Hayvn Hubcast: Recent Episodes
#HayvnCoworking
Hayvn Hubcast is a weekly podcast providing business owners and professionals the advice they need to help their businesses grow, thrive and succeed. In each episode you’ll hear and learn from experts in the Hayvn (co-working) community on all aspects of starting, managing and growing your business.
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
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Beth
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Rachael & Kinney Lane
Kinney Lane Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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
Website
Social Media: @OrbitCrates
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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
Connect with Nancy
Website
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/
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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
Connect with Nancy
Website
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
📌 Connect with Nancy Sheed
- Website
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
Connect with Nancy:
LinkedIn:Instagram: Website
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: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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.
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
Website
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.
Connect with Joanna Shu on LinkedIn
FreezeNit website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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
hello@ainarathedesigns.com
SCORE
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Andrea:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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:
Website
LinkedIn - personal
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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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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.
Connect with Dominique Johnson:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
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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.
Connect with Kelly De La Rocha:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
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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.
Connect with Catherine Avery:
Website
YouTube
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Asami Green:
Website
Connect with Tracy Visceglia:
Connect with Nancy:
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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.
Connect with Shannon Malkin Daniels:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Felicia Rubinstein:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Danica:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Alchemists Laboratories:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
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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:
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Businesses face common challenges as they try to incorporate sustainability and understand where they can make the most social and environmental impact.
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ESG Backlash:
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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.
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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.
Connect with Silvina Skverer:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
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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.
Connect with Alchemists Laboratories:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
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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.
Connect with State Representative Tracy Marra:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
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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.
Connect with Kara Mac:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
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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.
Connect with Ed Knight
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Congressman Jim Himes:
Website
YouTube
Connect with Nancy:
Website
Threads
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.
Connect with Tori Brown:
Website
YouTube
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Lana Gifas:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Merry
Connect with Nancy
Website
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.
Connect with Alison Malloy:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Annie
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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!
Connect with Felicia:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Lutonya Russell-Humes:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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/
Connect with Kristen Hallett Rzasa:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with CP Heda:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Carol Cheswick:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Laura Incerto:
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Eileen Springer:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Clovia McIntosh:
Website
Learn about:
MakeHaven, a full makerspace and Fab Lab
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
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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.
Connect with Ann Murray:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with:
Realist Lab Venture
Marie Rocha
Joana G. Smith
Christine Sullivan
Isis-Rae Goulbourne
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Gina Havraneck:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Lisa Hurd:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Tidal River:
Website
Connect with Chris Gelnaw:
Connect with Galia Gichon:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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)! .
Connect with Jenn T. Grace:
Website
Publish Your Purpose
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Simone Morris:
Website
YouTube
Connect with Nancy:
Website
The Founder of Soul Camp Creative, Michele Garside is on the podcast today! Michele 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.
Michele worked for some of the biggest brands helping them create effective branding and messaging. She was at the top of her career when she had 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 that the work she was good at 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 they are in service of this concept for their clients. They help their them create their 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? Michele 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.”
Soul Camp is coming back! Michele shares that it September 7-10 it’s 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 Michele:
Soul Camp Creative
Enchantment Experience
Connecticut Women’s Club
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:
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The regenerative way of conducting your business
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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.
Connect with Heather K. Terry:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Phyllis Weihs-Yavner:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with Fran Hauser:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
Connect with LiveGirl:
Website
YouTube
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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:
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How she found her way from the corporate advertising world to real estate and the joys of helping people find their dream homes.
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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.
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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/
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.
Connect with Suzy:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
Website
Few would consider communications, relations, and finance as related fields, but entrepreneurs who need to wear multiple hats and play numerous roles, need to navigate and master these varying skills to succeed.
Today we are joined by Deborah 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 also founded 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:
- The relationships and partnerships you need as an entrepreneur
- Going back to the “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 because of the HAVYN events where she can meet different entrepreneurs and help them with their finance and branding. 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.,
YouTube
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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/
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Lauren Rosato:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Heather Burns:
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Marie Patel:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Katy Kinsella:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Dr. Leonaura Rhodes:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Curtis Battles:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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
Connect with Debra Lutsky:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Lynne Pagano at The CoCo:
Website
Connect with Felicia Rubinstein at HAYVN:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Shelise Josephs & Kadene Lafontant:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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
Connect with Holly Hurd:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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.
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.
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:
Get Tips to Green Your Business Here
Website
Soledad on LinkedIn
Conscious Leader Network
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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:
Website
Activate, 8 Week Effective Leader Accelerator Course
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Galia:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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
Website: www.marquettemarketing.com
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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 Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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
Connect with Dr. Courtney Toombs:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Joan Jia:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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!
Connect with Linda Stephens:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Susan Singer:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Dr. Hilary Berger:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Kim Barron:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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:
Website
Email: Amanda@mywordpublishing.com
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Lisa Corrado:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Hayley Segar:
Website
TikTok
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Pat Duncan:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Becca Feeley:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Sarah Spear:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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:
Website
P Garyn Productions
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Maria Allen:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with Rache Brand:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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:
Website
Linda’s Tech Tips
Email: Linda@CMITstamford.com
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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:
Website
Linda’s Tech Tips
Email: Linda@CMITstamford.com
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with IT expert Linda Kuppersmith:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Connect with IT expert Linda Kuppersmith:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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:
Website
Email: hello@havyn.com
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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:
Website
Email: ACB@brooks-lawpllc.com
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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:
Website
Email: Eileen@CentralParkExecutivecoaching.com
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.intellihealth.co/
https://www.evolveme.health/
Connect with Nancy:
Website
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
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.
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.
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:Get Tips to Green Your Business Here
Website
Soledad on LinkedIn
Conscious Leader Network
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:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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:
Website
Connect with Nancy Sheed:
Website
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
“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 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:
Website
Activate, 8 Week Effective Leader Accelerator Course
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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:
Website
Connect with Nancy:
NancySheed.com
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.
Website: www.marquettemarketing.com
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.
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.
Website: www.marquettemarketing.com
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.
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.
Website: www.marquettemarketing.com
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
Website
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.
Website: www.marquettemarketing.com
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
Website
Facebook Group
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
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
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
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:
Website
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.
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
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:
Website
Hayvn Website
Co-host Nancy Sheed talks with E. A. Stribling-Kivlan a real estate legacy (she’ll explain). She studied theology, specifically modern Hindu thought in college so you know her professional journey wasn’t predictable and she never expected to be in real estate.
Necessity and circumstances led her to the world she’d seen since childhood.
E. A. explains how the family led business merged with Compass. What’s it like to go from family owned (with an amazing, inclusive culture) to a corporate entity? E. A. explains how she and her company navigated this major move.
Why is culture so important? E. A. shares her insights. Hear how she determines what is a good fit long term. It’s a simple concept that helps keep the most important aspect in mind.
Trusted advisors and community are key to long term success. It’s refreshing to hear how important it is to have access to others who can help provide perspective. E. A. explains how Hayvn has been a place for support with an environment conducive for creating connections.
Compass
E. A. on Instagram
Hayvn Website
Community comes first with Hayvn founder and owner Felicia Rubinstein. On this inagural episode she shares the mic with Nancy Sheed and Sus Yasav to talk about Hayvn, a co-working space where you can connect, create and get stuff done.