetimes.org/] : Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/asignofthetimescarolinas/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/asottcarolinas/] | LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/a-sign-of-the-times-carolinas] Co-Producer | VBG Creative Agency | Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/vbgcreativeagency] | Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/vbgcreativeagency/] | LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/vbgcreative]

The Courage to Change the Course with Dr. Valerie Kinloch

In episode 3 of Beyond the Bio, Foundation For The Carolina’s CEO, Cathy Bessant sits down with Dr. Valerie Kinloch, to talk about her full circle journey from Charleston, SC to becoming the 15th president of Johnson C. Smith University.    Biochemistry to English. First generation student to university president.     Dr. Kinloch reflects on growing comfortable in her own skin, changing course when necessary and learning to take credit without minimizing herself as a woman.   She serves as a reminder that you can pivot. You can grow. And you can lead boldly.     --------------  The Beyond the Bio podcast is powered by Foundation For The Carolinas.     Additional resources:   * Johnson C. Smith University [https://www.jcsu.edu/] * Johnson C. Smith University alum Valerie Kinloch hired as Charlotte HBCU's next president [https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2023/06/21/johnson-c-smith-university-valerie-kinloch-leader.html] * Connect with JCSU: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jcsuniversity] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jcsuniversity/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/jcsuniversity/] | X [https://twitter.com/JCSUniversity] | YouTube  [https://www.youtube.com/@JCSUniversity]       Studio | A Sign of The Times - The Arts Factory at West End Studios [https://www.asignofthetimes.org/] : Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/asignofthetimescarolinas/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/asottcarolinas/] | LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/a-sign-of-the-times-carolinas] Co-Producer | VBG Creative Agency | Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/vbgcreativeagency] | Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/vbgcreativeagency/] | LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/vbgcreative]

From Charlotte Squawks to Charlotte Talks

From Charlotte Squawks to Charlotte Talks Guest Speaker: Mike Collins In this episode of "Beyond The Bio", Cathy Bessant sits down with Mike Collins, the longtime host of Charlotte Talks on WFAE. With over 50 years in broadcasting, Mike shares his insights on Charlotte’s growth, the power of local journalism and the stories that have shaped our community.      Additional resources:   * Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins | WFAE 90.7 - Charlotte's NPR News Source [https://www.wfae.org/show/charlotte-talks-with-mike-collins] * Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins : NPR [https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381444850/w-f-a-e-charlotte-talks] * Charlotte Squawks celebrates 20 years of satire in the city | Charlotte Observer [https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-things-to-do/article305918106.html] * Q & A with Charlotte Squawks creators Mike Collins and Brian Kahn | Blumenthal Arts [https://www.blumenthalarts.org/news/detail/q-a-with-charlotte-squawks-creators-mike-collins-and-brian-kahn]      Music | Catch up later by Wendy Marcini [https://open.spotify.com/track/6s697hpdaQU3WIF6iom5P8?si=1e5ff72783f741aa]  Studio | The Arts Factory at West End Studios Co-Producer | VBG Creative Agency | Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/vbgcreativeagency] | Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/vbgcreativeagency/] | LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/vbgcreative]

Cupcakes, Courage & Career Pivots

Cupcakes, Courage & Career Pivots Guest Speaker: Molly Grantham In the premiere episode, Cathy Bessant chats with long-time friend Molly Grantham — former TV anchor turned entrepreneur — about taking bold career leaps, betting on yourself and the power of trusting your gut.       Additional resources:   * www.instagram.com/molly_grantham/ [https://www.instagram.com/molly_grantham/]  * www.facebook.com/WBTVMollyGrantham [https://www.facebook.com/WBTVMollyGrantham]  * www.linkedin.com/in/mollygrantham [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollygrantham]   * www.mollygrantham.com/ [https://www.mollygrantham.com/]   * Bet on Yourself Summit™ [https://www.betonyourselfsummit.com/]      Music | Catch up later by Wendy Marcini [https://open.spotify.com/track/6s697hpdaQU3WIF6iom5P8?si=1e5ff72783f741aa]  Studio | The Arts Factory at West End Studios Co-Producer | VBG Creative Agency | Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/vbgcreativeagency] | Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/vbgcreativeagency/] | LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/vbgcreative]