Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore 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. 
 
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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 
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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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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! 
 
 
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Joelle Flynn
Sonia Hounsell
 
See the Moment on Shark Tank
 
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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:
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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