HAYVN Hubcast

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 Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter  

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:  Website LinkedIn Twitter Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

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 Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn  Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

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 LinkedIn Twitter Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter  

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 Facebook Instagram YouTube Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

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 Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Tracy Visceglia: Instagram Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

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 Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter  

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 LinkedIn HAYVN Team Connect with HAYVN: Website YouTube Instagram LinkedIn FaceBook Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

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 LinkedIn Twitter Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

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 Facebook Instagram Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter