Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore

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.    Find Out More About Us:  WBDC on Instagram   WBDC on Facebook  WBDC on LinkedIn  WBDC on Twitter  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   Find Out More About Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter 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   Find Out More About Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter 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   

Join Fran Pastore in this episode of Courageous Conversations as she speaks with Dr. Oscar Guerra, an Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker and UConn professor. Dr. Guerra shares his experience directing "Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream," a 30-minute documentary produced by the House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, led by CT Congressman Jim Himes. The film portrays the journeys of families from various parts of the US and examines their quest for economic stability. Listen in as Fran and Oscar discuss the impact of these stories and how they highlight our shared desire to achieve the American Dream, despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences. Don't miss this insightful conversation on Courageous Conversations!  Find Out More about Dr. Oscar Guerra  Website  Instagram  Find Out More About WBDC:  WBDC on Instagram   WBDC on Facebook  WBDC on LinkedIn  WBDC on Twitter  Join WBDC Connect    Resources & Sources mentioned in this episode.  La Cocina  Building One Community  Join Us 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 www.ctwbdc.org. 

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.  

  “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” – Ben Franklin   Mr. Franklin certainly knew what he was talking about – especially for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs! That's why Fran is joined by WBDC Business Advisor Carol Cheswick on today's episode of Courageous Conversations. Carol has helped thousands of clients craft their business plan. She knows many entrepreneurs are overwhelmed by the idea of creating a business plan – and she has advice on how to make the process manageable and stress-free. Fran & Carol also discuss how completing a business plan has helped WBDC Equity Match Grant applicants & recipients become more conversant in financial speak, which in turns has helped them secure other funding. If you'd like help getting your business plan started, contact info@ctwbdc.org  Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.   Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders!  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.   Sources & Resources Mentioned: Learn more about the Equity Match Grant Program Ron Angelo, CEO of Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology “Sally's Bakery” The E-Myth & the E-Myth revisited by Michael Gerber   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      

Unlocking Connecticut is a blog, Instagram account and website created by Lora Karam and Bev Canepari, which explores the places and faces of Connecticut. Fran recently had the pleasure of meeting Lora and Bev and invited them to join her to share their start up story, the challenges they see facing small businesses & their love of all things CT. Listen to hear about their entrepreneurial journey and learn about some of their and Fran's picks for Connecticut's most interesting hidden gems! You can find out more about the dynamic duo behind Unlocking Connecticut by visiting their website at unlockingconnecticut.com Mentioned: Aquila's Nest Vineyards White Memorial Conservation Center New Britain Museum of American Art New Morning Market & Vitality Center KC&E Adventures Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge CT Audubon Society Shayna B's By The Sea   Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.   Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders!  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.     Learn more about the Equity Match Grant Program   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

The 2022 mid-term elections took place just over a week ago. While we don't fully know all of the results or what they will mean for the balance of power in our country, it is clear that female voters came out in force to make their voices heard. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran spoke with two extraordinary female leaders; Patti Russo, Executive Director at the Campaign School at Yale and Teresa Younger, CEO & President of Ms. Foundation for Women, about why elections matter, particularly for women and women-owned businesses and why it's imperative that women become engaged in the decisions that are being made that affect them. Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.   Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders!  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.   Learn More about The Campaign School at Yale (TCSYale): TCSYale on Instagram TCSYale on Facebook TCSYale on LinkedIn TCSYale on Twitter Or call: (203) 734-7385   Learn More about Ms. Foundation for Women: Ms. Foundation on Instagram Ms. Foundation on Facebook Ms. Foundation on LinkedIn Ms. Foundation on Twitter   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 Learn more about the WBDC's Equity Match Grant Program

25 years ago, Fran Pastore & Dorothy Bratchell embarked on a mission to create a resource for women entrepreneurs in Connecticut. They were at the forefront of forging a path to accelerate the growth of women's entrepreneurship and remain committed to that mission today. Listen to this episode of Courageous Conversations to hear how WBDC began, learn about the struggles faced by Fran and Dorothy, as well as their clients in those early days, and what they think the future looks like for women owned businesses in Connecticut. Join us at our Women Rising 2022 Annual Gala & Awards Celebration on Friday, October 28th at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, CT Find Out More About Us: ind Out MoreAbout Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter WBDC on YouTube WBDC Connect Members Facebook Group Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.     Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders.   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.  

