HAYVN Hubcast

#HAYVNCoworking

HAYVN Hubcast provides business owners and professionals the advice they need to help their businesses grow, thrive and succeed. In each episode hosted by Nancy Sheed you’ll hear and learn from experts in the HAYVN (co-working) community on all aspects of starting, managing and growing your business. read less
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Episodes

How Social Capital Can Bring Us Together With Congressman Jim Himes EP: 92
Yesterday
How Social Capital Can Bring Us Together With Congressman Jim Himes EP: 92
In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, we welcome US Representative Jim Himes who represents Connecticut's 4th District. Congressman Himes shares insights into his journey from a background in business to politics and discusses key issues affecting community businesses, our state and our country. Congressman Himes has served as a representative for Connecticut's 4th District for eight terms (that’s 16 years!). With a background in business, including a 12-year stint at Goldman Sachs, Congressman Himes brings a unique perspective to policy making, focusing on issues such as economic growth, sustainability, and social capital. “It's never easy to start a small business, but it’s easier now than it was 30 years ago.” - Congressman Jim Himes Key Topics Discussed: How modern economics have evolved with innovation Importance of social capital Challenges facing Connecticut and the US Role of civic engagement With a genuine appreciation of the resiliency of the “incredible people” of Connecticut, Himes offers a thoughtful perspective on what keeps him up at night and how we can come together in these divisive times. And bringing it closer to home, he notes that HAYVN epitomizes how social capital can work. “There's no substitute for the social networks that you're part of.” - Congressman Jim Himes By hearing Congressman Himes' perspectives on entrepreneurship, community engagement, and continued support of small businesses, this episode offers valuable insights for listeners interested in what’s going on in government and the things they can do right now for their businesses and careers. Connect with Congressman Jim Himes: Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter Connect with Nancy: Website LinkedIn Threads Instagram Facebook
The Recipe for Building a Startup Food Business EP 91
Mar 4 2024
The Recipe for Building a Startup Food Business EP 91
On this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we’re hearing the inspiring journey of Tori Brown, the Founder and Chef of Breakfast Belle. Tori shares her story of transitioning from learning how to cook from her family to being a successful food entrepreneur.   Tori's journey into the world of cooking began with her love of breakfast foods, inspired by her grandmother's southern culinary heritage. After initially pursuing a career in event planning and fundraising, Tori discovered her passion for catering while organizing events. This led her to launch Breakfast Belle in 2016, where she serves delicious southern-style breakfast and brunch dishes. She now creates, markets and sells sought-after packaged goods like: Bamma Fish Fry and Bamma Hot Sauce. “Lay a brick every day.” -Tori Brown Key points Tori discusses: How her brand went from a one-woman show to scaling up Leveraging e-commerce and influencer marketing to grow her brand Her experience applying for grants and pitching her business “To anybody that's looking to get into this field, keep going.” -Tori Brown Tori's story is an example of how resilience, determination, and resourcefulness are required to succeed as an entrepreneur (and new mother). Her commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and willingness to ask for support has been instrumental in her journey from cooking in her kitchen to food entrepreneur. Connect with Tori Brown:  Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter
Investing with Purpose: Annie Lamont is Disrupting Healthcare and Fintech EP 87
Jan 8 2024
Investing with Purpose: Annie Lamont is Disrupting Healthcare and Fintech EP 87
On the forefront of innovative investing is Annie Lamont, Co-Founder and Managing Partner Oak HC/FT. Currently focused on investing exclusively in healthcare and fintech entrepreneurs, she discusses the relationship-based nature of Oak HCFT's work and how she takes a long-term, problem-solving approach.  This episode delves into Oak HC/FT's groundbreaking (and award winning) approach to investing in healthcare, prioritizing patient-centered care and leveraging technology to empower both patients and providers. Seeking change agents and imagining a system focused on prevention, chronic disease management, and personalized care plans. That's the vision of Oak HC/FT, and Annie Lamont shares how they're making it a reality.  Tune in for more insight into Annie’s investing principles : The transformative power of patient-centered care: Moving away from traditional fee-for-service models towards a value-based system that prioritizes patient needs and outcomes. Harnessing technology for good: Exploring how Oak HC/FT utilizes telehealth, data analytics, and other tools to improve patient engagement and deliver effective care. Building trust and lasting relationships: Understanding the importance of open communication, shared decision-making, and personalized care plans in fostering trust and improving patient experience. Addressing healthcare disparities: Discussing Oak HC/FT's efforts to make quality healthcare accessible to all, including underserved communities. The future of healthcare: Envisioning a healthcare landscape where technology, collaboration, and patient-centeredness work in tandem to create a more equitable and efficient system. You'll gain insights into Oak HC/FT's innovative model, learn how technology can empower patients and providers, and discover ways to advocate for a better healthcare system for all. Annie also laments that there are still few women in the healthcare investing industry, however, she feels that the VC world is experiencing growth and change. With a majority of women driving many healthcare and purchasing decisions, t's imperative to have their perspective represented. Overall, you’ll hear how she is optimistic about seeing more women healthcare investors, but there is still work to be done. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of investing in healthcare and fintech as well as gaining insight into the enormous potential for more women investors in this critical space.  Connect with Annie Website LinkedIn Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter
What’s next for the HAYVN Coworking Community with Founder Felicia Rubinstein EP 86
Dec 1 2023
What’s next for the HAYVN Coworking Community with Founder Felicia Rubinstein EP 86
At the heart of this podcast is HAYVN, a coworking space and a thriving community of amazing entrepreneurs and professionals doing inspiring work at all levels of their careers. Founder Felicia Rubinstein is the founder and the visionary behind HAYVN’s mission and success.  While HAYVN opened before the pandemic, Felicia and her team were able to adjust to the multiple shifts in the working landscape. In a time when larger coworking spaces have struggled and even failed,  HAYVN has evolved and thrived. In this episode, we hear from Felicia how HAYVN has grown in the past few years, and what’s next on the horizon for the HAYVN community. More things you’ll learn: How the programs and projects of HAYVN help build a solid and thriving community. Impact of a company with a B-Corp certification. The new professional landscape: working near home and redefining remote work. “It's doing business and being a force for good.” - Felicia Rubinstein Felicia also talks about the four pillars of HAYVN - sustainability and social impact, health and wellness, women, and entrepreneurship - and how these have guided the decision making of her organization.. As HAYVN is gearing up for a stellar  2024, they’re preparing lots of exciting things for the community and looking forward to making even more HAYVN magic! Connect with Felicia:  Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter
Collaborative Solutions to Changing Community Needs with Lutonya Russell-Humes EP 85
Nov 13 2023
Collaborative Solutions to Changing Community Needs with Lutonya Russell-Humes EP 85
In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, we get to learn more about the world of regional nonprofits and grants with our guest Lutonya Russell-Humes. We’ll explore the key elements that make a non-profit successful and how they can drive maximum impact for their communities. Lutonya is the Vice President of Grants and Programs of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, an organization that works closely with community organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and philanthropists to address challenges and identify opportunities to create a stronger, more vibrant community. She brings with her deep experience in helping families, establishing solid community relations and building trust through clear communication and action.  With a current lens and focus on racial equity through systems change, Lutonya shares these key insights about her work and outreach with the Fairfield County Community Foundation: Place-based focus: What sets them apart is their place-based approach. Their initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of the communities they serve, and constant communication with community partners is foundational to their work. Accessible grant process: The Foundation's grant process is remarkably accessible, requiring initially only a Letter of Intent. This inclusivity ensures that organizations of all sizes can engage in the process. Partnership as a pillar: Lutonya emphasizes the importance of viewing relationships with the community and benefactors as true partnerships.  “You need to have partners that reflect nuanced variables that contribute to whatever problem you're trying to resolve.” -Lutonya Russell-Humes Lutonya and the Fairfield County Community Foundation are an example of what it means to be part of a community, responding to its needs and contributing to its growth. This commitment aligns seamlessly with HAVYN's work, where our entrepreneurial community is not just thriving, but also making a positive impact. Listen in to this episode for insights into building partnerships, navigating the grant landscape, and driving meaningful change within communities. Connect with Lutonya Russell-Humes:  Website Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter
Authentic Relationship Building for You and Your Business EP 84
Oct 31 2023
Authentic Relationship Building for You and Your Business EP 84
