Former WBTV anchor Molly Grantham is challenging women all over Charlotte to bet on themselves

"Bet on yourself" is Molly Grantham's personal mantra, passed down from her late father, and now it's her battle cry to people everywhere — especially women.

Why it matters: The simple yet powerful three-word message has resonated with hundreds (possibly thousands) of women in Charlotte and beyond.

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"I'm reinventing myself at 47 years old," Grantham told the 340 women who drove in from Connecticut, Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas to her inaugural " Bet On Yourself Summit " at Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Catch up quick: After 20 years at the local CBS affiliate and a few weeks left on her contract, Grantham announced her departure from WBTV on March 5. "I'm leaving WBTV News. This is my decision," she wrote on social media .

• When she arrived at work that afternoon to anchor the 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm and 11pm newscasts on Super Tuesday , she was told that her contract was being terminated early.
• Her abrupt departure prompted questions from fans. Days later, WBTV released a statement thanking her for her contributions.

"I thought I'd retire there," Grantham explained. But, early in the year, a gut feeling grew stronger, and a small voice grew louder, pushing her toward her decision to leave her dream job.

• "My dad would say 'bet on yourself Miss Meade' (her maiden name) ... It wasn't until it started screaming in my insides, sounding like him that I realized I hadn't always been betting on myself the way he intended for me to."

Yes, but: Grantham emphasized that there are no hard feelings and that she would never talk badly about the station she worked at for 20 years, where she still has friends that she considers family.

• "I wish my exit was prettier but a messy exit doesn't ruin the journey you took to get there," she said, followed by loud applause.

WCCB anchor Morgan Fogarty and Charlotte Hornets' General Manager Donna Julian spoke about women standing up for themselves. "We have to fight for ourselves, men have no problem doing that," said Donna Julian, GM of Charlotte Hornets. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

The vibe: The inaugural "Bet On Yourself Summit" was a mix of professional development, networking, motivational speaking and a bit of therapy, for women by women.

• There was a photographer taking professional headshots, makeup artists from Dillard's giving full glam, and goodie bags with gifts from local businesses.
• Speakers included WCCB anchor Morgan Fogarty, Charlotte Hornets' general manager Donna Julian , MIX107.9 host Madison James, Novant Health psychologist Joanne Perry, Sun Counseling and Wellness therapist Juliet Kuehnle, Panthers' director of community relations Riley Fields and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools athletic director Ericia Turner.
• The seven-hour summit also featured surprise appearances from the U.S. Olympic Field Hockey team players and civic leader and banking tycoon Cathy Bessant .

Sun Counseling and Wellness therapist Juliet Kuehnle spoke about the power of positive thinking and words of affirmation. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios Dr. Joanne Perry, a psychologist who works with professional athletes, talked about courage and how it's contagious. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

What's next: Grantham's next Bet On Yourself Summit is Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at The Union at Station West in west Charlotte.

• Those who went to the first event, and the 1,642 women on the waitlist, got early access to tickets and it sold out in 23 minutes, according to Grantham.
• Additional tickets will go on sale Friday, September 27 at 8am for $99.

The next Bet On Yourself Summit will be in a new location, with new speakers but the same concept. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Editor's note: Before working at Axios Charlotte, Laura was a producer at WBTV where she worked with Grantham.

• WBTV News is Axios Charlotte's news partner .