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…”