S2/Ep.3 Supporting Child Care – An Industry in Crisis Pt.2
Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore
Release Date: 03/24/2022
S4/Ep.10 Networking Like a Pro
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...
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S4/Ep.9 Owning the Arena: Katrina Adams on Leadership and Breaking Glass Ceilings
Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore
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.
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S4/Ep.8 Lead to Win with Carla Harris
Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore
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 ...
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S4/Ep.7 Connecticut Works for Small Business
Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore
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....
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S4/Ep.6 The Journey from Product to Pitch: Learn from FunkkOFF’s Shark Tank Adventure
Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore
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...
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S4/Ep.5 Growth, Innovation and the Economic Futures of CT & NY
Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore
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: Find Out More About...
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S4/Ep.4 Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream with Dr. Oscar Guerra
Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore
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...
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S4/Ep3 Revolutionizing Retirement with CT State Comptroller Sean Scanlon & MyCTSavings
Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore
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...
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S4/Ep.2 It Starts With A Business Plan
Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore
“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...
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S4/Ep1. Unlocking Connecticut
Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore
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...
info_outlineWe 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!