Name: Lakeisha Temple
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: 40
Title/Company: Vice President, Head of Small Business Underwriting Practices, The Hartford
Hometown: Newport News, VA
Education: BS- Clark Atlanta University; MBA- Montreat College
What inspired you to step into the role of Board Chair, and what excites you most about Leadership Charlotte’s future?
Since participating in Leadership Charlotte, I have been inspired by the remarkable diversity of perspectives, experiences, and leadership styles represented throughout the program, as well as this organization’s commitment to developing leaders who make a meaningful impact in our community.
That inspiration deepened during my time serving alongside my fellow board members, affectionately known as the “BBE” or Best Board Ever. I witnessed firsthand leaders who challenge the status quo, lead with purpose, and put the needs of the community first. Their dedication to serving others made it both an easy and meaningful decision to say “yes” when asked to serve as Board Chair.
What excites me most about Leadership Charlotte’s future is the opportunity to help carry forward the legacy built by so many outstanding leaders before me. I feel an incredible sense of responsibility and gratitude to steward this organization into its next chapter, ensuring it remains relevant, impactful, and true to its mission.
What’s one lesson or moment from your Leadership Charlotte journey that continues to shape how you lead today, and why?
Years later, I still remember many of the individuals in my group and the powerful conversations we shared. That experience was a catalyst for a fundamental shift in how I lead, challenging me to embrace greater vulnerability and courage.
Frames of Reference taught me the value of being more open, expressing what I truly think and feel, and creating space to thoughtfully process perspectives different from my own. It helped me recognize that authenticity is not a weakness in leadership, but a strength.
The impact has extended far beyond Leadership Charlotte. It has influenced how I build relationships, navigate difficult conversations, support others, and show up as a leader. I can point to a clear before and after in my leadership journey.
I am forever grateful for that experience and for the people who shared it with me. Their willingness to be open and genuine helped shape the leader I am today.
What’s your best advice for current and future Leadership Charlotte participants about making the most of the experience?
Be fully present, lean into uncomfortable moments, and invest in the people around you. The more you give to the experience, the more you will receive from it.
When I entered Leadership Charlotte, I intentionally avoided asking alumni about their experiences. I didn’t want someone else’s perspective or expectations to shape my own journey. Instead, I chose to embrace the experience fully with an open mind and an open heart.
Being part of Class 40 became one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The relationships, conversations, challenges, and opportunities for growth had a profound impact on me, both personally and professionally.
In what ways do you stay engaged in the Charlotte community, and how can Leadership Charlotte alumni get involved alongside you?
One of the most meaningful ways I stay engaged is by supporting organizations and initiatives that serve underserved communities. I find tremendous fulfillment in hands-on opportunities such as donation drives and delivering essential goods that directly support individuals and families in need.
What I love about Charlotte is that there is no shortage of opportunities to get involved. Whether your passion is education, economic mobility, food insecurity, mentorship, the arts, or civic engagement, there are countless ways to make a difference.
I’m also especially proud of a newer Leadership Charlotte initiative launched by our immediate Past Board Chair, Melissa Boone, called In Real Life (IRL). The concept is simple but powerful: bringing small groups of alumni together in informal settings for meaningful conversation, connection, and fellowship. I hope those opportunities continue.
Whether through volunteer opportunities, alumni events, board and committee service, or simply joining an IRL gathering, there is a place for everyone to contribute. Some of the most impactful ideas and partnerships begin with a conversation.
As you think about Charlotte’s future, what does “leading for a better Charlotte” mean to you?
I recently read that approximately 135 people move to Charlotte every day. That growth brings tremendous opportunity, but it also creates an important responsibility for all of us who call this city home.
To me, leading for a better Charlotte means ensuring growth is accompanied by inclusion, opportunity, and access for everyone. It means creating a city where all people can thrive, regardless of their background, neighborhood, or circumstances, and advancing solutions that expand economic mobility, strengthen communities, and create more equitable opportunities to live, work, and prosper.
Leadership Charlotte has an important role to play in that future. With more than 2,200+ alumni serving as leaders across business, government, education, nonprofit organizations, and civic institutions, we have a powerful network that understands both the opportunities and challenges facing our community and is uniquely positioned to influence meaningful change.
Before serving as FY26-27 Board President, Lakeisha shared her Leadership Charlotte experience as part of our Alumni Spotlight series in August 2021. See how her leadership journey has evolved by reading her original feature here.