HAYVN Hubcast

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy is joined by Merry Thornton, a board-certified New York and Connecticut licensed physician assistant and founder of Element Medical Aesthetics.

Merry shares her unique journey from finance to medicine, culminating in the creation of her own medical spa. She clarifies the distinction between medical aesthetics and traditional beauty treatments, guiding listeners on how to choose a reputable provider and what to expect from treatments.

Everyone draws their line at different places. My job is not to draw those lines for people. It's just to support them. -Merry Thornton

Key Takeaways:

• Medical aesthetics combines medical expertise with aesthetic treatments for a holistic approach to beauty.

• Choosing a qualified provider and reputable spa is crucial for safe and effective outcomes.

• Aesthetic treatments, when done correctly, can significantly improve your appearance and boost your confidence.

Exploring the safety profile of common procedures, Merry addresses concerns and dispels myths, providing valuable insights for anyone considering aesthetic treatments. You'll also learn about the role of HAYVN in Merry's entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the supportive and collaborative community that has empowered her success.

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Today on HAYVN Hubcast, we're talking about funding, starting a business, and the entrepreneurship journey with special guest Alison Malloy.

Alison is the Managing Director of Investments at Connecticut Innovations, (CI) Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm. She's also the co-founder of the Women's Investment Network, Tidal River. In this episode, we dive into her journey, discussing how she became a leader in Connecticut's venture and investment landscape and how she is modeling the way for entrepreneurs and investors.

Key business and investing insights Alison shares:

• Where to start as a new entrepreneur

• The importance of perseverance in business

• How the right people can help you

• What Connecticut is doing to connect entrepreneurs and investors

• How she's answering the question "Where are the women?" in venture and angel investing

• Why she is excited about CI's newest funds

"Being an entrepreneur is a roller coaster. Luckily, if you stick in it long enough, there's a terrific end at the end of the day." - Alison Malloy

Alison has described being an entrepreneur as "fun", but she also admits how challenging it can be. You have to put in the work, and it can be discouraging at the start, but it's also very fulfilling.

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On the forefront of innovative investing is Annie Lamont, Co-Founder and Managing Partner Oak HC/FT. Currently focused on investing exclusively in healthcare and fintech entrepreneurs, she discusses the relationship-based nature of Oak HCFT's work and how she takes a long-term, problem-solving approach.

This episode delves into Oak HC/FT's groundbreaking (and award winning) approach to investing in healthcare, prioritizing patient-centered care and leveraging technology to empower both patients and providers. Seeking change agents and imagining a system focused on prevention, chronic disease management, and personalized care plans. That's the vision of Oak HC/FT, and Annie Lamont shares how they're making it a reality.

Tune in for more insight into Annie's investing principles :

• The transformative power of patient-centered care: Moving away from traditional fee-for-service models towards a value-based system that prioritizes patient needs and outcomes.

• Harnessing technology for good: Exploring how Oak HC/FT utilizes telehealth, data analytics, and other tools to improve patient engagement and deliver effective care.

• Building trust and lasting relationships: Understanding the importance of open communication, shared decision-making, and personalized care plans in fostering trust and improving patient experience.

• Addressing healthcare disparities: Discussing Oak HC/FT's efforts to make quality healthcare accessible to all, including underserved communities.

• The future of healthcare: Envisioning a healthcare landscape where technology, collaboration, and patient-centeredness work in tandem to create a more equitable and efficient system.

You'll gain insights into Oak HC/FT's innovative model, learn how technology can empower patients and providers, and discover ways to advocate for a better healthcare system for all.

Annie also laments that there are still few women in the healthcare investing industry, however, she feels that the VC world is experiencing growth and change. With a majority of women driving many healthcare and purchasing decisions, t's imperative to have their perspective represented. Overall, you'll hear how she is optimistic about seeing more women healthcare investors, but there is still work to be done.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of investing in healthcare and fintech as well as gaining insight into the enormous potential for more women investors in this critical space.

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At the heart of this podcast is HAYVN, a coworking space and a thriving community of amazing entrepreneurs and professionals doing inspiring work at all levels of their careers. Founder Felicia Rubinstein is the founder and the visionary behind HAYVN's mission and success.

While HAYVN opened before the pandemic, Felicia and her team were able to adjust to the multiple shifts in the working landscape. In a time when larger coworking spaces have struggled and even failed, HAYVN has evolved and thrived.

In this episode, we hear from Felicia how HAYVN has grown in the past few years, and what's next on the horizon for the HAYVN community.

More things you'll learn:

• How the programs and projects of HAYVN help build a solid and thriving community.

• Impact of a company with a B-Corp certification.

• The new professional landscape: working near home and redefining remote work.

"It's doing business and being a force for good." - Felicia Rubinstein

Felicia also talks about the four pillars of HAYVN - sustainability and social impact, health and wellness, women, and entrepreneurship - and how these have guided the decision making of her organization.. As HAYVN is gearing up for a stellar 2024, they're preparing lots of exciting things for the community and looking forward to making even more HAYVN magic!

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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.

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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

• 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/

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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

• 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.

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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.

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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.

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The professional landscape is constantly evolving, but over the past 18 months, there have been seismic shifts in the workplace, and these brought in their own set of challenges and opportunities currently facing most professionals and organizations.

Joining us again is Eileen Springer, the founder of Central Park Executive Coaching. She's an accomplished executive coach, and works with C-suite executives, mid-career professionals, and teams, drawing from her 30 years of experience in HR and talent management within global corporations.

● Recalibration in the workforce

● Challenges for mid-level managers

● Upskilling as a strategy

"For a manager, or for anyone in a role with a lot of responsibility, self-care is critical to ensure that you can be the best you can be first." - Eileen Springer

Eileen also discusses the importance of courage in the workplace. For managers, this means having difficult conversations with employees, asking them what their goals are, and finding solutions that would be mutually beneficial for the employee and the company. And for the employees, this means having to manage up, not waiting for your efforts to be recognized, and identifying the actions that can be taken to initiate these conversations with sponsors, peers, managers, and mentors.

To get all the useful knowledge and practical tips Eileen shared, listen to the full episode.

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