S2 #23 Nov 08, 25

023: Carolyn Colonna & Taylor Nall of AIGA Charlotte

Two presidents of the same scrappy Charlotte chapter share what it’s like to step up without a roadmap. In this episode of Cheers & Tiers, we sit down with Carolyn Colonna and Taylor Nall, who each led AIGA Charlotte through very different moments of growth and experimentation.

They talk about the unexpected ways they found AIGA, what it means to lead with trust instead of ego, and why showing up with openness (and a well-placed DM) can create real change. There’s a quiet kind of bravery in simply showing up—and these two prove it matters.

Key Takeaways

Don’t wait for permission: Carolyn stepped into the presidency during a leadership gap—without a plan, but with purpose.
Cold DMs work: Taylor reached out to AIGA before he even graduated, and ended up president.
Trust is everything: Both leaders focused on vulnerability and connection, not titles.
Design solves everything: Even event engagement—just ask the Mullet Meter.
Leave it better: Good leaders set others up to thrive after they’re gone.

Key Moments in This Episode

00:40 – Carolyn’s accidental presidency: stepping up during a leadership gap
03:20 – Taylor’s cold DM: reaching out to AIGA before graduating
06:05 – From college volunteer to board president: Taylor’s rise
08:10 – Leading with trust: Carolyn’s core approach
10:40 – Building the next team: why mentorship mattered
13:00 – Bridging leadership styles: collaborative handoffs and honest reflection
15:10 – The Mullet Meter: a playful way to track event vibes
16:30 – What future leaders need: permission, support, and follow-through

About Our Guests

Carolyn Colonna is a designer and creative leader based in Boston, MA. Her early career was spent in North Carolina where she helped steer AIGA Charlotte through a leadership gap with a human-centered, trust-first approach. Today she continues to create experiences and environments where creativity and connection thrive.

Taylor Nall is the VP of Technology for carbonhouse, a digital agency based in Charlotte, North Carolina and was AIGA Charlotte’s youngest chapter president. He brought a fresh take on leadership, proving that initiative, authenticity, and a good sense of humor can take you far.

Featuring

Guest Carolyn Colonna, connect on LinkedIn

Guest Taylor Nall, connect on LinkedIn

Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn

Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

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Episode Video

Creators and Guests

Host

Erik Cargill

Product Design and Branding Consultant Erik Cargill's journey spans from crafting early mobile interfaces in the '90s to transforming global shipping logistics software. As Art Director at Handmark, he led a creative team to capture 38% of the mobile software market, and during his 15-year tenure at Tideworks Technology, he proved that even the most complex systems can become user-friendly. Now, as founder of 32FramesPerSecond in Seattle, Erik helps companies create intuitive digital experiences, bringing his philosophy of "embracing change and failing gracefully" to every project. His unique blend of technical expertise and authentic approach makes him an engaging co-host of ’Cheers & Tiers: Design Leadership Tales Retold,’ where he helps uncover the stories that shaped our design community.

Host

Rachel Elnar

Rachel Elnar believes the magic happens when design meets community. As a Senior Creative Producer at Adobe, she's mastered the art of turning webinars into wonderlands where over 45,000 creatives annually connect, learn, and grow together. As an AIGA National Board Member and content producer, Rachel continues to weave her magic, producing engaging live-streaming shows and video content to reach thousands more while advocating for inclusivity in the creative industry. Now, as an AIGA National Board Member and co-host of “Cheers & Tiers: Design Leadership Tales Retold,” Rachel continues to weave her magic, creating experiences that don’t just look good—they feel right.

Guest

Carolyn Colonna

Carolyn is the Associate Director of Expanded Education at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, where she leads programs that connect artists through lifelong learning. With a background in graphic design and a career spanning higher education, community arts, and brand strategy, Carolyn brings design thinking to program development and a passion for building creative communities. A longtime AIGA leader, she has served on the boards of multiple chapters, including Boston, Charlotte, and Pittsburgh, and held national roles as Presidents Council Chair and a member of AIGA’s Chapter Advisory Council.

Guest

Taylor Nall

Taylor is the VP of Technology for carbonhouse, a digital agency based in Charlotte, North Carolina. For almost 20 years, carbonhouse has been the leader in providing website solutions for more than 300 arts and venue clients around the world, including The O2, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, SoFi Stadium, and the Grand Ole Opry. Taylor got involved with AIGA in college and served on the AIGA Charlotte board for almost 10 years in various roles, including President. While not in front of a computer, he spends his time with his wife and daughter, and enjoys daily walks with his dog, Jackson.