TheSircle Dinners - 2025 Calendar
TheSircle Dinner - Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Dinner Venue: Enventys Partners - 520 Elliot St., Charlotte, NC 28202 (2nd Floor)
Arrival/Wine Glass 6:30 PM - Buffet Dinner: 7:00 PM till 9:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Charlie Elberson
Founder, Chief Visionary and Board Chair of the Reemprise Fund
Theme: "A Seat at the Table: Building Communities of Kinship Through Philanthropy"
In an age of rapid disruption and rising inequality, the call for leadership grounded in empathy, purpose, and shared humanity has never been louder. As stewards of influence and capital, we are uniquely positioned to transcend transactional giving and create transformative impact. This evening, we gather not only to share a meal, but to explore how strategic philanthropy—infused with compassion, curiosity, and kinship—can bridge divides, restore dignity, and empower communities to thrive on their own terms.
“A Seat at the Table” is more than a metaphor. It’s a bold invitation to reimagine our roles—not as benefactors, but as co-creators of a future where inclusion is intentional, relationships are reciprocal, and generosity becomes a force for systemic change. Let us use this gathering to challenge assumptions, forge meaningful partnerships, and ignite a deeper commitment to building communities that are not only supported, but truly seen.
Let’s make this special event a generative space—not only to reflect on what we’ve built, but to envision what we can co-create when kinship becomes our compass.
These Are Some of the Conversation Topics:
Redefining Philanthropy: From Charity to Kinship-Based Investment
How can we move beyond traditional models of giving to ones that foster deep connection, shared ownership, and long-term community empowerment?The Power of Proximity: What Happens When We Truly Listen
What are the stories, insights, and innovations we miss when we remain distant from those we aim to help? How do we get closer without centering ourselves?The Philanthropic Imprint: Legacy, Responsibility, and the Ripple Effect
How do our personal values shape the way we give? And how do we ensure our impact is regenerative, not extractive?Collaborative Capital: Rethinking Power in Multi-Stakeholder Philanthropy
What happens when donors, community leaders, and innovators sit at the same table? How do we design philanthropic ecosystems that democratize influence?Designing for Dignity: Metrics, Trust, and Human-Centered Impact
How can we build trust-based models of giving that honor the wisdom and self-determination of the communities we serve—while still being accountable to outcomes?
About Our Guest Speaker:
Charlie Elberson is the Founder, Chief Visionary, Board Chair of the Reemprise Fund. Reemprise Fund was started by Charlie’s dad, Robert E. Elberson, a leading executive for Hanes and the driver behind L'eggs pantyhose. His initials, REE, combined with the word "enterprise", became Reemprise, which was established upon his retirement in 2005 with Charlie appointed as primary trustee. His vision for the fund was simple: strive for game-changing outcomes. From the beginning, Reemprise funded visionary organizations with potentially game-changing ideas.
Charlie developed and guided brands for more than 30 years. As Vice president and director of client engagement for Wray Ward, Charlie delivered sharp insights, tireless energy, and an easy-going style that helped brands maintain the strong identity and integrity that set them apart from competing products. He has lent his leadership, philosophies and creativity to brands including Duke Energy, Huber Engineered Woods, MetLife, AT&T and Prego spaghetti sauce. He began his career on New York City’s Madison Avenue but today resides in Charlotte, N.C., where he has shared his expertise through pro-bono work and board posts with organizations including Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the Afro-American Cultural Center, LifeSpan and the Museum of the New South. The 2012 Charlotte Ad Club Silver Medal Award winner for lifetime achievement, Charlie is a native of Winston-Salem, N.C., and graduated from Vanderbilt University.
Register to Attend with PayPal
DINNER REGISTRATION is $95.00 per person - Buffet Dinner by Chef Todd Villani (Terre a Terre)
No refunds or replacements for cancellation or absence - Free Parking On-Site
CHARLIE ELBERSON
SAVE THE DATES - Upcoming Dinners 2025
Tuesday, September 9 - David Fisk - President & CEO, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
About TheSircle Dinners
Goal and Objectives
GOAL
To provide Leaders with a framework for creative dialogue and meaningful connections
OBJECTIVES
To make meaning by facilitating connections among leaders
To discover what makes us transformational leaders who excel
To understand what motivates engaged leaders to go beyond personal best
THESE ARE THE ONLY RULES:
Be yourself. Let us understand Who You Are, What You Do and Why It Matters
Don't sell. You will be able to do business after the event, in private
Turn off your phone - Don't text during dinner. You can use the phone away from the table
Focus
The Focus is LEADERSHIP and its many facets and expressions.
You are the real conversation catalyst, along with the Guest Presenter and everyone else in the room (I believe the collective talent and expertise are the source of our Breakthrough)
The aim is to engage in Creative Dialogue:
to understand how our experiences converge
to enrich perspectives, approaches and strategies that help us lead better.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING DINNER
I choose specific topics for us to explore with a profound perspective.
I craft Provocative Questions to guide the conversation towards "what works best."
We use Games to discover new insights and ideas.
You collect Practical Approaches and Tools which you can use in your professional life.
You receive everyone's e-mail to connect privately.
Past Dinners
2025
Monday, June 16, 2025
“Transformational Leadership in Healthcare: The Case for Whole Health.”
Guest Presenter: Russ Greenfield MD, Integrative Medicine and Whole Health Expert
Thursday, May 29 , 2025
“Cultivating Global Citizens: Reflections on a Life Between Cultures.”
Guest Presenter: Ljubomir (L.J.) Stambuk, CEO World Affairs Council of Charlotte
Tuesday, April 22 , 2025
“The Evolving Self: Embracing Open-ended Life Possibilities”
Guest Presenter: Mark Peres, Founder of The Charlotte Center for Humanities and Civic Imagination
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
“The Heart of Leadership: Stories of Growth, Purpose, and Change”
Guest Presenter: Elizabeth McKee, President of Leadership Charlotte
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
“The Seven Weapons to Silence the Imposter”
Guest Presenter: Gary Frey, author of “Silence the Imposter”
2024
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
“The Path from Entrepreneurial Passion to International Resonance”
Guest Presenter: Manuel “Manolo” Betancur, Owner - Manolo’s Bakery, Artisen Gelato - World Bread Hero 2021
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
“Leadership and the Power of Disciplined Listening”
Guest Presenter: Michael Reddington, Executive Resource, Certified Interviewer and Author
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
“Leading with Your Kinder, Higher Self”
Guest Presenter: Angela Gala, Entrepreneur, Founder and Non-Profit Executive
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
“Innovation is a Leadership Strategy”
Guest Presenter: Louis Foreman, CEO and Founder, Enventys Partners
2019
Thursday, November 14, 2019
“Finding Inspiration to Lead”
Guest Presenter: Stephanie Ansaldo, President, The Echo Foundation
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
“Find Your Voice and Lead”
Guest Presenter: Katie Oates, Folk Music Artist
Thursday, August 29, 2019
“Stories to Lead By”
Guest Presenter: Jack Grossman, Entrepreneur, Author and Philanthropist
Tuesday, May 23, 2019
“Cowboy Up: Recover from Defeat and Succeed”
Guest Presenter: Chaz Seale, CEO of Billie Jean King EyeCoach
Monday, January 14, 2019
“Transforming Through Collaborative Leadership”
Guest Presenter: Candice Langston, Managing Director, The Lee Institute
2018
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
“Building a Legacy of World Class Service”
Guest Presenter: Timothy Miron, Catering Manager, The Ritz Carlton Charlotte
Monday, August 27, 2018
“Leading through Mastery and Meaning”
Guest Presenter: Peter Reinhart, International Bread Expert
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
“The Magic of Networking”
Guest Presenter: Cindy Sisson, Marketing/Sales & Networking Expert
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
“Living Creatively”
Guest Presenter: Matt Olin, writer, host of Creative Mornings Charlotte
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
“The 7 Keys of Extraordinary Leadership”
Guest Presenter: Lou Gayoso, International Business Leader
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
“The Magic Within”
Guest Presenter: Hannibal, world-renowned Magician
2017
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
“Using Big Data Analytics for Social Good”
Guest Presenter: Rishi Bhatnaghar, CEO of Syntelli Solutions
Thursday, September 7, 2017
“Swiss Leadership Wisdom for Entrepreneurs”
Guest Presenter: Prof. Dr. Andres Pfister, ZHAW Switzerland
Thursday, July 6, 2017
“Passionate Entrepreneurship”
Guest Presenter: Mac Lackey
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
“Leading with Significance”
Guest Presenter: Laura Meyer Wellman
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
“Influence: The Power of Great Ideas”
Guest Presenter: Mark Moore, CEO of Mana Nutrition
2014 - 2016
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
“Deep Friendships”
Guest Presenter: Roger Baumgarte
Thursday, June 9, 2016
“Making Meaning”
Saturday, April 30, 2016
VIP Event - TheSircle Olympic Gold Event
U.S. Olympic Swimmers Time Trials and Dinner
Queens University Levine Wellness Center
Thursday, February 18, 2016
"The Most: Living in Joy"
Thursday, January 21, 2016
"Lead with a Story"
Thursday, December 3, 2015
"Purpose Your Big Why"
Thursday, October 29, 2015
"Real Connections"
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
"Captivate Your Audience and Get Buy-In"
Guest Presenter: Dianne Chase, partner at C4CS
Thursday, May 21, 2015
"Reinvent Yourself and Lead"
Guest Presenter: Michael Solender - Writer
Thursday, March 19, 2015
"The Sartorial Factor: Dress Your Purpose"
Guest Presenter: William Wilson, CEO, William Wilson Clothing
Thursday, February 19, 2015
"From $0 to $100 Million"
Guest Presenter: Ben Dominitz, Vistage Chair, CEOGuru LLC
Thursday, January 15, 2015
"In Leadership as in Art"
Guest Presenter: Jerald Melberg - The Jerald Melberg Gallery
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
"Leading through Simplicity"
Guest Presenter: Deborah Bosley - The Plain Language Group
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
"Leading through Creativity"
Guest Presenter: Sheila Mullen - McColl Innovation Institute
Thursday, August 21, 2014
"Awakening Your Professional Soul"
Guest Presenter: David Pinkley - The Career Sage
Thursday, July 24, 2014
"Communicating Your Essence"
Guest Presenter: Marcia Merrill - Red Rover Communications
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
"Leadership WISDOM"
Facilitated by Carlos Salum
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
"Charlotte and the Media"
Guest Presenter: Allison Latos - News Anchor WSOCTV-ABC
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
"Fully Engaged Leadership in Action"
Guest Presenter: John Paul Galles, publisher Great Charlotte Biz
2011 - 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
"Radical Connectivity: People, Ideas, Action"
Guest Presenter: Mike Watson, Emcee TEDxCharlotte, AIC
Thrusday, October 3, 2013
"Leading through a Theory of H.O.P.E."
Guest Presenter: Jay Jaboneta - Social Entrepreneur
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
"Leadership in North Carolina, then and now"
Guest Presenter: Mary C. Curtis - award-winning journalist
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
"The Power of Entrepreneurial Innovation"
Guest Presenter: Louis Foreman, Founder & CEO of Enventys
Wednesday, June 20, 2013
"Cultural Breakthrough"
Guest Presenter: Astrid Chirinos, President LACC
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
"The Entrepreneur's Search for Meaning"
Guest Presenter: Fabi Preslar, President of SPARK Publications
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
"Beyond Winning: Life Lessons from Sports"
Guest Presenter: Trudi Lacey, WNBA/Executive Coach
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
"Leadership and Community Engagement"
Guest Presenter: Elizabeth Nisbet Miller, Connector
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
"How I lead: Manifest Your Leadership Style"
Facilitated by Carlos Salum
Thursday, October 8, 2012
"Going Deep Quickly Authentic Trust"
Guest Presenter: Mark Peres, Prof. Johnson & Wales
Thursday, September 27, 2012
"The John Love Experience" (what is it?)
Guest Presenter: John W. Love, Jr. - Interdisciplinary Artist
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
On Leadership: "The Resetting of America"
Guest Presenter: Bruce Fritch, Principal - Fritch Consulting
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
"Fulfilling Your Compelling Vision"
Guest Presenter: Manny Ohonme - Founder, Samaritan's Feet
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - TheGrandSircle
"A Brave New You" Evolving Brands - Global Impact
Presenters: Tom Morgan - Melanie Buchanan - Carlos Salum
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
"Spring Up: Evolving through Challenges"
Guest Presenter: Dr. Sam Santander, MD, MPH
Thursday, February 16, 2012
"Developing Your Philanthropic Vision"
Guest Presenter: Chris McLeod, Philanthropy Advisor
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"Personal Branding"
Guest Presenter: Melanie Guinn, President of ZGM Brand
Thursday, September 8, 2011
"Inspiring Stories of Personal Achievement"
Guest Presenter: Kenneth Kahn, President, Black Label Advisory
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Inaugural Dinner
"Enduring Value Creation"
Presenters: Jim Alexander and Carlos Salum
2010 - ReNEW Interactive Series (5 dinners) - Hodges Taylor Gallery
2009 - Interact Live Series on Leadership (6 dinners) - Interact Studio