What does it take to reach the pinnacle of success in a male dominated arena? Of the more than two dozen banks that are licensed or headquartered in CT, six are led by women in the CEO position. Four of those extraordinary women join Fran to discuss the lessons they learned along the way, the mentors who inspired them, and the advice they have for young people coming up in today's world – in business or in any other field. Find out more about our guests: Diane Arnold, President & CEO of Essex Savings Bank LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Cynthia Merkle, President & CEO of Union Savings Bank LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Sue Shields President & CEO of The Milford Bank LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Lesa Vanotti President & CEO Torrington Savings Bank LinkedIn Facebook Twitter 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 Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.     Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders.   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.  

Twenty-five years ago, Fran Pastore turned a transition in her career into an opportunity for thousands of other women, their communities, and the State of Connecticut. A recent guest of the Mom Shuffle Podcast, a show which features interviews with guests who are trying to build businesses while also raising their families, Fran spoke with host, Dr. Colleen Kendrick about her own entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of the Women's Business Development Council. While Courageous Conversations is on a break for the summer, we invite you to listen to this episode of The Mom Shuffle Podcast.  Find out more about Dr. Colleen Kendrick and The Mom Shuffle  Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.    Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders!   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.      Find Out More About Us:  WBDC on Instagram   WBDC on Facebook  WBDC on LinkedIn  WBDC on Twitter  WBDC Connect  Facebook Group 

WBDC CEO Fran Pastore was recently appointed Board Chairperson for the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority. In this episode of Courageous Conversations Fran sits down with Nancy Barrow, host of The Paid Leave Podcast. Of course, they discuss WBDC's work and why Fran is so passionate about CT's paid leave program, but they also cover the need for more women in leadership positions, small business funding and why it's still easier for men to access capital, and so much more.  This podcast was previously released as the latest episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, which examines the state of Connecticut's paid leave program and the impact it has on various groups and diverse communities. You can find The Paid Leave Podcast on Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Connecticut's paid leave program, visit ctpaidleave.org. Learn More About Nancy Barrow on her Website Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders!  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.   This episode of Courageous Conversations is brought to you by Websterbank. Find Out More About Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter WBDC Connect Members Facebook Group

  Can supporting your local Community affect your bottom line? Amy Kenkel and Laurie Surprenant say it can! Amy and Laurie are the owners of Leaps and Bones, a pet supply store and pet bakery with locations in South Windsor, Southington and a new location opening soon in Manchester, CT. They are passionate about giving back to the communities that have supported them and they have some great advice for other small business owners looking to give back while also boosting their bottom line.    Find Out More About Leaps & Bones: Leaps & Bones Website Leaps & Bones on Instagram Leaps & Bones on Facebook   Season 2 of Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs and small business owners through the stories of incredible leaders has been brought to you by Webster Bank Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.     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.     Learn more about the Equity Match Grant Program   Find Out MoreAbout Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter Join WBDC Connect  

In her inspiring and eye-opening book, The First, The Few, The Only, Deepa Purushothaman examines the challenges faced by women of color in the workplace. In this episode, Fran had the opportunity to discuss Deepa's work at an event held by the Westport Library. While the intended audience for this book is women of color navigating corporate America, it can truly serve as a roadmap for anyone wanting to create a more equitable workplace. Deepa Purushothaman is the co-founder of nFormation, a Women and Public Policy Leader in Practice at the Harvard Kennedy School and was the first Indian American woman to make partner at Deloitte. To learn more about Deepa Purushothaman and her work, visit https://www.deepapuru.com 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. Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders! Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.  This episode of Courageous Conversations is brought to you by Websterbank.   Find Out MoreAbout Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter Become a member of WBDC Connect WBDC Connect Members Facebook Group

We continue our conversation about child care – an industry in crisis – with Beth Bye, Commissioner of the CT Office of Early Childhood. Child care providers are struggling as they strive to recover from the pandemic. While much has been done to strengthen the industry – including an innovative public private partnership between WBDC and OEC – there is still much to be done to stabilize this industry and support these businesses that provide a much needed service for parents as they return to work. To learn more about the CT Office of Early Childhood visit https://www.ctoec.org/ To learn more about the WBDC Child Care Support Program, visit https://ctwbdc.org/childcare-business/.  The application period for Child Care Opportunity Fund grants is now open.  Sign up for an information session at https://ctwbdc.org/child-care-business-grants/.   Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts. 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. Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders!

