FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 9/18/2023 — PBS North Carolina announces season three of Side by Side with Nido Qubein. Every week, Nido Qubein speaks with an influential leader from the worlds of business, culture, education and philanthropy in an intimate conversation about their unique journeys and aspirations. The new season premieres Tuesday, October 3, at 7 PM, on PBS NC as well as online and on the PBS App.
“Side by Side celebrates innovative leaders and thinkers who have made a tremendous impact in their fields and beyond,” says series host Dr. Nido Qubein. “This season we’re excited to feature fascinating people like tech pioneer Steve Wozniak and Journey Gunderson of the National Comedy Center. I hope that viewers will be inspired when they hear how they have defied expectations on their path to success.”
In addition to serving as president of High Point University, Dr. Qubein is a much sought-after speaker and a successful author. As host of the university’s Access to Innovators series, he has interviewed such notable guests as Secretaries of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice and General Colin Powell, best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell and veteran newscaster Tom Brokaw.
In prior seasons of Side by Side, Qubein has spoken with guests as diverse as UNC basketball coach Roy Williams, news anchor Byron Pitts, chef Vivian Howard, Netflix cofounder Marc Randolph and former Ambassador to the European Union William Kennard.
“Side by Side’s accomplished guests come from a wide array of fields and backgrounds,” says Laura Kieler, PBS North Carolina’s Chief Marketing and Chief Content Officer. “Yet they all share an amazing ability to persevere through challenging times and follow their life’s passions. PBS North Carolina believes their heartfelt stories will intrigue audiences across the state.”
Funding for Side by Side with Nido Qubein is made possible by Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc., The Budd Group and Ashley Home Store.
Side by Side with Nido Qubein airs Tuesday nights at 7 PM on PBS NC. Visit pbsnc.org/schedule for the latest scheduling information.
Episode 1: Steve Wozniak, Apple Cofounder, Tech Entrepreneur
Premieres October 3, 7 PM
Steve Wozniak, who cofounded Apple Computer with Steve Jobs, helped change the world with technology. He shares his journey in this intimate conversation.
Episode 2: Karrie G. Dixon, Chancellor, Elizabeth City State University
Premieres October 10, 7 PM
Dr. Karrie Dixon began her career as a TV journalist. Teaching a class in public speaking, however, inspired her to trade in her microphone for the opportunity to lead a major HBCU.
Episode 3: Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Chancellor, UNC-Chapel Hill
Premieres October 17, 7 PM
An early experience spurred Kevin Guskiewicz’s interest in neurology and eventually led him to becoming a leading neurologist. Now he leads one of the largest public institutions of learning in the country.
Episode 4: Lisa Sun, CEO & Founder, Gravitas
Premieres October 24, 7 PM
Early in her career, Lisa Sun was told she needed more gravitas when presenting herself. That review changed her entire trajectory, spurring her to start her own business, Gravitas, and making it an innovative brand.
Episode 5: Jim Noble, Chef & Restaurateur
Premieres October 31, 7 PM
Jim Noble once thought he’d follow his father’s footsteps in the furniture business. Instead, he found a path meant for him. Learn about his journey to becoming a successful chef and restaurateur.
Episode 6: Molly Painter, Philanthropist & Advocate for the Homeless
Premieres November 7, 7 PM
Despite having no experience with fundraising, Molly Painter felt called to aid the unhoused and helped raise over $26 million.
Episode 7: Meridith Elliott Powell, Business Growth & Leadership Expert
Premieres November 14, 7 PM
As a speaker who specializes in business growth, Meridith Elliott Powell encourages companies to seek out opportunities, even when the economy isn’t looking good.
Episode 8: Kelly King, Senior Advisor, KSK Investors, Retired Chairman/CEO Truist
Premieres November 21, 7 PM on PBS NC
Kelly King shares his journey, from his early life on a farm and selling vacuum cleaners as a young man, all the way to his role as CEO of Truist.
Episode 9: Sue Downes, CEO & Founder, MyEyeDr.
Premieres November 28, 7 PM on PBS NC
Sue Downes ignored the naysayers who said her idea for a comprehensive vision center wouldn’t work. Now MyEyeDr., the company she cofounded in 2001, includes over 800 practices serving three million patients across 27 states.
Episode 10: Jim Melvin, President & CEO, Joseph M. Bryan Foundation
Premieres December 5, 7 PM on PBS NC
Jim Melvin, Greensboro’s longest-serving mayor, shares his path, from pumping gas at his father’s filling station to his role as a public servant and philanthropist.
Episode 11: Journey Gunderson, Executive Director, National Comedy Center
Premieres December 12, 7 PM on PBS NC
Journey Gunderson discusses what drove her to fulfill Lucille Ball’s vision for the National Comedy Center after working alongside sports legend Billie Jean King as an advocate for women athletes.
Additional episodes will air through March 2024. Visit pbsnc.org to catch up on previous episodes.
Nido Qubein immigrated to the United States from the Middle East as a teenager in search of a college education. He supported himself through college, attending Mount Olive College, then High Point University to receive his bachelor’s degree and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for graduate studies. His entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic led him to a variety of business ventures and leadership positions with Truist Financial Corporation, La-Z Boy Corporation, Great Harvest Bread Company and nThrive. He has served on the board of several national organizations and, since 2005, as the president of High Point University. Dr. Qubein is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Daughters of the American Revolution Americanism Award and was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans. To learn more about Nido Qubein, visit nidoqubein.com.
As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
-PBS NC-
Media Contact
Allyson Meade, Marketing & Communications
PBS North Carolina
press@pbsnc.org