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’ B ..read more

The child care industry is in crisis – in Connecticut and across the country. Recognizing that access to quality child care is essential for our economic recovery, Connecticut’s leadership took action to stabilize the industry and drive growth for its businesses. As part of those efforts, WBDC has partnered with the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) to provide business training, technical support, and financial relief to the state’s child care providers.    In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran talks with Louise Lisboa, WBDC’s Director of Impact, Operations and Child Car ..read more

Small Business Saturday, November 27, is right around the corner. Started to encourage people to bring more holiday shopping to small businesses, Small Business Saturday has become a critical component to the holiday shopping season for many of our local retailers. In this episode of Courageous Conversations Fran talks with four local business owners about their own entrepreneurial journeys and discusses the importance of shopping local, not just on Small Business Saturday, but everyday! Joining Fran are WBDC clients Lorenza Arnal (Alma Mexican Foods), Tori Brown (Breakfast Belle), Jodi Burns ..read more

Molly Hirsch abandoned her budding marketing career to move to Vermont and help run a relative’s home goods boutique, unknowingly heading down the path to a successful future in interior design.   Shivonne Mathison cared for her aging grandmother. That experience, combined with her background in social work, paved the way for her to start a company to provide compassionate home care to the elderly.   Jane Moen watched as her autistic daughter struggled to find her way as a young adult, motivating her to create a safe place to help other disabled individuals transition to the working ..read more

Mental Illness, homelessness, food insecurity, domestic abuse, lack of childcare  . . . . These are just some of the issues for which Connecticut residents can turn to 211CT for help. Offered by the State of Connecticut through the United Way of CT,  211CT is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone.   In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran talks with United Way of CT President and CEO Lisa Tepper Bates and Nadia, a Housing Supervisor wi ..read more

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 ..read more

With Juneteenth just days away, and as we look back at the year since George Floyd’s murder, in this episode of Courageous Conversations and the one that will be launched on July 1, we are revisiting a conversation between Fran and a panel of prominent women that was originally recorded as a 3-part WBDC Roundtable discussion in June 2020.     While much has changed since George Floyd’s murder and the civic unrest that followed, there is still a long way to go in our journey toward social, economic, and racial equity and justice. This discussion, intended to start a conversation and e ..read more

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 Car ..read more

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 wa ..read more

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     ..read more