Two presidents of the same scrappy Charlotte chapter share what it’s like to step up without a roadmap. In this episode of Cheers & Tiers, we sit down with Carolyn Colonna and Taylor Nall, who each led AIGA Charlotte through very different moments of growth and experimentation.

They talk about the unexpected ways they found AIGA, what it means to lead with trust instead of ego, and why showing up with openness (and a well-placed DM) can create real change. There’s a quiet kind of bravery in simply showing up—and these two prove it matters.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t wait for permission: Carolyn stepped into the presidency during a leadership gap—without a plan, but with purpose.
• Cold DMs work: Taylor reached out to AIGA before he even graduated, and ended up president.
• Trust is everything: Both leaders focused on vulnerability and connection, not titles.
• Design solves everything: Even event engagement—just ask the Mullet Meter.
• Leave it better: Good leaders set others up to thrive after they’re gone.

Key Moments in This Episode

• 00:40 – Carolyn’s accidental presidency: stepping up during a leadership gap
• 03:20 – Taylor’s cold DM: reaching out to AIGA before graduating
• 06:05 – From college volunteer to board president: Taylor’s rise
• 08:10 – Leading with trust: Carolyn’s core approach
• 10:40 – Building the next team: why mentorship mattered
• 13:00 – Bridging leadership styles: collaborative handoffs and honest reflection
• 15:10 – The Mullet Meter: a playful way to track event vibes
• 16:30 – What future leaders need: permission, support, and follow-through

About Our Guests

Carolyn Colonna is a designer and creative leader based in Boston, MA. Her early career was spent in North Carolina where she helped steer AIGA Charlotte through a leadership gap with a human-centered, trust-first approach. Today she continues to create experiences and environments where creativity and connection thrive. 

Taylor Nall is the VP of Technology for carbonhouse, a digital agency based in Charlotte, North Carolina and was AIGA Charlotte’s youngest chapter president. He brought a fresh take on leadership, proving that initiative, authenticity, and a good sense of humor can take you far.

Featuring

Guest Carolyn Colonna, connect on LinkedIn

Guest Taylor Nall, connect on LinkedIn

Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn

Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn 

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• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
• Produced by Chapter 2 Media
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