HAYVN Hubcast

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast host Nancy Sheed talks with Marty Isaac, President and Managing Director of the Angel Investor Forum, Connecticut's leading network of early-stage investors. Marty brings a refreshing, community-minded perspective to angel investing — one built on curiosity and collaboration. "There are no sharp elbows in our group. We all want the companies — and each other — to win." A former GE and consumer marketing executive turned investor and civic leader, Marty shares how he built his portfolio — from early, overzealous investments to smart, diversified "small bets" — and why he's so passionate about supporting founders and helping build strong management teams. Key Points Angel investing isn't just for the ultra-wealthy anymore — while investors still must be accredited, angel groups and diversified funds have made participation more accessible and structured. Risk is extremely high, with 50% of early-stage companies failing and another 20% not returning capital — which is why the power law (a few big wins) drives overall returns. Diversification is essential, with Marty recommending at least 20 investments over five years or participation in a fund to increase the odds of catching an outlier success. What angels look for comes down to three fundamentals: the problem, the solution, and how the business makes money — but the management team remains the most critical factor in determining whether a company can execute. Proof Over Ideas: Today's investors no longer fund pitch decks alone — lower startup costs mean founders are expected to show real traction through proof points like customer validation, pilot programs, or early revenue to demonstrate market fit before attracting capital. Marty's insights offer a grounded, practical look into the realities of angel investing today — from the risks and rewards to the strategic thinking required on both sides of the table. He also shares what's happening in the broader world of angel investing — from how Connecticut's startup scene has grown to what investors are watching closely right now. Whether you're a "founder" seeking capital or an "investor" exploring the startup ecosystem, Marty's candid reflections and open arms optimism make this conversation educational, energizing, and actionable. Connect with Marty Website LinkedIn Connect with Nancy LinkedIn Instagram Website

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy sits down with seasoned executive recruiter Darcy Ahl, who shares her winding career path—from writing romance-novel blurbs to working in brand management and advertising, and ultimately building a 20-year career in executive search where she is currently partner at Ahl, Berrien & Partners. Darcy offers grounded insights on what has changed (and what has not) in recruiting, the continued importance of EQ (Emotional Intelligence), and how relationships fuel her national cross-industry success. Key Takeaways Relationships drive business: Darcy works across industries thanks to decades-long relationships, referrals, and her personalized, high-touch approach. The role of technology: Tools and platforms have changed dramatically, but Darcy cautions against mass-posting jobs—most hires still come from curated networks, not hundreds of irrelevant applicants. Current challenges in mission-driven industries: Across many impact-oriented sectors, raising capital has become more challenging — but the caliber of talent and conviction in these fields remains remarkably strong. The shifting workplace: Post-COVID dynamics continue to evolve; hybrid isn't guaranteed anymore, with many companies pushing back to the office—impacting retention, especially among women. Leadership priorities: Companies increasingly seek leaders with turnaround experience, strong communication, and the ability to guide organizations through rapid change. Future workforce predictions: Despite the rise of AI, Darcy believes humans—particularly middle and upper managers—will remain essential. "AI can write a great job description, but it can't tell me what makes someone tick." In a hiring landscape defined by constant change, Darcy's perspective is a refreshing reminder that while tools and trends will continue to evolve, the heart of executive search remains deeply human. Her emphasis on empathy, relationships, and genuine curiosity underscores what truly drives successful placements and thriving careers. Whether you're a job seeker, a business leader, or simply navigating your next professional chapter, Darcy's insights offer both clarity and encouragement for the road ahead. Connect with Darcy LInkedIn Website Connect with Nancy LinkedIn Instagram Website

In this episode, Nancy sits down with Shirley Xu-Weldon, a former Google executive turned entrepreneur who's redefining what it means to live and lead with purpose. Shirley shares her inspiring journey from her childhood in China to becoming a successful businesswoman in New York, where her curiosity, discipline, and drive helped her navigate industries as varied as finance, advertising, and tech. When the pandemic hit, Shirley used that pause to reflect deeply on what she wanted next. The result? A bold pivot into the cannabis and wellness space, where she founded Leafology (a welcoming, stigma-free dispensary in White Plains, NY) and later Muze, a clean-label cannabis beverage line that's redefining what it means to relax and unwind—without the sugar, chemicals, or shame. Key Takeaways From Corporate to Cannabis: After a decade at Google, Shirley wanted her next chapter to be about purpose and passion. She saw an opportunity to make cannabis approachable and accessible for people like her, moms, professionals, and health-conscious consumers. Creating a New Kind of Space: With Leafology, Shirley built a dispensary that welcomes everyone, from longtime cannabis users to curious first-timers, by focusing on education, safety, and community. Muze: Wellness in a Can: Her clean, functional cannabis beverages blend THC with vitamins and adaptogens, providing a modern, mindful alternative to alcohol. Muze is now distributed in several states, from Connecticut to New Jersey and soon New York and Virginia. Lessons from Google: Shirley credits her success to embracing what Google calls being "uncomfortably excited" staying adaptable, curious, and open to change in fast-moving industries. Community and Connection: Coworking spaces like HAYVN have provided the environment and energy she needs to separate work and home life, stay focused, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. This episode is equal parts business insight, personal reinvention, and cultural education. Perfect for anyone curious about entrepreneurship, the evolving wellness market, or redefining success on your own terms. Connect with Shirley Leafology LinkedIn Instagram Drink Muze Connect with Nancy LinkedIn Instagram Website

On this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sat down with Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily, the powerhouse duo behind The Granola Bar. What started as a single idea between two friends has grown into a thriving restaurant group with multiple locations and now, expansion into New York City. Julie and Dana's story is one of grit, instinct, and staying true to their community. They shared candid insights about: Scaling with heart. Growth isn't just about more stores, it's about profitability, efficiency, and staying rooted in values. Partnership as a foundation. Their friendship and honest communication have been the glue holding their business together through the ups and downs. Culture over everything. "We're not selling food, we're selling connection." Their mission is baked into every store, every team member, and every customer experience. Evolving as leaders. From doing everything on instinct to bringing in a CEO and experienced team, they've embraced change without losing their identity. Community ties. From their first suburban café to catering and events, to their HAYVN connections, Julie and Dana prove the best businesses grow from authentic relationships. Listening to them is equal parts inspiring and energizing. Their story is proof that you don't need all the answers to start, you need vision, partnership, and the willingness to grow along the way. This interview is pure entrepreneurial gold and laugh-out-loud funny. Whether you're a foodie, a fan of The Granola Bar, or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, Dana and Julie's story will leave you hungry (pun intended!) to dream bigger and take bold action. Connect with Dana and Julie Website Connect with Nancy LinkedIn Instagram Website

Nancy Sheed, host of HAYVN Hubcast talks with author Betsy Lerner, and she takes us from blue pencils and slush piles to BookTok and bestsellers. She shares how she moved from editorial roles at major houses to agenting for the flexibility publishing didn't offer at the time, and how that entrepreneurial leap paid off. We get her "discoverability" playbook (from magazine racks on the streets of New York to TikTok), candid advice on today's path to publication, the backstory of Shred Sisters, and her refreshingly practical mindset on rejection: don't dwell on no, keep looking for the yes. Nancy's conversation with Betsy covers: Breaking into publishing (then vs. now): The traditional path runs through a literary agent, and today, platform, credentials, or media access often matter (especially in nonfiction). Fiction still benefits from strong pedigree and publication credits. From editor to agent: Betsy left editorial for agenting to gain flexibility while raising a child. She brought authors she'd developed as an editor, pairing editorial instincts with a builder's mindset. Talent discovery, old-school and new: Pre-internet, she scoured magazine racks to spot compelling voices, famously writing to "Merlin" (Neil deGrasse Tyson) after seeing his cosmos cartoons. Today, she finds serious experts on TikTok and checks longer-form writing (e.g., Substack) to validate voice. TikTok is not just "kids dancing": BookTok (and STEM talk) hosts passionate, informed communities that genuinely move book sales these days. Consistency and a clear "lane" matter; think of it as your own channel. Creating Shred Sisters: After an intensive nonfiction collaboration with Temple Grandin, Betsy unexpectedly drafted her novel over seven months during COVID, then spent two years revising. The story was fueled by profound personal losses and deepened bonds with her sisters. Thick skin required: Even as a well-known agent, Betsy got rejections on her novel and emphasizes not getting mired in the "no." You only need the right "yes." Connect with Betsy The Forest for the Trees: An Editors Advice to Writers Website TikTok Connect with Nancy LinkedIn Instagram Website

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

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with Marilynn Joyner, a former commercial real estate exec turned tech founder, to unpack her journey from corporate intensity to building Her Workplace, an AI-powered career platform designed for ambitious Gen Z and millennial women. Key Highlights: A Career on Her Terms: Marilynn's early career in commercial real estate exposed her to a male-dominated, competitive culture. Despite early success, she realized she was following rules she didn't create and sought more autonomy and purpose. The Pivot Point: While attending Columbia Business School, Marilynn's experiences, coupled with the pandemic slowdown. sparked her entrepreneurial journey. A side project, mentorship from a startup founder, and workplace burnout fueled her desire to create something new. Finding the Gap: Through conversations with friends and peers, she discovered a lack of career resources and support for mid-career women, those not yet in the C-suite but striving for leadership. This white space became the inspiration for Her Workplace. From Idea to Impact: What began with 7 in-person events and a waitlist of 5,000 women turned into a full-fledged membership platform that now includes networking, mentorship, coaching, and AI-powered tools. AI for Human Connection: Her Workplace uses AI to match members with mentors, peers, and career resources, making career growth more personalized—and more human. "The mission of Her Workplace has always been to help women grow into leadership and enact change in their own careers, and now we're using tech to accelerate that." Connect with Marilynn Website Company Instagram Marilynn's Instagram Connect with Nancy LinkedIn Instagram Website

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed is joined by Petra Pasquina, a seasoned marketer turned tech entrepreneur and the creator of Groopl, a purpose-built app that makes it easier for small groups to connect, communicate, and stay organized. Petra shares her fascinating journey from corporate roles at Meta and MasterCard to founding a startup aimed at solving one of the most frustrating pain points of modern group life: the chaos of managing logistics across multiple platforms. "I always look for that white space… a place where people aren't being spoken to in the right way or there's an opportunity." After years of helping brands speak more clearly to their customers, including launching MasterCard's first Latinx marketing strategy, Petra saw a major opportunity to build something of her own. Fueled by pandemic-era isolation and digital overwhelm, Groopl was born to simplify and humanize the act of gathering. "I found myself using five different tools just to get a tennis group together—and even then, half the people didn't show up." Petra breaks down how Groopl combines the best parts of group chats, event invites, calendars, and community feeds all in one place. Designed especially for the unsung heroes who organize everything from volunteer circles to networking meetups, Groopl helps make connecting feel easy again. Currently available for free on iOS and Android, GROOPL is rolling out new features, including a pro tier for paid event organizers and a future enterprise version for larger organizations. Whether you're organizing a book club, a mastermind, or a neighborhood meetup, Petra and Groopl are making the act of gathering simpler, smoother, and more joyful. Connect with Petra: Groopl Email: petra@thegroopl.com Connect with Nancy: LinkedIn Instagram Website

In this inspiring episode of The HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with Kate Stone, founder of Kate Stone Prep, to trace the unconventional and intentional journey that led her from aspiring actress and world traveler to top-tier college admissions strategist. Kate's story is anything but linear, and that's what makes it so powerful. What started as a dream of working in film and television evolved into international teaching, private tutoring across the globe, and ultimately building a business that helps students not only get into college but thrive once they're there. Highlights of their conversation: From NYU to Bali: Kate shares how her time at NYU and a desire to experience the world led her to teach in Thailand and Bali, where she discovered her knack for helping students through tutoring then the college application process. The Acting Years: Commercial acting funded her freedom, and the performance skills she honed translated beautifully into storytelling, communication, and workshop facilitation — all essential in college admissions work. Finding Her Niche: A conversation with a former partner helped her pivot from general tutoring to the college application space, a decision that ultimately led to a thriving business supported by mentors and coaches. Beyond Admissions: It's not just about getting in, it's about helping students discover who they are, what drives them, and how to communicate that powerfully. Kate emphasizes developing soft skills, self-awareness, and networks of support. Building a Business with Purpose: Kate and her husband, Zach, have grown Kate Stone Prep into a standout service by focusing on authenticity, implementation, and complete dedication to their clients. Giving Back: Kate's commitment to accessibility shows up in her regular free Family College Night events and application workshops that equip students and families with actionable insights, no payment required. This episode is a must-listen for parents, students, educators, and entrepreneurs as well. Listen to hear how nontraditional paths can lead to exceptional impact. Connect with Kate Website Instagram Connect with Nancy LinkedIn Instagram Website

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: Instagram Healing Heroes Podcast Connect with Nancy: LinkedIn Instagram Website