HAYVN Hubcast

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

• 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.

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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.

● 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:

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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:

• Businesses face common challenges as they try to incorporate sustainability and understand where they can make the most social and environmental impact.

• ESG Backlash:

• 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.

• 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.

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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

• 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.

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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

• 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.

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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.

• 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.

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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.

• 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.

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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:

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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

• 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.

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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

• 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.

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