North Carolina Business Minds

From hockey to baseball to women's basketball, learn how Zawyer Sports is bringing new pro teams to cities across North Carolina and attracting high-profile investors along the way.

In this conversation, Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon discusses her journey into higher education and her current role at North Carolina Central University. She highlights the challenges and successes in enrollment growth, financial stability, and the introduction of innovative academic programs. Chancellor Dixon emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and strategic planning for the future...

Host Erik Spanberg interviews historian Tom Hanchett about Charlotte’s efforts to address spiraling affordable housing needs and how those efforts offer lessons across the state and nation. Hanchett explains the myths and realities of 80 years of evolving housing policies.

NASCAR legend Richard Childress shares his journey from a $20 race car to an empire spanning racing, manufacturing, vineyards, and bull riding. Could bourbon be the next frontier?

Lauren Ohnesorge sits down with Kendal Bowman, North Carolina President for Duke Energy, to explore her journey from law school to leading in the energy sector. They discuss North Carolina's booming data center industry, the transformative role of AI at Duke Energy, and the future of clean energy in the state.

In this conversation, Chris Skibinski shares his extensive experience in the industrial real estate sector, discussing the evolution of the Charlotte market, the impact of major players like Amazon and Macy's, and the trends shaping the future of distribution and logistics. He highlights the importance of infrastructure, population growth, and investor perspectives in driving the industrial market...

In this episode of NC Business Minds, Bobby Long, co-chairman of the Piedmont Triad Charitable Foundation and a key figure in the Wyndham Championship, discusses the intersection of golf, business and leadership, reflecting on the late Jim Melvin and JetZero’s Co-Founder and CEO Tom O’Leary as examples. Long also remembers the influence and advocacy of the late Jimmy Buffett, whose role in Margari...

What does it take to walk away from a stable career and build a bank from scratch—especially when the odds (and the regulators) are stacked against you? In this episode, Lauren Ohnesorge sits down with Larry Barbour, CEO of North State Bank, for a candid conversation about risk, resilience, and the power of relationships in business. From the eureka moments that shaped his career to weathering the...

Sharon Gaber’s vision for UNC Charlotte includes more growth uptown, in A.I. — and beyond. Brought to you by Elon University .

New Toyota Battery president, Don Stewart, talks factory growth, hiring, military background. Brought to you by Elon University .

North Carolina Chief Information Officer, Teena Piccione, joins to talk about how she is changing digital use and what she expects in the coming years.  Brought to you by Elon University .

Steady as he goes: How Jim Phillips and the ACC have navigated the roiling waters of college sports. Brought to you by Elon University .

UnitedHealthcare’s Bachmann defends Medicaid funding, reflects on killing of CEO, leads as UNCG trustee.  Brought to you by Elon University .

Richard Boyd pivoted from law school to a life in tech. Now, he's one of the leading voices on the coming impact of artificial intelligence. Brought to you by Elon University .

Exciting insights from our recent conversation with Peter Pappas on the transformative landscape of real estate development. Discover how strategic investments and long-term visions are shaping better communities. Tune into Peter’s insights, including the innovative Pappas Real Estate Development Program at NC State, aimed at nurturing future leaders in the field.  Brought to you by Elon Universit...

CEO Scott Baxter talks tariffs, acquisition, innovation and Triad’s sweet spot as Triangle, Charlotte get pricey. Brought to you by Elon University .

Sheila Mikhail was shocked to find that mammograms can miss cancer if a woman has dense breasts — and is pushing for changes to protect North Carolina women.  Brought to you by Elon University .

Charlotte real estate executive Johnny Harris has spent a lifetime in golf’s most hallowed halls — and used that rarefied knowledge to make his home course a landmark in the sport. Brought to you by Elon University .

Dr. Ebony Boulware of Advocate Health and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist calls research threat ‘devastating’ and addresses expansion in Charlotte, future in Winston-Salem, physician shortage and the possibility of three-year med degrees. Brought to you by Elon University .

From tech entrepreneur to sports magnate: A one-on-one with Steve Malik, the serial founder behind the Carolina Courage soccer team. Brought to you by Elon University .

Banker’s Encore: Philanthropy How are banking and philanthropy alike? Cathy Bessant, CEO of the Foundation For The Carolinas, sees a lot more similarities between the two than you might think — and she has the first-hand experience to know. Brought to you by Elon University .

Aviation leader on how Triad and NC are poised as drones, eVTOLs advance, with a near-miss on Joby as a case in point. Brought to you by Elon University .

From intern to President of the Carolina Hurricanes, Doug Warf has an interesting story to tell. Brought to you by Elon University .

NC Business Minds talks to Catapult CEO Cheryl Richards about the rapidly shifting dynamics of work — and how you should be managing through it. Brought to you by Elon University .

With a history ranging from the oil business to Bojangles, this finance analyst turned developer talks industrial, residential outlook across North Carolina.  Brought to you by Elon University .