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 Care, about the state of the industry and the work WBDC is doing to help support providers in Connecticut. Nichelle Wadell, owner of Watch Me Grow Daycare in Stamford, CT provides the perspective of a child care provider. Por favor haga clic aquí para una transcripción en español del episodio de hoy Nichelle Wadell, Watch Me Grow Daycare Website Facebook Instagram   To learn more about the WBDC Child Care Support Program, visit https://ctwbdc.org/childcare-business/.  The next application period for Child Care Opportunity Fund grants is opening soon.  Sign up for an information session at https://ctwbdc.org/child-care-business-grants/.   Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts. 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. Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders!

Welcome to Season 2 of Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore! We're kicking off the season with two recent WBDC Equity Match Grant recipients, Kevnesha Boyd, owner of Quality Counseling in Hamden, and Jona Jeffcoat, owner of Infinity Music Therapy Services in Southington. Listen to hear how these inspiring entrepreneurs plan to use the EMG funds to expand their businesses.  The WBDC Equity Match Grant program was created by the Women's Business Development Council to assist Connecticut's women-owned businesses, especially disenfranchised populations and those in distressed communities, providing grants of up to $10,000 to qualified applicants. The current application period is open until February 13, 2022.  WBDC Vice President of Programs and Business Services Brenda Thickett joins the conversation to discuss eligibility and the application process, and to describe the impact this program has had on Connecticut's women-owned businesses and the state's economy.   Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.   Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders!  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.   RESOURCES: Learn more about the Equity Match Grant Program Find Out More About Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter Become a member of WBDC Connect WBDC Connect Members Facebook Group OUR GUESTS: Jona Jeffcoat Infinity Music Therapy Services Website Infinity Music Therapy Services on Instagram Infinity Music Therapy Services on Facebook Infinity Music Therapy Services on LinkedIn   Kevnesha Boyd Quality Counseling Website Quality Counseling on Instagram Quality Counseling on Facebook Quality Counseling on LinkedIn    Season 2 of Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs and small business owners through the stories of incredible leaders has been brought to you by Webster Bank      

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 (Blazing Fresh Donuts), Lyndsay Dean (Glaze Handmade), Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook Become a member of 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. Thanks for listening! This episode of Courageous Conversations is brought to you Webster Bank Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders! .

Until 1988 a woman could not access capital in her own name for commercial purposes. That year, legislation was enacted that finally allowed a woman to apply for a business loan without a male co-signor. A lot has changed in 33 years, but access to capital remains one of the most difficult challenges facing women entrepreneurs. In this episode, Fran talks with Jennifer Palmer, CEO of Gerber Finance, who has spent much of her career finding ways that financiers can better support female business owners. Fran and Jennifer explore Jennifer's unique journey to the C-Suite of a major financial institution, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right support system, and methods for breaking down the barriers that stand between women entrepreneurs and access to capital. Listen to hear why Jennifer thinks it's critically important to know what you don't know. To learn more about Jennifer and her work at Gerber Finance, visit gerberfinance.com. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook Become a member of WBDC Connect Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations  on your favorite podcast listening app so you won't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders! This episode has been brought to you by Webster bank.

In the United States, approximately 11 MILLION WOMEN are either living with Alzheimer's or caring for someone who has it. Almost TWO-THIRDS of Americans living with Alzheimer's are women. More than THREE IN FIVE unpaid Alzheimer's caregivers are women. To learn more about this devastating disease that so disproportionately impacts women, Fran talks with Kristen Cusato, Director of Communications at the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, and Molly Devanney, Co-Owner and Vice President of Public Relations for Highland Park Market, who balances her professional responsibilities with serving as the primary caregiver for her aunt who has Alzheimer's.   During this honest and open conversation, you'll gain an understanding of the disease and learn about resources available for caregivers. You'll also learn how you can help, including how to participate in one of the Walks to End Alzheimer's taking place in Connecticut through the end of October.   To learn more about the resources available through the Alzheimer's Association, or to get involved with one of the walks happening in Connecticut in October, visit www.alz.org/ct. To access the Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline, call: 1(800) 272-3900 To find out where you can visit a Highland Park Market, visit www.highlandparkmarket.com. This episode of Courageous Conversations is brought to you Webster Bank Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook Become a member of 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. Thanks for listening!

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 world.   These “accidental entrepreneurs” join Fran for this episode of Courageous Conversations as we celebrate Small Business Week. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner, you'll be inspired by the stories of these remarkable women. They've got some great advice and insight to share!   To learn more about today's guests, visit Molly Hirsch Interiors, Cura Home Care Services, and The Nest Coffee House. Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook Become a member of 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. Thanks for listening!  

The pandemic hasn't been easy on any of us, but you could argue that it's been tougher on restaurants than almost any other industry. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran sits down with Stephanie Webster, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of CTBites, an online community focused on the food scene in Connecticut. Listen to learn about how, during the state-wide pandemic shutdown, CTBites found a new way to support local restaurants while also helping to feed our exhausted healthcare workers. Stephanie also shares her thoughts on which trends born out of necessity – think outdoor dining and takeout cocktails – will continue post-pandemic. You'll also find out which Connecticut restaurants are currently Stephanie's favorites and learn one small thing we can all do to help Connecticut's restaurants recover.   Visit ctbites.com to get the latest on what's new with food in Connecticut. You can also follow CTBites on your favorite social media platform. Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to the newsletter on their website HERE Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook Become a member of 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. Thanks for listening!

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 with 211CT who speaks directly with residents seeking support. Nadia asked that we refer to her by first name only in order to protect her privacy. This enlightening conversation covers the types of resources available through 211CT, the trends that have emerged since the beginning of the pandemic and the issues that Lisa and Nadia believe front and center as Connecticut moves forward.   If you or someone you know is in need of support for health and human services, you can dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on United Way of CT and the work they're doing to support residents and childcare businesses in the state, visit ctunitedway.org. Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook Become a member of 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. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Courageous Conversations we continue the conversation about racism and your small business that began with our previous episode. Originally part of a WBDC Roundtable discussion recorded in June 2020, this important conversation offers small business owners steps they can take to make a difference in the journey toward social, economic, and racial equity and justice.     Joining Fran in this discussion are Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Esq., Partner, Robinson + Cole LLP, Robin Imbrogno, President, The Human Resource Consulting Group, and Joelle A. Murchison, Founder & Principal, ExecMommyGroup LLC.      Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts. 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 or on Instagram and Facebook Become a member of WBDC Connect

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 explore steps we can all take to make a difference, remains as relevant today as it was a year ago. Joining Fran are Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Esq., Partner, Robinson + Cole LLP, Robin Imbrogno, President, The Human Resource Consulting Group, and Joelle A. Murchison, Founder & Principal, ExecMommyGroup LLC. Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts. 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. Thanks for listening!

Authenticity, empathy, strength, vulnerability . . . . These are just some of the virtues Kitt Shapiro gained as she soaked in the lessons handed down by her mother, legendary performer Eartha Kitt. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran and Kitt talk about what it was like to travel the world with Eartha and how those shared experiences shaped Kitt's own journey as a mother and entrepreneur. Listen to learn some “Kitt-isms” – small but powerful nuggets of advice and perspective from Eartha – that we can all use in our everyday lives. You can read more about Kitt's experiences with her famous mother in her recently published book, Eartha and Kitt: A Daughter's Love Story in Black & White. Buy the book through all major booksellers.   For More information about Kitt & Eartha visit Simply Eartha Visit Kitt's retail shop West, in Westport CT or online at West2Westport.com Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts. 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. Become a WBDC Connect Member Thanks for listening! 

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, as we near the end of Mental Health Awareness month, Fran talks with Kevnesha Boyd, a trauma therapist and the owner of Quality Counseling, a mental health practice in Hamden, CT, that focuses on helping members of the Black community to heal from traumatic childhood experiences and break unhealthy generational patterns.    During this inspiring and informative conversation, Fran and Kevnesha address the chronic and pervasive nature of racial trauma, inequities in access to mental health care in black communities, the decreasing stigma associated with mental illness, and the importance of proactively nurturing our mental well-being.   Listen to learn why Kevnesha considers mental health care akin to brushing your teeth.   To learn more about Kevnesha and the work she is doing through Quality Counseling, visit qualitycounselingct.com.  Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts. 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, on Facebook and on  Instagram Become a member of WBDC Connect

WBDC's podcast, Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore, features candid discussions between WBDC CEO Fran Pastore and influential leaders in and around our community. Alisa Bowens-Mercado grew up with two grandmothers who would tell her to be sure to find her rhythm in life – to do what she loves – as they sipped from bottles of beer in the kitchen. Many years later, she has found her rhythm as the first black woman to own a brewery in Connecticut, aptly named Rhythm Brewing Company to honor the women who inspired her. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran talks about the importance of small businesses with Alisa and David Salinas, the founder of Digital Surgeons, a digital design consultancy, and District, a co-working space and comprehensive ecosystem for entrepreneurs in New Haven, CT. David is also a mentor to countless entrepreneurs and a steadfast advocate for small businesses. Listen to hear about the impact networks and mentors can have on the path of an entrepreneur and find out why Alisa insists, “It's about more than just me and a can of beer.” To find out where you can buy Rhythm beer, visit rhythmbrewingco.com To learn more about District in New Haven, go to districtnhv.com To find out more about The Women's Business Development Council and the support we provide to women owned businesses, please visit us at www.ctwbdc.org   Join us on Instagram and Facebook Become a member of WBDC Connect  

How do you feel when you make a wrong turn and your car's GPS tells you it's recalculating to find a new route to your destination? New York Times best-selling author, Lindsey Pollak, feels optimistic. “What I think is, ‘oh, it's okay, because there's another way to go. So, there are always multiple ways to get to whatever your goals are, even if you change your goals.'” In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran and Lindsey discuss the “recalculating” so many of us have had to do lately due to the changes brought about by the pandemic. Listen to hear about Lindsey's recently released book, Recalculating: Navigate Your Career Through the Changing World of Work, and how the ideas described in the book can be applied to entrepreneurship in our current landscape. To learn more about Lindsey Pollak or to order your own copy of Recalculating: Navigate Your Career Through the Changing World of Work, visit www.lindseypollak.com. To find out more about The Women's Business Development Council and the support we provide to women owned businesses, please visit us at www.ctwbdc.org Instagram and Facebook Become a member of WBDC Connect

ypical teenagers and recent college graduates are usually focused on landing their first job or summer internship, but Tory and Roscoe Brown are far from typical. Soon after Tory graduated from college and before Roscoe had even begun his undergraduate experience, this sibling duo founded The 203. What began as a passion project selling t-shirts that celebrated their beloved home state has quickly grown into a renowned lifestyle brand. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran sits down with Tory and Roscoe to discuss their young entrepreneurship, lessons they've learned along the way, the importance of building relationships with other small business owners and, of course, the great state of Connecticut.   To learn more about The 203 or to purchase 203 products visit www.thetwoohthree.com.  To find out more about The Women's Business Development Council and the support we provide to women owned businesses, please visit us at www.ctwbdc.org Instagram and Facebook    

12 months after the beginning of an unimaginable year for small business owners, Fran looks back with entrepreneurs Corey Tolkin and Yvonne Oxley, who pivoted their businesses to survive the pandemic and are thriving as we look forward to better days ahead. Listen to hear why Corey, owner of Unbakeables Cookie Dough Treats, believes it's sometimes important to take a fresh look as what's right in front of you and why Yvonne, owner of luxury soap maker Komfort Zone, thinks it's critical for entrepreneurs to step out of their own comfort zones. Visit the Unbakeables website and the Komfort Zone Website for more information Make sure to visit our website to find out more about the work we do for women and small businesses in Connecticut and across the country.

“Never say no to yourself. Feel the fear and do it anyway.” -Andrea Barton Reeves What if the women who came before us felt the fear and let it get the best of them? As we begin Women's History Month, Fran sits down with Andrea Barton Reeves, CEO of the CT Paid Leave Authority, to learn about her journey from her upbringing in New Jersey to law school and a position at a White Shoe firm to a career dedicated to serving others. Andrea discusses what motivates her, how being a woman of color has influenced her journey and why she thinks it is critically important for women to take a chance on themselves. Please visit CT Paid Leave Authority at www.ctpaidleave.org  on Facbook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube To find out more about The Women's Business Development Council and the support we provide to women owned businesses, please visit us at www.ctwbdc.org Instagram and Facebook Become a member of WBDC Connect  

In honor of Black History month, Courageous Conversations decided to revisit a Town Hall meeting hosted by the Women's Business Development Council last June, soon after the death of George Floyd. WBDC CEO Fran Pastore gathered a group of accomplished women in leadership positions to discuss the historic times we are living through. These women share their own experiences with racism and navigating stereotypes in their personal and professional lives. They also describe what they are doing personally and what we all can do to address sis temic racism in our society Joining Fran in this conversation are: -Shante Hanks, Deputy Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Housing -Carrie Spell-Hansson, CEO, The Folke Institute for Transformative Learning -Glendowlyn Thames, Deputy Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) -Diane Winston, Founder and CEO, Winston Strategic Partners -Vanessa Abrahams-John, Director, Global Diversity, Inclusion, Talent Acquisition at Linde, moderates the discussion. Please Visit the Minority-Owned Enterprises Resource Page on our Website

Fran discusses the unsung heroes of our economic engine – the women, especially women of color, who own and operate the small businesses that populate our Main Streets. These entrepreneurs have received a disproportionately small amount of the pandemic relief state and federal funding. Fran details how WBDC is helping to address the needs of these businesses with grants and other support. She also shares feedback from two inspiring women who are benefitting from these opportunities. Listen to find out how some of our smallest businesses can not only survive the pandemic but thrive in its aftermath. Please visit our website for more information on the Opportunity Fund, Equity Match Grants & Childcare Grants. Become a WBDC Connect Member and follow us on Facebook & Instagram   Make sure to subscribe to Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore, so you don't miss a thing!

Patricia Russo, Executive Director of The Campaign School at Yale University, and Dr. Khalilah Brown-Dean, accomplished author, podcast host, public speaker, and tenured Associate Professor of Political Science at Quinnipiac University, join Fran to discuss the significance of the glass ceiling that is breaking in Washington, D.C. with the inauguration of Kamala Harris as the country's first female vice president and the first woman of color to hold the office. While the current tense climate threatens to command much our political conversations in the coming days, Fran, Patti, and Khalilah take a few moments to recognize and celebrate this important moment in history for women, women of color, and our nation.  For more information on Dr. Khalilah Brown Dean and her book, Identity Politics in the United States, visit her website www.kbdphd.com. To listen to Dr. Brown Dean's weekly podcast and  radio show, Disrupted, please visit https://ctpublic.org/shows/disrupted/.  To find out more about Patricia Russo and The Campaign School at Yale University, please visit https://tcsyale.org/about-us/board/patty-russo/ or to register for the one day free training offered by TCS on February 6, please visit https://tcsyale.org/wcs-yale-the-basics/  To learn more about the Women's Business Development Council and the investments we're making in women Visit us at www.ctwbdc.org 

Katrina Adams shares her inspirational journey from the tennis court to the boardroom in this previously recorded WBDC Town Hall, hosted by Fran Pastore Katrina is the first African-American, the first former professional tennis player and the youngest person ever to serve as USTA president. Katrina is also an author. Her new book Own the Arena provides a behind the scenes look at the leadership skills involved in hosting the U S open; the largest and most lucrative sports event in the world.   Own the Arena will be published February, 2021 and is available for pre-order now from all major book retailers and through her publisher, Harper Collins To Learn more about Katrina, please visit her website  Follow her on Instagram Facebook     LinkedIn  Twitter  Make sure to visit our website to find out more about the work we do for women and small businesses in Connecticut and across the country. Become a WBDC Connect member  

In this first episode of Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore, Fran is joined by her friend of 30 years, Dr. Karen Alter-Reid, a global expert on EMDR and the treatment of trauma-related symptoms. They discuss what EMDR is and why it is an effective treatment for trauma, not only for veterans and sexual assault victims, but for first responders and everyday people.   Dr. Alter-Reid gives several actionable tips for coping with the high stress that we're living under these days, including a two minute mindfulness exercise.   To find out more about Dr. Alter-Reid and her work, please visit http://www.alter-reid.com Make sure to visit our website, https://ctwbdc.org to find out more about the work we do for women and small businesses in Connecticut and across the country.  

Through her work as the founder and CEO of the Women's Business Development Council in Connecticut, Fran Pastore has had the privilege of knowing and working with remarkable and accomplished women. In every episode, Fran will be speaking with influential women whose stories have had an impact on her and they will do the same for you. Their stories will excite and inspire you to conquer your fears, take a stand for yourself and break down the barriers that stand in your way. We may cover timely topics like racial and gender inequality and the importance of advocacy and voting, but mostly we'll be sharing the personal journeys of extraordinary women.