RDU SMB Meetup

Owner or Leader? The Identity Shift Every SMB CEO Has to Make RDU SMB Meetup | May 26, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Carolina Ale House – Brier Creek | 7981 Skyland Ridge Pkwy, Raleigh, NC 27617 You know every client, every process, every problem. And for a long time, that was exactly what it needed. But at some point, being the person who knows everything becomes the thing holding everything back. The shift from owner to leader isn't just about hiring the right people or building better systems. It's about identity. It's about letting go of the role that got you here — and stepping into the one that takes you further. This month's panel brings together three leaders who've navigated that transition firsthand and help SMB owners do the same every day. What you'll walk away with: -A clearer picture of where you're still operating as an owner when your business needs a leader -Practical frameworks for building a team that doesn't run everything through you -Honest perspective on what the transition actually feels like — and what makes it stick -Strategies for delegating without losing visibility or control -Language and tools to start making the shift, even in a small team Meet the Panelists Jeff Weingrad | Value Growth Advisor & Executive-in-Residence Jeff brings 30+ years of senior leadership experience helping founder-led and investor-backed companies strengthen enterprise value through clarity, alignment, and operational discipline. His work centers on the early stages of value growth — long before a transaction is on the table — where the biggest lift in enterprise value is often created. Jeff developed the Performance Value Pathway℠, a structured approach that identifies value blockers and equips leaders with a clear roadmap to improve performance and enterprise value. He also created Incite Ai℠, a diagnostic toolset that delivers rapid insight into operational gaps, risk factors, and growth opportunities. A principle that guides his work comes from Dr. W. Edwards Deming: "Don't just do something, stand there." The discipline of stepping back, observing clearly, and acting with intention is central to Jeff's approach. Scott J. Medeiros | Chief Execution Officer, Rosewood Family of Companies | President, Helmwise Scott brings nearly 30 years of senior leadership experience spanning Fortune 50 enterprises, medium businesses, and small companies. His expertise covers 16 functional areas and is underpinned by multiple degrees and over 20 professional certifications, including the PMP and CEPA designations. Scott is also a former Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and aviator. He currently serves as Chief Execution Officer (CXO) for the Rosewood Family of Companies and as President of Helmwise, where he helps individuals grow personally and professionally to unlock the value in their companies and teams. He is also a Maxwell Leadership Executive Program Leader. Traci Philips | Executive Leadership & Performance Coach Traci Philips is an Executive Leadership & Performance Coach who has spent over a decade supporting visionary entrepreneurs and C-Suite leaders to reach a higher degree of fulfillment, potential, and purpose in their careers and lives. She excels at helping clients define their individual value proposition and identify the most complementary teams to help them reach their vision and goals. Traci is also deeply experienced in supporting healthy team dynamics — especially in times of transition — and coaching leaders to improve their communications, resolution strategies, and personal planning. A significant area of her work focuses on the M&A space, where she partners with founder-owners as they prepare themselves, mentally and emotionally, for the next chapter of their companies. Event Details • Free entry • Free appetizers on the house • Raffle prize ( $100 gift card) giveaway • Consistently rated 4.9+ out of 5 by attendees • Bring cash for our###-###-#### raffle tickets Hosted by Keval Shah, Principal – Zambezi Ventures, and Helen Zhang, Partner – Futurise Growth Partners. Proudly sponsored by Exit Factor of Raleigh-Durham and Helmwise Event Agenda: 05:00pm-06:30pm Networking 06:30pm-07:30pm Panel Discussion 07:30pm-08:00pm Networking P.S.: If you'd like to participate in the Book Exchange, please bring a new or used book that has inspired you and challenged you and you think more people should read it too! Some FAQs: Q: Can I invite others? A: Please do! But please forward them this RSVP page to register. Q: Is there a cost to attend? A: No, but please support our generous venue by buying food and drinks. Please note automatic gratuity of 20% will be added to all checks. Q: What should I wear? A: Dress Casually, this is a fun get-together of local business owners. Q: How can I support the community via sponsorship? A: Sponsorships range from $###-###-#### /event, but can make a big impact on the community, please reach out to the host Helen to get more information about sponsorships. You can also donate books and gifts. Our promise to you is that all the sponsorships we receive will be put back in the community.