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Cathy Bessant- CEO, Foundation For The Carolinas

@Work Podcast

Release Date: 06/06/2025

John Tosco- Founder, Tosco Music show art John Tosco- Founder, Tosco Music

@Work Podcast

We’re revisiting our conversation with John Tosco—a musician, teacher, and founder of Tosco Music. What began as a few friends sharing songs in his living room has grown into a nonprofit that produces over 100 live events a year across Charlotte, connecting hundreds of performers and audiences through music, outreach, and scholarships. John Tosco returns today on The @Work Podcast with Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden. -- --

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Daniel Fogarty and Isabella Mebane- First Tee of Greater Charlotte show art Daniel Fogarty and Isabella Mebane- First Tee of Greater Charlotte

@Work Podcast

We’re revisiting our inspiring conversation with Daniel Fogarty, Executive Director of First Tee of Greater Charlotte, and participant Isabella Mebane. First Tee is a nonprofit affiliated with the PGA that gives kids access to golf—and to opportunities that build confidence, resilience, and character both on and off the course. Daniel Fogarty and Isabella Mebane return today on The @Work Podcast with Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden. -- --

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Barbara Bleiweis- Supervisor, Mecklenburg Soil & Water Conservation District show art Barbara Bleiweis- Supervisor, Mecklenburg Soil & Water Conservation District

@Work Podcast

We’re revisiting our conversation with Barbara Bleiweis, who has served as Supervisor for the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District since 2017. A passionate advocate for sustainable land and water practices, Barbara has been instrumental in advancing farmland preservation, soil health, and water quality initiatives across Mecklenburg County and beyond. Barbara Bleiweis returns today on The @Work Podcast with Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden. — —  

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William McKee- Co-founder & Managing Partner, Knowmad show art William McKee- Co-founder & Managing Partner, Knowmad

@Work Podcast

Today we’re joined by William McKee, co-founder and managing partner of Knowmad, a digital agency based in Charlotte. William leads the vision, revenue growth, and team well-being at Knowmad. He founded the company driven by a passion for helping organizations make smarter use of data and technology. Armed with a liberal arts degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and an entrepreneurship certificate from Babson College, he thrives on turning complex processes and algorithms into clear strategies rooted in human connection. Outside work, William is an avid yogi and traveler, and is active with community...

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Melanie Henderson- Owner, Therapy Hair Salon & Spa show art Melanie Henderson- Owner, Therapy Hair Salon & Spa

@Work Podcast

We’re revisiting our conversation with Melanie Henderson, owner of Therapy Hair Salon and Spa—one of Charlotte’s highest-rated salons with two locations and a loyal following. From humble beginnings to leading a team of over 25 employees, Melanie shares her journey of resilience, growth, and building a thriving business. Melanie Henderson, Olivia Jones, and Megan Wilks return today on The @Work Podcast with Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden. -- --

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Natalie Parmenter - Founder, Primary Focus show art Natalie Parmenter - Founder, Primary Focus

@Work Podcast

We’re revisiting our conversation with Natalie Parmenter, founder of Primary Focus—a resource hub helping parents support their child’s learning with simple, research-backed strategies. A former kindergarten teacher with a master’s from Johns Hopkins, Natalie shares practical tips on school readiness, early literacy, and more through her YouTube channel, newsletter, workshops, and 1:1 coaching. Natalie returns today on The @Work Podcast. — —

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Karen Calder- Executive Director, Classroom Central show art Karen Calder- Executive Director, Classroom Central

@Work Podcast

On this episode of The @Work Podcast, we’re revisiting our conversation with Karen Calder, Executive Director of Classroom Central. Karen brings a unique blend of nonprofit leadership and business savvy, with a career that spans fundraising, marketing, operations, and program development. Her work is driven by a commitment to ensuring every student and teacher has access to the tools they need to thrive. Tune in as Karen shares her perspective on leading with purpose, building strong community partnerships, and the impact of providing resources that fuel learning. -- --

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Scott Dvorak- Founder, Charlotte Running Company show art Scott Dvorak- Founder, Charlotte Running Company

@Work Podcast

On this episode, Scott Dvorak talks about creating his own running story and why he's always been about leading with passion and why runners aren't coming to Charlotte running Company for shoes, but to make connections. Scott Dvorak's passion for running ignited in high school after a challenge from his brother led him to compete in a local five K. This experience propelled him into a lifelong commitment to the sport, including competing in college and running professionally. Charlotte Running Company was born out of Scott s experiences as a top 3000 meter steeplechaser in the ACC and in the...

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Wendy Hickey- Founder, ArtPop Street Gallery show art Wendy Hickey- Founder, ArtPop Street Gallery

@Work Podcast

Wendy Hickey is the founder and executive director of ArtPop Street Gallery, a nonprofit organization which showcases local artists through billboards, public art installations, and art. Pop believes everyone deserves access to art. Wendy founded ArtPop after a 20 year career in the billboard industry. In order to help local artists gain national recognition opportunities to expand their work and get paid. Wendy Hickey is our guest today on the @Work podcast. ----- -----

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Greg Reagan- Founder and managing member, Reagan FVL show art Greg Reagan- Founder and managing member, Reagan FVL

@Work Podcast

Today we’re joined by Greg Reagan, founder and managing member of Reagan FVL, a forensic accounting firm with offices in Charlotte and Birmingham. With decades of experience, Greg is a trusted expert in forensic accounting, fraud investigations, business valuations, and litigation support. Known for his integrity and innovative problem-solving, Greg has served as an expert witness in high-stakes financial cases across the Southeast. Greg is our guest today on The @Work Podcast. ----- -----

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More Episodes

Today we’re joined by Cathy Bessant, CEO of Foundation For The Carolinas—one of the largest community foundations in the country. Under her leadership, FFTC stewards nearly 3,000 charitable funds and leads major civic initiatives across the Charlotte region, from affordable housing and public education to the arts and environmental impact.

Cathy is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Cathy Bessant

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

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