CREW Charlotte Before Hours – The River District

August 2026 Distinguished Leaders Panel

Submitted by Stephanie Jenson, JLL

CREW Charlotte Distinguished Leaders Panel: A Powerful Conversation of Insight and Inspiration

What an incredible August luncheon we had at CREW Charlotte’s Distinguished Leaders Panel. The room was filled with energy and connection as Tonya Brandon and Dionne Nelson shared their leadership journeys, moderated beautifully by Marsha Womack. Their candid reflections on navigating careers, making difficult decisions, and defining success on their own terms left us all inspired and equipped with practical wisdom to carry forward.

Foundational Leadership Wisdom

Both panelists emphasized that understanding comes before action. Tonya shared her commitment to the Law of Intuition, seeking first to understand before moving forward. This principle has guided her through decades of leadership decisions. Dionne echoed this sentiment, calling intuition a superpower and stressing the importance of having command of what the work truly requires. Their shared message was clear: technical expertise matters, but so does the wisdom to know when and how to apply it.

Redefining Success and Balance

One of the most powerful themes of the day centered on how we define and pursue success. Tonya offered a memorable framework: know the difference between your rubber balls and crystal balls. Some things bounce back when dropped; others shatter. She also challenged us to consider whether our service to others includes service to ourselves, and reminded us not to overstay our welcome in roles that no longer bring us joy.

When discussing work-life balance, Dionne posed a question that resonated throughout the room: Is balance ever really even? Rather than striving for perfect equilibrium, she encouraged us to do what feels right in each moment. The panelists acknowledged that demanding careers and home life may always create tension, but that navigating it with intention and self-awareness makes all the difference.

People Make All the Difference

Throughout the evening, both panelists returned to one central truth: people make all the difference in the experience. Whether navigating career transitions, weathering difficult seasons, or celebrating victories, the relationships we build and nurture determine the quality of our professional lives. Dionne’s emphasis on this principle served as a reminder that technical skills open doors, but authentic connections sustain us through the journey.

Looking Forward

As our panelists shared their visions for the future of commercial real estate, one theme emerged: the industry needs leaders who combine expertise with empathy, strategy with authenticity, and ambition with self-awareness. We left equipped not just with strategies for advancement, but with permission to define success on our own terms.

June 2026 Luncheon: Charlotte by Design | A Conversation with Monica Holmes on Growth, Development & the Future of the City

Submitted by Stephanie Jenson, JLL

CREW Charlotte had the honor of hosting Monica Holmes, Director of Planning, Design & Development for the City of Charlotte at our June luncheon. She presented the city’s strategic approach to managing rapid growth while preserving neighborhood character and promoting equity.

Charlotte stands at a critical juncture, with major mobility investments on the horizon and a strong planning foundation established through frameworks like the 1994 Centers, Corridors & Wedges strategy, the 2021 Charlotte Future 2040 plan, and the 2022 Mobility Investment plan targeting 50% of trips via non-car modes by 2040.

The Planning, Design & Development department emphasizes a shift from “deal-making” to “plan-making,” prioritizing coordinated investment and community-driven outcomes over reactive development. Their strategy focuses on creating complete, connected, walkable places along transit corridors including the Blue, Silver, Red, and Gold Lines.

The Transit+ Community approach centers on reducing displacement, expanding housing affordability, supporting legacy businesses, and strengthening neighborhood stability. Success will be measured through inclusive communities, transit-supported neighborhoods, vibrant walkable places, and expanded access to opportunity. This approach demonstrates that growth can create great places while maintaining Charlotte’s unique identity and charm.

March 2026 Luncheon: Fireside Chat with Cathy Bessant

Submitted by Davina Thorpe, LeChase Construction

CREW Charlotte recently hosted a dynamic fireside chat with Cathy Bessant, who shared thoughtful perspectives on leadership, community impact, and the future growth of Charlotte.

When asked what keeps her up at night regarding Charlotte’s rapid growth, Bessant pointed to the strain it places on the city’s school systems and infrastructure. Yet she expressed confidence in Charlotte’s ability to navigate these challenges, describing it as a “Can-Do City.” She encouraged attendees to continue investing in the region, noting that Charlotte is a place where the time, resources, and energy you invest will return many times over.

The conversation also addressed one of the city’s most pressing issues—affordable and low-income housing. Bessant highlighted the importance of better navigating existing services and expanding preventative efforts around mental health, reminding the audience that approximately 3,500 individuals experience homelessness in Charlotte each night.

Throughout the discussion, Bessant emphasized that today’s challenges will ultimately be solved by people, underscoring the importance of leadership rooted in listening and empathy. She shared that one of the most underestimated leadership skills is the ability to listen without judgment, noting that she has even stopped taking notes in meetings to remain fully present in conversations. 

Bessant also reflected on lessons learned throughout her career. A defining professional moment came early on when she received difficult feedback after a demotion, which prompted her to focus not only on what she was accomplishing, but how she was showing up as a leader. That experience led to important course corrections that strengthened her leadership approach and authenticity.

She also shared insights from a leadership conference where she climbed Mount Jara, preparing by walking home from Bank of America with weights in her backpack. The experience taught her that while her body was capable, it was often her mind that questioned her abilities. At a difficult moment on the climb, her guide encouraged her with the words: “I know what you can do, so go do it.”

Finally, Bessant discussed her transition from Bank of America to Foundation For The Carolinas, emphasizing that leadership principles remain universal across industries. Whether leading a business or a nonprofit organization, success ultimately comes down to strong leadership and being thoughtful about the people you bring onto your team.

The conversation served as a powerful reminder that Charlotte’s future will continue to be shaped by leaders willing to listen, prepare, and invest in the people and communities that drive meaningful progress.