Inside Charlotte’s Business Community with TJ McCullough Publisher of the Charlotte Business Journal

TJ McCullough, Market President and Publisher of the Charlotte Business Journal, joins host Amy Pack to share what he is hearing from executives across the Charlotte region, and why the companies that thrive are the ones that put their people first. For nearly 13 years, TJ has had a front-row seat to Charlotte’s business community. In this episode, he explains why leaders are starting to experience AI burnout and why soft skills like communication, relationship building, and handling difficult conversations matter more than ever. He also talks about how Charlotte has grown into a major business market, what is drawing companies to relocate here, and how the city compares to markets like Raleigh, Nashville, Dallas, and Tampa. TJ also shares his own career path, from selling luxury handbags after college to leading one of the region’s most trusted business publications. He reflects on the leadership lessons that shaped him, how he balances running a business with protecting editorial independence, and what it takes for a media company to keep growing as technology changes how people consume news. In this episode, you’ll hear about: → What executives are saying about AI that isn’t making headlines yet → Why soft skills are becoming a key differentiator in hiring → What separates companies that understand the Charlotte market from those that don’t → How public and private partnerships are driving Charlotte’s growth → Leadership lessons from TJ’s first week as publisher → How the Charlotte Business Journal keeps advertising and editorial separate Building People, Companies, and Careers is a podcast from AccruePartners, the Carolinas’ leading talent advisory and workforce solutions firm. Each episode features conversations with business leaders who are shaping the Charlotte region and beyond. Subscribe for more conversations with Charlotte business leaders, and visit accruepartners.com to learn more about how we help companies build great teams.