Passion Graham, CCM
Passion Graham, CCM, is a trailblazing faith-based entrepreneur, international speaker, and luxury hospitality expert with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Starting her career at McDonald’s, she quickly ascended the ranks, ultimately founding her own company, Passionate Productions, LLC, in 2008. Passion found her niche in the private club sector in 2014 at Charlotte Country Club, one of the world’s top-ranked clubs, and continued to excel at elite clubs such as Desert Mountain and Governors Club, where she led operations, managed large-scale events, and made history as the first Black woman to manage a platinum-ranked private club. Her leadership style blends empathy, structure, and innovation, inspiring her teams to exceed expectations while fostering professional growth.
A natural communicator and educator, Passion has been sharing her expertise nationally since 2017, presenting at conferences, universities, and private clubs. She has also earned her Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation, becoming only the third Black woman to do so, and continues to invest in lifelong learning. In addition to her work as CEO of multiple ventures, including Trust Luxe Transport, LLC, and Psalms 46:5 Properties, she is set to return to Central Piedmont Community College in Spring 2026 as an adjunct professor to teach hospitality, passing her knowledge and passion to the next generation of leaders.
Passion’s professional journey is guided by her “Passion Framework,” emphasizing purpose, accountability, self-care, over-serving, innovation, opportunity, and nobility. Beyond her business acumen, she is deeply committed to service, mentorship, and creating pathways for others in the luxury hospitality industry. Whether through consulting, international speaking, or her upcoming project “Behind the Veil,” Passion continues to break barriers, inspire excellence, and elevate the standards of hospitality worldwide.
• BMI Leadership Principles
• BMI General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
• CCM Certification
• Fayetteville State University- B.A.Sc.
• Fayetteville State University- A.A.S.
• Fayetteville State University
• Who's Who
• Willmoore H. Kendall Scholarship
• Fabulous Under 40
• Damon J DiOrio Impact Scholarship
• Southwest Chapter - CMAA
• Carolinas Chapter - CMAA
• TABS Art Society
• American Heart Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the grace and mercy of God; my faith is what sustains me through every challenge and opportunity.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to not chase the money or the title, but to seek out a mentor, and everything else will naturally fall into place.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to say yes to every opportunity, even lateral moves, because experiencing different roles teaches you what you do—and don’t—want, builds valuable skills, and gives you the flexibility to pivot in your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is navigating a six-generation workforce, as thousands of boomers retire daily, requiring us to educate and empower younger generations quickly while fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across all ages.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, family, finance, fun, fashion, and friends.