HAYVN Hubcast

Founder Felicia Rubinstein discusses the success of HAYVN coworking space in adapting to changing work environments. Topics include B-Corp certification impact, redefining remote work, and the four pillars guiding HAYVN's decisions. Exciting plans for the future and building a strong and thriving community at HAYVN.

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 Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

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

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 LinkedIn Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram

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  Facebook  LinkedIn  Connect with Nancy:  Website  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter 

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

Topics discussed include recalibration in the workforce, challenges for mid-level managers, and upskilling as a strategy. Eileen Springer emphasizes the importance of courage in the workplace and self-care for managers. The podcast also covers navigating workplace changes amidst the pandemic and matching skills to job requirements.

Clovia McIntosh, recent MBA graduate from the University of Bridgeport business school, shares her remarkable experience in establishing her company, IRL Innovations. Topics discussed include the start-up journey, building Tubee - a child safety bathtub insert, key lessons learned from entrepreneurship, resilience, and finding help and resources.

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we have the privilege of hearing from Ann Murray, Co-Founder of Schedulete, an innovative online platform designed to streamline the scheduling process for coaches. With a focus on optimizing scheduling efficiency and reducing time and effort, Schedulete has become a game-changer in the coaching industry.  Throughout the conversation, Ann shares valuable insights from her entrepreneurial journey with her co-founder (and daughter) Alexa Murray, offering practical lessons for those embarking on their own business ventures:  Discover the power of collaboration as diverse skill sets and strengths converge to create something extraordinary.  Emphasize continuous product development as a driving force behind sustained success.  Navigating between the different fundraising and strategic partnership options and deciding which is best for your business growth.  “It always takes longer to build something than you anticipate.” -Ann Murray  Ann also opens up about her connection to the HAYVN community, recounting how it played an essential role in her entrepreneurial growth. From participating in the  HAYVN Hatch to the ongoing support, Ann highlights the tremendous value that comes from being part of the HAYVN ecosystem.  Join us as we dive into Schedulete’s startup journey, a story of ingenuity, partnership, and its growing impact on the coaching industry.  Connect with Ann Murray:  Website  LinkedIn  Connect with Nancy:  Website  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter 

Christine Sullivan, Marie Rocha, Joana Smith, and Isis-Rae Goulbourne, members of Realist Lab, discuss the value of investing in people and nurturing talent, the role of solid leadership in company growth, and the transformative impact Realist Lab is making in the investment ecosystem.