Kick-Ass Women of the Carolinas

Michelle Tunno Buelow

In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Tunno Buelow, founder of Bella Tunno, to explore how she transformed a personal tragedy into a global mission of impact. From donating over 15 million meals to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurialism, Michelle shares her journey of building a brand that matches her "heart mission" with her business goals.  Join us to learn how her life and her success have been shaped by being "a student of the storm," embracing the concept of "bothness," and an openness to the transformative power of "flowerpot moments." Michelle is an inspiring model for how to bridge purpose, passion, and perseverance to achieve extraordinary things!   Find Michelle on Instagram @michelletbuelow or @bellatunno, LinkedIn @michelletunnobuelow or the web www.bellatunno.com [http://www.bellatunno.com/].  Find us on Instagram @cressence.co [http://cressence.co/], LinkedIn @BetsyFleming or the web www.cressence.co [http://www.cressence.co/].

Dr. Tonya Matthews

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tonya Matthews, CEO of the International African American Museum, a powerhouse bioengineer and a recognized poet. Together, we discuss how being kick-ass is all about "weathering the storm" and how she balances high-level intellectual drive with a deep-seated need for unifying communities. Highlights include the power of complexity, the distinctions of leading in the unique cultural landscape of the Carolinas, and her strategy of prioritizing values to find common ground. From "rest on the run" as the secret to resilience to the importance of having your own shade of lipstick, Dr. Matthews offers a blueprint for visionary leadership and authentic living.  Find Dr. Matthews on LinkedIn @tonya-m-matthews. Find us on Instagram @cressence.co [http://cressence.co/], LinkedIn @BetsyFleming or the web www.cressence.co [http://www.cressence.co/].

Cat Carter

Cat Carter is a restaurateur, magazine editor, food writer, and former consultant who opened Charlotte’s gastronomic giant, L’Ostrica, with her partner (in food and in life), Eric Ferguson in 2024. A citizen of the world, Cat grew up in a bicultural home and on military bases all over the globe. She brings flavors and learnings from multiple cultures into her restaurant and our conversation. Cat shares her sliding door moment of leaving a consulting job to enter the food world and how understanding the language of people and teams has been critical to her success (whether in a new country or business setting.) We discuss her values of curiosity and freedom, how her through-line and love language has always been food, and why vulnerability benefits both the individual and the community. Cat sheds light on the Carolinas as a unique growing region and a place whose strength resides in the fact that much of its contemporary culture is open for definition. Join us for this delicious episode! Find Cat on Instagram @ lostrica_clt, lostrica_mkt or cat_yi_carter. Find us on Instagram @cressence.co [http://cressence.co], LinkedIn @BetsyFleming or the web www.cressence.co [http://www.cressence.co].

Elizabeth Bradford

Elizabeth Bradford, renowned artist and self-described naturalist, inspires one to slow down, breathe deeper and focus on essentials. Asserting that kickass is all about "owning your power unashamedly and unabashedly," she has been making extraordinary marks and embracing her power since an early age. Elizabeth makes the case for why we shouldn't play small, how constancy reshaped her perspective on aging, and how to reframe perfectionism. This conversation is about nurturing a sense of wonder and adventure -- in nature, in art and in life.  Find us on Instagram @cressence.co [http://cressence.co/] LinkedIn @BetsyFleming or the web www.cressence.co [http://www.cressence.co/].  Find Elizabeth on Instagram @elizabethbradford or the web @ https://www.elizabethbradford.com/. [https://www.elizabethbradford.com/]

Dianne Chipps Bailey

Fierce optimism grounds this conversation with Dianne Bailey, Bank of America's Managing Director and National Philanthropic Strategy Executive. A self-proclaimed "warrior for good" who evangelizes the power of the collective, Dianne has crafted her own unique pathway from traditional corporate lawyer to national leader who facilitates private giving for public good. Join us for this inspiring conversation that promises a sense of abundance and gratitude!    Find us on Instagram @cressence.co [http://cressence.co], the web www.cressence.co [http://www.cressence.co] or LinkedIn @BetsyFleming.   Find Dianne on LinkedIn @Dianne Chipps Bailey