The Boost Pad 2024 Cohort 8 Graduates & Pitch Night Award Winners

At The Boost Pad , we believe some of the most transformational leaders are the ones helping others grow not only professionally — but personally and internally as well. That is why we are proud to spotlight our Board Member, Dr. Stephanie M. Kirkland, founder of Identity Dynamics LLC and a nationally recognized leadership strategist focused on identity-centered leadership development. This month, Dr. Kirkland served as a featured speaker at the Woman’s Business Center of Charlotte B.O.S.S. Conference, where she delivered a keynote titled: “The Foundation Beneath the Business: Why the Next Level Begins with You” Her keynote challenged entrepreneurs and leaders to think differently about growth, leadership, and performance. According to Dr. Kirkland, many high-achieving leaders spend years building technical expertise, refining business models, expanding networks, and developing strategies — while rarely examining the identity they are leading from. She believes that identity is not simply a personal development topic, but a foundational framework that directly influences leadership, decision-making, relationships, and long-term success. In her words: “Identity is not a soft topic. It is infrastructure.” Through her work with Identity Dynamics and the Identity Capacity Infrastructure framework, Dr. Kirkland helps leaders strengthen the internal foundation that governs how they process pressure, exercise authority, navigate challenges, and lead others. Her work particularly focuses on empowering women in leadership and business by helping them move beyond external validation and lead from a more intentional and fully constructed identity. Dr. Kirkland also emphasized the direct connection between personal leadership and community transformation. She shared: “Real community impact begins with leaders who know who they are.” That perspective deeply aligns with The Boost Pad’s mission of helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, stronger leadership capacity, and long-term economic mobility within their communities. At The Boost Pad, we are grateful for leaders like Dr. Stephanie Kirkland who continue investing their expertise, voice, and mentorship into strengthening entrepreneurs and empowering communities throughout Charlotte and beyond. Thank you, Dr. Kirkland, for your continued leadership and impact. The Foundation Beneath the Business: Dr. Stephanie Kirkland on Identity, Leadership, and Lasting Impact At The Boost Pad, we believe sustainable business growth begins with strong leadership — and strong leadership begins with identity. That is why we are proud to spotlight Dr. Stephanie M. Kirkland , a valued Board Member of The Boost Pad , founder of Identity Dynamics LLC , and a nationally recognized leadership strategist whose work is helping leaders build from the inside out. This month, Dr. Kirkland served as a featured speaker at the Woman’s Business Center of Charlotte B.O.S.S. Conference . The Woman’s Business Center is an important community partner of The Boost Pad , and we are grateful for their continued work to support, equip, and elevate entrepreneurs across Charlotte. Dr. Kirkland’s keynote, “The Foundation Beneath the Business: Why the Next Level Begins with You,” challenged entrepreneurs and leaders to look beyond strategy, systems, and technical skill — and examine the identity from which they lead. As Dr. Kirkland powerfully stated: “Identity is not a soft topic. It is infrastructure.” Through her work with Identity Dynamics and the Identity Capacity Infrastructure framework, Dr. Kirkland helps leaders strengthen the internal foundation that shapes how they make decisions, navigate pressure, exercise authority, build relationships, and create lasting impact. Her message is especially meaningful for entrepreneurs and women in leadership who are building businesses, leading teams, and shaping communities while learning to lead from a place of clarity, confidence, and purpose. Dr. Kirkland also reminded attendees that personal leadership and community transformation are deeply connected: “Real community impact begins with leaders who know who they are.” That message strongly aligns with The Boost Pad’s mission to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, expand leadership capacity, and create long-term economic mobility in their communities. We are honored to have Dr. Stephanie Kirkland serving on The Boost Pad Board and grateful for the leadership, wisdom, and commitment she continues to bring to entrepreneurs throughout Charlotte and beyond. Thank you, Dr. Kirkland, for your continued impact.

The Boost Pad is proud to celebrate Sam Merritt being named one of the honorees in the Charlotte Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights some of the most impactful rising leaders across the Charlotte business community — individuals who are shaping the future of business, innovation, and civic leadership throughout the region. Sam currently serves as a Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson , where he focuses on branding, trademarks, and intellectual property law. Throughout his career, Sam has built a reputation for helping businesses protect their ideas, strengthen their brands, and navigate complex legal matters with confidence. Beyond his legal career, Sam continues to make a significant impact through his civic and community involvement. He specifically highlighted his work with Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Business (CLIMB) and his involvement in The Boost Pad as among his greatest civic accomplishments of the year. In his Charlotte Business Journal feature, Sam shared: “These organizations support local small businesses and entrepreneurs with training and legal support, and I am happy to be able to offer branding, trademark and intellectual property guidance.” That dedication to supporting entrepreneurs aligns deeply with The Boost Pad’s mission of empowering founders with the education, mentorship, and resources necessary to build sustainable businesses and create long-term economic mobility. Since moving to Charlotte in 2009, Sam has become an active leader in both the legal and nonprofit communities, contributing not only professional expertise but also a strong commitment to mentorship and service. At The Boost Pad, we are grateful to have leaders like Sam investing their time, knowledge, and energy into helping entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Congratulations again to Sam Merritt on this well-deserved recognition. We are excited to continue building impact together throughout the Charlotte entrepreneurial ecosystem.