In this episode we dive into the amazing work and community of HAYVN and its members. Host Nancy Sheed talks with Kristen Hallett Rzasa as they discuss the modern-day landscape of entrepreneurship, the challenges of running and growing a business, and how community and networks are necessary for success. Kristen is a life and business strategist and works in HAYVN’s Community Engagement. Kristen talks about HAYVN’s Entrepreneurial Women's Club and how their monthly meetings have been a tool for connecting with other entrepreneurial women, learning new things, building relationships, and having fun. “When we share our struggles, that's when the real power and growth happens.” - Kristen Hallett Rzasa Three takeaways from this episode: Empowering Networking: HAYVN's Entrepreneurial Women's Club provides a unique space for female entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and support one another. Monthly Meeting Experience: Get to know about the structure of the club's monthly meetings, where informal networking, member spotlights, and insightful presentations make a positive impact in attendees' businesses. Value of In-Person Connection: It’s important to have in-person interactions, which foster collaboration, personal growth, and empowerment for entrepreneurial women. “You have to work on the internal and the external game to really make it in the entrepreneurial world.” - Kristen Hallett Rzasa Kristen highlights the "HAYVN Magic" that sets HAYVN apart as a supportive and collaborative community. The Entrepreneurial Women's Club is a testament to the club's essence and the power of face-to-face connections in the entrepreneurial world. To know more about the Entrepreneurial Women's Club, visit https://hayvn.com/ewc_entrepreneur_women/    Connect with Kristen Hallett Rzasa: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter
Taking Your Business to the Next Level EP 82
Oct 2 2023
Taking Your Business to the Next Level EP 82
In recent years, there’s been a growing number of startups and entrepreneurs with brilliant business ideas, but often they have to figure out the aspects of starting a business themselves, like where to get funding, how to write business plans, how to record their finances, or how to market their business. Our guest today knows all about these questions and has experience working with entrepreneurs to help grow their business.  Carol Cheswick has 30 years of experience in finance, marketing, investing, and executive consulting. She’s a Business Specialist with the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC).  Since joining the WBDC in 2012, Carol has been responsible for teaching GPS – Guide to Plan for Success program - to aspiring business owners who seek to start a small business and to make their vision a reality. She also conducts one-on-one counseling for the WBDC, helping individuals on specific business and career challenges.  Key points discussed in this episode are:  How startups can get funding  The importance of understanding your business’s finances  How business advisors and mentors can help you grow your business  “It's amazing how many people call me and say, I'm an entrepreneur and I'm lonely. And I don't have anyone to talk about my business with.” - Carol Cheswick  Carol explains the work of WBDC, their services, and how they’ve been helping and supporting women with their businesses and taking it to the next level. Carol also shares the importance of organizations like WBDC and spaces like HAYVN in providing support and community, making the entrepreneurship journey less lonely.  Connect with Carol Cheswick:  Website  Facebook  LinkedIn  Connect with Nancy:  Website  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter
Building Connections and Community with Laura Incerto EP 81
Sep 18 2023
Building Connections and Community with Laura Incerto EP 81
In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed is joined by guest Laura Incerto, the visionary founder of Women for Women.  Women for Women is not your typical networking group. Since it started in 2009, this extraordinary community has seen many meaningful connections and encouraged lasting friendships among women. Together, Nancy and Laura discuss the incredible journey Women for Women has seen in the past 14 years and explore the importance of community and connections.  “One thing women don’t need in their lives is more pressure.” - Laura Incerto  Here are three takeaways from this episode:  Open and relaxed gatherings encourage more natural connections  People have a desire to create genuine connections and friendships  Flexibility and adapting to changes allow groups to stay strong  “Age has nothing to do with living your life every day to the fullest.” - Laura Incerto  Laura shares the stories of the group's founding, its remarkable evolution, the inclusivity among its members, and the importance of establishing an environment where women can connect organically and without pressure.  This group is proof that connections can be made among people with extremely different backgrounds and experiences. Their open and inclusive nature has contributed to its growth, and they continue to attract new members every month.  Join Nancy and Laura in this captivating episode as they celebrate the power of authentic connections and the inspiring legacy of Women for Women.  Connect with Laura Incerto:   Facebook  Email  Connect with Nancy:  Website  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter
Recalibrating and Upskilling: Workplace Strategies with Eileen Springer EP 80
Sep 4 2023
Recalibrating and Upskilling: Workplace Strategies with Eileen Springer EP 80
The professional landscape is constantly evolving, but over the past 18 months, there have been seismic shifts in the workplace, and these brought in their own set of challenges and opportunities currently facing most professionals and organizations. Joining us again is Eileen Springer, the founder of Central Park Executive Coaching. She’s an accomplished executive coach, and works with C-suite executives, mid-career professionals, and teams, drawing from her 30 years of experience in HR and talent management within global corporations. Key topics discussed in this episode are: ●     Recalibration in the workforce ●     Challenges for mid-level managers ●     Upskilling as a strategy    “For a manager, or for anyone in a role with a lot of responsibility, self-care is critical to ensure that you can be the best you can be first.” - Eileen Springer Eileen also discusses the importance of courage in the workplace. For managers, this means having difficult conversations with employees, asking them what their goals are, and finding solutions that would be mutually beneficial for the employee and the company. And for the employees, this means having to manage up, not waiting for your efforts to be recognized, and identifying the actions that can be taken to initiate these conversations with sponsors, peers, managers, and mentors. To get all the useful knowledge and practical tips Eileen shared, listen to the full episode. Connect with Eileen Springer:  Website  LinkedIn  Connect with Nancy:  Website  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter
Entrepreneurial Resilience with Clovia McIntosh EP 79
Aug 21 2023
Entrepreneurial Resilience with Clovia McIntosh EP 79
In this episode we delve into the world of entrepreneurship and gain insights into the start-up journey. Our guest, Clovia McIntosh, a recent MBA graduate from the University of Bridgeport business school, shares her remarkable experience in establishing her company, IRL Innovations. IRL Innovations focuses on developing consumer-focused products and "inventing real-life solutions for real-life problems." Their flagship product is Tubee - a foldable, standup bathtub insert designed to enhance child safety in adult-sized bathtubs, preventing slips and falls among young children. Clovia's story is a testament to determination and tenacity. While completing her MBA, she was simultaneously working on building a business and product development for Tubee. Candidly sharing her journey, Clovia acknowledges both the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Here are the key lessons we learn from Clovia’s journey: ●     You don’t have to know everything to start. You’ll learn as you go. ●     You have to just keep going. ●     The help, support and resources are out there. You just have to look. “People naturally want to help you. You just have to ask, and they will point you in the right direction. You just can’t give up.” -Clovia McIntosh Tubee is now patent pending and is currently in the prototyping stage with a final design confirmed, and Clovia is preparing for a round of venture capital presentations. Her journey exemplifies resilience and a high adversity quotient, showcasing the remarkable spirit of an entrepreneur. Connect with Clovia McIntosh: Website LinkedIn Email Learn about: MakeHaven, a full makerspace and Fab Lab Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter
Solving Problems for Athletic Coaches with Schedulete EP 78
Aug 7 2023
Solving Problems for Athletic Coaches with Schedulete EP 78
In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we have the privilege of hearing from Ann Murray, Co-Founder of Schedulete, an innovative online platform designed to streamline the scheduling process for coaches. With a focus on optimizing scheduling efficiency and reducing time and effort, Schedulete has become a game-changer in the coaching industry.  Throughout the conversation, Ann shares valuable insights from her entrepreneurial journey with her co-founder (and daughter) Alexa Murray, offering practical lessons for those embarking on their own business ventures:  Discover the power of collaboration as diverse skill sets and strengths converge to create something extraordinary.  Emphasize continuous product development as a driving force behind sustained success.  Navigating between the different fundraising and strategic partnership options and deciding which is best for your business growth.  “It always takes longer to build something than you anticipate.” -Ann Murray  Ann also opens up about her connection to the HAYVN community, recounting how it played an essential role in her entrepreneurial growth. From participating in the  HAYVN Hatch to the ongoing support, Ann highlights the tremendous value that comes from being part of the HAYVN ecosystem.  Join us as we dive into Schedulete’s startup journey, a story of ingenuity, partnership, and its growing impact on the coaching industry.  Connect with Ann Murray:  Website  LinkedIn  Connect with Nancy:  Website  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter
Scaling Ventures with Realist Lab: Redefining Tech Incubation and Investment EP: 77
Jul 24 2023
Scaling Ventures with Realist Lab: Redefining Tech Incubation and Investment EP: 77
In this engaging episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, we delve into the ever-evolving world of venture investing and explore how Realist Lab, a new tech incubator, is transforming the investment landscape.  Realist Lab offers aspiring startup founders the crucial elements for success, including funding, technology, resources, and practical tools to scale their ventures. Joining us today are Christine Sullivan, Marie Rocha, Joana Smith, and Isis-Rae Goulbourne – four extraordinary women who serve as members of Realist Lab's core management team.  Throughout the episode, we explore key points that shed light on the essence of successful startup companies: ●       The inherent value of investing in people and nurturing talent to unlock potential. ●       The pivotal role of solid leadership in driving a company's growth and achievements. ●       The transformative changes and profound impact Realist Lab is making within the investment ecosystem.   “At the core, we really just care about seeing more progress.” -Marie Rocha  Our guests bring a wealth of diverse professional backgrounds and unique areas of expertise:  Marie Rocha recognized the need for women-centric pitch opportunities through her exposure to investment events and competitions.  Christine Sullivan, a former investment banker, identified the gap in investing in women-led ventures and found her purpose in this space.  Joana Smith is leveraging her finance background as an analyst and hedge fund partner and has embarked on a journey in technology with aspirations of becoming a founder.  Isis-Rae Goulbourne with her marketing and community-building acumen, highlights the team diversity as one of the strengths contributing to Realist Lab's success.  Join us as we follow the inspiring narratives and insights learned - much of it learned through HAYVN’s LAUNCH and HATCH programs - that made it possible for Realist Lab's commitment to revolutionizing investment practices and empowering women entrepreneurs.  Connect with: Realist Lab Venture Marie Rocha Joana G. Smith Christine Sullivan Isis-Rae Goulbourne  Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter
Unlocking Your Business Potential with a Virtual Assistant EP 76
Jul 10 2023
Unlocking Your Business Potential with a Virtual Assistant EP 76
In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we delve into the dynamic world of virtual assistance with Gina Havraneck. Gina brings her expertise in providing administrative support to solo professionals, enabling them to focus on their core competencies. With 20 years of experience in events, public relations, and finance, Gina has honed her skills to excel as a virtual assistant.  Virtual assistants offer a diverse range of tasks and expertise, including business management, client support, marketing, accounting, and more.   However, many business owners, particularly solopreneurs are often hesitant to delegate these tasks.   If there are business tasks that are repetitive and don't require personal attention, or if there are  tasks that involve a project outside your area of expertise, then it’s definitely time to consider a virtual assistant.   Virtual assistants are your best help in situations like these since they have the background and the expertise to help entrepreneurs. They possess the unique ability to see the big picture while attending to the finer details, helping businesses achieve their goals. They can collaborate with different clients, leveraging their expertise to drive business growth.  “Different people work differently, and I meet my clients where they are.” - Gina Havraneck  Whether you aspire to work as a virtual assistant or are considering incorporating virtual assistant support into your team, tune in to this enlightening episode to gain valuable insights and guidance.  Connect with Gina Havraneck:  Website  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Connect with Nancy:  Website  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter
Launching a Well-Being Food Company Focused the Well-Being of the World with Lisa Hurd EP 75
Jun 26 2023
Launching a Well-Being Food Company Focused the Well-Being of the World with Lisa Hurd EP 75
Join us in this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast as we dive into the challenging world of entrepreneurship and the process of growing a consumer food business. Lisa Hurd shares her inspiring journey of navigating the food and beverage industry to build her successful venture, Lisa's 1973 - a food company that believes delicious food can also be good for you and good for the world.  Lisa's path was driven by her and her partner Kristin’s personal medical experiences of untreated auto-immune conditions and heart complications, respectively. She used her background as a Culinary Archeologist to harness the power of food as medicine to transform their health and bring the vision of this new business to life. “You can have food that is as close to nature as possible, and it can be amazing.” -Lisa Hurd Throughout the episode, we explore key takeaways from Lisa's journey, including: Uncovering the common threads that connect your passion, purpose, and mission. The significant impact that nurturing relationships can have on your business's growth and success. Navigating the challenges of launching a CPG (consumer products goods) company which requires significant amounts of capital investment. The importance of industry knowledge and finding mentors who can guide you through the intricacies of your specific industry. Listen in as Lisa shares her highs, lows, and unexpected turns in her entrepreneurial journey. You’ll gain valuable insights on making the most of any situation and turning your life lessons into opportunities. Connect with Lisa Hurd: Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter
How Women Can Shape the Future Through Angel Investing EP 74
Jun 12 2023
How Women Can Shape the Future Through Angel Investing EP 74
Angel investing is an empowering way for women to shape their financial futures as well as the futures of new startups and budding enterprises. They get to choose and be selective in the companies they will invest in, and they can choose which companies best reflect their own values.   While there is a fairly low barrier of entry to be an accredited investor for angel investing, it’s still a  high-risk endeavor, which is why groups like Tidal River are extremely helpful. Tidal River is a Connecticut based angel investor network for women, and in this episode we’ll hear from the managing partners of the Tidal River Funds, a member-driven fund for accredited investors focused on early stage companies that champion diversity and equity.  Chris Gelnaw, an angel investor and independent consulting professional, brings a wealth of experience in growing early-stage and mid-market companies. With her expertise in product/market fit, market sizing, and product launches, she provides valuable insights and actionable strategies to companies across various sectors.  Galia Gichon, an independent personal financial expert, has a diverse background spanning corporate bond research, personal finance, angel investing, and entrepreneurship. As an angel investor, Galia actively supports women-led and impact startups, while also providing independent personal finance education through her company, Down to Earth Finance.  Key Points in this episode:  Angel investing has become a more accessible financial endeavor.  The importance of being educated about what angel investing is.  How to manage and mitigate risks when angel investing.  “We want to empower women to make their own financial investment decisions.” - Chris Gelnaw  Join us as Chris and Galia share their insights and experiences, empowering women to make informed financial investment choices.  Connect with Tidal River:  Website  LinkedIn  Connect with Chris Gelnaw:  LinkedIn  Connect with Galia Gichon:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  Connect with Nancy:  Website  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter
The Secrets to Publishing Your Book Successfully with Jenn T. Grace EP 73
May 29 2023
The Secrets to Publishing Your Book Successfully with Jenn T. Grace EP 73
Writing and publishing a book is a time-consuming, laborious and courageous process. It involves much more than writing, editing, proofreading, and uploading a manuscript. First-time authors quickly realize that there is much to learn and navigate within the publishing industry. To teach us more about just what it takes to publish a book, we’re joined by book publisher, Jenn T. Grace of Publish Your Purpose.  Jenn is an award-winning author, nationally recognized speaker, and savvy publishing strategist. She founded Publish Your Purpose, an acclaimed hybrid publishing company that gives first-time authors the secrets to getting their books written, finding an eager audience, and marking their place in the publishing world.  “Make sure that your purpose is what everything is centered around because there are so many points in the process where it’s very easy to give up.” -Jenn T. Grace  Key points in Jenn’s story that are highlighted in this episode:  How having an “I can figure this out” attitude and taking advantage of strategic opportunities led her from corporate work to book publishing  How to bring the most value to the world by having a clear why and a clear purpose in your work  Understanding key questions and goals for authors when deciding how to publish their work and what publishing direction they should take  Like a lot of us, Jenn started in the corporate world right out of college, working for an insurance company. But within a month of working there, she experienced homophobia in the workplace, and that led her to start a consulting company to help other companies market to the LGBTQ community in a sincere and authentic way and ultimately writing four books on LGBTQ marketing and communication.   From her experience in publishing her own books, a series of events and a bombardment of “How did you do this?” led her to create a course to teach authors how to get their books published, and eventually to start her own publishing company.  Jenn is currently actively involved with the HAYVN community and as a fan of the programming around sustainability, she admires the measures HAYVN has taken to achieve its level of sustainability and receive certified B Corp status (just as she has)! .  Connect with Jenn T. Grace:  Website  Facebook  LinkedIn  Twitter  Publish Your Purpose  Connect with Nancy:  Website  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter