HAYVN Hubcast

In this special live episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, guest host Penny Goffman sits down in front of a LIVE HAYVN audience with podcasters Emily Roberts, host of The Big Move, and Nathalie Carpenter, host of All Over Again, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to start, grow, and sustain a podcast.

The conversation goes beyond microphones and downloads to explore the personal and professional sides of podcasting. Emily and Nathalie share how their shows began, how their approaches have evolved, what they've learned from mistakes, and why building a successful podcast doesn't require having everything figured out from day one.

Key Points

Penny's conversation with Emily and Nathalie shows that there's no perfect formula for creating a podcast. What matters is starting, learning, adapting, and continuing to build. A podcast can evolve alongside its host, audience, business, and life. The mistakes, pivots, technical mishaps, pauses, and unexpected opportunities are all part of the process.

Most importantly, you don't need to have the final version of your podcast figured out before you begin. Start with the next small move, stay connected to why you're doing it, and give yourself room to grow into what's next.

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Nancy Sheed welcomes Nicole Desir, founder of NOA Groupe, for a conversation about career pivots, entrepreneurship, and why brand strategy should guide—not follow—business growth.

Nicole shares how mentors helped her recognize strengths she had not yet identified in herself and how an unexpected path through corporate marketing eventually led her to launch her own consultancy. Today, as a brand strategist and fractional CMO, she helps founders, executives, and agencies connect their marketing decisions to larger business goals.

Key Points

Nancy and Nicole also discuss the less predictable side of professional growth: learning to adapt, recognizing when a role no longer fits, and remaining open to opportunities that were never part of the original plan.

This episode offers a practical look at how thoughtful brand leadership can help organizations move beyond disconnected marketing tactics and build for sustainable growth.

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In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed talks with Christine Lavin, founder of Lavin Advisory Group, to explore what really holds founder-led businesses back from sustainable growth. Drawing from her own entrepreneurial journey, Christine shares the lessons she learned after building and eventually closing a successful maternity activewear company, and how those experiences shaped her work helping other founders avoid burnout and build businesses that support both growth and well-being.

Key Topics

Christine reminds listeners that sustainable growth isn't about chasing every new trend or working harder. It's about building the right systems, knowing your strengths, seeking support before burnout sets in, and staying true to your vision while remaining adaptable. Through thoughtful strategy and strong community, founders can create businesses that grow alongside them instead of consuming them.

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On this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed welcomes AI strategist and consultant Jen Lehner for an engaging conversation about why artificial intelligence has become an essential business skill rather than a passing trend. Jen shares her journey from digital marketing and productivity coaching into becoming an AI expert, explaining that her fascination has always been about finding smarter, more efficient ways to work. Today, AI sits at the center of nearly every business conversation, from marketing and branding to productivity and operations.

Throughout the discussion, Jen makes AI feel approachable for business owners who may be hesitant or overwhelmed. Rather than focusing on technical jargon, she emphasizes that AI is built around language and communication, making it accessible to anyone who can clearly express what they want to accomplish. She also encourages listeners to stay curious, experiment without fear, and build enough AI literacy to understand what's possible, even if they ultimately rely on experts or virtual assistants to implement more advanced solutions.

Key Points

Nancy and Jen also explore the mindset shift that's happening as AI becomes part of everyday business. Instead of viewing it as something to fear or avoid, they encourage listeners to see it as a collaborative tool that expands creativity, improves productivity, and frees people to focus on higher-value work. The conversation reinforces that AI isn't replacing human insight but enhancing it when used thoughtfully.

This episode offers an encouraging and practical look at how business owners can embrace AI without feeling intimidated. Jen reminds listeners that curiosity, communication, and a willingness to learn matter far more than technical expertise. By building foundational AI knowledge and focusing on solving real business challenges, leaders can confidently use AI to work smarter, create more opportunities, and prepare their businesses for the future.

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On this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed is joined by Kelly Fitzpatrick, founder and president of Blue Park Restaurants, discussing her journey from working in hospitality to building successful restaurant concepts in New York City. Kelly shares how thoughtful career decisions, strong mentorship, and a willingness to take calculated risks helped her launch Blue Park Kitchen and now expand into franchising with Jersey Mike's and Magnolia Bakery.

Kelly’s story demonstrates that lasting business success comes from combining preparation with courage. By investing in experience, surrounding herself with strong mentors, and staying focused on building great teams and company culture, she's created a business that continues to grow through both independent concepts and national franchise partnerships. 

Her journey offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable hospitality businesses while remaining adaptable in an ever-changing marketplace.

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

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

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

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

Cate’s path to entrepreneurship began after more than two decades in international banking, where she developed a deep interest in mentorship, talent development, and advancing opportunities for women and underrepresented professionals.

Luminary was intentionally designed to support professional growth through education, programming, events, and access — not just shared workspace.

The pandemic forced Luminary to adapt quickly, accelerating virtual programming and digital memberships. Those shifts expanded Luminary’s reach far beyond New York City and created new pathways for national and global engagement.

Cate challenges the idea that strong networks can be built through marketing tactics alone. Real engagement requires listening, consistency, care, and an ongoing commitment to delivering value.

Today’s professionals are increasingly redefining success on their own terms. Whether they are entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, or navigating a career transition, many are prioritizing purpose, flexibility, fulfillment, and values over traditional measures of achievement.

The fundraising and startup landscape has also changed, with more founders focusing on profitability, sustainability, and building businesses that align with their lives rather than chasing growth at all costs.

Luminary’s partner network — which includes more than 50 mission-aligned spaces, including HAYVN — creates reciprocal access across the U.S. and internationally. For HAYVN members, that means the ability to connect with a broader ecosystem of spaces, resources, and people when traveling, working remotely, or seeking new opportunities.

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

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

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

Key points from the conversation include:

Brand strategy isn't about creating something new. It's about uncovering what's already true and building a position around a company's authentic strengths.

Company culture plays a critical role in brand success. When departments operate with different agendas and perspectives, messaging and momentum suffer. Alignment across the organization is essential.

Many companies overlook their most powerful differentiators because they view them as standard operating procedures. An outside perspective often helps reveal what truly sets them apart.

Jacqueline's DNA Method focuses on understanding why a company exists, what it stands for, what it won't compromise on, and the behaviors that shape its reputation and growth.

AI can be a valuable strategic tool when used as a thought partner rather than a replacement for critical thinking. Jacqueline explains how challenging AI to identify weaknesses in an idea can strengthen positioning and strategy.

Through her Velocity Dinners, Jacqueline creates environments where customers and prospects share candid insights that traditional surveys and focus groups often miss. These conversations reveal what truly drives buying decisions and business relationships.

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

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

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

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

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

Key Points

Dorothy began her career in traditional journalism, balancing newspaper reporting with celebrity coverage for outlets like People Magazine during the early days of online media.

She witnessed firsthand the decline of print publications and recognized early that video, digital storytelling, and influencer-style marketing would become the future of media.

Dorothy created That Greenwich Life as an “anti-gossip” platform focused on honest conversations about fertility struggles, personal hardships, mental health, and the realities behind polished appearances.

Her background in celebrity reporting gave her valuable insight into how media shapes perception, but she ultimately wanted to create content rooted in empathy and humanity instead of sensationalism.

Through social media and her podcast, Dorothy has unexpectedly become a trusted community voice in Greenwich, sharing important local information while fostering thoughtful conversations and connection.

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

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

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

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

Key Points

Jenn created the Aspen Method after realizing that many authors and business owners were overwhelmed by disconnected marketing tactics and needed a clearer framework for decision-making.

The Aspen Method stands for Assess, Strategize, Plan, Execute, and Nurture, creating a step-by-step approach to building sustainable marketing efforts.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is jumping directly into tactics like social media, ads, or influencer marketing without first understanding their audience, goals, and larger strategy.

Jenn encourages people to “bring others along for the journey” while building a book, business, or product, helping create community and momentum long before launch day.

The conversation highlights how relationship-building and nurturing an audience are often the most overlooked but most valuable parts of marketing success.

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

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

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

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

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

Key Points

WBDC was founded to fill a critical gap in resources for women entrepreneurs and has been supporting women for nearly 30 years

Fran’s journey from single mother to nonprofit founder underscores the importance of economic independence for women

The Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 was a turning point, removing barriers like requiring male co-signers for business loans

Representation remains a major challenge, impacting access to capital, healthcare research, and policy decisions

Women now account for roughly 40% of new business creation, signaling a major shift in economic participation

WBDC has seen significant growth, with client numbers increasing more than 300% since 2019

Small grants to women entrepreneurs consistently lead to increased revenue, hiring, and business growth

The organization supports a wide range of clients through advising, training, grants, and specialized programs like childcare business support

Advocacy and awareness are critical, as policies directly impact women’s ability to build and sustain businesses

Community and ecosystem support are key drivers of long-term success for women entrepreneurs

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

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