In this episode of Courageous Conversations, WBDC CEO Fran Pastore takes on a different role as she's interviewed by Terri Piekara, a WBDC Business Advisor and podcast Editor. Fran's vast experience in networking shines through as they discuss strategies for building meaningful relationships and offer actionable tips for successful networking. 

Many thanks to the entrepreneurs who attended WBDC’s recent networking event and shared their own insights on networking: Vini Kaul, Kaulverse X Holdings, LLC; Serena Biondi, Nautical Nutrition Services; Angelina Gardner, Uncle D’s Blazin’ BBQ and Comfort Catering; Grier Stanley Barnwell, Grier & Company. 

To discover more about the Women's Business Development Council and the resources we provide to help women thrive in business, visit ctwbdc.org. And don't forget to follow Courageous Conversations on your preferred podcast platform. 

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Join WBDC Connect 

Today, we are replaying a thought-provoking conversation Fran had in 2020 with Katrina Adams, a true trailblazer in the world of tennis and in the boardroom. Katrina’s insights are as valuable today as they were when this episode was first released, and we hope you’ll find inspiration from her journey.  If you want to hear more from Katrina, author of Own the Arena, join us at WBDC’s annual Gala and Awards celebration on Friday, October 27th at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich, where Katrina will be the Keynote speaker.

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran is honored to host the remarkable Carla Harris, Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, and author of the empowering book, Lead to Win. 

Carla’s “Pearls” – nuggets of wisdom she’s gained throughout her extensive and impressive career – will inspire you to lead with purpose, foster a culture of inclusivity, and ultimately, lead to win. 

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Carla Harris, a trailblazer in the world of finance, leadership, and empowerment. 

Find out more about Carla on her website 

Purchase Carla’s books 

Find Out More About Us: 

WBDC on Instagram  

WBDC on Facebook 

WBDC on LinkedIn 

WBDC on Twitter 

Join WBDC Connect 

To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at www.ctwbdc.org 

Purchase Tickets to the 2023 Women Rising Gala & Awards Celebration 

Join Fran Pastore on this episode of Courageous Conversations as she engages in a thoughtful discussion with Connecticut’s Lt. Governor, Susan Bysiewicz. Together, they explore why it’s a good time to be a small business entrepreneur in CT and share information about the many programs currently available in the state – the CT Small Business Boost Fund, the state’s child care initiative, WBDC’s Equity Match Grant Program, and others – that are intended to help small business owners access the resources that will enable them to strengthen and grow their businesses.

 Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz also shares her personal story of being raised on a CT farm by parents who prioritized education and believed strongly in standing up for others. Listen to hear how she was influenced by her mother, an attorney who fought against gender discrimination and rallied in support of the Equal Rights Amendment

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WBDC on Instagram 

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Join WBDC Connect

Resources & Sources mentioned in this episode

CT Boost Fund

CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC)

WBDC’s Child Care Business Opportunity Fund

WBDC’s Equity Match Grant Program

 WBDC’s Finance Business Advisor Samantha Cross  (203) 353-1750 extension 110 for info on CT Boost Fund

To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at www.ctwbdc.org

The creators of FunkkOFF TeethRefreshers, Joelle Flynn and Sonia Hounsell, join Fran on today’s episode of Courageous Conversations. Lifelong friends, the duo share their journey of entrepreneurship, how their diverse skillsets in finance and brand marketing played an instrumental role in the development and launch of their groundbreaking product and how a WBDC pitch class helped them hone their skills for an incredible opportunity on SharkTank. Tune in to be inspired by Joelle and Sonia and learn from their experiences. There are so many valuable takeaways for every entrepreneur; you won’t want to miss it! 

Find Out More about: 

FunkkOFF! On Instagram

FunkkOFF! Website

Joelle Flynn

Sonia Hounsell

See the Moment on Shark Tank

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WBDC on Instagram 

WBDC on Facebook

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Join WBDC Connect

Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations. To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at www.ctwbdc.org.  

Join or Shop Our CT Women-Owned Business Directory 

How are New York and Connecticut embracing growth, innovation, and collaboration? Join Fran Pastore as she engages in a dynamic dialogue with Alexandra Daum, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), and Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development, New York State’s economic development agency, as they discuss the strengthened relationship, aligned objectives, and collective efforts between the two states to create a thriving future in the region.

Find Out More about: 

Hope Knight

Alexandra Daum

Find Out More About Us:

WBDC on Instagram 

WBDC on Facebook

WBDC on LinkedIn

WBDC on Twitter

Join WBDC Connect

To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at www.ctwbdc.org.  

Join or Shop Our CT Women-Owned Business Directory 

Connecticut State Comptroller Sean Scanlon is on a mission to make financial literacy and saving for retirement more accessible for the state’s small businesses and their employees. He sits down with Fran in today’s episode of Courageous Conversations to talk about MyCTSavings, Connecticut's retirement savings program, and why it’s so important to him. His passion for the program was born, in part, from witnessing his own mother who, as a single parent, started a small business to support herself and her young family. She was able to grow the business into a successful venture over time, but still was not able to afford health insurance or retirement benefits. Comptroller Scanlan says he recognizes that this story is the plight of many women-owned businesses to this day and he strongly believes MyCTSavings can be part of the solution. The program provides small businesses and their employees an opportunity to save for retirement – at no cost to the employee or the employer! Listen in as Fran asks the questions about the program that are on the minds of all small business owners.

If you own an eligible business with 5 to 24 employees, you have until March 30, 2023 to either register for MyCTSavings or to let the Comptroller’s office know that you already offer a retirement program

Find out more at MyCTSavings.com 

Learn more about Comptroller Sean Scanlon at Office of the Comptroller or: 

Twitter: @CTComptroller 

Instagram: CTComptroller 

Facebook: Comptroller Sean Scanlon 

Find Out More About Us: 

WBDC on Instagram  

WBDC on Facebook 

WBDC on LinkedIn 

WBDC on Twitter 

WBDC on YouTube 

WBDC Connect Members Facebook Group 

Register for Women Owned Business Day

To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at CTWBDC.ORG and thanks for listening.