Name: Jesse Cureton
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: LC9
Title/Company: Executive Vice President, Chief Consumer Officer, Novant Health
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Education: I have a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s in Business Administration and Financial Planning Certificate from Queens University of Charlotte. I’m also an executive program graduate from Harvard Business School and The Wharton School
Current personal or leadership goals: Personally I always strive to grow. About 10 years ago, I decided to become more intentional and to stay in a season of purpose driven by things bigger than myself. I want to make a difference in my life and in my relationships.
Professionally, my goals tie to the overall mission of Novant Health — to improve the health of communities, one person at a time. I believe we do this best by focusing on the whole person and addressing social determinants of health, so we can continue to work towards health equity. Our mission also hinges on creating the most remarkable experience for our patients regardless of where they receive care.
1. If you could describe your Leadership Charlotte experience in three words or phrases what would they be?
Professional, community catalyst. I had the privilege of being an early member and was only one or two years into my professional career when I was selected to participate. I had the opportunity to gain exposure to and build relationships with community, civic and political leaders, allowing me to obtain a real understanding of how the corporate community works. Leadership Charlotte was truly a catalyst for me both professionally and personally.
2. What advice that you would you give to current Leadership Charlotte participants?
Be present and absorb the experience. Take advantage of both personal and professional relationships – they will last a lifetime. I have several classmates with whom I maintain relationships today.
3. If you could relive any program day, what would it be and why? (or) What program day stands out in your memory and why?
There was a powerful exercise, SIMSOC, which stands for Simulated Society, that allowed us the opportunity to assimilate society as someone different than ourselves. We each took on a different persona, representing different segments of our community. This demonstrated for me what it felt like to try to navigate life with or without resources. It was a fascinating, eye-opening experience, that has since become extremely relevant for me as our teams at Novant Health tirelessly work to address social determinants of health.
4. What would you like to see Leadership Charlotte alumni get involved in and why?
I would really like to see Leadership Charlotte alumni continue to be involved in ensuring equity for our community. It is so important to have a focus on marginalized communities and work to bring everyone along. There are significant resources of talent that exist in diverse communities, and including those individuals is the right thing to do. By focusing on equity, we can all have an exponential impact on the growth and diversity of Charlotte, helping our city to continue to flourish and grow into a world-class community.
5. Favorite way to spend a weekend in Charlotte:
I love to spend the weekend with my wife and family, preferably outside or an activity focused on art or music. I try to plan at least one round of golf if the weather is nice and have dinner out at one of my favorite places.