On Life and Meaning

Patrice Funderburg is the founder of Educate to Engage, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in leading transformative change through education, exposure and engagement. The firm offers strategic planning, organizational development, training and facilitation around diversity, equity and inclusion. Previously, Patrice had a 20-year career in corporate human resource operations, vendor diversity, corporate philanthropy and corporate recruiting, including for Belk, Inc. and Lowe's Companies. She is a member of the Leading on Opportunity council addressing economic mobility, the Center for Community Transitions and the Women's Impact Fund. Patrice attended North Carolina Central University before earning a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and a master's degree in Organizational Communication and Development from Canisius College in Buffalo.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in transitioning from corporate work to social activism, race consciousness, and a journey of self-care and liberation.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Patrice describes her transition to social activism.
• She explains why issues of incarceration and social justice are personal to her.
• She shares the moment that catapulted her into social action and the launch of her consultancy.
• She describes a petition and campaign that she is leading against a popular institution.
• Patrice explains what activism means to her.
• She answers how the transition from corporate life into activism has been for her.
• She talks about the importance of race consciousness in the struggle for equity and justice, and the connection between race consciousness and the world she wants.
• She considers her role on the Leading on Opportunity council.
• Patrice reflects on growing up in Buffalo and the conversation she heard around the dinner table.
• She talks about how private school shaped her and what she realizes now about her time then.
• Patrice reacts to the word privilege.
• She shares who she wanted to be when she was young.
• She recalls her days at North Carolina Central University.
• She explains what she enjoyed about diversity and inclusion work in human resources.
• Patrice answers what self care means to her and where she is on her journey.

Mark Peres adds a personal word that begins this way, "I am so moved by Patrice. Moved by the honesty of her feelings, by her strength and vulnerability..."

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Dianne English builds bridges across difference. She is executive director of Community Building Initiative (CBI), whose mission is to achieve racial and ethnic inclusion and equity in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. CBI programs include the Leadership Development Initiative, Leaders Under 40, and Equity Dialogue Circles. Before joining CBI, Dianne served as executive director of Mecklenburg Ministries, an interfaith organization fostering understanding, compassion and justice. She has served as a board member for numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, including for Florence Crittenton Services and the Center for International Understanding. Dianne is a recipient of the UNC Charlotte Distinguished Service Award and the Mecklenburg Ministries 25th Anniversary Legacy Award. She earned a B.A. in Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in racial and ethnic inclusion and equity, social activism, and making a difference in the time and place you are in.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Dianne describes the conversation that she has been part of for 30 years.
• She explains the work and origins of the Community Building Initiative (CBI).
• She talks about CBI programs and the impact it seeks to make.
• She addresses whether her work has made a difference.
• Dianne shares what she finds exciting about this moment in community building.
• She discusses the importance and limitations of acknowledging racial inequity.
• She answers what CBI would do with greater resources.
• She reveals why she does this work and the pivotal experience that changed her life.
• Dianne shares what shaped her childhood and interest in social activism.
• She talks about what her father means to her and his most defining quality.
• She remembers her mother and the legacy she passed on.
• She discusses her education and how she found her way to Charlotte.
• Dianne reflects on the impact of Crossroads Charlotte and building social trust.
• She shares memories of her husband Roger English and the challenge of caring for him.
• She reveals what her close friends, Susan Patterson, Octavia Seawell and Emily Zimmern mean to her.
• Dianne answers what she knows for certain.

Mark Peres adds a personal word that begins this way, "When I asked Dianne what she knew for certain, she closed her eyes and paused for what seemed a long time..."

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Toussaint Romain is a public servant interested in equity and justice. He is a former Assistant Public Defender in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Defender's Office, where he most recently represented indigent clients charged as habitual felons. He conducted over 40 jury trials and many more bench trials over a ten-year period, handling cases ranging from first-degree murder to domestic violence crimes. Toussaint is an adjunct professor teaching courses on criminal justice and criminology at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He has received numerous honors and awards, including the Nish Jamgotch, Jr. Humanitarian Award for exceptional service to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community, the Charlotte magazine Charlottean of the Year award, and the Leadership Charlotte Schley R. Lyons Circle of Excellence Award. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice at UNC Charlotte and a J.D. at Regent University School of Law.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in criminal justice, protest, bridging difference, and leading community change.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Toussaint announces his run for Charlotte-Mecklenburg District Attorney.
• He answers what is motivating him to run and why he is qualified for the position.
• He explains why he is running for office now and the risk he is taking.
• He shares moments of protest during his life that have defined him.
• Toussaint shares how he became 'the man in the white shirt' during the Keith Lamont Scott protest.
• He talks about keeping the peace between police officers and protesters.
• He reflects on what would have happened had he not been at the Keith Lamont Scott protest.
• He considers what draws him into moments of high-risk conflict.
• Toussaint discusses the profile he has in Charlotte, the message he wants to deliver, and the actual change he wants to see.
• He shares the story behind his name and how it inspires him.
• He talks about the boarding school he attended, the values it reinforced in him, and the skills it taught him that are relevant to his work today.
• He discusses what privilege means to him and the shame he has overcome.
• He explains why he hasn't pursued wealth and the question that he poses himself.
• Toussaint reads his favorite prayer.

After the conversation, host Mark Peres adds a personal word that begins this way, "When I sat down with Toussaint, he surprised me. I had prepared to ask him questions about his work as a public defender..."

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning.

Michael Marsicano is ranked by Charlotte magazine as the most powerful person in the city of Charlotte. He is president and CEO of The Foundation For The Carolinas, a Charlotte-based community foundation that advances philanthropy and drives major civic leadership initiatives. Prior to joining the Foundation, Michael served as president and CEO of the Arts & Science Council in Charlotte, and as executive director of the Durham Arts Council and the Royal Arts Center in Durham, North Carolina. He has served on the boards of several national and local organizations, from Americans for the Arts to Duke University. He has received numerous honors and awards, including the Charlotte Center City Partners Vision Award and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Innovator of the Year award. Michael earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, and a master's degree and a Ph.D. in education from Duke University.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in leading a community foundation and a career dedicated to the arts, philanthropy, education and citizenship

IN THIS EPISODE

• Michael explains the work of the Foundation For The Carolinas.
• He shares his current strategic priorities, how his time is divided and how he sees his role in the community.
• He answers whether he thinks of himself as the person who has succeeded Hugh McColl, Jr., former CEO of Bank of America, as a visionary leader of Charlotte.
• He addresses the status of economic opportunity and upward mobility efforts in Charlotte.
• Michael reveals what he learned from and what could have been done differently in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force Leading on Opportunity report.
• He talks about the impact of the September 2016 protests in Charlotte on economic opportunity and upward mobility efforts and his personal response to those protests.
• He responds to the assertion that Charlotte doesn't need any more task forces.
• He considers whether civic leadership initiatives at the Foundation stifles emerging leadership outside the Foundation.
• He addresses whether the Foundation helps donors fund morally objectionable non-profit organizations.
• He responds to whether the Foundation is sensitive to public criticism.
• Michael shares where he grew up and how his parents would have described him.
• He talks about wearing blue jeans and what that might say about him.
• He reveals how his time at Duke shaped him and what catapulted his career.
• He discusses his sense of insecurity and how that shapes his leadership approach.
• Michael reflects on his time at the Arts & Sciences Council and whether the arts became more institutional under his watch.
• He answers how he feels being listed as the most powerful person in Charlotte.
• He identifies the challenge of hiring the next president of the Foundation.
• Michael shares what he values most.

Mark Peres adds a personal word that begins this way, "Before my conversation with Michael for this podcast, I've had one or two discussions with Michael over the years and not for very long..."

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Jack Ossa helps people create impactful experiences through the power of design. He is the founder of and principal architect at Ossa Studios, an architecture, branding and web design firm. He previously worked as a senior project architect at Gensler, an international integrated architecture, design, planning and consulting firm. Jack has worked on dozens of commercial, mixed-use and residential projects, and provided principal design for the worldwide corporate headquarters for SPX Corporation and the offices of The Duke Endowment. He also previously worked at DMR Architecture and at McClure Nicholson Montgomery Architects. Jack earned his bachelor's degree in architecture from the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University in Bogota, Columbia.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in architecture, design, a journey of immigration, risk and achievement.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Jack explains what he does as an architect and designer.
• He talks about his work as project architect on the offices of The Duke Endowment.
• He shares the process an architect goes through to give shape to an idea.
• He explains what happens when a client doesn't know what they want.
• Jack identifies which steps in the design process he enjoys and what he likes most about architecture.
• He addresses whether there is a distinction between design and architecture.
• He explains what he means by 'the power of design.'
• He discusses how design principles can help someone live their life and the connection he sees between design and relationships.
• Jack discusses a manifesto he wrote and why he goes about 'mapping his mind.'
• He talks about growing up in Medellin and Bogota, Colombia, playing music in a heavy metal rock band, and his introduction to architecture.
• He reveals the two factors that motivated him to want to move to the United States.
• Jack describes his journey to the United States, his sense of the power that directs him, and a place he visited that he decided to never leave.
• He tells the story of his status when he arrived, the moment he met his future wife, cleaning windows and mopping floors, and what he was certain about at the time.
• He talks about how he got his first job as an architect, the craziest week of his life, and the phone call that changed everything.
• He reveals what his experience as an immigrant taught him, his rise to working for one of the best architectural firms in the world, and where the courage came from for the decision he made next.
• He reveals the dream that has driven him and describes the year he has had since launching his firm.
• Jack shares the projects he is working on now, the vision he has for his company, and what he wants his children to know.

Mark Peres adds a personal word that begins this way, "I listened to Jack amazed: at his story, his ambition, his gratitude and his grit. I came away asking: what is a larger vision I can have for myself? Am I taking enough risk..."

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Dave Newell prepares students for lives of leadership and service. He is director of the Chidsey Center for Leadership Development at Davidson College. He serves as the principal resource for the campus community on leadership development and education. Dave is also the owner and lead consultant of Evolve Leadership Consulting, a learning, development, and strategy consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations function at their highest level. Prior to his work at Davidson College, Dave was director for leadership and community-based service at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. He earned a B.A. in Communications Studies from Gustavus Augustus College, and an M.A. in Leadership in Student Affairs from St. Thomas University in Minneapolis, MN.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in preparing students for leadership, being a better leader and fulfilling the desire to serve.

• Dave explains the Chidsey Center for Leadership Development and what it does.
• He defines leadership, how it shows up and what informs it.
• He shares how he teaches leadership.
• He addresses the training development methodologies of 'theory, practice, reflection' and 'powerful questions for emergence.'
• Dave describes the current cohort of students he is teaching on campus and whether students are more interested in being leaders or seeming to be leaders.
• He discusses the state of leadership in America today.
• He answers whether leadership education failing.
• He explains about why he doesn't like the phrase 'soft skills' and the difference between technical and adaptive skills.
• Dave shares where he grew up, how it shaped him and what his parents modeled.
• He talks about how he benefits from being a tall white male in America and what he learned from participating in an Americore poverty-education program.
• He answers who he was an undergraduate and what he likes most about being and working on a college campus today.
• He discusses his work as a leadership consultant and how he found his way to Davidson College.
• Dave addresses whether the Chidsey Center is where it needs to be, what he has learned about himself as leader of a center, and who he admires as a leader.
• He reveals what he is questioning in his life right now.
• He answers whether he would want to be a college president one day.
• Dave shares the work that pulls on him and what he values most.

Mark Peres adds a personal word that begins this way, "Dave Newell is shaping the future one student at a time. He is sharing his thoughts about leadership..."

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning.

Candice Langston is a communications consultant who helps organizations make a positive impact in their communities. She previously was a principal at SOLID, a strategic communications and civic engagement firm. Her career includes serving as director of development and strategic partnerships for the UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture, an advancement consultant for Time Out Youth, and as business director and senior marketing manager for Sotheby's. Candice is the founder and former owner of Potion, a chain of indie skincare and fragrance boutique retail shops. She earned a B.A. in art history from Queens University of Charlotte, and an M.A. in arts administration and an M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in media and messaging, civic engagement, TED talks, Hello Kitty and the music of Duran Duran.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Candice explains what she does professionally and how she goes about it.
• She shares what she tells clients about navigating different media platforms.
• She interprets the phrase 'the medium is the message.'
• She reveals what makes a good message.
• Candice considers mobile devices as an extension of our bodies.
• She talks about the message we all need to hear that she would want to help deliver.
• She shares the importance of 'getting proximate.'
• She describes growing up as an only child and memories of her mom and dad.
• Candice answers which music she listened to in high school and college, having the right look, and which clubs she attended as part of the music scene in Charlotte.
• She talks about the decision she had to make after college and her early career ambition.
• She discusses what she learned working for Sotheby's in London and in New York.
• She answers why she returned to Charlotte and launched Potion.
• Candice reflects on her work at UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture and balancing family life with career aspirations.
• She addresses whether she helped get the message right for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force.
• She talks about launching TEDxCharlotte and the spark it created.
• She shares the insight she has gained as an American Leadership Forum fellow.
• She explains her love for Duran Duran and what she has in common with Audrey Hepburn and Hello Kitty.
• Candice reveals what she is optimistic about and what she values most.

Mark Peres adds a personal word that begins this way, "When I think of Candice Langston I think of British new wave music, heavy eyeliner, padded shoulders, synthesizer pop and androgynous girls and boys..."

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning.

Russ Greenfield is medical director of integrative medicine for Novant Health, a regional healthcare system. He is a physician who practices integrative medicine, which combines conventional medicine with complimentary therapies to engage a person's innate healing capacity. He is also a consultant, focusing his efforts on corporate wellness programs, product development and education. Russ is board certified in emergency medicine. He was one of the first four physicians to graduate from the Program in Integrative Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Medicine under the direction of Dr. Andrew Weil. Russ earned his B.S. in general science from Brandeis University, his M.D. from the Chicago Medical School at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, and completed a residency and fellowship in emergency medicine from Harbor UCLA Medical Center.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in integrated medicine and wellness, the delivery of healthcare and the work of leading systemic change.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Russ explains what integrative medicine is and how it compliments and differs from conventional and alternative medicine.
• He discusses what the healthcare system is and is not doing and what the healthcare debate is really about.
• He answers whether specialization is counter to the very notion of integrative medicine.
• Russ explains why he wants the term 'integrative' to go away.
• He shares what motivated him to practice integrative medicine.
• He addresses whether all internists should practice integrative medicine.
• He discusses how his peers often react to his message and whether doctors can make money practicing integrating medicine.
• Russ talks about the surest way to remain healthy, 'helping people bounce' and the centerpiece of healing.
• He answers whether the U.S. healthcare system the best in the world.
• He describes what he hopes to do in his new role as director of integrative medicine for Novant Health.
• Russ talks about where he grew up and how it shaped his outlook.
• He shares the moment that inspired him to become a doctor.
• He reflects on his undergraduate and graduate school years and why he chose emergency medicine.
• He describes the fellowship that changed his professional career.
• Russ addresses how healthcare has changed over the last 20 years and where he hopes we are 20 years from now.

Mark Peres adds a personal word that begins this way, "After you spend any time with Russ Greenfield, when you depart, he says 'Be Well.' He sign all his emails the same way..."

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning.

Fabi Preslar helps clients share their stories. She is president of SPARK Publications, a custom-publishing firm that specializes in designing magazines, books and other print and digital publications. She is also publisher of b2bTRIBE, a magazine for engaged and diverse entrepreneurs and small business owners. Fabi has received several awards, including the 2017 NAWBO-Charlotte's Women Business Owner of the Year, recognition as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in the Charlotte region by The Mecklenburg Times, the B2B Marketer of the Year by the Business Marketing Association of the Carolinas, Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship, Enterprising Woman of the Year by Enterprising Woman Magazine, and the Greater Woman's Council Trailblazer Award. Fabi is a graduate of Central Piedmont Community College with a degree in graphic design.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in custom publishing, leaps of faith and business as a creative and spiritual act.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Fabi describes what SPARK Publications is and what it does.
• She answers questions about stages of production, the process of publication, how much certain company services cost and who are typical clients.
• She addresses whether SPARK Publications is a vanity press and how it differs from self-publishing.
• She talks about what guides what she will publish, how the Internet has changed her business, publishing her own magazine, and how she works with novelists, essayists and poets.
• Fabi shares what she loves about what she does.
• She talks about where she grew up, her first language and what her life was like for her as a child and teenager.
• She discusses family tensions, the challenges her family faced, and how it affected her.
• She shares the leap she took at 17 years old and what inspired her to study graphic design.
• Fabi describes the electric moment she experienced when she met a certain person at the Charlotte Observer.
• She talks about how she has transformed since the launch of her business and the spiritual dimensions of her work.
• She shares a near-death experience and how it has changed her.
• She reflects on the awards she has won and the game of awards that is played.
• Fabi reveals what she values most and whether she is living the life she wants to live.

Mark Peres adds a personal word that begins this way, "One afternoon I suddenly thought about Fabi. I could not really tell you why. I only had brief contact with her in the past..."

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning.

Robert Bush is president of the Arts & Science Council, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region's lead resource hub and cultural advocate. Robert serves as the chief strategic and executive officer of the organization and lead representative of the ASC to the broader community. Prior to joining the ASC, Robert served as president of the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County and president of Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, as Director of Development with the Mint Museum of Art, and as Executive Director of the Catawba County Council for the Arts. He is a recipient of the Salina Roberts Ottum Award for Arts Leadership from Americans for the Arts, the Legacy Award from the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Governor's Award for meritorious service to the citizens of North Carolina. Robert holds a B.S. and M.A. in Education Administration and Supervision with a concentration in Community Education from Appalachian State University.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in the development of art and culture in community and the power of art to changes lives.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Robert describes the Arts & Science Council (ASC) and what makes it unique.
• He responds to assertions about the Charlotte arts scene, how arts and culture has been the core of the economic development strategy of the city, and what is changing.
• He reveals the question that haunts him in his work.
• He answers whether there is a sufficient pool of artistic talent in Charlotte to shift the culture.
• Robert talks about what a creative community is and why he does what he does.
• He shares what Charlotte doesn't talk about and what it needs to do better.
• He reflects on Charlotte's bid to attract Amazon HQ2.
• He describes the vision the ASC has for arts and culture by 2025 and the three things the vision is based on.
• Robert discusses what ASC is winning at in differentiating the Charlotte arts scene.
• He shares the ASC response to the Keith Lamont Scott shooting in Charlotte, why access and inclusion is the business of the ASC, and why its personal to him.
• He talks about how the power of art changed his life.
• He describes where he grew up and why he had a perfect childhood.
• Robert discusses his first career as a teacher and how he sees the city as his classroom today.
• He answers what he learned from the three ASC presidents he served: Harriet Sanford, Lee Keesler and Scott Provancher.
• He responds to whether he felt passed over during the changes in presidency at the ASC.
• He reflects on what is different about being president versus being a senior vice president of the ASC.
• He reveals how he thinks the ASC is different because of his leadership and what he thinks is his greatest accomplishment.
• Robert shares what art he loves and when he is happiest.

Mark Peres adds a personal word that begins this way, "Robert Bush's passion for the arts is real and exciting. His love for the arts overflows as he reveals what art means to him. You can hear the jazz fusion in the air..."

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning