The Charlotte Ledger Podcast

Examining the Carolinas' rapid growth — Live panel discussion from Canopy Expo

The Charlotte region is in the middle of a population boom, adding tens of thousands of new residents each year. That growth is fueling opportunity and energy, but it’s also straining roads, schools, housing, and infrastructure in ways that demand new solutions.At this year’s Canopy Realtor® Association EXPO, Charlotte Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia moderated a panel of regional leaders who dug into what growth means for communities across the Carolinas — and how local chambers and business alliances are responding.The panel featured Kit Cramer of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Tracy Dodson of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and Dean Faile of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce.This episode is a recording from the economy and economic development panel at the Canopy EXPO on Sept. 9, 2025.This episode is sponsored by AC Creative Collective. Based in Charlotte, N.C., and founded by sisters Amoura and Avery Carter, AC Creative Collective specializes in end-to-end marketing and learning and development services. They are dedicated to helping businesses and organizations streamline their operations and achieve their goals with creativity and precision. From social media strategies to workshops and brand launches, they’ve got you covered. Visit www.accreativecollective.com to learn more.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe

Building a medical practice on trust and science, with Carlos and Nathalie Jorge

When Carlos Jorge and Nathalie Simmons Jorge talk about healthcare, it goes far beyond checkups and prescriptions. For them, medicine is equal parts science, integrity and human connection.Their Charlotte-based practice, Companion Health, PLLC, was built on a belief that the best care is rooted in research and compassion, and that sometimes the most powerful thing a doctor can say is, “I don’t know —  I have to look into that more.” As entrepreneurs, clinicians and community members, the Jorges have shaped a model of care in their concierge practice that puts people first while navigating the complex business of modern medicine.The Jorges moved to Charlotte in 2002 after completing medical training and business school. What began with Carlos serving uninsured and underinsured patients in the city’s growing Hispanic community has evolved into a practice that balances medical expertise with entrepreneurship and a deep commitment to doing what’s right for each patient. Today, Carlos serves as chief medical officer, and Nathalie serves as CEO.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, the Jorges share how they navigate the rise of social media health advice and focus on evidence-based care, the challenge and importance of saying, “I don’t know” in medicine and what it’s like blending medicine and business as both physicians and entrepreneurs.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.The Jorges received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025. Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.com.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe

Fueling nonprofit growth, with Kristin Winkle Beck of Social Venture Partners

After more than 20 years in Charlotte’s corporate banking world, Kristen Winkle Beck made the leap into the nonprofit sector. Today, she leads Social Venture Partners Charlotte (SVP), a venture philanthropy organization that supports emerging nonprofits by combining grant funding with business expertise and professional networks.Beck says many nonprofits are started by passionate community members who see a need but could benefit from connections to people who can help them get off the ground. SVP helps fill that gap, pairing funding with skilled volunteers who can strengthen infrastructure and strategy, ensuring local organizations can grow their impact. One of SVP’s most visible programs is SEED20, an annual pitch competition and year-long learning experience that equips nonprofit leaders to share their innovative ideas.On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Beck sits down with Ledger editor Tony Mecia to talk about the needs and challenges of nonprofits, the history and impact of Social Venture Partners and how its SEED20 program empowers social entrepreneurs.We hope you enjoy the conversation with Kristin Winkle Beck. For more information on Social Venture Partners Charlotte, visit svpcharlotte.org.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. For Charlotte businesses, getting noticed and staying visible is tougher than ever. That’s where Crimson Park Digital comes in: a boutique marketing agency delivering bespoke strategies for advertising, content, social media, and search engines. They're helping bold, service-focused brands get seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue. Ready to bolster your marketing this Fall? Visit CrimsonParkDigital.com to get started.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe

Career Boost: Get more done without burning out

How do you get more done in a world that never stops pulling at your attention—without burning out? In this episode, we talk with Brie Chrisman, the founder and CEO of Boss Co Ops, who brings her background in operations, project management and Six Sigma expertise to share practical strategies for boosting productivity while keeping your sanity intact.Brie explains why our brains get overwhelmed, what “executive dysfunction” really means and how small shifts in your day can have an outsized impact on your focus and energy.Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, a family schedule, or both, this episode will give you actionable tools to reclaim your focus and make real progress on what matters most.About Career Boost: This is part of a September 2025 series in The Charlotte Ledger called “Career Boost,” designed to help professionals sharpen their skills, grow their careers and thrive in the workplace. Each installment offers practical tips and expert insights on everything from leadership and productivity to communication and personal branding. It’s smart, actionable guidance for anyone looking to take the next step in their career.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. For Charlotte businesses, getting noticed and staying visible is tougher than ever. That’s where Crimson Park Digital comes in: a boutique marketing agency delivering bespoke strategies for advertising, content, social media, and search engines. They're helping bold, service-focused brands get seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue. Ready to bolster your marketing this Fall? Visit CrimsonParkDigital.com to get started.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe

Career Boost: Make LinkedIn work for you

In today’s workplace, your online presence is just as important as your resume. LinkedIn has become a cornerstone of how careers grow: it’s where opportunities surface, reputations are built and connections turn into fruitful business relationships.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Amy George of Charlotte-based By George Communications talks with The Ledger’s Tony Mecia about how professionals at every stage can use LinkedIn to strengthen their careers. Amy, who helps clients refine their profiles and presence, shares insights on how to make the platform work for you — whether you’re job hunting, networking or building credibility in your field.This episode is packed with practical tips that professionals can apply right away to strengthen their LinkedIn presence and, by extension, their careers. It’s useful, real-world advice that can help you look better online, connect more effectively and open doors to new opportunities.About Career Boost: This is part of a September 2025 series in The Charlotte Ledger called “Career Boost,” designed to help professionals sharpen their skills, grow their careers and thrive in the workplace. Each installment offers practical tips and expert insights on everything from leadership and productivity to communication and personal branding. It’s smart, actionable guidance for anyone looking to take the next step in their career.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe