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Beyond Coworking: Building with Purpose and Partnership EP 143

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with Cate Luzio, Founder and CEO of Luminary, for a conversation about career reinvention, leadership, modern work, and the power of purposeful networks.

Cate shares her journey from more than two decades in international banking to launching Luminary, a global professional education and networking platform designed for women and allies. From the beginning, Luminary was built as something bigger than a coworking space in the heart of New York City. Its purpose has centered on professional growth, programming, access, and meaningful relationships — with physical space as one part of a much larger platform.

This conversation also offers a closer look at the value of Luminary’s “sister” relationship with HAYVN and the broader partner network it opens up. You’ll hear how these mission-aligned spaces can work together to expand access, create more flexibility, and help members stay connected wherever work and life take them.

Here are some of Cate’s key points about intention, reinvention, and what it means to build something with staying power:

Cate’s path to entrepreneurship began after more than two decades in international banking, where she developed a deep interest in mentorship, talent development, and advancing opportunities for women and underrepresented professionals.
Luminary was intentionally designed to support professional growth through education, programming, events, and access — not just shared workspace.
The pandemic forced Luminary to adapt quickly, accelerating virtual programming and digital memberships. Those shifts expanded Luminary’s reach far beyond New York City and created new pathways for national and global engagement.
Cate challenges the idea that strong networks can be built through marketing tactics alone. Real engagement requires listening, consistency, care, and an ongoing commitment to delivering value.
Today’s professionals are increasingly redefining success on their own terms. Whether they are entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, or navigating a career transition, many are prioritizing purpose, flexibility, fulfillment, and values over traditional measures of achievement.
The fundraising and startup landscape has also changed, with more founders focusing on profitability, sustainability, and building businesses that align with their lives rather than chasing growth at all costs.
Luminary’s partner network — which includes more than 50 mission-aligned spaces, including HAYVN — creates reciprocal access across the U.S. and internationally. For HAYVN members, that means the ability to connect with a broader ecosystem of spaces, resources, and people when traveling, working remotely, or seeking new opportunities.

This conversation is a thoughtful exploration of leadership, entrepreneurship, and the evolving definition of success. Cate’s story reminds us that career growth does not have to follow a traditional path — and that what we build can have lasting impact when it is rooted in purpose, partnership, and a willingness to keep adapting.

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Digging for the Truth: How Great Brands Are Built from the Inside Out EP 142

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed talks with Jacqueline Lieberman, founder of BrandCrudo and creator of the Velocity Dinners methodology. Jacqueline shares her perspective on modern brand strategy, explaining why the fundamentals haven't changed despite advances in technology and AI. At the heart of her work is a commitment to uncovering the truth that already exists within organizations rather than inventing new narratives.

Jacqueline describes her role as a "truth excavator," helping companies identify the unique qualities that make them different in their marketplace. Through interviews, workshops, and strategic conversations, she helps organizations uncover the often-overlooked differentiators that are deeply embedded in their culture, values, and everyday behaviors.

Key points from the conversation include:

Brand strategy isn't about creating something new. It's about uncovering what's already true and building a position around a company's authentic strengths.
Company culture plays a critical role in brand success. When departments operate with different agendas and perspectives, messaging and momentum suffer. Alignment across the organization is essential.
Many companies overlook their most powerful differentiators because they view them as standard operating procedures. An outside perspective often helps reveal what truly sets them apart.
Jacqueline's DNA Method focuses on understanding why a company exists, what it stands for, what it won't compromise on, and the behaviors that shape its reputation and growth.
AI can be a valuable strategic tool when used as a thought partner rather than a replacement for critical thinking. Jacqueline explains how challenging AI to identify weaknesses in an idea can strengthen positioning and strategy.
Through her Velocity Dinners, Jacqueline creates environments where customers and prospects share candid insights that traditional surveys and focus groups often miss. These conversations reveal what truly drives buying decisions and business relationships.

Throughout the discussion, Jacqueline emphasizes the importance of human connection, curiosity, and objectivity in uncovering meaningful business insights. Whether working with leadership teams in workshops or facilitating intimate dinner conversations, her approach centers on finding enduring truths that can guide long-term growth.

This conversation highlights the power of authenticity in branding and business strategy. Jacqueline demonstrates that the strongest positioning doesn't come from clever marketing campaigns, but from uncovering and embracing the truths already present within an organization. By combining deep human insight, strategic rigor, and thoughtful use of emerging technologies, companies can build brands that are both distinctive and sustainable.

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From Red Carpets to Real Talk: Dorothy Cascerceri Simone on Reinventing Media EP 141

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with Dorothy Cascerceri Simone, host and executive producer of That Greenwich Life, for a candid conversation about the evolution of media, storytelling, and authenticity.

Dorothy shares her fascinating journey from newspaper reporter and celebrity gossip journalist to podcast host and community voice. From interviewing celebrities on red carpets during the height of magazine culture to building a podcast focused on vulnerability and real-life struggles, Dorothy reflects on how both media and her personal mission have transformed over the years.

The conversation explores how traditional media evolved during the rise of digital publishing and social media, how Dorothy pivoted ahead of major industry changes, and why she intentionally created a platform that rejects superficial gossip in favor of deeper human connection.

Key Points

Dorothy began her career in traditional journalism, balancing newspaper reporting with celebrity coverage for outlets like People Magazine during the early days of online media.
She witnessed firsthand the decline of print publications and recognized early that video, digital storytelling, and influencer-style marketing would become the future of media.
Dorothy created That Greenwich Life as an “anti-gossip” platform focused on honest conversations about fertility struggles, personal hardships, mental health, and the realities behind polished appearances.
Her background in celebrity reporting gave her valuable insight into how media shapes perception, but she ultimately wanted to create content rooted in empathy and humanity instead of sensationalism.
Through social media and her podcast, Dorothy has unexpectedly become a trusted community voice in Greenwich, sharing important local information while fostering thoughtful conversations and connection.

This episode is both a nostalgic look at the ever-evolving media landscape and an inspiring conversation about personal reinvention. Dorothy’s journey reflects how storytelling has evolved from glossy headlines and celebrity culture into something more authentic and human-centered.

What stands out most is Dorothy’s commitment to using her platform for connection rather than spectacle. Through That Greenwich Life, she’s proving that audiences are hungry for honesty, vulnerability, and conversations that go deeper than appearances.

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From Marketing Chaos to Clarity: A Purpose-Driven Framework for Growth EP 140

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:21:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed welcomes back author, publisher, and marketing strategist Jenn T. Grace for a conversation about marketing with intention, clarity, and purpose. Jenn shares the inspiration behind her new book, Promote Your Purpose, and breaks down her Aspen Method, a practical framework designed to help authors, entrepreneurs, and professionals market their work without getting lost in overwhelm.

Drawing from more than two decades in marketing and over ten years working closely with authors, Jenn explains why so many people struggle with marketing and how skipping foundational steps often leads to confusion, wasted time, and burnout. She emphasizes that effective marketing isn't about chasing every tactic or becoming an influencer. Instead, it's about understanding your purpose, your audience, and the strategy that actually aligns with your strengths and goals.

Key Points

Jenn created the Aspen Method after realizing that many authors and business owners were overwhelmed by disconnected marketing tactics and needed a clearer framework for decision-making.
The Aspen Method stands for Assess, Strategize, Plan, Execute, and Nurture, creating a step-by-step approach to building sustainable marketing efforts.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is jumping directly into tactics like social media, ads, or influencer marketing without first understanding their audience, goals, and larger strategy.
Jenn encourages people to “bring others along for the journey” while building a book, business, or product, helping create community and momentum long before launch day.
The conversation highlights how relationship-building and nurturing an audience are often the most overlooked but most valuable parts of marketing success.

Nancy and Jenn close the conversation by reinforcing that marketing doesn't have to feel manipulative, overwhelming, or performative. By focusing on alignment, strategy, and genuine connection, the Aspen Method helps people market in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

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How Women Business Owners Are Driving Economic Change with Confidence, Capital and Connections EP 139

Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed sits down with Fran Pastore, founder and CEO of the Women’s Business Development Council, to explore the evolution of women’s entrepreneurship and the systems that support it. Fran shares the powerful origin story behind WBDC, born out of her own experience as a single mother seeking financial independence, and highlights the organization’s nearly 30-year mission to help women launch and scale businesses.

The conversation dives into the policy history that shaped women’s access to capital, including the impact of the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988, and why representation still matters today. Fran makes it clear that while progress has been made, systemic barriers still exist, especially when it comes to funding and decision-making power.

Nancy and Fran also discuss the growing momentum of women entrepreneurs, with women now starting a significant share of new businesses. Fran shares compelling data from WBDC’s work, showing measurable impact through grants, advising, and education, and explains how the organization supports women at every stage, from idea to expansion.

At its core, the episode highlights how confidence, capital, and connections are essential to helping women succeed and how community-driven ecosystems like WBDC are creating lasting economic and social change.

Key Points

WBDC was founded to fill a critical gap in resources for women entrepreneurs and has been supporting women for nearly 30 years
Fran’s journey from single mother to nonprofit founder underscores the importance of economic independence for women
The Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 was a turning point, removing barriers like requiring male co-signers for business loans
Representation remains a major challenge, impacting access to capital, healthcare research, and policy decisions
Women now account for roughly 40% of new business creation, signaling a major shift in economic participation
WBDC has seen significant growth, with client numbers increasing more than 300% since 2019
Small grants to women entrepreneurs consistently lead to increased revenue, hiring, and business growth
The organization supports a wide range of clients through advising, training, grants, and specialized programs like childcare business support
Advocacy and awareness are critical, as policies directly impact women’s ability to build and sustain businesses
Community and ecosystem support are key drivers of long-term success for women entrepreneurs

This conversation makes one thing clear: when women are given access to the right resources, they don’t just build businesses, they transform families, communities, and the broader economy. Fran’s work with WBDC shows that progress isn’t accidental, it’s built through persistence, advocacy, and intentional support systems. The momentum is real, but continued awareness, representation, and investment will determine how far it goes.

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Reinventing Breast Health with Purpose and Persistence EP 138

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed speaks with Clémence Bruguier, co-founder of Mirabelle Medical, a company focused on improving breast health access and awareness for women globally. Fresh off winning the most recent HAYVN Hatch competition, Clémence shares her unconventional path into healthcare, despite having no formal medical background, and how her lifelong drive to build purpose-driven projects led her to entrepreneurship.

Clémence explains how Mirabelle Medical is addressing a critical gap in women’s health: the lack of accessible, easy-to-use tools for regular breast checks. The company is developing two devices, one designed for personal use to help women monitor their breast health between mammograms, and another for healthcare professionals working in underserved regions where access to screening is limited.

A key theme throughout the conversation is the power of questioning assumptions. Clémence challenges traditional guidance around breast self-exams and highlights that many women still detect abnormalities on their own. She also points to the surprising reality that a significant percentage of women in the United States do not have access to mammograms, underscoring the urgency for alternative solutions.

The episode also offers a candid look at the realities of building a healthcare startup. Clémence shares how Mirabelle began with simple prototypes built in a kitchen, followed by field testing in Ghana that validated both the need and usability of the product. She walks through the pivots required along the way, including shifting from a wellness product to a regulated medical device, navigating FDA approval, and making the difficult decision to refund early customers in order to prioritize doing things the right way.

Throughout the conversation, Clémence emphasizes user-centered design, global accessibility, and education. Her work reflects a broader mission to empower women with the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their health, regardless of where they live.

Key Points

Clémence’s entrepreneurial journey is driven by a strong sense of purpose and a desire to build meaningful solutions
Mirabelle Medical is focused on making breast health checks more accessible through simple, low-cost devices
The company is developing two products for both personal and clinical use
Early field testing in Ghana confirmed real demand and practical application
A significant number of women in the U.S. still lack access to regular mammograms
The company pivoted from a wellness product to a regulated medical device requiring FDA approval
Education and cultural awareness are essential components of improving global breast health
Building in healthcare requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to navigate complex systems

This episode highlights what it really takes to build something meaningful in a complex and highly regulated space. Clémence’s journey is a clear example of how purpose, persistence, and a willingness to learn can drive innovation that matters. As women’s health continues to gain long-overdue attention, solutions like Mirabelle Medical are helping to close critical gaps and empower women everywhere to take a more active role in their care.

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Why Authentic Communication Matters More Than Ever in the Age of AI EP 137

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed welcomes back communication expert, TEDx speaker, and author Shannon Malkin Daniels to explore the evolving role of authenticity in communication. As AI becomes more prevalent in content creation, Shannon emphasizes the growing importance of human connection, storytelling, and genuine messaging.

They discuss the balance between what you say and how you say it, the risks of over-relying on AI-generated content, and why authenticity is a confidence builder rather than a result of confidence. Shannon also introduces her SPEAC framework and shares practical insights on storytelling, vulnerability, and developing communication skills that resonate across any setting.

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The Heart of Entrepreneurship: Melissa Bernstein on Turning Darkness into Creativity and Joy EP 136

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:02:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with entrepreneur, author, and Melissa & Doug Toys co-founder Melissa Bernstein for a deeply honest conversation about meaning, creativity, and reinvention.

Melissa shares the surprising story behind building one of the most beloved toy brands in the world, the painful journey of letting that company go, and how that experience led her to create Lifelines, a new company focused on sensory and creative tools for wellbeing.

Together, Nancy and Melissa explore why creativity is essential to our mental health, how entrepreneurship often begins with uncertainty, and why using our hands to create may be more important now than ever.

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Beyond the GLP-1 Boom: Building Sustainable Cardiometabolic Care EP 135

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed welcomes back Katherine Saunders, co-founder of FlyteHealth, for a powerful conversation on the evolution of obesity and cardiometabolic care.

Since her last appearance—when her company was still in its early stages under the name IntelliHealth—Katherine has led a transformation from a software-focused startup into a comprehensive virtual clinical care provider. Now rebranded as FlyteHealth, the company delivers integrated cardio-kidney-metabolic care directly to patients, while partnering with employers to reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes.

Katherine explains how the rise of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound changed the national conversation around obesity. But she cautions against the current “GLP-1-only” mindset, emphasizing that true success requires comprehensive medical evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support—not just a prescription.

The discussion explores:

Why obesity medicine was historically overlooked in medical training
How GLP-1 demand has reshaped employer healthcare strategies
The financial strain these medications place on self-insured employers
Why fragmented healthcare leaves patients overwhelmed
The importance of care navigation and communication between specialists
How technology can enhance—not replace—the provider-patient relationship

FlyteHealth’s model blends advanced clinical decision support tools with human-centered care, allowing providers to practice at the top of their training while delivering better outcomes for patients and better ROI for employers.

Key Highlights

From Software to Full-Service Clinical CareFlyteHealth began as a tech platform to scale obesity treatment but evolved into a direct care provider when it became clear that technology alone wasn’t enough.
The GLP-1 Explosion — and Its LimitsWhile GLP-1 medications have revolutionized obesity treatment, Katherine stresses that medication without comprehensive care leads to poor outcomes and rising costs.
The Employer Healthcare DilemmaSelf-insured employers face skyrocketing costs for GLP-1 medications. FlyteHealth offers a structured, outcomes-focused program that balances access with cost control.
Obesity as a Root DiseaseTreating obesity improves or prevents over 200 related conditions, including hypertension, prediabetes, and cholesterol issues—making integrated care essential.
Technology as a Support System, Not a SubstituteClinical decision support tools gather and analyze data before visits, allowing providers to spend more time educating and connecting with patients.

This conversation highlights a pivotal moment in healthcare. The excitement around GLP-1 medications has brought long-overdue attention to obesity as a serious medical condition—but as Katherine makes clear, prescriptions alone are not the solution. Sustainable results require comprehensive care, personalized treatment, coordinated communication, and smart use of technology.

FlyteHealth represents a model for where healthcare is heading: integrated, data-informed, and human-centered. As employer-sponsored healthcare continues to evolve and new therapies enter the market, thoughtful systems like this may be what keeps care both effective and financially sustainable.

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Cranel’s Founders on Building a Women-Led Health Brand From Personal Pain Points EP 134

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed speaks with Christine Jurzenski and Erica Schultz, co-founders of Cranel, about their journey building a women-centered health company rooted in prevention, education, and product efficacy.

Normalizing taboo conversations in women’s healthChristine Jurzenski and Erica Schultz are on a mission to remove stigma around UTIs, gut health, and vaginal health—areas many women experience but rarely discuss openly.
A company born from personal pain pointsCranel started as a solution to recurrent UTIs after the founders experienced the frustrating cycle of antibiotics, side effects, and limited preventative options.
Non-traditional founders who learned fastWith backgrounds in finance and law, they built Cranel by taking “micro steps”—researching clinical evidence, cold-calling experts, and learning manufacturing and e-commerce from scratch.
COVID pushed them into DTC—and it workedThe pandemic forced Cranel to launch as a direct-to-consumer brand, allowing them to maintain margins, educate customers, and build strong relationships with their community.
Lean scaling with smart delegationCranel is still run by the two founders full-time with a network of contractors. They believe in mastering processes before outsourcing and leveraging modern tools and AI to scale efficiently.
Expanding from a hero product to a platformThe brand has grown beyond cranberry juice with the launch of a probiotic/prebiotic product to support gut and vaginal microbiome health, signaling a broader women’s health platform strategy.
Navigating the supplement and regulatory gray zoneThey discussed the challenges of operating in the supplement space, balancing science-backed messaging with regulatory constraints, and advocating for better education around antibiotic overuse and resistance.
The power of community and pitchingWinning the HAYVN Hatch pitch competition reinforced the value of female founder communities, mentorship, and the strength of a co-founder partnership.

Christine and Erica's journey with Cranel illustrates how personal frustration can spark meaningful innovation. By combining evidence-based product development, direct-to-consumer education, and a mission to destigmatize women’s health, they’re building more than a brand—they’re building a movement.

Their story highlights the power of curiosity, persistence, and community in turning a side hustle into a growing health platform designed by women, for women.

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The Marketing Shifts Shaping 2026: Less Noise, More Clarity, Real Connection EP 133

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed is joined by Virginia Juliano, marketing and strategy consultant, and Marie Protomastro Patel of Girl on the Ball Solutions. Together, they reflect on a recent HAYVN Marketing Hub gathering and unpack the marketing shifts shaping how business owners and leaders should think about growth as we move into 2026.

“Clarity is something that’s never been out of style, but I think it’s becoming even more important.” — Virginia Juliano

A central theme of the conversation is that marketing is no longer a separate function — we’re all marketers now. From solopreneurs to established businesses, everyone is responsible for how their expertise, message, and value show up in the world.

Key insights from the conversation include:

AI is no longer optional — it’s foundational.AI isn’t a standalone tool or trend; it’s woven into everything from strategy to content distribution to how people discover businesses. Like the early days of the internet, the shift is about integration, not resistance.
Clarity is king — and always has been.No amount of clever tactics or polished content can compensate for a lack of clarity. Being clear on who you serve, what you do, and why it matters is the bedrock of effective marketing and strategy.
Strategy must come before tactics.Business owners often get lost in execution — platforms, posts, tools — without anchoring decisions in strategy. Marketers add value by asking the hard questions that help cut through the clutter.
Perfection is no longer the goal. Authenticity is.The pressure to constantly perform or produce flawless content is easing. Audiences are responding more to real, human moments than overly polished marketing. Showing up matters more than showing off.
You don’t need to be a content machine.Content stewardship is replacing content overload. Businesses should focus on what feels aligned, comfortable, and sustainable — and then use AI to repurpose and extend what already exists.
Marketing is relationship building at its core.Whether through newsletters, speaking, podcasts, or in-person events, trust and connection drive long-term success. Community and human connection are becoming more valuable than noise and volume.
AI amplifies good input — it doesn’t replace thinking.AI can enhance strategy and execution, but only when the inputs are clear. Without clarity, goals, and intention, even the best tools fall flat.

This conversation reinforces a powerful shift in modern marketing: less pressure, more alignment; fewer tactics, stronger strategy; and more humanity at every touchpoint. As AI becomes embedded in how we create and discover information, the business leaders who stand out will be the ones rooted in clarity, authenticity, and genuine relationships.

“Marketing works best when it feels sustainable, not performative.” — Marie Protomastro Patel

Marketing isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters, consistently and in ways that feel true to who you are.

Interested in implementing some of these marketing shifts into your marketing strategy? Give this custom ChatGPT a try. It’s formulated from the recent 2026 Marketing Shifts presentation at HAYVN’s Marketing Hub in January and this article based upon responses from marketers and creatives doing the work.

Also, want to know more about HAYVN’s Hub for Marketing? You can join the group monthly in person for “Ask the Experts” for marketing advice and insight as well as an opportunity to connect with smart marketers and creatives in the area.

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From Hospitality to Global Impact: Adam Thatcher on Purpose-Led Entrepreneurship EP 132

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed talks with Adam Thatcher, CEO and co-founder of Grace Farms Tea and Coffee, for a thoughtful conversation about purpose-driven business, ethical supply chains, and redefining what success looks like in a for-profit model.

Adam shares how a role rooted in hospitality at Grace Farms evolved into a bold social enterprise—one that gives 100% of its profits back to ending forced and child labor while delivering premium tea and coffee experiences to consumers everywhere.

Key Takeaways

Grace Farms as a catalystAdam traces the origin of the company back to Grace Farms itself—an architectural, cultural, and humanitarian space designed to foster connection, hospitality, and dialogue. Tea and coffee became natural extensions of that mission.
From service to product with purposeDemand from visitors who wanted to recreate the Grace Farms tea experience at home revealed an opportunity: exceptional products could also carry an ethical and humanitarian story.
A new ownership model enabled by policy changeA little-known change to the IRS code (4943G) made it possible for a nonprofit foundation to own 100% of a for-profit company—unlocking a powerful hybrid model for social impact.
Why B Corp certification mattersBecoming a certified B Corp wasn’t required—it was intentional. Adam explains how the rigorous assessment process helped embed accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability into the company’s DNA.
Deep partnerships, not surface-level sourcingRather than scaling quickly, Grace Farms Tea and Coffee chose to go deep with women-led, organic, fair-trade cooperatives—building trust, visiting origins, and responding directly in moments of crisis.
Tea as education and connectionBeyond beverages, the company uses tea as a storytelling and learning tool—inviting consumers to understand origins, traditions, and ethical supply chains through immersive experiences.
Proof that values and quality can coexistAdam challenges the assumption that doing good requires compromise, arguing that conscious consumers will choose products that align quality with impact.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that business can be both profitable and profoundly human. By grounding Grace Farms Tea and Coffee in hospitality, ethical sourcing, and radical transparency, Adam illustrates what’s possible when values are embedded from day one—not added later as a marketing layer.

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Building a Breakthrough Brand: Hayley Segar on Confidence, Grit, and Growth EP 131

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Nancy Sheed reconnects with entrepreneur Hayley Segar, who first first appeared on the show during the earliest days of building her One With Swim company. Now, with a patented product, viral traction, and a successful Shark Tank deal, Hayley reflects on how far the brand has come and what she has learned along the way.

"You have to have almost a delusional sense of confidence, drive, execution, grit, coachability… and that's a specific combo of things."

From overcoming limiting beliefs to building intentional growth strategies, she shares a candid look at the mindset and systems that fuel her growing business.

Key Points

The idea for One With Swim struck Hayley in a single "aha" moment when she realized women needed swimsuits that fit like no-show underwear—and no one had created them yet.
She spent two and a half years prototyping and developing the product, intentionally hiring experienced professionals instead of trying to teach herself every technical skill.
Even with early traction, Hayley still battled limiting beliefs rooted in being underestimated during past pitch competitions. She had to actively rewrite her internal narrative before stepping onto Shark Tank.
Her Shark Tank appearance was transformational, providing validation, credibility, and momentum—while reinforcing her commitment to a direct-to-consumer model.
Hayley focuses on intentional growth, especially in navigating the challenges of seasonality, strengthening infrastructure, and preparing her systems for long-term scaling.
Giving back has become a meaningful part of her year—speaking at UConn, mentoring students, and sharing honest lessons with future entrepreneurs who are walking the path she once did.

Hayley's story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is as much an inner journey as it is an external one. Her blend of intuition, discipline, and unwavering belief in her product has shaped One With Swim into a brand with real momentum—and real meaning.

As she continues to grow, give back, and inspire the next wave of founders, her path offers both practical lessons and genuine encouragement for anyone passionately building something of their own.

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Inside An Angel Investing Network: Strategy & Opportunity with Marty Isaac EP 130

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast host Nancy Sheed talks with Marty Isaac, President and Managing Director of the Angel Investor Forum, Connecticut's leading network of early-stage investors. Marty brings a refreshing, community-minded perspective to angel investing — one built on curiosity and collaboration.

"There are no sharp elbows in our group. We all want the companies — and each other — to win."

A former GE and consumer marketing executive turned investor and civic leader, Marty shares how he built his portfolio — from early, overzealous investments to smart, diversified "small bets" — and why he's so passionate about supporting founders and helping build strong management teams.

Key Points

Angel investing isn't just for the ultra-wealthy anymore — while investors still must be accredited, angel groups and diversified funds have made participation more accessible and structured.
Risk is extremely high, with 50% of early-stage companies failing and another 20% not returning capital — which is why the power law (a few big wins) drives overall returns.
Diversification is essential, with Marty recommending at least 20 investments over five years or participation in a fund to increase the odds of catching an outlier success.
What angels look for comes down to three fundamentals: the problem, the solution, and how the business makes money — but the management team remains the most critical factor in determining whether a company can execute.
Proof Over Ideas: Today's investors no longer fund pitch decks alone — lower startup costs mean founders are expected to show real traction through proof points like customer validation, pilot programs, or early revenue to demonstrate market fit before attracting capital.

Marty's insights offer a grounded, practical look into the realities of angel investing today — from the risks and rewards to the strategic thinking required on both sides of the table. He also shares what's happening in the broader world of angel investing — from how Connecticut's startup scene has grown to what investors are watching closely right now.

Whether you're a "founder" seeking capital or an "investor" exploring the startup ecosystem, Marty's candid reflections and open arms optimism make this conversation educational, energizing, and actionable.

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The Human Side of Hiring: Darcy Ahl on What Really Matters EP 129

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:42:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy sits down with seasoned executive recruiter Darcy Ahl, who shares her winding career path—from writing romance-novel blurbs to working in brand management and advertising, and ultimately building a 20-year career in executive search where she is currently partner at Ahl, Berrien & Partners.

Darcy offers grounded insights on what has changed (and what has not) in recruiting, the continued importance of EQ (Emotional Intelligence), and how relationships fuel her national cross-industry success.

Key Takeaways

Relationships drive business: Darcy works across industries thanks to decades-long relationships, referrals, and her personalized, high-touch approach.
The role of technology: Tools and platforms have changed dramatically, but Darcy cautions against mass-posting jobs—most hires still come from curated networks, not hundreds of irrelevant applicants.
Current challenges in mission-driven industries: Across many impact-oriented sectors, raising capital has become more challenging — but the caliber of talent and conviction in these fields remains remarkably strong.
The shifting workplace: Post-COVID dynamics continue to evolve; hybrid isn't guaranteed anymore, with many companies pushing back to the office—impacting retention, especially among women.
Leadership priorities: Companies increasingly seek leaders with turnaround experience, strong communication, and the ability to guide organizations through rapid change.
Future workforce predictions: Despite the rise of AI, Darcy believes humans—particularly middle and upper managers—will remain essential.

"AI can write a great job description, but it can't tell me what makes someone tick."

In a hiring landscape defined by constant change, Darcy's perspective is a refreshing reminder that while tools and trends will continue to evolve, the heart of executive search remains deeply human.

Her emphasis on empathy, relationships, and genuine curiosity underscores what truly drives successful placements and thriving careers. Whether you're a job seeker, a business leader, or simply navigating your next professional chapter, Darcy's insights offer both clarity and encouragement for the road ahead.

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Breaking Stigmas and Building Muze: The Future of Clean Cannabis with Shirley Xu-Weldon EP 128

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Nancy sits down with Shirley Xu-Weldon, a former Google executive turned entrepreneur who's redefining what it means to live and lead with purpose. Shirley shares her inspiring journey from her childhood in China to becoming a successful businesswoman in New York, where her curiosity, discipline, and drive helped her navigate industries as varied as finance, advertising, and tech.

When the pandemic hit, Shirley used that pause to reflect deeply on what she wanted next. The result? A bold pivot into the cannabis and wellness space, where she founded Leafology (a welcoming, stigma-free dispensary in White Plains, NY) and later Muze, a clean-label cannabis beverage line that's redefining what it means to relax and unwind—without the sugar, chemicals, or shame.

Key Takeaways

From Corporate to Cannabis: After a decade at Google, Shirley wanted her next chapter to be about purpose and passion. She saw an opportunity to make cannabis approachable and accessible for people like her, moms, professionals, and health-conscious consumers.
Creating a New Kind of Space: With Leafology, Shirley built a dispensary that welcomes everyone, from longtime cannabis users to curious first-timers, by focusing on education, safety, and community.
Muze: Wellness in a Can: Her clean, functional cannabis beverages blend THC with vitamins and adaptogens, providing a modern, mindful alternative to alcohol. Muze is now distributed in several states, from Connecticut to New Jersey and soon New York and Virginia.
Lessons from Google: Shirley credits her success to embracing what Google calls being "uncomfortably excited" staying adaptable, curious, and open to change in fast-moving industries.
Community and Connection: Coworking spaces like HAYVN have provided the environment and energy she needs to separate work and home life, stay focused, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.

This episode is equal parts business insight, personal reinvention, and cultural education. Perfect for anyone curious about entrepreneurship, the evolving wellness market, or redefining success on your own terms.

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We're Not Selling Food, We're Selling Connection: Lessons from The Granola Bar Founders EP 127

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sat down with Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily, the powerhouse duo behind The Granola Bar. What started as a single idea between two friends has grown into a thriving restaurant group with multiple locations and now, expansion into New York City.

Julie and Dana's story is one of grit, instinct, and staying true to their community. They shared candid insights about:

Scaling with heart. Growth isn't just about more stores, it's about profitability, efficiency, and staying rooted in values.
Partnership as a foundation. Their friendship and honest communication have been the glue holding their business together through the ups and downs.
Culture over everything. "We're not selling food, we're selling connection." Their mission is baked into every store, every team member, and every customer experience.
Evolving as leaders. From doing everything on instinct to bringing in a CEO and experienced team, they've embraced change without losing their identity.
Community ties. From their first suburban café to catering and events, to their HAYVN connections, Julie and Dana prove the best businesses grow from authentic relationships.

Listening to them is equal parts inspiring and energizing. Their story is proof that you don't need all the answers to start, you need vision, partnership, and the willingness to grow along the way.

This interview is pure entrepreneurial gold and laugh-out-loud funny. Whether you're a foodie, a fan of The Granola Bar, or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, Dana and Julie's story will leave you hungry (pun intended!) to dream bigger and take bold action.

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Say Yes to the Work: Betsy Lerner's Path from Editor to Agent to Bestselling Novelist EP 126

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Nancy Sheed, host of HAYVN Hubcast talks with author Betsy Lerner, and she takes us from blue pencils and slush piles to BookTok and bestsellers. She shares how she moved from editorial roles at major houses to agenting for the flexibility publishing didn't offer at the time, and how that entrepreneurial leap paid off.

We get her "discoverability" playbook (from magazine racks on the streets of New York to TikTok), candid advice on today's path to publication, the backstory of Shred Sisters, and her refreshingly practical mindset on rejection: don't dwell on no, keep looking for the yes.

Nancy's conversation with Betsy covers:

Breaking into publishing (then vs. now): The traditional path runs through a literary agent, and today, platform, credentials, or media access often matter (especially in nonfiction). Fiction still benefits from strong pedigree and publication credits.
From editor to agent: Betsy left editorial for agenting to gain flexibility while raising a child. She brought authors she'd developed as an editor, pairing editorial instincts with a builder's mindset.
Talent discovery, old-school and new: Pre-internet, she scoured magazine racks to spot compelling voices, famously writing to "Merlin" (Neil deGrasse Tyson) after seeing his cosmos cartoons. Today, she finds serious experts on TikTok and checks longer-form writing (e.g., Substack) to validate voice.
TikTok is not just "kids dancing": BookTok (and STEM talk) hosts passionate, informed communities that genuinely move book sales these days. Consistency and a clear "lane" matter; think of it as your own channel.
Creating Shred Sisters: After an intensive nonfiction collaboration with Temple Grandin, Betsy unexpectedly drafted her novel over seven months during COVID, then spent two years revising. The story was fueled by profound personal losses and deepened bonds with her sisters.
Thick skin required: Even as a well-known agent, Betsy got rejections on her novel and emphasizes not getting mired in the "no." You only need the right "yes."

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The Art of Connection: Building Real Relationships That Last with Penny Goffman EP 125

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this high-energy episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed welcomes the dynamic Penny Goffman, connector, community builder, and curator of the POWERUp series at HAYVN. Penny shares how her lifelong gift for connection has shaped her career, and how authentic relationships are the true foundation of community and collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

Connection is a Superpower A strategy from childhood vacations to high school leadership roles to entrepreneurial ventures, gave Penny the chance to use her natural abilities to connect with people. What sets her apart is how she's transformed this gift into a professional strategy, building communities, creating partnerships, and curating spaces for women to thrive.
Networking Should Never Feel Like a Transaction Penny challenges the traditional idea of networking as a numbers game or sales tactic. Instead, she models a relationship-first approach: listen more than you talk, ask questions, and stay curious. This philosophy builds trust and opens the door to lasting collaboration.
Instagram is a Great Relationship Nurturing Tool Penny (@thatpennylife_) leverages Instagram as a natural extension of real-world interactions. She's built entire partnerships and friendships through a thoughtful DM, a quick emoji reply, or a congratulatory comment on a story. Over time, these small, consistent interactions build a foundation for deeper conversations and business alignment.
Relationships Take Time, but They're Worth the Investment Penny emphasizes that strong business relationships develop gradually. Instead of rushing to collaborate, she lets synergy develop naturally. Some of her biggest partnerships have started as casual conversations and evolved over months or even years.
Everyone Can Be a Connector While Penny's connection skills come naturally, she believes the art of connection can be learned. Her "pro tip"? Start with a genuine desire to understand others. When you're truly listening, your brain will naturally begin connecting the dots between people, ideas, and opportunities.
The HAYVN POWERUp Series Is a Masterclass in Curated Community POWERUp is Penny's event series that brings together powerhouse women in a welcoming, intentional environment. It's not about volume; it's about quality: curated speakers, aligned sponsors, and attendees who are eager to grow personally and professionally.

You don't need to be an extrovert to be an effective connector, you just need to be thoughtful, curious, and generous.

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Her Workplace: How Marilynn Joyner Uses Tech to Build Community and Career Confidence EP 124

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with Marilynn Joyner, a former commercial real estate exec turned tech founder, to unpack her journey from corporate intensity to building Her Workplace, an AI-powered career platform designed for ambitious Gen Z and millennial women.

Key Highlights:

A Career on Her Terms: Marilynn's early career in commercial real estate exposed her to a male-dominated, competitive culture. Despite early success, she realized she was following rules she didn't create and sought more autonomy and purpose.
The Pivot Point: While attending Columbia Business School, Marilynn's experiences, coupled with the pandemic slowdown. sparked her entrepreneurial journey. A side project, mentorship from a startup founder, and workplace burnout fueled her desire to create something new.
Finding the Gap: Through conversations with friends and peers, she discovered a lack of career resources and support for mid-career women, those not yet in the C-suite but striving for leadership. This white space became the inspiration for Her Workplace.
From Idea to Impact: What began with 7 in-person events and a waitlist of 5,000 women turned into a full-fledged membership platform that now includes networking, mentorship, coaching, and AI-powered tools.
AI for Human Connection: Her Workplace uses AI to match members with mentors, peers, and career resources, making career growth more personalized—and more human.

"The mission of Her Workplace has always been to help women grow into leadership and enact change in their own careers, and now we're using tech to accelerate that."

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From Meta to Meetup Magic: Petra Pasquina's Journey to Founding Groopl EP 123

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed is joined by Petra Pasquina, a seasoned marketer turned tech entrepreneur and the creator of Groopl, a purpose-built app that makes it easier for small groups to connect, communicate, and stay organized.

Petra shares her fascinating journey from corporate roles at Meta and MasterCard to founding a startup aimed at solving one of the most frustrating pain points of modern group life: the chaos of managing logistics across multiple platforms.

"I always look for that white space… a place where people aren't being spoken to in the right way or there's an opportunity."

After years of helping brands speak more clearly to their customers, including launching MasterCard's first Latinx marketing strategy, Petra saw a major opportunity to build something of her own. Fueled by pandemic-era isolation and digital overwhelm, Groopl was born to simplify and humanize the act of gathering.

"I found myself using five different tools just to get a tennis group together—and even then, half the people didn't show up."

Petra breaks down how Groopl combines the best parts of group chats, event invites, calendars, and community feeds all in one place. Designed especially for the unsung heroes who organize everything from volunteer circles to networking meetups, Groopl helps make connecting feel easy again.

Currently available for free on iOS and Android, GROOPL is rolling out new features, including a pro tier for paid event organizers and a future enterprise version for larger organizations.

Whether you're organizing a book club, a mastermind, or a neighborhood meetup, Petra and Groopl are making the act of gathering simpler, smoother, and more joyful.

Connect with Petra:

Groopl

Email: petra@thegroopl.com

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How to Lead, Thrive, and Shine: Turning Life into Story with Kate Stone EP 122

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this inspiring episode of The HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with Kate Stone, founder of Kate Stone Prep, to trace the unconventional and intentional journey that led her from aspiring actress and world traveler to top-tier college admissions strategist.

Kate's story is anything but linear, and that's what makes it so powerful. What started as a dream of working in film and television evolved into international teaching, private tutoring across the globe, and ultimately building a business that helps students not only get into college but thrive once they're there.

Highlights of their conversation:

From NYU to Bali: Kate shares how her time at NYU and a desire to experience the world led her to teach in Thailand and Bali, where she discovered her knack for helping students through tutoring then the college application process.
The Acting Years: Commercial acting funded her freedom, and the performance skills she honed translated beautifully into storytelling, communication, and workshop facilitation — all essential in college admissions work.
Finding Her Niche: A conversation with a former partner helped her pivot from general tutoring to the college application space, a decision that ultimately led to a thriving business supported by mentors and coaches.
Beyond Admissions: It's not just about getting in, it's about helping students discover who they are, what drives them, and how to communicate that powerfully. Kate emphasizes developing soft skills, self-awareness, and networks of support.
Building a Business with Purpose: Kate and her husband, Zach, have grown Kate Stone Prep into a standout service by focusing on authenticity, implementation, and complete dedication to their clients.
Giving Back: Kate's commitment to accessibility shows up in her regular free Family College Night events and application workshops that equip students and families with actionable insights, no payment required.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, students, educators, and entrepreneurs as well. Listen to hear how nontraditional paths can lead to exceptional impact.

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From Burnout to Breakthrough: Redefining Healing with Chandler Stroud EP 121

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In a powerful episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with Chandler Stroud, founder of The Healing Heroes to explore a journey that many women will find deeply relatable: the path from corporate success to personal healing and authentic purpose.

The Corporate Climb and Its Hidden Costs

Chandler's story begins in the corporate world, where she built an impressive career at major companies like Kraft Heinz and American Express. She also led the B2B marketing team at Resy, American Express's dining platform, attending chef dinners and immersing herself in the food and hospitality industry.

But beneath the surface of professional achievement, something was stirring. Despite having everything she'd dreamed of she was asking herself: why aren't you happier in this moment?

When the Body Says "Enough"

The breakthrough moment came during a business trip when she spotted a book at JFK Airport: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. That book became the catalyst for understanding the connection between emotional trauma and physical symptoms.

Chandler learned that trauma isn't just about what happens to you, it's about how you experience what happens to you.

She distinguishes between two types of traumas:

Big T trauma: Major events like abuse, abandonment, or significant loss
Small t trauma: Seemingly minor experiences that create deep-seated beliefs about us like being left out, not being invited, feeling overlooked

The Corporate Exit Strategy

Recognizing that she couldn't fully commit to both healing and her demanding corporate role, Chandler made a courageous decision and approached her boss with complete honesty about her situation, leading to an FMLA leave that eventually became a permanent departure from American Express.

Birth of the Healing Heroes Podcast

The vision for The Healing Heroes podcast came in a moment of divine inspiration. Chandler woke up in the middle of the night in early January with a complete concept that flowed onto 12 pages of content.

The podcast features a unique format: instead of rotating guests, Chandler works with the same 12 healers and experts she interviews one-on-one each week. This approach creates character development and gives listeners familiar, credible voices they can turn to consistently.

Chandler's journey offers several profound insights:

Success without fulfillment is a warning sign: Having everything you thought you wanted but still feeling empty is your soul's way of redirecting you.
Your body is your ally: Physical symptoms often carry emotional messages that deserve attention and investigation.
Healing is ongoing: "I don't think I'll ever say I'm healed... I think it's just something you continue to do every day."
Small traumas matter: Don't dismiss seemingly minor experiences that may have shaped limiting beliefs about yourself.
Corporate support exists: Companies like American Express can be surprisingly supportive of employees prioritizing mental health and healing.

The Ripple Effect

What started as personal healing has become a mission to help other women. The Healing Heroes podcast serves as both inspiration and practical resource, proving that career pivots in midlife aren't just possible, they can be transformational.

Connect with Chandler:

Healing Heroes Podcast

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Lighting the Way: Beth Leas on Building a Healing Community with Heart EP 120

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this inspiring episode of The HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with Beth Leas, founder of TribeTLC, to explore how one woman's healing journey blossomed into a thriving community of over 180 holistic practitioners. From Reiki in a spare bedroom to regional networks across Connecticut and New York, Beth shares the evolution of her work and her mission to support fellow healers with heart-centered business development.

Key Highlights:

From personal healing to community leadership: Beth's healing journey began at 15 with meditation, a tool that helped her navigate PTSD. By the 1990s, she discovered Reiki and followed an intuitive calling to become a healer and ultimately a Reiki Master.
The birth of TribeTLC: In 1997, she founded TLC Center, a pioneering holistic health center in Norwalk, CT. The idea grew from Beth's desire to refer clients to trusted peers and create a space for collaboration and healing.
Community over commercial space: After 20 years of managing a physical space, Beth chose to focus on building community without walls, turning TribeTLC into a powerful, decentralized network of practitioners.
Leading as a reluctant entrepreneur: Beth candidly shares how she transitioned from back-office support in a corporate job to becoming a community leader, despite identifying as an introvert and "reluctant leader."
Business bynecessity: TribeTLC evolved to include a membership model for practitioners, fostering connection, professional growth, and accountability among holistic entrepreneurs.
COVID-Era pivot: TribeTLC expanded geographically and virtually adding online networking to support practitioners beyond physical boundaries.

This episode is part of the spotlight series featuring co-sponsors of the HAYVN Health Summit so it's especially fitting that she shared advice for other heart-centered practitioners looking to make their work more sustainable and more impactful.

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From Kitchen Dreams to Community Impact: How Rachael Mahoney Built Kinney Lane EP 119

Mon, 19 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sat down with Rachael Mahoney, founder of Kinney Lane, a prepared foods company rooted in wellness, simplicity, and community connection. What started as a personal journey toward health became a mission to nourish others, literally and emotionally, with every meal.

Rachael shares how her summers spent on Kinney Lane in upstate New York planted the seeds for her love of fresh food and wholesome living. From working in ad tech to launching her food business out of her home kitchen while pregnant, her story is one of grit, intuition, and deep listening, to her body, her community, and her calling.

Key Takeaways:

A business born from struggle: Rachael's own health and fertility challenges led her to radically change her lifestyle and, ultimately, to start Kinney Lane.
Trusting the timing: She didn't have it all figured out when she started. Rachael focused on doing what she could with what she had, even if it meant 4 a.m. kitchen shifts with an infant in tow.
Community-centered growth: Listening closely to her customers helped her refine her offerings and expand into meal delivery.
Team building takes time: Finding the right hires was a five-year journey, but now her business can thrive without her being in the kitchen every day.
Infertility, resilience, and joy: Rachael vulnerably shares the emotional moment she found out she was pregnant after being told it wasn't possible. That turning point gave her the push to pursue her business wholeheartedly.

If you've ever wondered when the right time to start something is—or how to turn your personal experience into purpose—this conversation will inspire you.

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Reimagining Toy Time: Kim Conti's Vision Behind Orbit Crates EP 118

Mon, 05 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this inspiring episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with Kim Conti, founder of Orbit Crates, a toy rental company focused on reducing clutter and encouraging intentional play. Fresh off her win at the HAYVN Hatch pitch competition, Kim shares her entrepreneurial journey, from corporate innovation to full-time startup founder.

Key Highlights:

Entrepreneurial Spirit from the Start: Kim always had a drive for innovation, even though her career path took her through corporate roles in marketing, customer experience, operations, and product management, including a leadership role at an AI tech company.
Making the Leap: While "moonlighting" Orbit Crates on the side, Kim balanced her career, family, and startup ambitions. Ultimately, she chose to leave her full-time role and go all-in on her business, motivated by deeply held personal values and a strong internal drive to create something meaningful.
Building a Bootstrapped Business: Kim shares the realities of entrepreneurship, from creative bootstrapping and bartering services to tapping into local resources like the CT Women's Business Development Council.
The Orbit Crates Mission: The company's goal is to reduce toy clutter, encourage creativity over consumption, and give parents and kids a better way to manage toys. With around 400 toys in inventory, Orbit Crates is already serving customers and growing.
The Power of Co-Creation: "One of the things I bring from my corporate experience is co-creation, working directly with customers to iterate and improve. Our toy selection, for example, is heavily shaped by real feedback from families using our service" Kim explains
Pitching and Growth: Preparing for the HAYVN Hatch pitch taught Kim how to succinctly share her passion and business value. She's now looking for investors, partners, and pilot customers to help expand Orbit Crates' impact.

Kim's story is a reminder that even with a non-linear career path, determination, creativity, and a values-driven mindset can lead to fulfilling entrepreneurial success.

Connect with Kim and Orbit Crates

Social Media: @OrbitCrates

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Rooted in Tradition, Leading with Purpose: How Megan Palmer Rivera is Driving the Family Business EP 117

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed talks with Megan Palmer Rivera, CEO of Palmer's Market and Palmer's Catering & Events. As a fifth-generation leader in her family business, Megan shares her inspiring career of blending tradition with innovation.

Megan's journey shows how leadership and legacy go hand in hand. She shares how her early start, launching a bakery within Palmer's Market at just 21, taught her not only how to create incredible products but also how to run a business. Over time, her focus shifted from serving customers to leading a growing team, finding deep satisfaction in helping others thrive.

When Megan officially stepped into the CEO role, she knew maintaining the family's values was key. She introduced more structure to the business, fully committing to a set core business values for the first time in its 100-year history to ensure the culture remained strong for future generations.

Recently, Megan led the development of a new commissary kitchen to support expansion beyond their original location. She emphasized that growth for Palmer's isn't about getting bigger, it's about staying close to the community, maintaining quality, and providing new opportunities for her team.

Even as technology drives instant gratification, Megan is clear that Palmer's will stay rooted in personal connection. From hand-sliced deli meats to packing groceries with care, the experience remains deeply human.

Finally, Megan offers thoughtful advice to fellow entrepreneurs. She speaks candidly about the loneliness that often comes with leadership and the power of finding a trusted network, something she found through HAYVN to lean on during both the good and challenging times.

Connect with Megan

Palmers Market

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Precious Time: From Corporate Leader to Purposeful Living EP 116

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How do you know when it's time to make a big life change? That's part of the conversation that Nancy Sheed had with Mary O'Connell. Hear how a long-time corporate executive made the leap after 25 years in a global company. She explains why she knew it was time to embrace a new chapter focused on purpose, people, and personal growth.

Mary shares her honest journey from navigating Y2K as a young consultant to leading international teams and ultimately choosing to step away at a meaningful milestone to reclaim time, reflect, and reinvest in what truly matters.

Key Highlights:

Why the 25-year mark became her personal pivot point Mary reached a major milestone at her company, a 25-year tenure celebrated annually by alumni, yet found herself craving something more. This became the natural time to reflect, reset, and decide how she wanted to spend the next chapter of her life.
How "more precious time" became her guiding principle Inspired by the needs of her aging parents and growing children, Mary began to reframe her priorities. Rather than focusing on productivity alone, she started asking, "Who am I doing this for?" That question led her to realign her life around family and purpose.
Reclaiming skills and reimagining them for nonprofit causes Even after stepping away from corporate life, Mary didn't shelve her executive toolkit. Instead, she's redirecting her strategic skills and leadership experience into volunteer work, especially in fundraising and board service, where she continues to create meaningful impact.
The value of lifelong learning (she's now taking classes at NYU!) Recognizing that leadership in new sectors requires fresh knowledge, Mary enrolled in NYU's professional education courses. Her commitment to learning reflects her drive not just to help, but to help well, with insight, humility, and updated expertise.
How HAYVN has been a crucial part of her transition Originally a lifeline during the isolating days of the pandemic, HAYVN has now become a grounding force in Mary's post-corporate life. From walks and coffee chats to community events, it's given her the social structure and inspiration to keep growing while staying connected.

Connect with Mary:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjoconnell/

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Age is an Asset: The Rise of Midlife Entrepreneurship EP 115

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

What does it take to leave behind a stable corporate career and successfully launch a business? Many professionals dream of entrepreneurship but making the leap can feel overwhelming. HAYVN Hubcast host Nancy Sheed sat down with Emelie Calbick, co-founder of Stage 2 Startups, to discuss the realities of starting a business later in life. Emelie shared her personal journey from the corporate world to tech startups and how she now helps others navigate this transition.

Like many professionals, Emelie found herself wondering if there was something more fulfilling beyond corporate life. Research backs this up. 29% of business owners say their biggest motivation is the desire to be their own boss, while 17% leave corporate careers due to dissatisfaction. For Emelie, the opportunity to join a tech startup was exhilarating, offering a new level of independence, decision-making, and creativity.

Making the switch from corporate employee to entrepreneur requires a deep understanding of yourself, your skills, and your tolerance for risk.

Emelie outlined the key questions every aspiring business owner should ask:

Do I have a passion for this business? Can I see myself doing this every day?
How comfortable am I with uncertainty? Entrepreneurship involves risk and the ability to pivot.
Do I work best alone or with a partner? Some thrive independently, while others need collaboration.
What are my strengths and weaknesses? Identifying skill gaps early helps you find the right support.

She also emphasized the importance of seeking honest feedback from colleagues, friends, and family. Sometimes, others recognize our talents before we do!

A common misconception is that startups are for the young. The average startup founder is 45 years old, and this group is twice as likely to succeed compared to younger founders.

That's due to:

Experience – Years in the workforce build valuable skills in leadership, strategy, and problem-solving.
Networks – Established professionals have connections that can open doors.
Financial Stability – Many midlife entrepreneurs have resources to sustain early-stage growth.

Whether it's launching a high-tech business, a local service, or a passion-driven nonprofit, midlife entrepreneurs are proving that age is an asset, not a barrier.

One of the biggest mistakes aspiring business owners make is skipping the research phase. Emelie shared inspiring examples of entrepreneurs who took the time to validate their ideas before launching.

The takeaway? Success isn't an accident, it's the result of careful preparation, persistence, and learning from others.

Connect with Emelie Stage2Startups.com

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LinkedIn:Instagram: Website

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How Connecticut Supports Entrepreneurs and Innovators: A Conversation with Jessica Dodge EP 114

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:40:00 -0000

Connecticut's innovation ecosystem is thriving. Leaders like Jessica Dodge, Managing Consultant at the Connecticut Office of Innovation are focused on supporting startups and small business initiatives throughout the state. HAYVN Hubcast host Nancy Sheed talked with Jess about how Connecticut fosters entrepreneurship, supports small businesses, and invests in the future of innovation.

Building a Stronger Innovation Economy

Jess emphasizes that the state leverages its vast resources, including higher education institutions, venture capital networks, and private-public partnerships, to create a dynamic business environment.

"We continue to look for ways to de-risk the challenges that entrepreneurs face and create a support system that enables innovation," says Jess.

The Power of Community and Collaboration

One of the key themes was the importance of relationship-building in Connecticut's innovation space. The Office of Innovation serves as a bridge between entrepreneurs, investors, universities, and policymakers, ensuring that startups have the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.

"Listening to entrepreneurs is at the core of what we do. Our role is to develop initiatives that are directly responsive to their needs," Jess explains.

Connecticut's Strengths in Emerging Industries

The state is making significant strides in advanced industries, including manufacturing, quantum computing, AI, and biotechnology. Connecticut's strong foundation including a highly educated workforce, cutting-edge research, and a supportive business environment makes it a prime location for companies looking to innovate.

"Good ideas and good businesses don't fit a one-size-fits-all model. What we see time and again is that the right team and the ability to adapt are what drive long-term success," Jess notes.

New Initiatives Supporting Entrepreneurs

The Office of Innovation has launched two major programs:

Partnerships Initiative – Connecting entrepreneurs with service providers and resources to help grow their businesses.
Innovation Spotlight – Showcasing startups and innovative projects to amplify their impact.

Connecticut's innovation ecosystem continues to evolve to meet the needs of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

📌 Follow the Connecticut Office of Innovation:

LinkedIn: Connecticut Office of Innovation
Website: CTNext.com

📌 Connect with Jessica Dodge

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A Stylish Content Creator's Playbook with Julia Dzafic EP 113

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In chatting with Julia Dzafic, the powerhouse behind Lemon Stripes, a thriving lifestyle blog and Instagram account where she shares her take on motherhood, style, wellness, and recipes, host Nancy Sheed goes behind the scenes to find out how she does it. Julia shares her journey from working in corporate sales and marketing to becoming a full-time content creator and cookbook author.

Key Lessons and Takeaways from Julia's Journey:

From Political Science to Content Creator

Julia's career path didn't start in blogging. She originally studied political science, thinking she'd work in public policy. However, a corporate job at Condé Nast led her to discover her passion for fashion, wellness, and content creation.

Blogging Before Instagram Was a Thing

Julia launched Lemon Stripes (originally called Lemons and Loafers) as a way to share healthy recipes and lifestyle tips with her health coaching clients. What started as a side project grew organically through Facebook and word-of-mouth before social media took off.

Taking the Leap to Full-Time Content Creation

After juggling a demanding corporate career with her rapidly growing blog, Julia faced a pivotal decision: to stay in marketing or take Lemon Stripes full-time. She gave herself a year to make it work, and eight years later, it's still thriving.

The Power of Consistency & Community

Julia attributes much of her success to showing up consistently. She blogged five days a week for nearly eight years and was always engaged in her community—attending industry events, collaborating with fellow creators, and staying true to her voice.

Navigating Social Media Evolution

From static Instagram posts to the rise of video content, Julia has adapted her strategy while staying true to what works for her. She focuses on her blog, Instagram, and newsletter rather than spreading herself too thin across platforms.

Writing a Cookbook: A Dream and a Challenge

Julia's cookbook Garden Grown emerged from her passion for homegrown food and community-driven content. While she loved the creative process, she candidly shares how writing and marketing a book was an all-consuming process.

Prioritizing Mental Health & Boundaries in Content Creation

Despite her love for sharing content, Julia acknowledges the pressures of social media. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in what she shares. She also emphasized boundaries around how much time she spends consuming content to maintain balance and protect her well-being.

Julia's journey is an inspiring lesson in passion, perseverance, and finding a sustainable way to create content and grow an engaging community. Whether you're an aspiring blogger, business owner, or content creator, her story is a reminder that success comes from consistency, adaptability, and staying true to what brings you joy.

Connect with Julia:

Instagram: @lemonstripesWebsite: lemonstripes.comCookbook: Garden Grown, available wherever books are sold

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Bridging the Woo and the Do: Katya Libin is Empowering Women Leaders EP 112

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with Katya Libin, an inspiring entrepreneur and co-founder of Divine Feminine Leaders (DFL). Katya shares her transformative journey from navigating challenges as the daughter of immigrant parents in New York City to redefining leadership and creating powerful communities for women.

Key Lessons and Takeaways from Katya's Journey:

Embrace a "Why Not?" Attitude Katya credits her early resilience and confidence to her ability to view challenges as opportunities. Growing up in New York City with immigrant parents instilled in her the mindset to push boundaries and seize opportunities, no matter how unconventional they seemed.
From Bartender to Corporate Leader Katya's openness to opportunity paid off early in her career. While bartending, she impressed her customers so much that they offered her a corporate sales role, which launched her successful career in tech and software sales.
Turning Isolation Into Impact The spark for her entrepreneurial journey came from a personal need. As a young mother in Tribeca, juggling a demanding sales job and motherhood, Katya felt isolated and craved connection. This led her to co-found HeyMama, a national network for working moms, creating a thriving space for women to support and connect with each other.
Pivoting During the Pandemic The pandemic brought significant challenges for HeyMama, forcing a shift from in-person to virtual community-building. This pivotal moment helped Katya redefine leadership for herself, emphasizing alignment between her energy, purpose, and impact.
Merging Spirituality and Leadership Out of this period of reflection emerged Katya's latest venture, Divine Feminine Leaders (DFL) - which is soon to be rebranded as Jadeva. Combining spiritual wisdom with actionable leadership strategies, DFL is a "soulful sorority for women of impact." Through masterminds, immersive experiences, and education, Katya empowers women to embrace their authentic selves while creating meaningful change.
Evolving Leadership Philosophy Katya now prioritizes collaboration over self-reliance. She attributes much of her success to knowing when to bring in experts and focus on collective wisdom, an approach she sees as essential for sustainable growth and leadership.

A Vision for Global Impact

Katya's vision for DFL / Jadeva is expansive, with plans to grow from local chapters to a global movement. Her work is helping women leaders tap into their wisdom, power, and purpose, redefining what it means to lead authentically.

To learn more about Katya and Divine Feminine Leaders, follow them on Instagram @wearedfl or visit wearedfl.com. To connect with Nancy, follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram @sheesalt or connect on her nancysheed.com website.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to align their energy, purpose, and leadership style while making a meaningful impact.

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From Science Fairs to Growing Sustainability: Lila Sullivan's Entrepreneurial Journey EP 111

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Tune in to this episode with Lila Sullivan, president and co-founder of Flourish Plant, for an engaging discussion about entrepreneurship, innovation, and creating a business rooted in sustainability and care. Lila shares her journey from science fairs at Darien High School to building an eco-conscious plant care company with her childhood best friend, Kate Ferguson.

Lila and Kate's entrepreneurial roots trace back to their high school years, where they bonded over science research and competitions. Their shared passion for science and nature sowed the seeds for Flourish Plant. Frustration with synthetic fertilizers motivated Kate to envision a sustainable, non-toxic alternative; the beginnings of Flourish Plant.

Lila brings her experience as an executive recruiter to the table, calling it her "mini MBA." Her expertise in understanding business growth, combined with Kate's creativity, has been instrumental in building Flourish. The pair moved to Austin, Texas, a hub for innovation, where they launched their first product: Flourish Organic Houseplant Fertilizer.

Flourish's flagship product is made from food waste and byproducts, showcasing their commitment to sustainability. Their innovative approach includes a liquid concentrate formula, designed for simplicity and effectiveness.

Starting with a direct-to-consumer model, the team quickly pivoted to wholesale, building relationships with over 250 independent plant stores and garden centers. Their hard work culminated in being featured in Whole Foods, now available in 300 stores across multiple states.

Lila credits their success to building relationships, networking, and staying true to their vision, emphasizing patience and action:

Lila shares invaluable lessons from her journey:

Network Relentlessly: Seek advice from those who have succeeded in similar spaces.
Stay True to Your Vision: Balance external advice with your internal goals and resources.
Active Patience: Understand that growth takes time and requires consistent effort.

With new products in the pipeline and plans to expand into grocery and online marketplaces, Flourish Plant is poised for continued growth. Their mission remains clear: to provide sustainable, high-quality plant care products wherever plants are sold.

Find Flourish and Lila:

Flourish Plant Website

Flourish Plant Instagram

Lila Sullivan on LinkedIn

Connect with Nancy

Connect with Joanna Shu on LinkedIn

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From Finance to FreezeNit: An Entrepreneurial Journey with Joanna Shu EP 110

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Starting a business can be a winding journey filled with unexpected turns. For Joanna Shu, co-founder of FreezeNit Inc, her path from finance to founding a life sciences company aimed at combating head lice was anything but traditional. Joanna recently shared her entrepreneurial journey with HAYVN Hubcast host Nancy Sheed, offering valuable insights on career pivots, resilience, and startup fundraising.

Joanna's career began in finance at Fidelity's trading desk, but she soon realized it wasn't her true passion. Following her interest in skincare, she launched Refresh Skin Therapy, a natural skincare brand that gained retail success at stores like Costco and Walmart. After Shu sold her interest to her business partner, she faced the challenge of redefining her career. What do you do once you've been a CEO?

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to partner with Dr. Carol Spangler Vaughan, whose scientific research on cooling technology inspired the idea behind FreezeNit, a device using CO2 gas to treat head lice. Despite not having a background in biology, Joanna leveraged her expertise in consumer products to cofound FreezeNit.

Like many entrepreneurs, Joanna found significant hurdles to fundraising, especially as a female-led startup in a competitive life sciences market. She explained that less than 2% of venture capital goes to female founders. Facing the odds, she embarked on a pitch competition tour, earning seven checks from various contests including the most recent HAYVN Hatch event!

Takeaways from Joanna's journey:

Embrace Feedback and Adaptability: Joanna emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback and staying open to new approaches as key elements of her entrepreneurial journey.
Leverage Support Systems: She actively participates in accelerators and collaborates with pitch coaches to refine her skills and gain valuable insights.
Seek Innovative Tools: Joanna uses cutting-edge resources like AI-based feedback tools, including Virtual Sapiens, to enhance her pitch performance and drive progress for FreezeNit.

The company is now navigating FDA approval while Joanna is laying the groundwork for strategic partnerships with urgent care centers and lice treatment services. Her dream is to see the FreezeNit device on store shelves, bringing a non-toxic, efficient lice treatment option to families.

Joanna's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to embracing change, leveraging past experiences, and persisting through obstacles. She sees FreezeNit as a great resource for families, providing a solution for a problem that's not life-threatening, but one that can cause chaos and is often misunderstood. Staying curious, creative and flexible is part of her on-going strategy to bring FreezeNit to market.

FreezeNit website

Connect with Nancy:

hello@ainarathedesigns.com

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A Journey of Reinvention and Innovation with Pia McGrath EP 109

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

What does it take to pivot from a promising medical career to inventing a product that could revolutionize motherhood? In this episode, host Nancy Sheed chats with Pia McGrath, founder of Ainara Designs, about her remarkable journey of reinvention. From her beginnings as a medical student in Spain to becoming an entrepreneur driven by creativity and necessity, Pia's story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of asking, "What do I truly want?" Tune in to hear how she turned personal challenges into opportunities, creating a groundbreaking necklace for breastfeeding moms and building a business from scratch.

McGrath's journey began with her dream of becoming a surgeon. She graduated from medical school in Spain in 2019 and moved to the U.S. with her husband. However, life had other plans. Amid the uncertainties of COVID-19 and her first pregnancy, Pia took a hard look at her future and realized medicine was not the right path.

"I finally stopped and asked myself, Pia, what do you want for you? And I had the courage to answer that correctly."

Motherhood and its challenges reignited Pia's creative spark. Struggling with the complexities of breastfeeding, she designed a functional yet elegant necklace that helps lift a mother's shirt during nursing, eliminating the need for extra hands.

Starting from basically nothing, Pia leveraged free resources like SCORE, the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, and UConn's IP Clinic. Despite facing product development hurdles, she pressed on with determination, eventually securing several grants through pitch competitions.

With final product samples on the way, Pia is preparing for a big launch. She also has filed a non-provisional patent to bring her innovation to market, fueled by the support of mentors, family, and the HAYVN community.

Pia's advice is heartfelt and practical:

Be Resourceful: Use every free resource available.
Network: Building connections is invaluable.
Stay Curious: Learn constantly and ask questions.
Take Care of Yourself: Especially for new moms, self-care is essential.

Pia also shares that the HAYVN energy and community has given her the belief that anything really is possible. Her path may be unpredictable and the support from everyone has been key in her belief and confidence moving forward.

Connect with Pia:

Ainara Designs

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Conscious Parenting: A Holistic Approach to Thriving Families EP 108

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Ever wish parenting came with a playbook? In this episode we hear from Andrea Anderson, a conscious parenting consultant, coach, and author, and explore the transformative practice of conscious parenting. Andrea shares with host Nancy Sheed her personal journey, practical strategies, and holistic insights into supporting children with neurodiverse needs while creating a thriving family environment.

Andrea's journey began with her two sons, both of whom are neurodiverse. She delved into nutrition, holistic health, and emotional well-being to support them better. She explains that she wanted to do everything possible to help her children thrive and never stopped looking for solutions and resources.

Andrea discovered how nutrition plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and behavior. By incorporating the right foods, families can foster calmer, more connected environments. She wants parents to know how much food can make a difference. She encourages introducing foods gradually to see their effects and to accommodate personal tastes.

She went to school to study holistic nutrition and how it could help her kids, and then began coaching others. She explains that our gut health and our emotional health are connected and helping others understand the way to minimize problems was just one step to less anxiety and healthier minds and bodies.

She explains the concept of conscious parenting which involves a combination of mindset shifts, nervous system regulation, and emotional connection. Andrea emphasizes how even small changes made by parents can ripple through the family.

Conscious parenting doesn't require giving up on traditional medicine. Instead, Andrea's approach complements other interventions, offering an avenue for parents to explore alternative ways to support their children and their own health.

She reminds us that the "it takes a village" approach is a good one. She coaches people and encourages them to also talk with their doctor, understand what prescribed medications can do, and find the solutions and resources that work best for you.

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Vision to Action: Nonprofit Leadership Perspectives for Impact EP 107

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In the latest episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed chats with Debra Hertz, managing director of The Strategy Group, LLC (link) to uncover her unique insights into nonprofit leadership management, strategic planning, and value-based culture. An experienced "in the trenches" nonprofit consultant, Debra provides a compelling perspective on what it takes to build, sustain, and grow impact-driven organizations.

Here's a recap of some key themes and takeaways from their conversation.

Many nonprofits struggle with balancing ambitious visions and realistic capacity. Debra emphasizes that planning should go beyond dreaming to actionable, realistic strategies. She urges nonprofit leaders to be clear on what success looks like for their organization and to align their visions with the resources at hand. Her advice: recognize strengths, cut down on less impactful programs, and collaborate with organizations that can do certain tasks better.

Measuring impact is crucial. As a former foundation head, Debra highlights that while stories are essential, they need to be supported by measurable outcomes. It's challenging to quantify success in human services so nonprofits should set realistic expectations and transparently demonstrate their impact to stakeholders. This kind of accountability builds trust and paves the way for sustained support and growth.

Organizational culture as the "personality" of a nonprofit, is shaped not just by leadership but by everyone within the organization. Her advice is to define a clear set of values and embody them in day-to-day interactions. At The Strategy Group, they value excellence, integrity, joy, and courage; guiding principles that underscore the firm's work with nonprofits.

Nonprofit leadership needs to seek feedback and hold themselves accountable. In the early days of The Strategy Group, Debra refined her consulting approach by meeting with over 40 nonprofit leaders and stakeholders to gauge their needs and get feedback on her ideas. Today, she recommends that leaders incorporate a variety of voices into strategic planning and maintain a willingness to adapt to changing conditions.

Debra's insights provide a roadmap for any nonprofit looking to deepen impact, strengthen culture, and operate with greater transparency and accountability. For those interested in learning more, connect with Debra where she brings her years of experience and passion for the social sector to help organizations and their leaders strategize their next steps to thrive.

Connect with Debra:

LinkedIn - personal

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The Intersection of Marketing, Investment, and Entrepreneurship with Mike Duda EP 106

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode host Nancy Sheed sits down with Mike Duda, co-founder and managing partner of Bullish, an early-stage consumer investment firm and marketing agency. He's also been a judge at HAYVN Hatch, the signature female founder pitch event. Mike's background spans nearly two decades in marketing and advertising, and he has leveraged this experience to create a unique approach to consumer investments.

Mike's journey from marketing into investing is what makes Bullish stand out in the venture capital landscape. Rather than seeing marketing and finance as separate worlds, Mike recognized the power of aligning them to build stronger, faster-growing businesses. Bullish has backed household names such as Peloton, Warby Parker, and Harry's, and is currently excited about the potential of Bubble Beauty. Mike explains that blending marketing insight with financial discipline offers a unique advantage, particularly when working with early-stage startups.

A recurring theme in Mike's approach is the importance of people. He believes in investing in talented entrepreneurs who can lead their companies with passion and conviction.

This is where the Bullish approach differs from traditional venture capital, which often focuses primarily on financial outcomes. Mike stresses that understanding human behavior and consumer motivations is key to building successful brands, a philosophy that is ingrained in the Bullish investment strategy.

The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. Despite progress, women still face obstacles in raising capital and navigating the business world. However, Mike remains optimistic, noting that women's strengths—such as pragmatism and resilience—are vital assets in entrepreneurship.

Mike's firm, Bullish, actively invests in women-led companies, with 43% of its portfolio founded by women. He emphasizes that finding exceptional entrepreneurs is not about gender but about identifying talent and potential, regardless of location or background.

Mike's insight into the intersection of marketing, investment, and human connection offers a refreshing take on entrepreneurship. By combining his marketing expertise with early-stage consumer investment, he has created a model that is as focused on building strong, relatable brands as it is on financial success.

Connect with Mike:

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Building Coalitions and Creating Community Change EP 105

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Knowing what we want to be when we grow up is a gift, but for most of us, our careers take us to unexpected and surprising places—just like our guest for this episode.

In this episode we hear from Dominique Johnson, Connecticut State Representative for the 143rd District, covering parts of Norwalk and Westport. Dominique takes us through her unexpected path into politics, starting from her days as an aspiring violinist to becoming a social scientist and finally, stepping into the world of public service.

With her skill of analytical thinking combined with a deep commitment to education and the youth, Dominique discovered social science and worked with nonprofits, eventually transitioning into a political career where she could directly impact her community.

She shares valuable insights about her dedication to making a tangible impact in her community through coalition-building and thoughtful legislation.

Topics Include:

Using Past Experiences for Future Success: We can never truly know how the things we know and the skills we develop now will help us in the future. Dominique's background in social science and the analytical mind developed by music gave her the skills to address real-world issues through data-driven solutions.

The Power of Community: It is incredibly important to have a community that supports and recognizes your potential —especially when pursuing paths you never imagined for yourself.

Building Coalitions for Effective Governance: An approach to policy making is to emphasize collaboration and listening to diverse voices. Bipartisan efforts and coalition-building can lead to meaningful change, even in politically divided environments.

Dominique's story is a reminder that the most meaningful careers often result from life's unexpected twists. As a dedicated community leader, her work aligns with the values of HAYVN—advocating for women's economic mobility, sustainability, and workforce development. Her ongoing efforts continue to support her constituents and contribute to building a more inclusive and resilient society.

Tune in to hear more about how Dominique is bringing her skills, passion, and heart to the political arena while keeping her community's well-being at the center of everything she does.

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Building a Business from Passion and Poetry EP 104

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:41:00 -0000

Many entrepreneurs never planned on starting a business. Sometimes it begins with a simple idea, a project for fun or creativity, that unexpectedly evolves into something bigger. Today's guest, Kelly De La Rocha, shares the story of how her creative passion turned into PoemRenovation.com, and tells us what happens when your creative project becomes your business.

Kelly's company, PoemRenovation.com, is a daily word challenge platform designed to stimulate creativity and foster literacy. With a background in journalism, Kelly has always been deeply connected to the power of words. Her journey into entrepreneurship began unexpectedly when she started playing with poetry during the pandemic, shared them with her community, and realized that it can actually be an entrepreneurial opportunity.

Main topics in this episode include:

From Pandemic Project to Entrepreneurial Venture: We hear how Kelly's lockdown project evolved from rearranging words on her refrigerator to a full-fledged platform designed to help others reimagine their connection to language. She shares how a chance encounter with a coder led to the development of PoemRenovation.com.

Poetry as a Tool for Social-Emotional Learning: Kelly discusses how her platform has found its place in schools and elder care communities, helping students and seniors use poetry as a tool for self-expression and emotional well-being. The impact of PoemRenovation on these diverse groups is an example of the importance of creative literacy.

The Challenges of Balancing Creativity and Business: Kelly shares her challenge in balancing her creative drive and the need to grow PoemRenovation into a sustainable business. From managing time to learning new skills in business management, she shares the lessons she learned with creative entrepreneurs.

Kelly's journey is an example of the power of creativity and the importance of community support in business. Having taken the jump herself and applying for the HAYVN Hatch as her first move to entrepreneurship, she's shown that launching a business is possible, even if you don't know exactly how to do it. Her work continues to evolve, and she's now exploring opportunities to bring PoemRenovation to a wider audience.

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Unlocking the Power of the ADHD Brain EP 103

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed sits down with Catherine Avery, an expert in ADHD productivity coaching, to explore the unique challenges and strengths of neurodivergent individuals. Whether you're running a business, managing a household, or simply trying to make sense of how your brain works, this episode is packed with practical advice and thought-provoking questions that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like their brain just works differently.

Catherine is an ADHD productivity coach with a rich and varied background, initially starting her career in commercial interior design. Her path took an unexpected turn after a cancer diagnosis, prompting her to transition into the world of productivity consulting and coaching.

Through her journey of dealing with chemo brain, Catherine became deeply interested in understanding how her brain functions, ultimately leading her to specialize in ADHD and neurodiversity coaching. With a personal experience of growing up undiagnosed, Catherine has now dedicated herself to helping others maximize the strengths of their unique brain wiring. Her expertise spans working with individuals who are "neuro-zesty," including those with ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and even those on the autism spectrum.

Key topics in this episode:

Understanding ADHD in Women: Dive into the nuances of how ADHD appears in different people, and how it presents differently in women, particularly as they navigate major life transitions such as motherhood and menopause. Catherine discusses how these stages can often bring underlying ADHD symptoms to the forefront.
The Gifts of an ADHD Brain: Explore the unique strengths that neurodivergent individuals can bring to their work and lives, from creative problem-solving to thriving in high-pressure situations. Catherine highlights how these strengths can be leveraged for personal and professional success.
Personalized Productivity Systems: Catherine explains why there's no one-size-fits-all solution for productivity, especially for those with ADHD. She emphasizes the importance of customizing tools and systems to fit your individual needs and how to adapt them over time to maintain effectiveness.

Catherine leaves us with a powerful message: embracing your neurodivergent brain can unlock incredible potential. By recognizing and nurturing the unique strengths that come with ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity, you can not only manage your challenges but also excel in ways you never thought possible.

At HAYVN, we celebrate these differences and strive to support all women in finding the systems and structures that work best for them. Catherine's work is a testament to the power of understanding and adapting to our unique brain wiring, and her story is an inspiration for anyone looking to make the most of their strengths.

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Recharging Through Creativity with Asami Green and Tracy Visceglia EP 102

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

It's way too easy to be overwhelmed by the daily grind. In today's fast-paced world, many of us forget to take a moment for ourselves, to play, create, and recharge. The process of creating, especially creating art, is a truly effective form of self care - and even work care.

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed sits down with Asami Green and Tracy Visceglia. Asami is an intuitive life artist and Reiki master, and host of Visions of Healing. Tracy is a full-time public-school teacher, a fine artist, and an art teacher.

Together, they are the co-collaborators of the Creative Café at HAYVN, a space where you can connect with your inner artist, regardless of your skill level, and find a supportive community that nurtures your creative spirit. Here, you can unblock your creativity and are encouraged to embrace the power of play.

3 key points of the episode are:

Art vs. Creativity: Asami and Tracy discuss the difference between being an artist and being creative. They explore how art is just one facet of creativity, and how everyone, in their own way, is an artist with different forms of expression.
Creating a Nurturing Community: The Creative Café fosters a supportive and nurturing environment. Asami and Tracy talk about their vision for the Creative Café as a space where people can come together, share stories, learn from each other, and most importantly, have fun while engaging in creative activities.
The Power of Play: Incorporating play into our lives is important. Tracy shares her experiences in guiding recent Sketch and Sip sessions, highlighting that creative play is about the process, not the product and that it can rejuvenate and unblock our creative potential.

The Creative Café at HAYVN isn't about what you'll be able to create. It encourages you to be present in the process as a part of self-care and personal growth. By making time for creativity, you can unlock new levels of joy, productivity, and well-being in your life.

As Asami and Tracy continue to facilitate these enriching sessions every month, they invite you to join them and discover the transformative power of creativity.

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Keeping it Real with Shannon Malkin Daniels EP 101

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:19:00 -0000

A lot of people suffer from stage fright. Most are uncomfortable with putting themselves out there. For entrepreneurs and professionals who have to do this as part of their job, it's a skill that needs to be mastered. Public speaking is more than just body language, tone, and use of words. More important is understanding your authentic self, what you can do, and effectively communicating that, no matter who might be listening.

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed sits down with Shannon Malkin Daniels, a public speaking and authenticity coach. From a young age, Shannon's involvement in dance and performance developed her confidence to be on stage and in front of an audience. Initially pursuing a degree in aerospace and mechanical engineering (only to discover that she has a hate-hate relationship with math), she eventually found her love in communication and public speaking. During her time in the corporate world, she worked in marketing, and sales, and reached senior-level positions at a young age, only to discover that ladder climbing is not for her.

Leaving the corporate world allowed her to pursue two of her dreams: writing a book and teaching at a university. She also started her own business, and in the process now helps individuals find their authentic voice and deliver their messages with confidence.

"When I broke out of that box and just started being me… that's when I started connecting with people." -Shannon Malkin Daniels

Key Points discussed:

A different approach to communication and public speaking
The importance of authenticity
Customized coaching according to each person's needs

"An idea is just an idea until someone buys into it, supports it, sees your vision, and wants to get behind it." -Shannon Malkin Daniels

As a public speaking coach, Shannon goes beyond the theatrics. She digs down with her clients and finds out what's meaningful to them, what makes them different and unique, and the message they want people to hear. From there, she helps them figure out how to get that message out to a wider audience in an authentic way.

Shannon's also an active member of the HAYVN Community. She talks about the creation of Drop the Mic Night, an event for aspiring speakers to practice in a supportive environment. This initiative with collaborator Jen Lederer, has become a valuable opportunity for speakers to gain experience and confidence.

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Celebrating Milestones with Founder Felicia Rubinstein EP 100

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:05:00 -0000

Join us for a special celebration of HAYVN Hubcast's 100th episode! In this milestone episode, host Nancy Sheed is talking with Felicia Rubinstein, the visionary founder of HAYVN.

HAYVN is more than just a coworking space in Darien, CT. It's a vibrant community hub for entrepreneurs at all stages of business, freelancers, and remote professionals. At HAYVN, members are able to connect with other amazing people and be a part of a thriving, supportive, and vibrant community. HAYVN is also a Certified B Corporation™ and CTNext Partner dedicated to serving people, the planet, and our community.

HAYVN Hubcast is more than just a podcast on business, entrepreneurship, and the happenings around Connecticut. At its core, it is a hub for the HAYVN Community, a platform where we connect, share stories, and support each other. Through this podcast, we keep our community informed and celebrate the achievements of HAYVN members and friends.

Key Topics:

HAYVN's 5th anniversary celebration
HAYVN's 5 pillars of focus: Sustainability & Social Impact, Entrepreneurship, Health & Wellness, Empowering Women Together
The future of HAYVN: new locations, events, and projects

Learn about " HAYVN Magic"—the vibrant community around HAYVN that has grown and supported each other through the years. As a result of connections made at HAYVN people were able to connect and start events, projects, partnerships, and businesses together. It's a wonderful community and while celebrating the first 5 years there's lots of excitement to see the expansion coming in the next five years, and the next 100 episodes.

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Demystifying AI for Business with Danica Tarin EP 99

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

AI is now a part of our everyday vocabulary. But do we actually know what AI is? And do we truly know how we can implement it to make our business workflows and processes faster?

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we're joined by Danica Tarin, Founder and CEO of NeoLumin, to explore the rapidly evolving world of AI. With a robust background in economics and finance from MIT and NYU, Danica is recognized as a leading AI expert on LinkedIn. She is currently leveraging her 20 years of experience to help organizations and individuals strategically grow and improve efficiency in their workflows using AI.

"I think a lot of people and businesses will be more comfortable in using AI. It's hard to imagine how they compete with others who use AI to speed up and scale their operations because things are moving so fast. You can automate so many different things now." - Danica Tarin

Topics discussed in this episode:

Defining and understanding AI
How small to medium sized businesses can utilize AI
The future of AI and its implications for the future of our work

Danica also shares her experience with the HAYVN community, where she's now an active member, regularly giving workshops and training. You can check the HAYVN website for Danica's AI workshops.

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Building Your Business with Trust and Joy EP 98

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Entrepreneurship is an incredibly fast-paced lifestyle. Every day, there are tasks to do, people to meet, and decisions to make, when we want our business to succeed and grow. But what about when we reach a point where we don't know what to do? Our guest in this episode, Rhodie Lorenz, found that the answer often lies in trusting ourselves.

In 2011, Rhodie co-founded JoyRide Cycling Studio. Serving as its Chief Creative Director, her years of experience as a teacher and fitness instructor helped her develop a unique fitness training method and design a special space that encouraged an inclusive, community-oriented business.

"So much of our success has to do with the complementary skill sets that we brought…" -Rhodie Lorenz

A lot of times in Rhodie's journey, there was no template for how to do the things she wanted to accomplish, like opening an independent, boutique fitness studio, or running a business during and after the pandemic, or how to pivot from a business you dedicated over a decade to. Yet throughout all this, she's learned to trust herself, and trust that she can do it anyway.

Some of the topics we discuss:

● Building successful partnerships

● Doing things uniquely and making decisions that work for you

● Pivots and changes in business and life

"I get so excited when people open doors to another level of their potential." - Rhodie Lorenz

Rhodie has since shifted from fitness instructor to Executive Coaching. These days, she helps female entrepreneurs who constantly juggle a lot between family and business and need a little guidance along the way.

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Driving Business Success through Sustainability EP 97

Mon, 27 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we delve into the dynamic realm of sustainable business practices. The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has transitioned significantly. It has moved beyond mere philanthropy to a more comprehensive approach that encompasses human rights, labor rights, diversity, and community engagement. This shift signifies that sustainability is no longer confined to environmental concerns, but extends to various facets of business operations.

Nancy sits down with Silvina Skverer, co-founder and partner at Thinking Beyond Business. Their mission is to empower businesses to find solutions to their unique needs and goals, and to guide them towards a more sustainable future. They work with business leaders who who aspire to be part of the solution, driving the integration of sustainability into their operations.

"It's better to have an organized, meaningful, transparent, and authentic transition rather than making empty promises." -Silvina Skverer

Key points discussed in this episode are:

Challenges in Sustainability:

Businesses face common challenges as they try to incorporate sustainability and understand where they can make the most social and environmental impact.

ESG Backlash:

We explore the reasons behind the pushback against ESG and how businesses can navigate this landscape. The key lies in strategic thinking and foresight, focusing on long-term value creation and authenticity rather than short-term gains.

Educational Efforts:

We touch on the ongoing need to educate shareholders about the broad scope of sustainability beyond just environmental concerns.

We'll also hear once again about HAYVN magic. Silvina and her partner Soledad are both from different parts of Argentina and are part of HAYVN. Their fateful meeting led to a partnership and a new business that continues to grow and impact the world of entrepreneurship.

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Chemistry, Friendship and Skincare Entrepreneurship with Ann Guerrera and Áine Kappel EP 96

Mon, 13 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

A lot of entrepreneurs who sell amazing products don't always start in business. Sometimes, they come up with an idea for a product (that often doesn't exist in the marketplace) and then make a business out of that idea. That's exactly the story of our guests Ann Guerrera and Áine Kappel.

Anne and Áine are the best friend and founder duo behind Alchemists Laboratories, a skincare brand dedicated to producing all-natural products to help women look as young and healthy as they feel. These friends were previously research chemists and met when they were working as chemistry teachers.

After 20 years of friendship and multiple lunchtime conversations, they started talking about their aging skin. This conversation led them to start research and test product development in 2019 for a product that's effective and without all of the hard-to-pronounce ingredients.

"Why wouldn't you ingest the nutrients that are needed for healthy skin where it's able to work on the cellular level from the inside out?" - Áine Kappel

Key points discussed in this episode are:

Balancing being best friends and business partners
Starting their business doing everything themselves
The shift and changes when taking the next step in their business

"Every time we'd do something we had to learn it ourselves. We'd like to take the next step where we can hire people who are specialists." - Ann Guerrera

Now their focus has shifted from getting their product formulas right to being ready to take a large step forward in their business growth.

This duo recently won HAYVN Hatch, and they've been amazed at all of the help people have been willing to give them. They realized that this doesn't have to be a lonely journey, and people are willing to help them as they bring their business to the next level.

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State Representative Tracy Marra: Serving with Passion and Purpose EP 95

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

State Representatives play an important role in their communities. It's their job to recognize the needs of the people they represent and make sure those needs are met by legislation. In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we're joined by Rep. Tracy Marra. She's currently the State Representative for Norwalk & Darien.

Ever since high school, Rep. Marra was focused on a career as a pharmacist. Even though she compared being a pharmacist to being a lawyer, with the amount of reading, research, and knowledge it required, she never thought that she'd go into politics.

While living and working in Bermuda, her time away from our country gave her a new level of respect for the U.S., and an appreciation for the fact that she could vote and have her words heard by her government. After getting actively involved in her local Darien community, she worked as an organizer, a campaign manager, and eventually a representative.

In her first year as State Representative, she is actively engaged on the Education, Public Health and Transportation committees.

"I didn't want it to be by the 10% from either side that was acting crazy. I wanted to make sure that our community was represented by someone thoughtful." - Rep. Tracy Marra

Rep. Marra shares with us:

Why she decided to get into politics
The projects and passions she's working on
The support businesses need in Connecticut.

"We need to move forward with rational, calm legislation. The noise is just noise." - Rep. Tracy Marra

In this episode Rep. Marra shares her knowledge, her sense of civic responsibility and the work she is doing for Connecticut, while demonstrating how her thoughtfulness and appreciation for the country are influencing her work.

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The Global Bootstrap Story of Kara Mac Shoes EP 94

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

HAYVN is a community of passionate and driven entrepreneurs who we are proud to celebrate. In this episode, we get to hear about the exciting business journey of Kara Mac, founder of Kara Mac Shoes, also a recent winner of the HAYVN Hatch.

As a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in knitwear technology, Kara quickly worked her way up in the fashion industry. One day after walking to work with shoes in her bag to change into for a later event, only to find a dozen other shoes under her desk for different outfits, her idea came for Kara Mac Shoes, "The World's First Instantly Convertible Shoes from Heel to Toe."

After several successful business pitches, Kara quit her job and worked on her shoe company full time.

Key Points discussed:

Challenges in starting a new brand business
Keeping the brand and business sustainable
Understanding the client
Shifting the focus to looking for capital and growing the business

"You have to build your moat so other people can't steal your work." - Kara Mac

From the conception of the idea until about a year ago, Kara Mac Shoes has been self-funded and running on revolving cash flow. Kara has been bootstrapping at a global level, sourcing manufacturers and factories, fulfilling the orders herself, hiring interns and freelancers, flying all over the country to get proof of concept, and getting friends and families to help. During this time, she was able to understand her customers, work on and improve the product, and secure the patents.

Now, she's ready to expand the business, increase capital, expand the customer base, and bring in more sales.

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From Chaos to Clarity: Managing Serious Life Transitions EP 93

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed speaks with Ed Knight, Founder and CEO of Transference, a company dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of administrative and tedious tasks during challenging life transitions.

One of the most uncomfortable conversations to have is what to do in case of tragedies like injuries, medical emergencies, or even death. When loved ones are unprepared, all the paperwork, legalities, and involved parties can add even more stress.

With a background in finance and insurance, Ed recognized the need for dedicated support in managing the paperwork and red tape that needs to be taken care of during these crucial times. With Transference, his goal is to provide clarity and assistance to those navigating the complexities of estate management, end-of-life affairs, and caregiving responsibilities.

Ed talks about:

Navigating life transitions and unexpected tragedies
Proactive preparation and estate management
Maximizing technology now for less headaches later

People often go to lawyers in these situations when they don't know what else to do. Transference offers the same administrative services, making it more accessible and typically more affordable to people who need it most.

Using seminars, strategic partnerships, and groups like HAYVN, Ed is maximizing the power of networks to expand his new business and make sure that people know about his business whenever they might need it.

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How Social Capital Can Bring Us Together With Congressman Jim Himes EP: 92

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, we welcome US Representative Jim Himes who represents Connecticut's 4th District. Congressman Himes shares insights into his journey from a background in business to politics and discusses key issues affecting community businesses, our state and our country.

Congressman Himes has served as a representative for Connecticut's 4th District for eight terms (that's 16 years!). With a background in business, including a 12-year stint at Goldman Sachs, Congressman Himes brings a unique perspective to policy making, focusing on issues such as economic growth, sustainability, and social capital.

"It's never easy to start a small business, but it's easier now than it was 30 years ago." - Congressman Jim Himes

Key Topics Discussed:

How modern economics have evolved with innovation
Importance of social capital
Challenges facing Connecticut and the US
Role of civic engagement

With a genuine appreciation of the resiliency of the "incredible people" of Connecticut, Himes offers a thoughtful perspective on what keeps him up at night and how we can come together in these divisive times. And bringing it closer to home, he notes that HAYVN epitomizes how social capital can work.

"There's no substitute for the social networks that you're part of." - Congressman Jim Himes

By hearing Congressman Himes' perspectives on entrepreneurship, community engagement, and continued support of small businesses, this episode offers valuable insights for listeners interested in what's going on in government and the things they can do right now for their businesses and careers.

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The Recipe for Building a Startup Food Business EP 91

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we're hearing the inspiring journey of Tori Brown, the Founder and Chef of Breakfast Belle. Tori shares her story of transitioning from learning how to cook from her family to being a successful food entrepreneur.

Tori's journey into the world of cooking began with her love of breakfast foods, inspired by her grandmother's southern culinary heritage. After initially pursuing a career in event planning and fundraising, Tori discovered her passion for catering while organizing events. This led her to launch Breakfast Belle in 2016, where she serves delicious southern-style breakfast and brunch dishes. She now creates, markets and sells sought-after packaged goods like: Bamma Fish Fry and Bamma Hot Sauce.

"Lay a brick every day." -Tori Brown

Key points Tori discusses:

How her brand went from a one-woman show to scaling up
Leveraging e-commerce and influencer marketing to grow her brand
Her experience applying for grants and pitching her business

"To anybody that's looking to get into this field, keep going." -Tori Brown

Tori's story is an example of how resilience, determination, and resourcefulness are required to succeed as an entrepreneur (and new mother). Her commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and willingness to ask for support has been instrumental in her journey from cooking in her kitchen to food entrepreneur.

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Educating, Elevating and Empowering Women with Lana Gifas EP 90

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy has a conversation with Lana Gifas about the fulfillment of economically empowering women in the workplace, highlighting opportunities available to them, and providing the support they need to reach their full potential.

Lana is the Executive Director of the Women's Mentoring Network, an organization that takes a holistic approach to helping low-income women find better employment and educational opportunities. Their services include professional development, financial literacy, digital literacy, education, and mentorship. They offer various workshops, one-on-one training, and a food pantry to assist women in areas they need help in.

"We're an educational organization trying to open up the eyes of our members to the opportunities they can have." -Lana Gifas

Key points discussed:

How the organization responded to the changing needs during the pandemic
A holistic approach to supporting women
The future of women in the workplace

"Your brand is the message you're putting out into the world." -Lana Gifas

Despite recent changes in the professional world and the challenges women face, Lana is optimistic about the future. It's through mentorship, education, and community support that women can achieve their fullest potential.

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Medical Expertise Meets Innovative Self-Care Treatments with Merry Thornton EP 89

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy is joined by Merry Thornton, a board-certified New York and Connecticut licensed physician assistant and founder of Element Medical Aesthetics.

Merry shares her unique journey from finance to medicine, culminating in the creation of her own medical spa. She clarifies the distinction between medical aesthetics and traditional beauty treatments, guiding listeners on how to choose a reputable provider and what to expect from treatments.

Everyone draws their line at different places. My job is not to draw those lines for people. It's just to support them. -Merry Thornton

Key Takeaways:

Medical aesthetics combines medical expertise with aesthetic treatments for a holistic approach to beauty.
Choosing a qualified provider and reputable spa is crucial for safe and effective outcomes.
Aesthetic treatments, when done correctly, can significantly improve your appearance and boost your confidence.

Exploring the safety profile of common procedures, Merry addresses concerns and dispels myths, providing valuable insights for anyone considering aesthetic treatments. You'll also learn about the role of HAYVN in Merry's entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the supportive and collaborative community that has empowered her success.

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The Future is Bright for VC Investing in Connecticut EP 88

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Today on HAYVN Hubcast, we're talking about funding, starting a business, and the entrepreneurship journey with special guest Alison Malloy.

Alison is the Managing Director of Investments at Connecticut Innovations, (CI) Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm. She's also the co-founder of the Women's Investment Network, Tidal River. In this episode, we dive into her journey, discussing how she became a leader in Connecticut's venture and investment landscape and how she is modeling the way for entrepreneurs and investors.

Key business and investing insights Alison shares:

Where to start as a new entrepreneur
The importance of perseverance in business
How the right people can help you
What Connecticut is doing to connect entrepreneurs and investors
How she's answering the question "Where are the women?" in venture and angel investing
Why she is excited about CI's newest funds

"Being an entrepreneur is a roller coaster. Luckily, if you stick in it long enough, there's a terrific end at the end of the day." - Alison Malloy

Alison has described being an entrepreneur as "fun", but she also admits how challenging it can be. You have to put in the work, and it can be discouraging at the start, but it's also very fulfilling.

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Investing with Purpose: Annie Lamont is Disrupting Healthcare and Fintech EP 87

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On the forefront of innovative investing is Annie Lamont, Co-Founder and Managing Partner Oak HC/FT. Currently focused on investing exclusively in healthcare and fintech entrepreneurs, she discusses the relationship-based nature of Oak HCFT's work and how she takes a long-term, problem-solving approach.

This episode delves into Oak HC/FT's groundbreaking (and award winning) approach to investing in healthcare, prioritizing patient-centered care and leveraging technology to empower both patients and providers. Seeking change agents and imagining a system focused on prevention, chronic disease management, and personalized care plans. That's the vision of Oak HC/FT, and Annie Lamont shares how they're making it a reality.

Tune in for more insight into Annie's investing principles :

The transformative power of patient-centered care: Moving away from traditional fee-for-service models towards a value-based system that prioritizes patient needs and outcomes.
Harnessing technology for good: Exploring how Oak HC/FT utilizes telehealth, data analytics, and other tools to improve patient engagement and deliver effective care.
Building trust and lasting relationships: Understanding the importance of open communication, shared decision-making, and personalized care plans in fostering trust and improving patient experience.
Addressing healthcare disparities: Discussing Oak HC/FT's efforts to make quality healthcare accessible to all, including underserved communities.
The future of healthcare: Envisioning a healthcare landscape where technology, collaboration, and patient-centeredness work in tandem to create a more equitable and efficient system.

You'll gain insights into Oak HC/FT's innovative model, learn how technology can empower patients and providers, and discover ways to advocate for a better healthcare system for all.

Annie also laments that there are still few women in the healthcare investing industry, however, she feels that the VC world is experiencing growth and change. With a majority of women driving many healthcare and purchasing decisions, t's imperative to have their perspective represented. Overall, you'll hear how she is optimistic about seeing more women healthcare investors, but there is still work to be done.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of investing in healthcare and fintech as well as gaining insight into the enormous potential for more women investors in this critical space.

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What's next for the HAYVN Coworking Community with Founder Felicia Rubinstein EP 86

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

At the heart of this podcast is HAYVN, a coworking space and a thriving community of amazing entrepreneurs and professionals doing inspiring work at all levels of their careers. Founder Felicia Rubinstein is the founder and the visionary behind HAYVN's mission and success.

While HAYVN opened before the pandemic, Felicia and her team were able to adjust to the multiple shifts in the working landscape. In a time when larger coworking spaces have struggled and even failed, HAYVN has evolved and thrived.

In this episode, we hear from Felicia how HAYVN has grown in the past few years, and what's next on the horizon for the HAYVN community.

More things you'll learn:

How the programs and projects of HAYVN help build a solid and thriving community.
Impact of a company with a B-Corp certification.
The new professional landscape: working near home and redefining remote work.

"It's doing business and being a force for good." - Felicia Rubinstein

Felicia also talks about the four pillars of HAYVN - sustainability and social impact, health and wellness, women, and entrepreneurship - and how these have guided the decision making of her organization.. As HAYVN is gearing up for a stellar 2024, they're preparing lots of exciting things for the community and looking forward to making even more HAYVN magic!

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Collaborative Solutions to Changing Community Needs with Lutonya Russell-Humes EP 85

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, we get to learn more about the world of regional nonprofits and grants with our guest Lutonya Russell-Humes. We'll explore the key elements that make a non-profit successful and how they can drive maximum impact for their communities.

Lutonya is the Vice President of Grants and Programs of Fairfield County's Community Foundation, an organization that works closely with community organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and philanthropists to address challenges and identify opportunities to create a stronger, more vibrant community. She brings with her deep experience in helping families, establishing solid community relations and building trust through clear communication and action.

With a current lens and focus on racial equity through systems change, Lutonya shares these key insights about her work and outreach with the Fairfield County Community Foundation:

Place-based focus: What sets them apart is their place-based approach. Their initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of the communities they serve, and constant communication with community partners is foundational to their work.
Accessible grant process: The Foundation's grant process is remarkably accessible, requiring initially only a Letter of Intent. This inclusivity ensures that organizations of all sizes can engage in the process.
Partnership as a pillar: Lutonya emphasizes the importance of viewing relationships with the community and benefactors as true partnerships.

"You need to have partners that reflect nuanced variables that contribute to whatever problem you're trying to resolve." -Lutonya Russell-Humes

Lutonya and the Fairfield County Community Foundation are an example of what it means to be part of a community, responding to its needs and contributing to its growth. This commitment aligns seamlessly with HAVYN's work, where our entrepreneurial community is not just thriving, but also making a positive impact. Listen in to this episode for insights into building partnerships, navigating the grant landscape, and driving meaningful change within communities.

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Authentic Relationship Building for You and Your Business EP 84

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:52:00 -0000

In this episode we dive into the amazing work and community of HAYVN and its members. Host Nancy Sheed talks with Kristen Hallett Rzasa as they discuss the modern-day landscape of entrepreneurship, the challenges of running and growing a business, and how community and networks are necessary for success.

Kristen is a life and business strategist and works in HAYVN's Community Engagement. Kristen talks about HAYVN's Entrepreneurial Women's Club and how their monthly meetings have been a tool for connecting with other entrepreneurial women, learning new things, building relationships, and having fun.

"When we share our struggles, that's when the real power and growth happens." - Kristen Hallett Rzasa

Three takeaways from this episode:

Empowering Networking: HAYVN's Entrepreneurial Women's Club provides a unique space for female entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and support one another.
Monthly Meeting Experience: Get to know about the structure of the club's monthly meetings, where informal networking, member spotlights, and insightful presentations make a positive impact in attendees' businesses.
Value of In-Person Connection: It's important to have in-person interactions, which foster collaboration, personal growth, and empowerment for entrepreneurial women.

"You have to work on the internal and the external game to really make it in the entrepreneurial world." - Kristen Hallett Rzasa

Kristen highlights the "HAYVN Magic" that sets HAYVN apart as a supportive and collaborative community. The Entrepreneurial Women's Club is a testament to the club's essence and the power of face-to-face connections in the entrepreneurial world.

To know more about the Entrepreneurial Women's Club, visit https://hayvn.com/ewc_entrepreneur_women/

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Making Events More Fun EP 83

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed sits down with CP Heda, the visionary founder of Esstart. His company is changing the game in event engagement, making gatherings more interactive, memorable, and inclusive through cutting-edge technology.

"Esstart's mission is to create a platform that offers many activities, games, utilities around events, so that as a host of the event, you have one place to go to and pick and choose all the activities that you want." -CP Heda

In this episode, CP:

Introduces Esstart's products, and how they can make different events more engaging
Shares the importance of continuous learning and having a dynamic team in a rapidly evolving technological landscape
Explains the growth track with having different products that cater to diverse audiences, from corporations to galas and individual events

CP also reflects on the pivotal role of the HAVYN community in starting Esstart, and how this vibrant co-working space and its warm, welcoming atmosphere was exactly what he was looking for.

To hear more about the story of Esstart, how it started, and its groundbreaking event engagement solutions listen to this full episode.

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Taking Your Business to the Next Level EP 82

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 10:10:00 -0000

In recent years, there's been a growing number of startups and entrepreneurs with brilliant business ideas, but often they have to figure out the aspects of starting a business themselves, like where to get funding, how to write business plans, how to record their finances, or how to market their business. Our guest today knows all about these questions and has experience working with entrepreneurs to help grow their business.

Carol Cheswick has 30 years of experience in finance, marketing, investing, and executive consulting. She's a Business Specialist with the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC). Since joining the WBDC in 2012, Carol has been responsible for teaching GPS – Guide to Plan for Success program - to aspiring business owners who seek to start a small business and to make their vision a reality. She also conducts one-on-one counseling for the WBDC, helping individuals on specific business and career challenges.

Key points discussed in this episode are:

How startups can get funding
The importance of understanding your business's finances
How business advisors and mentors can help you grow your business

"It's amazing how many people call me and say, I'm an entrepreneur and I'm lonely. And I don't have anyone to talk about my business with." - Carol Cheswick

Carol explains the work of WBDC, their services, and how they've been helping and supporting women with their businesses and taking it to the next level. Carol also shares the importance of organizations like WBDC and spaces like HAYVN in providing support and community, making the entrepreneurship journey less lonely.

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Building Connections and Community with Laura Incerto EP 81

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed is joined by guest Laura Incerto, the visionary founder of Women for Women.

Women for Women is not your typical networking group. Since it started in 2009, this extraordinary community has seen many meaningful connections and encouraged lasting friendships among women. Together, Nancy and Laura discuss the incredible journey Women for Women has seen in the past 14 years and explore the importance of community and connections.

"One thing women don't need in their lives is more pressure." - Laura Incerto

Here are three takeaways from this episode:

Open and relaxed gatherings encourage more natural connections
People have a desire to create genuine connections and friendships
Flexibility and adapting to changes allow groups to stay strong

"Age has nothing to do with living your life every day to the fullest." - Laura Incerto

Laura shares the stories of the group's founding, its remarkable evolution, the inclusivity among its members, and the importance of establishing an environment where women can connect organically and without pressure.

This group is proof that connections can be made among people with extremely different backgrounds and experiences. Their open and inclusive nature has contributed to its growth, and they continue to attract new members every month.

Join Nancy and Laura in this captivating episode as they celebrate the power of authentic connections and the inspiring legacy of Women for Women.

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Recalibrating and Upskilling: Workplace Strategies with Eileen Springer EP 80

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The professional landscape is constantly evolving, but over the past 18 months, there have been seismic shifts in the workplace, and these brought in their own set of challenges and opportunities currently facing most professionals and organizations.

Joining us again is Eileen Springer, the founder of Central Park Executive Coaching. She's an accomplished executive coach, and works with C-suite executives, mid-career professionals, and teams, drawing from her 30 years of experience in HR and talent management within global corporations.

Key topics discussed in this episode are:

● Recalibration in the workforce

● Challenges for mid-level managers

● Upskilling as a strategy

"For a manager, or for anyone in a role with a lot of responsibility, self-care is critical to ensure that you can be the best you can be first." - Eileen Springer

Eileen also discusses the importance of courage in the workplace. For managers, this means having difficult conversations with employees, asking them what their goals are, and finding solutions that would be mutually beneficial for the employee and the company. And for the employees, this means having to manage up, not waiting for your efforts to be recognized, and identifying the actions that can be taken to initiate these conversations with sponsors, peers, managers, and mentors.

To get all the useful knowledge and practical tips Eileen shared, listen to the full episode.

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Entrepreneurial Resilience with Clovia McIntosh EP 79

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode we delve into the world of entrepreneurship and gain insights into the start-up journey. Our guest, Clovia McIntosh, a recent MBA graduate from the University of Bridgeport business school, shares her remarkable experience in establishing her company, IRL Innovations.

IRL Innovations focuses on developing consumer-focused products and "inventing real-life solutions for real-life problems." Their flagship product is Tubee - a foldable, standup bathtub insert designed to enhance child safety in adult-sized bathtubs, preventing slips and falls among young children.

Clovia's story is a testament to determination and tenacity. While completing her MBA, she was simultaneously working on building a business and product development for Tubee. Candidly sharing her journey, Clovia acknowledges both the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

Here are the key lessons we learn from Clovia's journey:

● You don't have to know everything to start. You'll learn as you go.

● You have to just keep going.

● The help, support and resources are out there. You just have to look.

"People naturally want to help you. You just have to ask, and they will point you in the right direction. You just can't give up." -Clovia McIntosh

Tubee is now patent pending and is currently in the prototyping stage with a final design confirmed, and Clovia is preparing for a round of venture capital presentations. Her journey exemplifies resilience and a high adversity quotient, showcasing the remarkable spirit of an entrepreneur.

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Learn about:

MakeHaven, a full makerspace and Fab Lab

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Solving Problems for Athletic Coaches with Schedulete EP 78

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we have the privilege of hearing from Ann Murray, Co-Founder of Schedulete, an innovative online platform designed to streamline the scheduling process for coaches. With a focus on optimizing scheduling efficiency and reducing time and effort, Schedulete has become a game-changer in the coaching industry.

Throughout the conversation, Ann shares valuable insights from her entrepreneurial journey with her co-founder (and daughter) Alexa Murray, offering practical lessons for those embarking on their own business ventures:

Discover the power of collaboration as diverse skill sets and strengths converge to create something extraordinary.
Emphasize continuous product development as a driving force behind sustained success.
Navigating between the different fundraising and strategic partnership options and deciding which is best for your business growth.

"It always takes longer to build something than you anticipate." -Ann Murray

Ann also opens up about her connection to the HAYVN community, recounting how it played an essential role in her entrepreneurial growth. From participating in the HAYVN Hatch to the ongoing support, Ann highlights the tremendous value that comes from being part of the HAYVN ecosystem.

Join us as we dive into Schedulete's startup journey, a story of ingenuity, partnership, and its growing impact on the coaching industry.

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Scaling Ventures with Realist Lab: Redefining Tech Incubation and Investment EP: 77

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:06:00 -0000

In this engaging episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, we delve into the ever-evolving world of venture investing and explore how Realist Lab, a new tech incubator, is transforming the investment landscape.

Realist Lab offers aspiring startup founders the crucial elements for success, including funding, technology, resources, and practical tools to scale their ventures. Joining us today are Christine Sullivan, Marie Rocha, Joana Smith, and Isis-Rae Goulbourne – four extraordinary women who serve as members of Realist Lab's core management team.

Throughout the episode, we explore key points that shed light on the essence of successful startup companies:

● The inherent value of investing in people and nurturing talent to unlock potential.

● The pivotal role of solid leadership in driving a company's growth and achievements.

● The transformative changes and profound impact Realist Lab is making within the investment ecosystem.

"At the core, we really just care about seeing more progress." -Marie Rocha

Our guests bring a wealth of diverse professional backgrounds and unique areas of expertise:

Marie Rocha recognized the need for women-centric pitch opportunities through her exposure to investment events and competitions.

Christine Sullivan, a former investment banker, identified the gap in investing in women-led ventures and found her purpose in this space.

Joana Smith is leveraging her finance background as an analyst and hedge fund partner and has embarked on a journey in technology with aspirations of becoming a founder.

Isis-Rae Goulbourne with her marketing and community-building acumen, highlights the team diversity as one of the strengths contributing to Realist Lab's success.

Join us as we follow the inspiring narratives and insights learned - much of it learned through HAYVN's LAUNCH and HATCH programs - that made it possible for Realist Lab's commitment to revolutionizing investment practices and empowering women entrepreneurs.

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Unlocking Your Business Potential with a Virtual Assistant EP 76

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we delve into the dynamic world of virtual assistance with Gina Havraneck. Gina brings her expertise in providing administrative support to solo professionals, enabling them to focus on their core competencies. With 20 years of experience in events, public relations, and finance, Gina has honed her skills to excel as a virtual assistant.

Virtual assistants offer a diverse range of tasks and expertise, including business management, client support, marketing, accounting, and more.

However, many business owners, particularly solopreneurs are often hesitant to delegate these tasks.

If there are business tasks that are repetitive and don't require personal attention, or if there are tasks that involve a project outside your area of expertise, then it's definitely time to consider a virtual assistant.

Virtual assistants are your best help in situations like these since they have the background and the expertise to help entrepreneurs. They possess the unique ability to see the big picture while attending to the finer details, helping businesses achieve their goals. They can collaborate with different clients, leveraging their expertise to drive business growth.

"Different people work differently, and I meet my clients where they are." - Gina Havraneck

Whether you aspire to work as a virtual assistant or are considering incorporating virtual assistant support into your team, tune in to this enlightening episode to gain valuable insights and guidance.

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Launching a Well-Being Food Company Focused the Well-Being of the World with Lisa Hurd EP 75

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Join us in this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast as we dive into the challenging world of entrepreneurship and the process of growing a consumer food business. Lisa Hurd shares her inspiring journey of navigating the food and beverage industry to build her successful venture, Lisa's 1973 - a food company that believes delicious food can also be good for you and good for the world.

Lisa's path was driven by her and her partner Kristin's personal medical experiences of untreated auto-immune conditions and heart complications, respectively. She used her background as a Culinary Archeologist to harness the power of food as medicine to transform their health and bring the vision of this new business to life.

"You can have food that is as close to nature as possible, and it can be amazing." -Lisa Hurd

Throughout the episode, we explore key takeaways from Lisa's journey, including:

Uncovering the common threads that connect your passion, purpose, and mission.
The significant impact that nurturing relationships can have on your business's growth and success.
Navigating the challenges of launching a CPG (consumer products goods) company which requires significant amounts of capital investment.
The importance of industry knowledge and finding mentors who can guide you through the intricacies of your specific industry.

Listen in as Lisa shares her highs, lows, and unexpected turns in her entrepreneurial journey. You'll gain valuable insights on making the most of any situation and turning your life lessons into opportunities.

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How Women Can Shape the Future Through Angel Investing EP 74

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Angel investing is an empowering way for women to shape their financial futures as well as the futures of new startups and budding enterprises. They get to choose and be selective in the companies they will invest in, and they can choose which companies best reflect their own values.

While there is a fairly low barrier of entry to be an accredited investor for angel investing, it's still a high-risk endeavor, which is why groups like Tidal River are extremely helpful. Tidal River is a Connecticut based angel investor network for women, and in this episode we'll hear from the managing partners of the Tidal River Funds, a member-driven fund for accredited investors focused on early stage companies that champion diversity and equity.

Chris Gelnaw, an angel investor and independent consulting professional, brings a wealth of experience in growing early-stage and mid-market companies. With her expertise in product/market fit, market sizing, and product launches, she provides valuable insights and actionable strategies to companies across various sectors.

Galia Gichon, an independent personal financial expert, has a diverse background spanning corporate bond research, personal finance, angel investing, and entrepreneurship. As an angel investor, Galia actively supports women-led and impact startups, while also providing independent personal finance education through her company, Down to Earth Finance.

Key Points in this episode:

Angel investing has become a more accessible financial endeavor.
The importance of being educated about what angel investing is.
How to manage and mitigate risks when angel investing.

"We want to empower women to make their own financial investment decisions." - Chris Gelnaw

Join us as Chris and Galia share their insights and experiences, empowering women to make informed financial investment choices.

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The Secrets to Publishing Your Book Successfully with Jenn T. Grace EP 73

Mon, 29 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Writing and publishing a book is a time-consuming, laborious and courageous process. It involves much more than writing, editing, proofreading, and uploading a manuscript. First-time authors quickly realize that there is much to learn and navigate within the publishing industry. To teach us more about just what it takes to publish a book, we're joined by book publisher, Jenn T. Grace of Publish Your Purpose.

Jenn is an award-winning author, nationally recognized speaker, and savvy publishing strategist. She founded Publish Your Purpose, an acclaimed hybrid publishing company that gives first-time authors the secrets to getting their books written, finding an eager audience, and marking their place in the publishing world.

"Make sure that your purpose is what everything is centered around because there are so many points in the process where it's very easy to give up." -Jenn T. Grace

Key points in Jenn's story that are highlighted in this episode:

How having an "I can figure this out" attitude and taking advantage of strategic opportunities led her from corporate work to book publishing
How to bring the most value to the world by having a clear why and a clear purpose in your work
Understanding key questions and goals for authors when deciding how to publish their work and what publishing direction they should take

Like a lot of us, Jenn started in the corporate world right out of college, working for an insurance company. But within a month of working there, she experienced homophobia in the workplace, and that led her to start a consulting company to help other companies market to the LGBTQ community in a sincere and authentic way and ultimately writing four books on LGBTQ marketing and communication.

From her experience in publishing her own books, a series of events and a bombardment of "How did you do this?" led her to create a course to teach authors how to get their books published, and eventually to start her own publishing company.

Jenn is currently actively involved with the HAYVN community and as a fan of the programming around sustainability, she admires the measures HAYVN has taken to achieve its level of sustainability and receive certified B Corp status (just as she has)! .

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Taking Ownership of Your Career Path with Simone Morris EP 72

Mon, 15 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Over the past few years, with movements such as the great resignation and quiet quitting, we've seen a dramatic shift in work culture and corporate America. The norms we had accepted are now unacceptable, and the call for work-life balance is even louder. While this change is welcome, the shift in the landscape can be tricky to navigate. More conversations around professional life need to happen, and that's exactly what we're doing in this episode.

Listen in to Simone Morris who talks about choosing the direction of your career and inclusivity in the workplace. She started Simone Morris Enterprises, a certified minority, and women-owned business that provides transformative leadership solutions through coaching, consulting, and training services, and is the author of 52 Tips for Owning Your Career.

"Sometimes we can be so busy with work and other people's priorities that we fall to the bottom of our list." -Simone Morris

What needs happen for us to have the career we want, and as a result, bring a shift in the work culture? Here are three changes Simone says must happen:

Know what you want out of your career and define your mission and values.
Take ownership of your career; no one else is responsible for it but you.
Change has to also come from the management and leaders of organizations.

"It's a journey, and we'll forgive those who are taking longer to get it. But know that not everybody is at the same place on the journey." -Simone Morris

While there is still a long way to go to change the professional landscape, Simone shares that the journey is different for each individual and organization. We're all at different points in our journey, so stay on your path and keep on making those significant next steps.

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Branding from the Inside Out with Michele Garside of Soul Camp Creative EP 71

Mon, 01 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The Founder of Soul Camp Creative, Michelle Garside is on the podcast today! Michelle is also the founder of the Connecticut Women's Club as well and when you hear her story, you're going to want to connect with her.

Michelle worked for some of the biggest brands helping them create effective branding and messaging. She was at the top of her career when a big change in her life led her to quit her job. She took some time to figure out what she really wanted and began to create that for herself.

Back to her branding roots, she realized she could help soul-purpose entrepreneurs who were doing transformational work in the world.

As she explains, branding is about what you stand for, who you want to serve and how you want to implement what you do. She now helps mission-focused entrepreneurs create brands that speak to the heart of their work.

"We believe in branding from the inside out."

"We are for big ideas that change the world," she explains.

Hear how her team is in service of this concept for their clients. The first step is starting with a brand break-through, a process that she says must start "from a place of nothing." Letting go of what you think you know to become who you want to be.

Who can get the most out of this type of opportunity? Michelle explains that when you know it's time to grow. That might mean going from one-to-one work to serving many, or it could be when you're ready to publish your book or get a new program out to the world.

"Magic happens in a group."

Also, Michelle's well known Soul Camp is coming back September 7-10 to be held in the Poconos. This is going to be a small group of people who are ready for 4 days of diving into their true authentic selves.

Connect with Michelle:

Soul Camp Creative

Enchantment Experience

Connecticut Women's Club

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Nancy Sheed - Website

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Rethinking Business: The Regenerative Way with Heather K. Terry of GoodSam Foods EP 70

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

If you pay attention to any of the financial or economic news today, you'll hear about recessions, instability of the economy, and how there's no money to spend or to invest. But our guest in this episode challenges many mainstream ideas.

Joining us again is Heather K. Terry, the CEO and Co-Founder of GoodSam Foods, a sugar-free and equitable food company doing work directly with farmers all over the world, with the goal of making access to delicious, healthy, regenerative food products easier for everyone, and doing good along the way.

Having had to raise capital back in 2008 and 2009, and again in the middle of the pandemic for GoodSam, Heather knows that it's possible to raise funds and find investors no matter what the state of the economy may be.

"I would argue that anything in symbiosis with nature is going to have a more positive outcome." - Heather K. Terry

Along the way, Heather has learned a thing or two about the world of founders, investors, and starting businesses. Here are three topics she talks more about in this episode:

The regenerative way of conducting your business

What the world of sustainable investing looks like today
How new investors can get started

"Don't be worried that you don't know what you don't know. Don't be scared because otherwise, you might miss some really great opportunities." - Heather K. Terry

You'll also hear Heather challenge the idea of sustainability leading to lesser profit, and she encourages new investors to still invest despite the state of politics or economy, to go talk to people, and learn what you need to know.

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Creating Strategies for Success with Phyllis Weihs-Yavner EP 69

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Today, we're having a holistic career conversation with Phyllis Weihs-Yavner. We're talking about our mental health, diverting and improving our professional careers, and how these are interconnected.

Phyllis is a licensed psychotherapist (MS, LPC), certified career counselor, speaker, and fierce believer in what's possible. She helps her clients with different areas, and identifies where their issues overlap, and creates strategies based on what her clients want and need.

Here are some life experiences Phyllis shared today:

Her journey to becoming a counselor
The importance of counseling and guidance in today's culture
How HAYVN has impacted and improved her career

"My approach is to look at what can be changed and what can't be changed, and to work with that." - Phyllis Weihs-Yavner

As an active member of the HAYVN community, she is also a part of the wellness mastermind and a regular expert and speaker. To hear more about her work, listen to the full episode.

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How to Lead with Strength and Kindness EP 68

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0000

As women in powerful leadership positions, we need to find a leadership style that is true to us but is still effective and brings people together. This can be a tricky balance, figuring out how to be kind and empathetic without being a push-over, and exuding strength and authority without being domineering. So how do we find that balance? Answering this question and sharing her story is our guest, Fran Hauser.

Fran is passionate about leveling the playing field for women. With more than 20 years in the corporate media world, Fran now does her mission driven work through investing, writing, and speaking. As an investor, Fran has invested in over 30 female-founded companies across different industries. She is also the best-selling author of The Myth of the Nice Girl and Embrace the Work, Love Your Career.

"I love the multi-hyphenate part of how I would describe myself because I am in all these different things, but at the end of the day I just feel like I'm helping people." -Fran Hauser

With a career that started in public accounting for The Big Five, becoming an all-star media executive, and then an author and investor, Fran changed industries and pivoted her trajectory multiple times, but here are the common threads she kept on seeing throughout her experience:

Amazing things happen when women come together and help each other.
There is nothing that could replace in-person interactions and real-life communities.
It's possible for women to lead with strength, but still come from a place of kindness.

"You don't have to choose between a quality like strength and a quality like kindness. You can be both kind and strong." -Fran Hauser

While in her corporate leadership positions, Fran has learned how to balance leading with strength and kindness. She first shared this in her blog article Nice Girls Finish First which instantly went viral, and the outpouring of responses convinced her to write her first book.

To hear the full story of Fran's journey, listen to this episode. You can also check out her recently launched Book Bound Co., which she created to help aspiring authors transform their ideas into books.

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Equipping Girls for Success with Sheri West EP 67

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Women make up half of the population and the workforce yet not all girls and young women have equal access to education, training and opportunities. They need help getting the right tools, support and skill sets for them to create the most impact in the world.

Sheri West has made it her mission to address this inequality and shares in this episode what we can do to help. Sheri is the Founder, CEO, and Chairwoman of LiveGirl, a nonprofit organization that builds confident, inclusive leaders. LiveGirl works to prepare the next generation of diverse, brave female leaders with the skills, community, and connections so that all girls may thrive and make a positive impact on the world.

"Talent is equally had, but the opportunity is not equally distributed." - Sheri West

All of the programs and projects of LiveGirl are designed in response to existing societal needs and problems of girls. Here are some of their impactful programs:

She Cares, which provides free mental wellness mentoring for girls in grades 5-12
Live Girl Lead, where they provide coaching for girls in high school to launch a community impact project
She Works, a program catered towards college girls, it provides career readiness trainings, equipping them with the skills they need, and matches them with paid internships

"If we truly want to build an equal, inclusive workforce, it starts with giving these college students who have been historically underrepresented access to internships." - Sheri West

Sheri's enthusiasm and passion is infectious, and HAYVN is glad to be able to help LiveGirl fulfill its mission. In honor of Women's History Month, Sheri and LiveGirl are hosting the Embrace Equity Fireside Chat in early March. And if you want to support LiveGirl, you can become a mentor for the She Cares program, or become a partner.

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How A Successful Realtor Creates Community EP 66

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Christine Oleynick is a realtor with Keller Williams. She loves connecting with people and helping them build relationships in the community. She has been in real estate for the past nine years and loves the work and the relationships she has created. She now has a fun and authentic presence on social media and other platforms. Christine has found her true passion in community building and marketing through real estate.

Formerly, she's the founder of the "What Women Want" organization in Fairfield County, with a love and skill for events and event marketing. Before that she was in corporate advertising and marketing which had been her major in college.

Here's what I cover with Christine in this episode:

How she found her way from the corporate advertising world to real estate and the joys of helping people find their dream homes.

The power of storytelling in real estate marketing: learn how Christine's personal story of selling her doctor's home had the biggest impact of any IG post she shared on Instagram.

The challenges and rewards of being a realtor for life: explore the realities of being a real estate agent, from setting healthy boundaries to the importance of having a strong network.

"It's all about those natural connections and trying to be that resource, and that help for people who are trying to buy and sell. But it's much more than that. It's helping people in the community make the connections." - Christine Oleynick

Connect with Christine Finch Oleynick and join HAYVN to experience the power of natural networking and build meaningful relationships.

Email: christineo@kw.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine_finch_oleynick/

TikTok: @christineoleynickrealtor

LinkedIn —https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinefincholeynick/

Website: https://www.christinefincholeynick.com/

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The Value of a Healthy Relationship With Eating EP 65

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0000

We're all guilty of having disordered eating practices, whether it's stress eating, bored eating, calorie counting, obsession with weight, or guilt after eating. And many have struggled with this for decades. Our guest today talks more about how to better understand our thinking about food, its impact on our behavior and how to develop healthy eating habits.

Today's guest is Suzy Bessett, a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Eating Psychology Coach, and award-winning producer and filmmaker. She founded The Metabolic Connection which offers a completely unique approach to disordered eating and metabolic issues. She has helped chronic dieters get off the roller coaster of dieting, disordered relationships with food, and get on with living.

"It is not a quick fix. And the problem is, the diet industry sold us on that modality… and so people want that quick fix." - Suzy Bessett

Key points about health and eating that Suzy shares today:

The false and unhealthy idea of "Lose weight fast" and "quick fixes"
What disordered eating is and its difference from eating disorders
The balance of what you eat, how much you eat, and your relationship with what you eat

"It's hard because… this is my life's work. I want to help as many people as I possibly can, but I have to make sure that expectations are set properly, which is a big part of my initial work with people." - Suzy Bessett

A part of the reason why Suzy pursues eating psychology as her life's work is that having had unhealthy eating practices and metabolic issues herself, she knows the importance of healthy eating and wants to share what she learned with others. And she wants to work in a space that allows and encourages her to pursue that. Suzy is a social member of HAYVN and joins the wellness group. More than anything, she enjoys the community of HAYVN and appreciates how it promotes success for all members, not competition.

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How to Manage Your Finances From a Heart-Centered Approach EP 64

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Few would consider communications, public relations, and finance as related fields, but entrepreneurs who wear multiple hats and play numerous roles, need to navigate and master these varying skills to succeed.

Today we are joined by Deborah Pratt Burns, a Personal Finance Educator and Mentor, and Brand and Business Strategist. She is the Founder and Chief Prosperity Officer of Literacy to Legacy MentorsTM. She is also the founder of Burns Communications, LLC., a brand, and communications strategy agency.

"Be very careful who you partner with because they are your brand ambassadors." - Deborah Burns

Key points discussed in this episode:

Important relationships and partnerships to help you succeed as an entrepreneur
What is your "Why?" in doing your business and working with your clients
How to take a non-traditional and heart-centered approach to finance

"If people really want change, they have to be accountable for it." - Deborah Burns

Describing herself as a "raving HAYVN Fan," Deborah first joined HAYVN to meet and collaborate with other entrepreneurs and help them with their business and brand strategy and finance needs. She also supports and partners with HAYVN in its offerings, with HAYVN Half Time, and other events.

Connect with Deborah Burns:

Website - Literacy to Legacy MentorsTM

Website - Burns Communications, LLC.,

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How a Family Publishing Company is Working Toward Better Diversity in Literacy EP 63

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

After realizing the lack of diversity in the books used to teach preschoolers engineering, Dr. Melissa-Sue John, a social psychologist, approached her daughters with this problem. Together they founded Lauren Simone Publishing House writing and publishing their own books.

"My 8-year-old at the time looked at me and she said, "Mommy don't complain about the problem. Be the solution." - Dr. Melissa-Sue John

Working with her two daughters, Olivia Lauren John and Alyssa Simone John, Dr. Melissa-Sue has created a publishing company that brings to life the work of diverse children's authors and illustrators creating literature for all to enjoy.

Key Points Dr. Melissa-Sue Shares in this discussion:

How she learned by herself how to publish a book and run a business
The lack of diversity in literacy and how Lauren Simone Publishing House is working to address this challenge
The differences in publishing models and how their hybrid publishing model is set apart

"Everybody has a story. The research says 80% of Americans believe that they have a story. But some of us are just not as confident in telling that story, so with some professional expertise, you can bring that story alive." - Dr. Melissa-Sue John

Dr. Melissa-Sue also shares her experience in participating in the HAYVN Hatch in the hopes of being able to expand to help her authors market their own books and gives tips for business owners who will make their own pitches.

Connect with Dr. Melissa-Sue John:

Website: https://www.laurensimonepubs.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurensimonepubs/

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How A Favorite Family Recipe Goes From the Kitchen to Big Name Retailers EP 62

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

If you're a product-based business or food business, getting into major retailers is literally the dream. Taking your small family operated business from the kitchen table to the shelves of Walmart and Sam's Club, and QVC channels can feel impossible.

This is the challenging journey of today's guest Lauren Rosato who co-founded Rose Sisters Chips with her partner Jonathan and has been on a four year journey growing their gourmet chip business through several stages.

"If you're starting a business, you really have to look at what your needs are, what the business needs are, [...] and how you could meet them." -Lauren Rosato

Key points covered:

Navigating pandemic-imposed challenges in a growing food business
Strategies to grow your business looks very different at different stages
Raising capital and pitching investors is necessary at the later stage

"You really have to be resilient, able to manage change, because every day [...] it's gonna bring 10 to 50 to 100 new things that we're gonna have to deal with, and then you have to just roll with it." -Lauren Rosato

Lauren's business pitch for Rose Sisters Chips won the most recent HAYVN Hatch pitching contest of women founders, and she's been on a roll since! She put in a lot of work learning what makes a good pitch, a good pitch deck, and how to deliver a great pitch. The consulting and help she's been getting is clearly working, as she's even closer to getting her chips into big stores.

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Sustainable Business Is a Healthy Business with Heather Burns EP 61

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Are sustainability and corporate responsibility only concerns for big companies?

Heather Burns, Founder of ESG Consulting Biz, is joining us to share why and how environmental sustainability is equally important for all businesses. Heather began her journey in the world of sustainability after becoming a master diver, seeing the effect of climate change up close. Since then she's been pushing forward to help businesses of all sizes make a better impact ever since.

"You really cannot have a healthy economy without a healthy environment." -Heather Burns

Key Takeaways in this Discussion:

Sustainable business is good business for the economy and the environment
Investors coined ESG (Environmental Social Governance) as a way to measure a business' social responsibility factor
There are easy ways even the smallest entrepreneur can grow a sustainable business

"Business is changing because the planet is changing. And as people who are operating businesses or even helping businesses, [...] we have a responsibility to help our customers adapt to the changes that are happening." -Heather Burns

Heather recently began the "Women in Sustainability" roundtable conversations at HAYVN. She's been able to raise awareness, leverage the professional generosity and create meaningful relationships she found in the co-working community.

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The Marketing Strategy You Can Do EP 60

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0000

The challenge with marketing for most business owners is that we often clump everything into one big ball and barely know where to start a marketing plan or how to execute it.

Marie Patel is quite literally the Girl On The Ball with marketing solutions and comes with a tactical strategy and plan that allows you to implement a solid marketing plan that achieves your goal. Marie is a strategy and marketing expert for small businesses and professionals. Her experience began with IBM and has continued into many industries.

"As much as marketing has changed these days, due to the digital factor, the basics of marketing still exist. It's age-old wisdom." -Marie Patel

Marie has acquired many skills in her well-seasoned marketing career and is able to leverage her curiosity and her desire to problem solve and be very nurturing to help people figure out how to market their business.

Key Points Marie Shares in this Discussion:

What she's learned in launching her own business
Addressing your marketing goal is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses
People often don't know how to pull marketing strategies and plans together effectively

"You can't approach marketing so globally. To be effective, you really have to pinpoint things." -Marie Patel

Marie breaks down the 3 phase process she's developed to help businesses get clarity around their marketing needs and get to the other side of being able to execute step by step.

She also coordinates and co-hosts the Marketing Hot Seat at HAYVN. She shares why she joined HAYVN and how the Marketing Hot Seat is such a value add for the people participating.

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Integrating Your Side Hustle With Your Day Job EP 59

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0000

When you have passion projects, hobbies, or interests that you follow outside of your day job, how do you bring them into alignment with your full life?

Our guest, Katy Kinsella, has successfully found a way to align her side hustle with her full-time career in a way that allows her to live an open and joy-filled life. Katy is the Business Development Director of Kerry, a company with taste and nutrition solutions for the food and beverage industry. She is also the co-founder of GOpure, the small portable water purifying solution.

Joining your two worlds together in a way that aligns, feels cohesive, and energizing, creates better productivity, focus, and drive for your day job AND your side hustle.

"It's not a secret, it's just another passion that I have, that actually really aligns" -Katy Kinsella

Key Points Katy Shares in this Discussion:

How remote working has changed the work dynamic since Covid
Multiple interests and passions give you more depth and fulfillment
Having dual roles that align doesn't mean you're a "cheater"

"Hopefully, everyone's up to something else cause that just makes you more fulfilled if you have various hobbies or interests." -Katy Kinsella

Both of Katy's roles align in the sense that the company she works for full time is dedicated to delivering better taste, health and well-being, while her side hustle with GOpure is also about better health and taste. Having ways that your two roles connect and align to make you a whole person is very achievable and realistic.

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Why Engagement Is Key to Wellness EP 58

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

The fundamental pillars of well being and mental and emotional health can be easily ignored when you're building your business. Sacrificing hours of sleep and self care in the name of hustle culture can often lead to less productivity and is rarely the best path to peak performance.

This episode's guest, Dr. Leonaura Rhodes, is a physician that found greater alignment with wellness and coaching than treating patients. Her career journey has been circuitous by way of being an official coach for Tony Robbins for a period of time before starting her own business leading as an Executive Coach and Corporate Wellness Trainer.

"Stress management, wellness, energy, all of those things come up in almost every session, it's really the core of everything." -Dr. Leonaura Rhodes

Leonaura shares a few of the wellness components she coaches on that lead to better outcomes for employees and entrepreneurs that want peak performance.

Key discussion points about well-being in the workplace:

Lack of resiliency skills lead to falling apart when it's hard
Stress management is a problem that can no longer be ignored
Engagement is one of the seven pillars of wellness

"Health and career are not in silo, they're all intertwined, you can't ignore the health and wellness aspect." -Dr. Leonaura Rhodes

Engagement isn't one of those things you typically consider being part of peak performance, but Leonaura explains why it's crucial. Like many other entrepreneurs, the pain points that she is coaching people through are pain points she too suffered in her journey. As a trained physician, Leonaura connects the health and wellness aspect to the hard skills we often lean on and admire to thrive and succeed.

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Business Solutions to Lifestyle Challenges with Curt Battles EP 57

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

We're never short on ideas when it comes to daily inconveniences or solving marketplace problems, but how many potential business solutions do we actually follow through to pursue?

Curt Battles, the CEO of Craft Beer Insights, is a business strategist and tech guru in the craft beer space who advises entrepreneurs and business owners how to launch, grow and increase profitability. His own challenges in finding where to get a decent craft beer led to a new project and mobile app that's been 4 years in the making.

"This work is much better, more diverse, even more unique and dynamic than when I originally thought about it." -Curtis Battles

Curt shares the breadth of experience he's enjoyed across multiple industries ranging from food and beverage to finance and business strategies. He's able to pull on all of these experiences to help others chart their path forward.

Key Discussion Points with Curt:

Learn how to leverage the skills you have across industries
How to go from idea to beta launch
People and patience are key in launching his new projects

"You always need good quality advisors outside, or as I call it, the adults in the room." -Curtis Battles

What Curt demonstrates is that even with the level of experience he has, you will always do better building a team of experienced people around you to help execute an idea. Boredom kills most entrepreneurial dreams, and Curt's ability to stick with the development of his app 4 years later is testament to pushing through challenges and obstacles that arose along the way.

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How to Improve Your Digital Marketing Strategy (with Debra Lutsky) EP 56

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 09:00:32 -0000

If branding, marketing, website building, design, and copywriting are not your thing, you're likely muddling your way along by handling your own digital marketing. With millions of businesses online, digital marketing is a highly valued service for a good reason.

Our guest in this episode is Debra Lutsky is the Founder and Creative Director of her own marketing agency, Digital Retail Partners. She is very clear about who her business helps and what she helps them to do. She focuses on the intersection of design and technology for online brands disrupting traditional retail and e-commerce based businesses.

"It's one thing to build a website, but you have to get people there." -Debra Lutsky

Debra graciously shares her journey from being the girl in love with fashion and art, to the Shopify certified business owner who now advocates as a partner of both HAYVN and the Women's Business Development Council.

Key Marketing Points for Every Business Owner:

Key elements for impactful marketing communications
How design and development show up in your business
Debra's 3 Cs for a future proof marketing strategy

"Most online businesses need to focus on an omnichannel approach, [...] You need to be in all the places that your customers are in." -Debra Lutsky

Debra's HAYVN journey started from the very beginning helping the founder Felicia with everything from website designs to email marketing to graphics and animation. Her journey is everything that HAYVN stands for in encouraging women owned businesses to keep supporting and advocating for all women who want a business or career AND to be a mother.

"I could do both, I could be a mother and I could be a business owner and I wasn't sacrificing one or the other." -Debra Lutsky

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Interview with HAYVN Founder Felicia Rubinstein and CoCo Co-Founder Lynne Pagano EP 55

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:00:25 -0000

Whether you're a freelancer, remote worker or a small business owner, coworking spaces can improve your productivity, focus and creativity. Women-centric coworking spaces however add a different vibe to the environment offering programs and collaborations that better support women in their professional journey.

Today's episode is extra special as we are joined by Lynne Pagano, the Co-Founder and Community Manager from The Co-Co based in New Jersey, and Felicia Rubinstein, Founder of HAYVN located in Connecticut. Both of their communities focus on helping women, in particular, thrive and feel supported in a workspace nurtured for growth and success. They are also part of the "Sister Spaces" a collaborative relationship between six other women-centric co-working communities.

Both Felicia and Lynne share their unique experiences creating strong communities through Covid, the Great Resignation, and a recession, among many other challenges, and how they were so successful.

"We are really working hard at helping female founders." -Felicia Rubinstein

Key Takeaways from Lynne & Felicia:

Women-centric coworking spaces can still be inclusive to men
Female founders can feel supported with programs and offerings that help grow their businesses and have a fulfilling healthy life
Sister spaces don't have to compete with each other to thrive. They can have reciprocal relationships that benefit everyone
Get comfortable with change and know that pivoting your business and focus is the way you survive uncertainty

"You have to pivot. If you want your business to keep going forward, you have to change." Lynne Pagano

These founders share the wisdom of their journeys in opening brand new coworking spaces at a time everything literally shut down. Their advice to not take yourself too seriously is critical, but difficult to apply when you've put so much energy into creating a business and community. Their loving reminder to their younger selves founding these incredible coworking spaces was to enjoy the journey while you're on it.

Check out HAYVN's coworking partners, a.k.a. Sister Spaces here to connect across 6 different states and 11 locations.

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Creating a Curated Marketplace for the Beauty and Wellness Markets for Black Women EP 54

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 09:00:26 -0000

One of the biggest joys and motivating factors for founders coming into any industry is solving a problem for a group of people. Once you find a solution or at least imagine the solution, you have to learn and take the steps needed to execute from there.

In this episode, Shelise Joseph and Kadene Brown Lafontant join us to discuss how they founded BE.U.TYMRK.D, an online marketplace of beauty and wellness products curated for Black women. They joined forces to bring a solution and representation to an underserved community with a huge potential.

"There are beauty brands that are amazing, but they can't survive because they don't have access to market the way others do."

Nothing worth pursuing is going to be simple, and Shelise and Kadene are stepping up to be seen and heard for beauty and wellness brands that aren't easily stocked into big retail stores. Doing research to determine the opportunities and best route available to bring all the needs of the core segment of Black women into one space shows how this brand is off to a great start.

Key Takeaways from the BE.U.TYMRK.D founders:

Solve a real problem
Notice where there are gaps in the industry
You can transfer best practices from one industry to another
Brand education and advocacy are part of the story, launch and success

Part of their founders' journey including pitching at a HAYVN Hatch, where they were the winners. They shared that the pitching experience helped them with exposure, business planning and preparing them for fundraising and ultimately their official launch.

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Venture Mom Businesses for Women by Women EP 53

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 09:00:29 -0000

Realizing that for many women entrepreneurs their businesses were their babies, Holly Hurd wanted to learn how they managed. So she began profiling women owned businesses for her book, Venture Mom: From Idea to Income in Just 12 Weeks. After years meeting and interviewing hundreds of female owned businesses, she ultimately founded community and marketplace for women owned businesses calling it Venture Mom.

Holly loves supporting moms and women with their entrepreneurship journeys and making their dreams into reality.

"My whole mission is to inspire every woman out there to start her own business." - Holly Hurd

Key Points to Remember:

Community is crucial in building a successful business
Many moms are starting businesses organically
There is always more to learn in your product or service progression

Holly explains how much HAYVN and Venture Moms align in the pursuit of helping female owned businesses. Admittedly, the life of an entrepreneur can be extremely isolating, but communities like HAYVN and Venture Mom work hard to keep women connected to the resources and support they need.

"You win just by being a part of it, because you're getting your story out there." - Holly Hurd

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Do What You Love & Share Your Passion EP 52

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000

What if the thing you enjoy more than anything in the world is also something people need more of in this world? Artist Mark Andreas started developing his passion to work creatively with wood before the age of 14. For Mark, nurturing his passion and doing what he loved mostly meant more time in nature, more peace, and more creativity. He's allowed his creativity to flow through many adjacent experiences and careers from being a boat builder, to metal fabricator, to art educator, art director and more.

The thing for most people is finding a way to monetize and build a successful business model around their passion. As you listen to this episode, you will hear how Mark who is not only passionate about his wood working, found a way to connect what he loves most to how it benefits everyone else around as well.

Key Artistic Approaches to Work and Life:

You may have many roles, but you get to define how you see yourself.
Sharing your passion with others can be unconventional in delivery.
Value the skills and experience you create for others, and charge accordingly.

"A lot of the art making process is to be able to express that excitement and exploration and discoveries that you make through the artistic process with people around." -Mark Andreas

Mark Andreas came to HAYVN wanting to learn what it would take to build a better business model. What we love about Mark is that he not only sees what he stands to gain being part of HAYVN, but how he can also be of value to the HAYVN community.

Connect with Mark Andreas:

Art Website

Studio

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Get a Brand New Life Rhythm with Kristen Rzasa Bonus Replay EP 51

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 09:00:29 -0000

Are you ready for a brand new rhythm for your life?

Today's guest Kristen Rzasa brings a unique approach to entrepreneurship. She's a life and business strategist and helps her clients find balance that leads to greater success.

Kristen brings her corporate and entrepreneurial experience to everything she does. Her corporate job was with Daimler Chrysler and she had a side hustle too. When she found herself outside of corporate, she went into full time entrepreneurship.

After years of being driven and successful she realized she was burned out and in danger of breaking down. Kristen made another big shift.

That's where conversations about life rhythm began.

She explains the 4 components that help her understand her client's priorities. It's eye-opening to hear how she can discover where things are out of alignment.

What would change for you?

It's time to create a new rhythm in our lives. That begins with living our values. Reprioritizing what really matters to us is the first step Kristen takes with her clients.

What are you waiting for?

Today is the day. No more waiting until. Kristen shares how HAYVN has brought a sense of community that she realized she was missing. Collaboration and the opportunity to receive and give back is also fulfilling.

Connect with Kristen:

Website – Get her Rhythm Reset Guide

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Get Tips to Green Your Business Here

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Thinking Beyond Business and Embracing Sustainability with Soledad Matteozzi EP 50

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 09:00:32 -0000

HAYVN Hubcast co-host Nancy Sheed is talking with Soledad Matteozzi the founder of Thinking Beyond Business, a company that helps businesses improve their environmental footprint.

Soledad's journey has taken her across the world. She grew up in Patagonia. That's where her love for the outdoors was nurtured.

She then began her career in NYC, drawn to the city by the energy and reputation for success. As an attorney she worked with US based and international companies providing legal guidance and strategies for growth including mergers and acquisitions.

But there was always something missing.

Soledad explains how the lifestyle there was much more manageable. It's also where she began to learn more about sustainability.

Then moving to China was a wake-up call. She saw firsthand the pollution in Beijing and realized that environmental issues where a "now" problem. She went back to school studying Environmental Social Governance.

Once back in the US, she knew that private industry must be a part of the solution to climate and environmental concerns. She realized companies who want to help and are committed to acting didn't know where to start.

Soledad met her business partner at HAYVN (of course!) Silvina Skverer and started the company to help save the world.

Most companies they work with now:

Have concerns about climate change
Are forward thinking about how they can impact their community
Want to empower their employees and find new ways to keep them engaged
Are committed to making an impact beyond making money

Soledad outlines how they begin with an assessment. Each company has their own version of best practices, and they want to help them understand where they are and bring on that. They also identify opportunities and risks so there are steps for short-term and long-term gains.

From there they create an action plan.

That includes actions as well as how to measure and evaluate. They meet each client where they are and help them develop the path forward.

She explains that there is a misconception that this work will be costly. She wants everyone know that this is good business. It's being part of the solution which will ultimately help in business success too.

Simple places for any company to start:

Recycle if you are not already
Cease using plastic plates, bottles, and cups
Reduce printing
Motivate everyone to recycle by sharing results with your team

HAYVN has been a valuable resource for Soledad and her business. They work with other members for legal and marketing support. They know that collaboration helps everyone so they think "HAYVN first" when they are looking for other resources.

"Everybody can do something if you have the will to do it."

Resources:

Soledad on LinkedIn

Conscious Leader Network

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Better Leaders Are Better Communicator with Carrie Skowronski Bonus Replay EP 49

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Being a more effective leader may be one of the most coveted skills in business. Whether you are an entrepreneur, solopreneur or executive, being effective in your role managing teams is critical.

Carrie Skowronski is a Business Consultant, Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, Dare to Lead™ ️Facilitator, and the founder of Leadology. As a member of the HAYVN community, she's made her way here from New York City and has been finding ways to creatively thrive as an entrepreneur through Covid.

3 Key Points Carrie Touches On:

How and why she helps new managers become more proficient as leaders
How she helps managers become influential communicators
How to assess your top five strengths and navigate your way around your bottom five

"When you want to learn how to give feedback or delegate, or talk about change, or receive feedback, all of those skills are communication, and when we can do that more effectively, we can help our teams"

Though Carrie specializes in working with new managers, her advice and outlook on the importance of communication is universal. Being able to communicate effectively, get feedback, and galvanize your team, regardless of your role, is a critical skill worth developing.

Carrie is also certified in the Brené Brown Dare to Lead Journey and she shares the value she's experienced in taking the Top 5 Clifton Strengths assessment. It's an effective way to learn the top 5 strengths for yourself and the people you lead.

In the end, the goal of being a better communicator is being able to inspire and influence your team to action that moves the business forward. When you can communicate well, you are more effective personally and professionally.

Investing in your leadership and communication skills will return positive results in all areas of your life.

Connect with Carrie:

Activate, 8 Week Effective Leader Accelerator Course

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3 Steps to Better Money Habits and Personal Finance for Entrepreneurs Bonus Replay EP 48

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 09:00:42 -0000

Financial literacy, personal finance, and investing may be words that make some cringe, but we can agree on their importance. In this episode, Nancy Sheed is speaking to HAVYN member and financial literacy expert, Galia Gichon where she shares three easy steps you can take today to help you gain control and confidence in making better financial decisions.

Gichon's approach to personal finance can be found in the name of her website, Down to Earth Finance. She uses her 20 years of experience in finance and 10 years of experience on Wall Street to help women, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and anyone willing simplify their finances and feel more empowered.

You'll hear why these 3 steps are so important and why they are a great place to start understanding your finances and the options available to you.

3 Key Steps to Better Money Habits:

Learn what investments you have (this is empowering)
Consolidate your investments (save on fees and frustrations)
Look at the Retirement Forecast Calculator (plan for the future)

Galia also shares how writing her first novel The Accidental Suffragist, a historical fiction, further fueled her love for female empowerment, values and mission. Also, in writing this book as a passion project, Galia learned the power of doing something for yourself. Her journey to becoming a published author started as a selfish time for herself to enjoy and be part of something different.

She's now a big believer in feeding our inner desires and pursuing our passions can lead to new possibilities. You'll never know if you don't open up and explore your interests.

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Sue Yasav, Marketing: How to be a Thought Leader Bonus Replay EP 47

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 09:00:34 -0000

Sue Yasav is a marketing expert and the CEO and founder of Marquette Marketing, focusing on marketing strategy, positioning and content for small and medium-sized businesses and startups.

You can contact Sue at sue@marquettemarketing.comWebsite: www.marquettemarketing.com

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Sue Yasav, Marketing: How to Create Great Content Bonus Replay EP 46

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 09:00:45 -0000

In today's connected and digitized world, every brand must focus on creating great content to get noticed. Join Sue Yasav, as she goes through proven strategies to create content that attracts and engages. Strategies discussed include brand voice, differentiation, adding value and storytelling. We will delve into examples and best practices from leading content creators to instantly set you up for a successful content strategy. Sue Yasav is a marketing expert and the CEO and founder of Marquette Marketing, focusing on marketing strategy, positioning and content for small and medium-sized businesses and startups. You can contact Sue at sue@marquettemarketing.com Website: www.marquettemarketing.com

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How a Doctor Becomes a Startup Co-Founder EP: 45

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 08:00:36 -0000

You never know how or when the opportunity to reconnect with previous passions comes back into existence. For those fortunate enough to experience this phenomenon, it is beyond rewarding to discover new passions and align them to the path you intentionally choose.

Dr. Courtney Toombs was able to discover new passions in the midst of enjoying previous passions. She went from publishing a memoir, to orthopedic surgery to co-founding a new clinical solution alongside her sister, Allison Toombs.

Together they are bringing a new solution to the medical industry called Doctionary, a technology-based solution that brings together language, communication and medicine.

Recognizing the connections in life and work:

How Courtney reconnected to her creative nature
Seeing an industry problem and creatively coming up with a solution
Balancing and enjoying the entrepreneurial journey
Seeing how her sister fit into the solution and bringing her onboard

Even with an educational background in medicine and time management skills, Courtney shares the challenges she's faced with her startup. Being part of HAYVN Launch connected Courtney to mentors and a community of supportive startups cheering for her success. HAYVN Launch helped accelerate her growth and the development of Doctionary which she hopes to see across the country.

"You need something to just kind of push you and accelerate you a little bit, and that's really what HAYVN Launch did for us." - Dr. Courtney Toombs

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Making Real Estate Relevant for All EP 44

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 09:00:44 -0000

Making the move from corporate unfulfillment to a passion that solves a problem for thousands of people is the entrepreneurial dream. Pivoting career moves is never easy and starting in a totally new industry can be scary and super risky.

Joan Jia, Co-Founder and CEO of Rentry, a multi-family real estate technology first marketplace, made her move from fintech to bridge the gap and help consumers like you access the information needed in the real estate marketplace to build financial wealth and independence.

"We wanted to come in, digitize our experience and knowledge so that every consumer will have access…" -Joan Jia

Breaking Down Multi-Family Real Estate with Joan:

Digitize experience and knowledge only accessible to real estate professionals
How 15 years in real estate investing gave Joan an advantage
The allure of passive income for building wealth
Joan's real estate forecast and current condition

Joan came into HAYVN LAUNCH and instantly became an asset and recipient of all the amazing benefits one comes to expect from HAYVN. Joan shares how getting into the launch program changed the way she approached real estate brokers, fundraising, her pitch to investors, and how she showed up to network and make connections.

"We want every consumer to have an alternative to build financial wealth and independence in the real estate market." - Joan Jia

Joan has been fortunate enough to have a successful fintech career as she started to get involved in real estate investing. Her knowledge and ability to cover her bases created a way for her to ease into real estate without being overcome by the stress of pivoting careers. She was the winner of HAYVN HATCH, and her ability to focus and improve accessibility for everyone is why she is extraordinary.

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Build Strength and Be Confident at Any Age EP 43

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 09:00:17 -0000

Aging doesn't have to be the end all to your confidence, your health, and your independence, but it starts with a decision: Are you committed to setting up your future self to live abundantly and confidently?

If you've hit your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, it's never too late to begin making deposits for a better version of your future self.

This week's guest, personal trainer and nutrition coach Linda Stephens, walks her talk, as she began training to become an IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) Pro at the age of 42! She and Nancy get into why fitness matters and why it's more relevant than ever for the midlife women to begin taking care of themselves.

Healthy Transformational Tips with Huge Benefits:

Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep
Take in 2-3 liters of water everyday
Have intentional movement everyday
Keep sugar, alcohol, and processed foods low and to a limit

"You can age gracefully, you can be strong, you can be healthy, you can be doing all the things you want to do well into your 80s and beyond depending on how you take care of yourself." - Linda Stephens, IFBB Pro

Linda also addresses a myth that overstayed its welcome long ago. If I lift weights, I'll look like a man. Sound familiar!? Most women do not have nearly enough testosterone in their body to lift and bulk up like men.

Ease your mind and know that you can lift weights, minimize your risk of Alzheimer's and dementia, and counteract bone density loss and many other ailments related to old age. Building muscle and maintaining the muscle mass you have is key to your best future self!

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Curate Your Style the Easy Way EP 42

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 09:00:30 -0000

You may be working from home and getting dressed up less than you were pre-Covid, but how you dress is still a vital part of your success. With or without video calls, your image and appearance are critical to how you feel about yourself, and how you show up.

Wouldn't it be lovely to have a personal stylist come in and help you revamp your wardrobe from disaster to a wardrobe fit for well-put-together success? Susan Singer of Closet Curator has learned style from the greats such as Stacy London of What Not to Wear and has worked with respected brands such as Gap and Banana Republic.

With thirteen years of styling wardrobes for her clients – and now as a stylist with the cabi clothing line Susan has the knowledge, expertise and opportunity to do the thing she has such love for.

"Stock your closet with items that, depending on how you mix and match them together, can cover you in almost any situation. Think of your closet as a collection." - Susan Singer

Transformational style tips when traveling:

The shoes dictate the outfit. Always start with the shoes.
2 to 3 pairs of shoes should be sufficient for trips.
A pair of sneakers to exercise or sensible shoes for walking
A pair of sandals or something a little more stylish
A pair of cute evening shoes

Susan is helping women make the best of their presence, whether it is online or in-person. Styling doesn't have to be complicated and Susan's hand holding and eye for fashion fall right in line with the stylist we can all use.

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How Working Moms Reclaim Self and Career EP 41

Mon, 30 May 2022 09:00:50 -0000

Whether you are a new mother or a third-time momma, there is often tension and guilt that comes with returning to the workplace. The desire of wanting to be with your child can create fiction with the desire to return to your work as it was pre-motherhood.

If you're guided by the narrative that all working moms are stressed mothers (especially after we have dealt with a pandemic and the subsesquent "Great Resignation"), take a deep breath, know there is hope and this episode may be just what you need to start considering new possibilities.

Today's guest, Dr. Hilary Berger is the Founder of Work Like a Mother. She is a career counselor and Board Certified Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor who helps mothers with career planning and strategies for life after motherhood.

"The work that I've designed is very intentionally designed to integrate small, attainable, realistic initiatives that rebuild confidence and give women a pathway back into the world that they want to be part of."

- Dr. Hilary Berger

Key points discussed for working mothers:

Feeling shut down, like you've lost your identity and confidence is normal, and you are not alone
Having children doesn't mean not thriving and reaching career goals
There are strategies you can implement to start the healing process to begin a new normal
Career relevance is not a guilty desire. You can have flexibility and options while raising your children

But the corporate landscape, culture and society do still need to change. Working moms still have struggles that corporate America is not fully prepared to deal with. While some companies make the effort to accommodate working mothers, the realities, opportunities, and standards across the board are not where they need to be for true equity.

According to AAUW, mothers are 40% more likely than fathers to report that child care issues negatively affect their careers. And an astounding 96% of dads with jobs work full time in comparison to only 78% of mothers.

Being a mother is beautiful and rewarding, and it doesn't mean choosing your children over your career. It also doesn't make feeling like you've lost yourself, your career and your passions an acceptable way of life.

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Why Good Graphic Design Is a Necessity for Any Small Business EP 40

Mon, 23 May 2022 09:00:10 -0000

The visual appeal of your business is of the highest importance to your success. Branding and logo design are certainly part of your visual story, but they're not all of it. When it comes to visual assets or visual content, good graphic design can take small brands to big brands.

Kim Barron, a 20+ year graphic design professional, art director, and owner of New Leaf Graphic Design, explains what good design is and why it matters to even the smallest and newest of businesses.

Why Graphic Design Matters to Your Business:

It's the way your business communicates with your potential customers
It's what people say about your brand when you're not around
It's visual and creative and beautiful, and also intentional and impactful
It's able to adapt to the changing and growing needs of your business

"I help my clients to communicate their messages to their constituents in a graphic way." -Kim Barron

Growing her graphic design business has been an interesting and sometimes circuitous journey for Kim and it's also been enjoyable and rewarding. Starting with an agency and eventually creating her own company, Kim also helped HAYVN launch with its very distinct and engaging branding and graphic design and has found several clients at Hayvn as well.

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How To Get Your Book Published EP 39

Mon, 16 May 2022 09:00:48 -0000

Have you considered telling your story, sharing your lessons, or putting your knowledge into a book that will give you even more recognition? These days there are so many options to publishing a book.

"The good news is that with growth and technological breakthroughs, not only can we publish our own books, but we can make all the decisions…" -Amanda Miller

However, the journey to becoming a published author can be anything but straightforward. Enter Amanda Miller, a self-publishing consultant with My Word Publishing. She helps people get the confidence, strategy, and roadmap they need to publish their book.

Unpacking the complicated world of publishing:

Amanda explains the differences between self-publishing versus traditional publishing
How the oversimplification of the self-publishing process works against authors
Differences between self-publishing versus hybrid publishing versus subsidy publishing
Why book marketing is more complicated than most writers think
Amanda reveals red flags of publishers you might want to steer clear of
Learn the vital parts of publishing and key players every author will want to get published

The key to setting yourself up for success is being aware of all the people involved and the traps you need to watch out for. If you are interested in self-publishing, Amanda offers free 30-minute consultations if you'd like more information.

And she is not helping authors, she helps organize and lead a wonderful HAYVN group of young professionals called HYPE (HAYVN Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs).

Connect with Amanda Miller:

Email: Amanda@mywordpublishing.com

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How to Set Effective Goals and Plan for Pitfalls EP 38

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:00:32 -0000

Small business owners suffer many of the same pains and fail for many of the same reasons. Poor marketing, unfocused business strategy and planning, lack of research and lack of direction on what to prioritize are just a few reasons why.

"Set the right goals at the right time, and set them in the right priority" -Lisa Corrado

One of the most effective ways to increase your chances of success is to have the right goals that inform what you execute on and when. Coach Lisa Corrado is a friend of HAYVN who works with entrepreneurs and small business owners to help implement the strategies and systems they need to achieve the bigger vision.

"Better Than Ever" Goal Setting Strategies & Considerations from Lisa Corrado:

Ask yourself the right questions and don't let yourself off the hook.
Planning for pitfalls is the secret weapon everyone needs.
Know that your end result may not be what you truly want and it's okay to pivot.
Set the right priorities and focus on fewer priorities to 10x your effectiveness.
Know who you want to be in the vision of what you want to achieve.

"It's a lot easier to do successful and effective goal setting, if there's a process to follow" -Lisa Corrado

Doing less to achieve more is something we all may struggle with, but Lisa makes it very clear that it is critical to your success. When you start to feel overwhelmed and overcome by the size of the projects ahead of you, Lisa's mantra "What am I doing now and what am I doing next?" can certainly keep you grounded and save your sanity.

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How a New Retail Brand Gets Launched EP 37

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 09:00:20 -0000

Taking an idea and creating a concept that you think can solve problems for others is an exciting and honorable dream to go after. Developing a product to take to market can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned entrepreneurs and businesses.

"It takes a wise man to learn from his mistakes, but an even wiser man to learn from others" -Zen Proverb

In this episode, Hayley Segar, founder and creator of onewith swimwear, reveals the experiences, the lessons, and skills it took for her to create comfortable swimwear that "fits just like your favorite seamless undergarments."

Key points Hayley shares from idea to product development and launch:

Exposure to the market you desire is important to your success
Seek others with complementary skills to speed up the process
Building a company while creating a product gets really intense
Optimize support and resources along the way
Sometimes your high points can quickly become the biggest stress point

"I cannot convey enough how launching a product, and a brand is the hardest thing I've ever done in my entire life." -Hayley Segar

Hayley is an active member of the HAYVN community that brings so much to the table and contributes in multiple ways. She discovered HAYVN through her interest in the HAYVN Hatch while seeking opportunities to practice her product pitch and became a natural fit into the culture. She is now a part of the Launch Accelerator Cohort and is continuing to grow her swimwear brand, onewith.

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Small Business Lessons to Help You Grow Your Business EP 36

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 09:00:54 -0000

In the entrepreneurial journey to building a business, there are always more challenges than you ever anticipate. Seeing the overall picture, and having an effective route mapped out that will take you from idea to success is difficult when you've never built a business before.

Business mentors may be the entrepreneur's most valuable ally. Successful business owners like Pat Duncan have proven success, and have experienced building and solving problems, are the kind of mentors you'd be lucky to have.

Pat built her company from nothing and sold it for a profit, as many business owners hope to do. She is now a SCORE Volunteer helping other business owners and startups grow the business they dream of.

A few lessons Pat shares about growing a successful business:

When it doesn't work the way you want, be flexible

Talk to a lot of people
Don't quit your job
Don't hire friends
Review the numbers weekly

"Whatever we can learn, we have learned in our careers, we can help other people start or grow their own small businesses. " -Pat Duncan

Pat explains the benefits offered by working with a SCORE Volunteer. Face-to-face meetings are part of mentorship that cannot be replaced. Whether on Zoom, in a cafe, or in a library, working with a mentor has benefits that will propel your business and success in ways you cannot imagine.

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Get Help to Get Your Finances on Track EP 35

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 09:00:07 -0000

Managing personal finances is crucial and when not handled properly can lead to debt, unexpected expenses, and overspending. For people who don't have time or are overwhelmed they can get help. Becca Feeley is the Business Development Manager for Financial Sense, a daily money management company that helps with everything financial from cash flow tracking to paying bills. Becca reveals the history of how her mother came to start her their financial business.

Whether you've been looking for household finance strategy and help because you're short on time or because it's boring you to pieces, daily money management professionals like Becca and her mom are the ideal solutions.

If you're looking to gain confidence around how you are handling your personal finances, then Becca Feeley and Financial Sense offer free resources.

Key points discussed with Becca:

The type of clients Financial Sense attracts
What is daily money management
How to get started with a financial services company
Ways she was able to thrive as a small business

Becca is super approachable and is also a valued part of the HAYVN community. Like many, she is a mom who wanted more time for her family. Leaving an unfulfilling corporate life for a service-based small business is the entrepreneurial path that started with her mother and now continues with her. Financial Sense is their labor of love together.

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Build An Empowering Movement with Heart and Impact for Parents EP 34

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 09:00:13 -0000

The phrase, "find a need, fill a need" is a common staple in the entrepreneurial world for those looking to make a difference.

When founder and serial entrepreneur, Sarah Spear, found out how isolating her world became being the mother of a child with special needs, she discovered the need for parents to have support and a better way to share knowledge with one another. Empowered Together is the community she created to solve issues that she herself was experiencing.

1 in 5 households are caring for children with special needs (source)

Sarah's online community is about providing support to parents experiencing the same struggles and telling them what she wishes she knew early on.

"Research demonstrates that kids with special needs have superior outcomes when the parents are receiving services at the same time." - Sarah Spear

Key Points Discussed with Sarah:

Parents need a psychologically safe space to feel supported
Experimenting with iterative business models leads to success
Introducing conversation around hard topics is necessary
HAYVN'S community of female entrepreneurs has been powerful

Sarah is looking for relationships and introductions to centers that serve special needs populations and would love to hear from you.

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How to Produce Better Video with Storytelling EP 33

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 09:00:49 -0000

Storytelling has always been a powerful tool for communication - whether it's for entertainment, sharing news, or selling products and services. With video - storytelling can truly and more easily come to life.

Emmy award winning journalist Kendra Farn has been telling stories on for nearly 25 years. From her days as a news reporter to her current role as the owner of P Garyn Productions, a video production company she knows the value that video brings to making an impact.

Key insights from Kendra on video production:

What makes a good story to begin with
Video production process from messaging to production
How she started her own company and found career/home balance

Kendra is enthusiastic about the current technology that simplifies video production and the social media platforms that allow everyone access to share a message and story with the world.

"Social media is free, F-R-E-E! [...] it is free advertising, and you're reaching countless eyeballs!" - Kendra Farn

The current social media trends serving up the perfect bite-size video vehicle now delivers not just a story, but an effective message that encourages engagement and action.

Kendra's HAYVN Journey:

Kendra's journey with HAYVN started from speaking with Felicia back when HAYVN was just a concept. She came on board to help with HAYVN's GoFundMe video that helped bring the HAYVN community to life. Kendra plays a huge part as the MC of the HAYVN Hatch and loves to witness, support, and be a fan of the amazing people in the community.

Connect with Kendra Farn:

P Garyn Productions

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Mind and Body: How to Relax, Connect, and Live with Ease EP 32

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:00:27 -0000

Feeling stressed, angry, frustrated, or anxious nearly every day doesn't have to be the standard of living for most people. But that means practicing a self-care routine shouldn't be viewed as a luxury, but rather a necessity for you to be at your best self.

Over 75% of healthcare visits in the U.S. are connected to stress

Maria Allen, LMT know this all too well. She struggled with a high stress acting career as well as a running injury that eventually led her to her first yoga class. Fast forward years later, and Maria is now a massage therapist and the founder of Real & Powerful, where she helps people live with more ease and joy through movement, calm, relaxation, and breathing techniques.

Key Highlights to Connecting Mind and Body:

Releasing your physical body can have a profound impact on your mind
Connection is powerful with breathing, meditation, and movement
Living in the present connects you to joy and inner peace
Following cues from the universe can lead to a Real & Powerful life

"As I practiced yoga and received massages, I discovered that making time for releasing built-up tightness in my physical body almost always caused a similar letting go of persistent, exhausting mental tension. " - Maria Allen

Releasing pinned up tension within our body is not just a physical relief, but it's also a mental relief, something much needed for those dealing with high levels of stress. Maria shares how she went from seeking physical relief to finding an inner peace, joy, and a level of self-awareness that she's been able to share with others.

It's important to remember that stress affects us in so many way and managing that stress takes on many forms between mind, body, and spirit. Maria's been able to find more creative ways to help people connect with themselves and with nature. Her practices have allowed her to bring mental health awareness, visualization and meditation, breathing techniques into one existence. Follow her and discover more ways to a path of joyful living.

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How to Get Your Big Ideas Out to Market EP 31

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 10:00:25 -0000

Getting your innovative ideas to market is tricky and overwhelming when you don't have a solid strategy or connections with the right people. While more than 95% of product innovations likely fail, 92% of startups also fail. So how do you successfully get products to market?

Rache Brand is a woman of many hats, but more importantly, she is an innovative brand expert when it comes to commercializing big ideas and getting products to market. She is also a self-proclaimed 'human collector' and has honed in on the value of promoting a robust community.

Not only is Rache's resume impressive from her vital role with Chobani seeing the company revenue grow from $23 million to $880 million in four years to running her own business as well as being the Innovation Lead as part of CT Next in Hartford, CT. Rache has also lived in several amazing places with unique experiences leading to her specialty in connecting with people and creating communities.

Key Highlights to Help You Rethink Getting Your Ideas to Market:

Building an ecosystem around innovation
Creating a robust community

Commercializing big ideas
Consulting to solve big problems for a path forward

"I really try hard not to just make assumptions or share my specific ideas, right out of the gate without knowing all the information, because the reality is, there are many ways to slice and dice the opportunity to get you where you want to go." - Rache Brand

Rache also takes the high-level approach to seemingly complex problems. She takes several steps back to see the bigger community picture first. Once she knows what is being done well and the options available, then she determines the best path forward. Regardless of your product or service, thinking with an eye on innovation is a great way to implement as you grow your business.

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How to Choose the Best Computer for Your Business Needs EP 30

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:00:44 -0000

As we are all completely reliant on computers and technology to operate and grow our business, tech guru Linda Kuppersmith is back for the fourth episode in the "All Things IT" series to discuss everything you need to know about purchasing computers for your business and personal needs. Linda is not only the President and Chief Technology Advisor of CMIT Solutions, but she is also on the HAYVN board of advisors.

Whether you are business owner or an employee, in this post-covid era, you are likely working remotely and have needed to set up your computers, online access points and all its related technology in a different fashion. Making these computer decisions can be overwhelming, confusing and tedious – and frustrating given supply chain challenges in our post covid world.

In 2021, roughly 340 million PCs and 277 million laptops were shipped around the world.

What you should know to be safe, be smart, and be productive when buying business computers:

Commit to invest in computer best for your business needs
Decide if a laptop is best for you versus a desktop computer

Go with a minimum of 8 gigabytes of memory
Consider a strategy for business tech upgrades and new computers

Linda takes the complication out of technology so you can have a clear understanding and vision of how all technologies work for you and against you.

3 Takeaway Tips from Linda

TIP #1 Buy directly from the manufacturer for the best quality

TIP #2 A business-class computer will last longer

TIP #3 Cloud programs push code through browsers back to your hard drive affecting processing and storage

"If you're spending six-plus hours a day on your computer, you're going to benefit by having a second monitor…" - Linda Kuppersmith

Deciding on the right computer to build your business on is not easy. With Linda breaking down these industry terms you are able to access where you are, what you have, and strategize when and how to upgrade the technology for your business.

Connect with Linda Kuppersmith:

Linda's Tech Tips

Email: Linda@CMITstamford.com

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4 Reasons to Get Serious About Cloud Storage EP 29

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 10:00:07 -0000

As of 2021, 94% of enterprises are using cloud services worldwide! According to Cloudsward, the cloud storage market is projected to increase to $832 billion by 2025. Clearly, cloud storage is a major concern for large enterprises, small businesses, and individuals.

Linda Kuppersmith is joining host Nancy Sheed for a third "All Things IT" episode to discuss cloud storage and what you need to know to be better informed and prepared to take the next step today.

Over 92% of people are using cloud storage in some capacity

4 Things You Must Know About Cloud Storage:

Using cloud storage is like using someone else's hard drive
Your data should be organized and categorized on the cloud

Certain clouds are better for certain data usage
When the best time is to bring an IT advisor on board

"The rule of thumb is, if it's free, it's probably not going have too much security." - Linda Kuppersmith

Linda is very thorough in explaining the nuances of cloud storage, and why it matters to your online security. Once you have a working knowledge of these technology options you can make better decisions in how you build out your business.

Knowing where to start and what to ask about will help you avoid unnecessary and painful expenses later down the road when you are ready to scale and take your business to the next level.

Connect with Linda Kuppersmith:

Linda's Tech Tips

Email: Linda@CMITstamford.com

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IT: Best Practices for Secure Password Management EP: 28

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:09:40 -0000

It's been reported that over 85% of data breaches that happen are due to weak passwords. The usual signs of a weak password are using your pet's name, recycling the same few passwords repeatedly, or using your date of birth and any family or friend names.

Linda Kuppersmith is not only the President and Chief Technology Advisor of CMIT Solutions, but she is also on the HAYVN board of advisors. She's joining us in the second part of this "All Things IT" series to address what best practices you should follow for more secure password management.

Cybercriminals are making $4 trillion globally

Key highlights:

Password theft is a problem for everyone
How a password vault works
Why to use second factor authentication
When to get IT support

"I'm looking to be able to save the world one password at a time."

Password Tips:

Get your passwords into one place and categorize
Select 4 random words connected with numbers and symbols in between.
Change your passwords frequently

Check out more Tech Tips here.

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IT Trends Impacting You and Your Business EP 27

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 10:00:21 -0000

Technology is evolving faster and faster as more and more solutions and innovations come to the marketplace. Information security, compliance, automation, and integrations are just part of the problems and concerns facing small business owners and entrepreneurs. Knowing what to give your attention to, how to implement, and what to implement can feel overwhelming.

HAYVN Hubcast is bringing you a mini-series on "All Things IT: Keeping You Safe, Smart, and Productive." In this first episode, Linda Kuppersmith, President and Chief Technology Advisor at CMIT Solutions, joins Nancy to discuss technology trends affecting you and your business.

Trends to Be Aware of:

Speed of technology innovation is like never before
Wi-Fi use at home is increasing and demands your attention
Artificial Intelligence is creating more tailored experiences
Virtual reality is more than gaming & movies, it's interactive education

Linda's Tech Tips:

TIP #1 Check your internet bill yearly and replace outdated Wi-Fi

TIP #2 Be strategic about wiring and setting home for technology

Check out more for Linda's Tech Tips here.

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HAYVN Founder Reviews 2021 And Reveals HAYVN's Exciting Year Ahead EP 26

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 10:00:43 -0000

Pre-Covid, working from home sounded like a dream come true for some. Post-Covid, many of us have found out that it's not all we dreamed it would be. Navigating constant distractions and needing someone to engage with besides your toddler or dog has become essential. HAYVN founder, Felicia Rubinstein, started the HAYVN community in 2019, anticipating that nearly 30% of the workforce would be working remotely by 2030. The women-centric business community and hybrid workspace she's created is providing so much more than an escape from home.

HAYVN Highlights Being Discussed:

3 Pillars of Focus
How HAYVN is propelling women-led businesses forward
The magic of the HAYVN community
Various ways HAYVN is providing support, growth, and community

"I'm just trying to create the platform to find the magic, not force it." - Felicia Rubinstein, Havyn Founder

The strength and magic behind HAYVN's success and the HAYVN experience for so many women is Felicia's ability to pivot quickly and remain open to the voices of the women in the community. This hybrid workspace has moved beyond the physical space and exists virtually. Women are making connections and supporting one another in ways that Felicia had no way to plan for or expect.

From sustainability groups to masterminds and educational programs to advance women entrepreneurs, HAYVN is evidence of what is possible when you set the table and allow the incredible to join you.

Check out the two episodes mentioned featuring Galia Gichon and Heather Terry.

Connect with Felicia Rubinstein:

Email: hello@havyn.com

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Legal Advice Every Small Business Needs to Know EP 25

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Starting a business can be a dream come true that turns into an overwhelming situation quickly. You may have started your business thinking about your product or services, marketing, sales, social media strategies, accounting, and business coaches, but what is the one thing you left out and needed just as much, if not more? Legal guidance from an attorney.

Alexis Brooks is an attorney specializing in women-owned small businesses. She provides legal advice and support that keeps businesses thriving.

In this episode you will learn the critical infrastructure and organization that business attorneys like Alexis brings to the table. From registering your business to protecting your business, and resolving issues with current, former, or prospective employees, business attorneys play a vital role in expanding, protecting, and handling your business.

Key topics unpacked:

Establishing legal practices that protect the business
Post-COVID reality for small businesses surviving
Newer hiring practices

"Employers need to be up on what is happening from a legislative standpoint" -Alexis Brooks

Alexis also shares how her journey led to the experience and exposure she needed to eventually found Brooks Law PLLC. An incredible fact about Alexis is that she graduated from law school with a 10 day old newborn. She's pursued practicing law and finds satisfaction in being part of Havyn's amazing business community. Sharing her legal knowledge with others is how Alexis continues to grow and impact women-owned businesses.

Connect with Alexis Brooks:

Email: ACB@brooks-lawpllc.com

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The Best Time for Executive Coaching Is Now EP 24

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000

How many times in your career have you felt your levels of motivation waning off after days and weeks of not connecting to your work and its meaningfulness? Feeling burned out from years of climbing the corporate ladder takes a toll on many of us.

Eileen Springer, is the founder of Central Park Executive Coaching. She decided to make a major pivot in her own career in the course of one day while attending a certification and executive coaching program at Columbia University. Eileen provides executive coaching formulated from years of experience with the HR advisory board specializing in leadership development.

Key topics discussed:

How a sudden pivot leads to running her own business and consulting
Effects of a post-pandemic introspection
How the Great Resignation has impacted employers
Questions to yourself if you're considering giving your notice
Eileen's experience networking and building relationships in Havyn

If you decide to make a career change, Eileen shares wisdom backed by experience on ways to better transition and show up in the next phase of your career.

"It's very important to prepare for the first few months of a job and to be deliberate about how you're going to be planful in settling in into a new role." -Eileen Springer

Connect with Eileen Springer:

Email: Eileen@CentralParkExecutivecoaching.com

Connect with Nancy:

https://www.intellihealth.co/

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Creating Specialized Support for Effective Obesity Solutions with Dr. Katherine Saunders EP 23

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today Nancy is talking with Dr. Katherine Saunders. She is an obesity medicine physician at Weill Cornell Medicine. She specializes in the care of patients with obesity and weight-related medical complications.

Dr. Saunders is also a co-founder of Intellihealth, a healthcare technology company whose mission is to scale and democratize access to effective obesity treatment. Her husband brings his tech and entrepreneurial experience to the team.

Katherine shares the large gap between healthcare professionals and those who need the specialized support. While the numbers are staggering, she is optimistic. The conversation around obesity is changing from "eat less, move more" and that shift is creating more opportunities for new solutions.

Find out why they use a two-pronged approach. They are working with patients and are also dedicated to educating and supporting practitioners who want to have other options for those they treat.

Like all of us, COVID required changing how Katherine worked with her patients. Using online consultations is now widely accepted and it means she can help even more people.

Katherine outlines first steps that people can take if weight loss is part of their health goals. It's not (just) about food. They start with a comprehensive analysis that includes health, diet, medications, lifestyle and other concerns. It's important to know it's never just one thing.

As a busy mom, Katherine is splitting her time with family, treating patients and working in the company. She also shares how winning HAYVN Hatch opened up many opportunities. As she explains "there's such a need among women to have a support system" and that's what she's found with her women peers.

What's next? Direct to consumer support is part of the future at Intellihealth. That will allow Katherine and her team to help people who don't have access to care in their local community.

Connect with Katherine:

https://www.evolveme.health/

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Get a Brand New Life Rhythm with Kristen Rzasa EP: 22

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Are you ready for a brand new life rhythm?

Today's guest Kristen Rzasa brings a unique approach to entrepreneurship. She's a life and business strategist and helps her clients find balance that leads to greater success.

Kristen's brings her corporate and entrepreneurial experience to everything she does. Her corporate job was with Daimler Chrysler and she had a side hustle too. When she found herself outside of corporate, she went into fulltime entrepreneurship.

After years of being driven, and successful she realized she was burned out and in danger of breaking down. Kristen made another big shift.

That's where conversations about life rhythm began.

She explains the 4 components that help her understand her client's priorities. It's eye-opening to hear how she can discover where things are out of alignment. You'll love the example Nancy shares. What if we said, "it's not a priority" instead of "I don't have time?"

What would change for you? It's time to create a new rhythm in our lives. That begins with living our values. Reprioritizing what really matters to us is the first step Kristen takes with her clients. What are you waiting for? Today is the day. No more waiting until.

Kristen shares how HAYVN has brought a sense of community that she realized she was missing. Collaboration and the opportunity to receive and give back is also fulfilling. Connect with Kristen: Website – Get her Rhythm Reset Guide Instagram

Connect with Nancy: Website Instagram

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Thinking Beyond Business and Embracing Sustainability with Soledad Matteozzi EP: 21

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0000

HAYVN Hubcast co-host Nancy Sheed is talking with Soledad Matteozzi the founder of Thinking Beyond Business, a company that helps businesses improve their environmental footprint.

Soledad's journey has taken her across the world. She grew up in Patagonia. That's where her love for the outdoors was nurtured.

But there was always something missing.

Once she became a mom, having 2 babies in 12 months, she knew that the time commitments of her current job were not going to fit her changed lifestyle. In perfect timing, her husband was offered a job in Stockholm and the family moved. Soledad explains how the lifestyle there was much more manageable. It's also where she began to learn more about sustainability. Then moving to China was a wake-up call. She saw firsthand the pollution in Beijing and realized that environmental issues where a "now" problem. She went back to school studying Environmental Social Governance.

Soledad met her business partner at HAYVN (of course!) Silvina Skverer and started the company to help save the world.

Most companies they work with now:  Have concerns about climate change  Are forward thinking about how they can impact their community  Want to empower their employees and find new ways to keep them engaged  Are committed to making an impact beyond making money

Soledad outlines how they begin with an assessment. Each company has their own version of best practices, and they want to help them understand where they are and bring on that.

They also identify opportunities and risks so there are steps for short-term and long-term gains. From there they create an action plan.

That includes actions as well as how to measure and evaluate. They meet each client where they are and help them develop the path forward.

Simple places for any company to start:  Recycle if you are not already  Cease using plastic plates, bottles, and cups  Reduce printing  Motivate everyone to recycle by sharing results with your team HAYVN has been a valuable resource for Soledad and her business. They work with other members for legal and marketing support. They know that collaboration helps everyone so they think "HAYVN first" when they are looking for other resources.

"Everybody can do something if you have the will to do it."

Resources:Get Tips to Green Your Business Here Website Soledad on LinkedIn Conscious Leader Network

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The Digital Solution For Celebrations & Startup Lessons 101 EP 20

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0000

When Shea Phinney & Jeff Cohen got married in 2018 they discovered the inspiration for the current business while on their honeymoon. The husband and wife business team join Nancy Sheed and share how their business, E-Bration may be the answer you've been waiting for, just in time for the holiday season. And they also give us a sneak peek to their business journey.

What Shea and Jeff did was what any good business would do. They set out to find a solution to a problem that wasn't being solved--how to handle all of the moving parts of life's memorable moments.

Think about it. If you take your age and multiply it by the number of birthdays, holidays, life events, and festivals you attend over a lifetime, the number is truly overwhelming. Now, think about all the cards you receive and the photos you take.

Here are just a few of the solutions E-Bration is bringing to our overly cluttered and disorganized lives (and reasons to check them out):

Card fatigue (too many paper cards)
Declutters show boxes and storage bins from the garage.
Create a digital card platform your family can enjoy years from now.

They built a product and tested it with beta groups 10 months before officially launching their company.

3 Startup Lessons to Remember:

Feedback! Feedback ! Feedback!
Look for opportunities to partner with adjacent businesses
Connections matter, let people know what you're up to.

My biggest piece of advice is just getting feedback from as many people as possible, getting connected with people in your industry, and startup advisors. - Jeff Cohen

Connect with Shea and Jeff:

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How to Turn a Mission of Helping Children into a Business with Wendy Ward EP 19

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0000

When you're a parent, one of the most challenging things you can face is mental health issues affecting your child. It's difficult to imagine and tougher to discuss when you are in the middle of dealing with the consequences of your son or daughter going through a crisis especially when mental health issues have been left undiagnosed.

Wendy Ward is a loving mother and passionate advocate who went through exactly this. Turning to her problem-solving nature, she dove headfirst into research that opened her eyes to whole new world of problems needing solutions regarding children's mental health.

Did you know?

Suicide is the second leading cause of death [for] children aged 10-24

FuturesThrive is the company Wendy founded. Her journey began with the mission to uncover why mental health in kids was not being diagnosed. She focused on better mental health screening and partnering with parents and medical professionals to upgrade a standard that has been unchanged for too long.

1 in 5 kids suffer from a diagnosable mental health condition

In this episode, Wendy shares both about her mission to improve mental health screenings and how her mission has evolved to a full-on tech business recognized by the State of Connecticut making an impact.

Two key ideas Wendy discusses that have been helpful in growing and shaping FuturesThrive:

Building a team of people that support the vision and motivate you
Focusing on the minimally viable product (MVP) that accomplishes the next best goal.

The way Wendy's journey has taken shape over time is truly inspiring.

"FuturesThrive is really truly creating the tools that can identify and track pediatric mental health easily, early, and often."

FuturesThrive has such a powerful message and honorable mission "to start early intervention and prevention the way we do for every other health measure."

If you have a child between 9 and 14 years of age, you can be part of the research to move FuturesThrive forward by sitting with your child while they take this survey.

Connect with Wendy Ward:

Twitter

Connect with Nancy Sheed:

Twitter

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Better Leaders Are Better Communicators EP 18

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Being a more effective leader may be one of the most coveted skills in business. Whether you are an entrepreneur, solopreneur or executive, being effective in your role managing teams is critical.

Carrie Skowronski is a Business Consultant, Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, Dare to Lead™️ Facilitator, and the founder of Leadology. As a member of the Havyn community, she's made her way here from New York City and has been finding ways to creatively thrive as an entrepreneur through Covid.

3 Key Points Carrie Touches On:

How and why she helps new managers become more proficient as leaders
How she helps managers become influential communicators
How to assess your top five strengths and navigate your way around your bottom five

Though Carrie specializes in working with new managers, her advice and outlook on the importance of communication is almost universal. Being able to communicate effectively, get feedback, and really galvanize your team regardless of your role or the size of your team is a critical skill worth developing.

Carrie is also certified in the Brene Brown Dare to Lead Journey and she shares the value she's experienced in taking the Top 5 Clifton Strengths assessment to learn the top 5 strengths of herself and the people she helps.

In the end, the goal of being a better communicator is being able to inspire and influence your team to action that moves the business forward.

Connect with Carrie:

Activate, 8 Week Effective Leader Accelerator Course

Connect with Nancy:

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3 Steps to Better Money Habits and Personal Finance for Entrepreneurs EP 17

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Financial literacy, personal finance, and investing may be words that make you cringe, but surely we can agree on their importance. Nancy Sheed is speaking to HAVYN member and financial literacy expert, Galia Gichon about 3 easy steps you can take today to help you gain a little control and more confidence for better financial decisions.

Galia Gichon's approach to personal finance is also the name of her website, Down to Earth Finance where she is using 20 years of experience from finance and 10 years of experience from Wall Street to help women, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and anyone willing to simplify their finances and feel more empowered.

In this episode, Galia explains why these 3 steps are so important and why they are a great place to start understanding your finances and the options available to you.

3 Steps to Better Money Habits:

Learn what investments you have (this is empowering)
Consolidate your investments (save on fees and frustrations)
Look at the Retirement Forecast Calculator (plan for the future)

Nancy also highlights the incredible author Galia is. She released her first book, The Accidental Suffragist, a historical fiction that weaves together the values, passion, and love Galia has for female empowerment.

Something inspiring that Galia shares, we can all take with us, is the power of doing something for yourself. Her journey to becoming a published author started as a selfish time for herself to enjoy and be part of something different. Feeding our inner desires and pursuing our passions can lead to a number of possibilities, but you'll never know if you don't open up and explore.

Connect with Galia:

Connect with Nancy:

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Marketing Series: Generating Social Media Content - A Discussion with an Influencer EP 16

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Join Sue Yasav, CEO of Marquette Marketing as she talks to Hayley Segar, a social media influencer with tens of thousands of followers. Hayley has been on social media since she was 12 years old and she shares tips on how to expand your following and get noticed using social media strategies. She discusses specific social media channels, as well as how to generate great content for specific audiences. Hayley's info: ● YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvXWn2EjTVUanEeOAAm4tw ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleysegar/?hl=en ● Contact Hayley at: hayleyistcb@gmail.com Sue Yasav is a marketing expert and the CEO and founder of Marquette Marketing, focusing on marketing strategy, positioning and content for small and medium-sized businesses and startups.

You can contact Sue at sue@marquettemarketing.com.

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Bridal Experience at its Best in the Middle of a Pandemic, with Ashley Krauss EP 15

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Weddings are where brides shine the brightest and that is where Ashley Krauss comes in, the founder and owner of A Little Something White bridal boutique. Co-host Nancy Sheed will be talking about the experience that a bride wishes to have on their wedding day and how Ashley and her team fulfill those despite the pandemic.

Ashley named the kind of assistance that a full-service bridal boutique serves from bridal gowns to accessories to bridesmaids' dresses and bridal gown alterations up to gown cleaning. Serving their bride's fashion needs will always be the top priority.

Even if Ashley's educational and work background was far from her current role, she believed that the seeds of the dream were already born way back when she was little and she used to play dress-up with her younger sister. After her son was born and a few months of soul-searching, she finally found the perfect calling and that is bridal fashion.

As pointed out by Nancy, owning bricks and mortar store may have had its own challenges especially when the pandemic started but Ashley proved still that competition is less likely to measure up once the core soul of the business (which are bridal gowns) have already been established and the experiential value the company offers remains to be a stand-out amidst the current circumstances.

Ashley also shares why 2020 turned out to be a successful year for A Little Something White and these are:

You have to know what your brides are going to want to wear and you have to buy with them in mind.
Hire people who are excellent communicators and have a good work ethic and personality.
One of her values systems is treating their brides like their sister/ best friend and that extends across the entire team.
Step out of the way of those good people in the team and let them shine.

After COVID, Ashley actually believes that a business managed correctly should be able to thrive without the owner there every day. Alongside, she spent more time on business growth opportunities than on day-to-day business affairs.

Building a reputation in the wedding industry also took years of work and Ashley knows the growth can continue moving forward with proper networking and further exposure with the right connections. Being a social member of the Hayvn community and participating in numerous events help her meet an incredible group of people to bounce off ideas with.

You can find Ashley Krauss store address on her website HERE.

Or email her at: ashley@alswbridal.com.

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Marketing Series: How to Get Found on Google Using SEO Strategy EP 14

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Join Sue Yasav, CEO of Marquette Marketing and Nalini Goolsaran, CEO of Edgespace Marketing, as they discuss how to perfect your search engine strategy. We discuss how to get found on Google and using keyword analytics to get prioritized in search results.The discussion will also include creating a search optimized website, free tools to find keywords and analytics to measure success. This podcast is a wealth of information for those who need to learn the basics of SEO. Contact for Nalini Goolsaran: info@edgespacemktg.com or https://edgespacemktg.com/ Sue Yasav is a marketing expert and the CEO and founder of Marquette Marketing, focusing on marketing strategy, positioning and content for small and medium-sized businesses and startups.

You can contact Sue at sue@marquettemarketing.com.

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Staying on Top of your Business with Automation: Know which works best for you, with Gina Palcio EP 13

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, Nancy Sheed will talk about real business solutions for small business owners with the accounting guru, Gina Palcio of Level & True Accounting. Gina's entrepreneurial roots from their family business sparked her inspiration to pursue helping small businesses level up their game through customized accounting system automation.

Before starting out a small business, Gina shares the following fine points to ponder with:

Take care of all the legal paperwork to avoid serious consequences.
Accounting software is just a tool. You still need professionals to make it work smart for you.
Be on the lookout for proper guidance and the right information from the start.
In choosing the right accounting system to set up, know your options and always weigh the pros and cons.

Gina also shared some of the processes which can be simplified through the system of automation. This will eliminate a lot of work right up front and would only require certain approvals.

The basics in the proper set-up of automated accounting systems is already a huge time-saver and efficient management helps in maintaining the accuracy of data delivered for the owner's decision-making needs.

Gina also pointed out the importance of understanding your true cost as a business owner at the end of a business year and how taking automation to a whole new level plays a big role in it.

There are recommendations that Gina revealed in getting the beauty of automation amid data security concerns and these are some of the things one must look into if you want sophisticated bank-level security. Another thing she emphasized is the creation of important audit trails through historical information access and gave out tips to avoid fraud and hacking problems in the future.

Being proactive in the business and on top of your numbers is one of the major factors Gina sees will make an automated system work well for any business. Better systems. Effective automation. Smoother accounting.

Get hold of Gina Palcio through her website HERE.

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Marketing Series: How to Create a Great Website EP 12

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Your website is the first thing your potential customer notices when becoming aware of your brand. It's crucial to have a website that is engaging, clear and compelling. Join Sue Yasav, CEO and Founder of Marquette Marketing, as she outlines the steps to create a best-in-class website. She also discusses best practices as well as do's and don'ts of website design. At the end of the session, you'll be armed with the perfect blend of content and visual engagement to make your website a winning part of your marketing strategy. Sue Yasav is a marketing expert and the CEO and founder of Marquette Marketing, focusing on marketing strategy, positioning and content for small and medium-sized businesses and startups.

You can contact Sue at sue@marquettemarketing.com.

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The B Corporation Impact with Jenifer Gorin EP 11

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Nancy is talking with Jenifer Gorin, the CEO and founder of Impact Growth Partners.

She founded Impact Growth Partners after identifying a need for businesses to streamline how they measure, improve, and communicate the good they do. Jen leverages her traditional business experience to lead best in class social and environmental impact consulting services.

What is a B Corporation?

It is a certification for companies that are operating in a good way across all platforms.

"Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This is a community of leaders, driving a global movement of people using business as a force for good."

This is a global standard, and only 1700 companies in the US are currently operating as a B corporation.

How did you get started as a B Corporation Specialist?

Like many of us, Jen's journey didn't start here. She worked in corporate banking and finance first. She learned about impact businesses about 5 years ago and realized it was possible for companies to be profitable and do well, in all aspects of their operations.

How would a company start this process?

The process starts with an online questionnaire that is based on the size and type of business.

It covers these 5 areas: governance, customers, workers, community and environment. Two things to note: this process is free. If you want to explore you can go to the website and take the B Impact Assessment.

Jen's company can help, as the assessment is complex and detailed. The goal is to get to 80%. She explains that the process itself is likely to help you gain clarity around your company's vison and mission.

Interested in becoming a B Corporation?

That's where Jen can help. Companies contact her that absolutely know becoming a B Corporation is for them and want help with the process. She also explains that some companies reach out if they try to get certified and realize they don't have all the documentation they need.

She is passionate about helping more companies and encourages anyone to reach out for a conversation to see how this works.

It's not just a certification, it's a movement!

Being a HAYVN member has help Jen find resources from other members and she's helping 2 members on their B Corporation journey!

Connect with Jen

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Marketing Series: How to be a Thought Leader EP 10

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Thought leaders are respected, sought after and ultimately pay less for marketing. How do you become a thought leader in your field? Join Sue Yasav, CEO and Founder of Marquette Marketing, as she goes through the steps to get known as a thought leader. See how a simple 5-Step Plan can set you up as a respected and sought-after thought leader that attracts and engages an audience. Sue Yasav is a marketing expert and the CEO and founder of Marquette Marketing, focusing on marketing strategy, positioning and content for small and medium-sized businesses and startups.

You can contact Sue at sue@marquettemarketing.com.

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Women Empowerment through the Eyes of a Freedom Warrior, with Amy Polacko EP: 9

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000

It's never been more important to have a community of like-minded individuals that you can turn to. Co-host Nancy Sheed speaks with Amy Polacko, an entrepreneur and advocate for women empowerment. Amy has always been involved in strong savvy women programs and is currently running her business, Freedom Warrior.

Amy's inspiration for this program began when she started her journey as a divorced, single mom. She believes when women take their power back, after a divorce or a toxic relationship, true healing can begin.

She shares how to find a community that can help you. She explains that there is power in being part of a group where you can contribute and get be helped by others. There's more than one kind of group for women in transition and she encourages everyone to find one that fits you. Amy's group is always finding ways to help those in need and might be one you'd like to check out.

What started as a support group has grown to a community of women from all stages and is paying it forward to others. Topics range from finances, careers, legal subjects, and even dating. A sense of belonging and the support (of a group or community) can help to overcome trauma by way of practicing empathy.

To Amy, discovering one's life purpose is the first step to helping other women achieve their full potential. Finding what gets their heart racing every morning and from there, take solid action steps.

The culture of support has existed within the HAYVN community from the beginning. One example, the HAYVN book group, has discussed empathy and raising people up. It's a safe place to grow, make connections and try new things.

Book recommendations:

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

By: Bessel van der Kolk

What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

By: Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey

The Listening Path: The Creative Art of Attention - A Six Week Artist's Way Programme By: Julia Cameron

Connect with Amy

Facebook Group

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Marketing Series: How to Create Great Content EP: 8

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000

You can contact Sue at sue@marquettemarketing.com. Website: www.marquettemarketing.com

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Planet, People and Prosperity for all with Heather K. Terry EP: 7

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Host Nancy Sheed is talking with Heather Terry. She's the Founder and CEO of GoodSam Foods. In this episode, they are discussing the business of doing good, entrepreneurship and business growth. Her story is compelling because like many of us, how she got here wasn't predictable.

Heather started her career acting in New York. She performed on Broadway and television. Nutrition and diet became a focus when Heather's dad was dealing with non-Hodgins Lymphoma. She soon found herself learning all she could about nutrition.

Chocolate was always on the menu, and Heather started to make her own. Her friends loved it, so she decided to go into business. With a business partner on board, she developed the first non-GMO chocolate - ahead of the big brands.

Sam Stroot was one of her first clients, and she quickly realized he had contacts that would allow her to work directly with the growers. They partnered up and together they formed GoodSam into the company it is today.

"You cannot … just jump on a trend and not be authentic about it."

Terry shares how companies can make shifts to embrace regenerative practices, or sustainable sourcing. First comes passion. If it comes from a place of passion, it will work out. Caring matters!

Baby steps matter too. Start where you are. She shares 3 key things to consider when planning your social initiatives (huge help!) to set yourself up for success.

How can you get started?

Local community is a great place to start.
Get clear about what really matters to you.
It doesn't have to be perfect.
Start somewhere.
Your business goals matter too. Making a profit while doing good is key.

Terry breaks down the win/win/win model. She also gives some ideas about how that can look in other businesses.

"You can make a lot more impact listening to your partners than deciding what it is you want to put on it." Terry's advice for companies and leaders looking to create a social impact program.

Connect with Heather

GoodSam Foods Instagram

Heather Terry Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heatherkterry/?hl=en

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Marketing Series: How to Design the Perfect Market Research Study EP: 6

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0000

A well designed market research study is invaluable to get into the hearts and minds of your potential customers. Join Sue Yasav as she outlines the tools to create a clear and actionable market research study. A good research study can assess the need for your product, clarify purchase drivers and identify pain points. Learn how to do market research the right way to minimize cost and take the guesswork out of your marketing efforts.

Sue Yasav is a marketing expert and the CEO and founder of Marquette Marketing, focusing on marketing strategy, positioning and content for small and medium-sized businesses and startups. You can contact Sue at sue@marquettemarketing.com. Website: www.marquettemarketing.com

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Continuing the Healthcare Advocacy beyond COVID with Anne McGuire EP: 5

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Today, co-host Nancy Sheed tackles the ins and outs of healthcare management with the founder of Healthcare Pathfinder, Ann McGuire. Ann's decision to enter the business world after a career in nursing was a big change.

She shares how her experiences provided the insight for a start-up in the healthcare industry.

Running a comprehensive healthcare service requires years of understanding how the healthcare system works. It's complicated and Ann recognized serving patients was the most important part of healthcare management.

Healthcare Pathfinder began to help people to manage their health and long-term care insurance. It was a natural fit after her years in the healthcare field.

Choosing coverage, managing access and continued advocacy are key parts of the services. Ann is dedicated to ensuring all areas are covered as part of the patient's journey.

Taking that big leap to start the business, Ann explains the steps in her transition. She truly enjoys working with her clients in all phases including intake, setting expectations, and planning.

The evolution of the healthcare system to the Affordable Care Act opened opportunities for Healthcare Pathfinder to help people manage traditional coverage and their long-term healthcare.

Ann describes how being in a helpful community like HAYVN has expanded her network. She's learned from others and has improved how she runs her business. Her advice: do your research and look for support. Be proactive about connecting with others.

Connect with Ann:

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Marketing Series: Defining the Perfect Value Proposition and Positioning for your Business EP: 4

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0000

A great value proposition is relevant, differentiated and credible. It perfectly combines the strengths of a brand, with competitor gaps and customer needs. But how do you know if you have the perfect value proposition for your brand? Join Sue Yasav, the CEO and Founder of Marquette Marketing, as she goes through proven steps to create the value proposition and positioning statement for your business. Use the concepts from this podcast to inspire action with your brand positioning.

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Marketing Series: The Marketing Funnel EP: 2

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Sue Yasav, CEO and founder of Marquette Marketing shares the foundations of the marketing funnel. This is part one of a series to help listeners grow their marketing savvy.

How can a marketing funnel help?

Awareness – people need to know who you are, what you do and how to connect with you. Sue details 3 ways you can expand awareness in your industry and market. You'll get specific steps that you can implement right away.
Consideration – how are people engaging with you? When people find you, are they clear about what you do and the services you offer? You'll find the fastest way to connect with your website visitors and people looking for your product/services.
Conversion – This is where the money is made. How can you increase the number of purchases from your proposal and offers? Sue explains easy steps you can implement to help you see more sales.

Next in the series: How to create your value proposition and positioning statement.

Connect with Sue: