Beyond The Bio
Welcome to “Beyond The Bio” - hosted by Cathy Bessant, longtime banking executive and former CEO of Foundation For The Carolinas. This series features conversations with people who are shaping their lives, careers and communities in bold and meaningful ways.
From career pivots to leadership lessons, philanthropy to personal growth, each episode dives into the moments that define us — the choices we make, the risks we take and the stories that connect us all.
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
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
Manolo Betancur World Bread Hero USA
Connect with Manolo: Facebook · Instagram · LinkedIn · Twitter
Studio | A Sign of The Times - The Arts Factory at West End Studios : Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Co-Producer | VBG Creative Agency | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
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
Johnson C. Smith University alum Valerie Kinloch hired as Charlotte HBCU's next president
Connect with JCSU: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube
Studio | A Sign of The Times - The Arts Factory at West End Studios : Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Co-Producer | VBG Creative Agency | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
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
Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins : NPR
Charlotte Squawks celebrates 20 years of satire in the city | Charlotte Observer
Q & A with Charlotte Squawks creators Mike Collins and Brian Kahn | Blumenthal Arts
Music | Catch up later by Wendy Marcini
Studio | The Arts Factory at West End Studios
Co-Producer | VBG Creative Agency | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
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/
www.facebook.com/WBTVMollyGrantham
www.linkedin.com/in/mollygrantham
www.mollygrantham.com/
Bet on Yourself Summit™
Music | Catch up later by Wendy Marcini
Studio | The Arts Factory at West End Studios
Co-Producer | VBG Creative Agency | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn