Episodes

Nov. 16, 2023

S4/Ep.10 Networking Like a Pro

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...

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Oct. 19, 2023

S4/Ep.9 Owning the Arena: Katrina Adams on Leadership and Breaking Gl…

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 …

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Sept. 28, 2023

S4/Ep.8 Lead to Win with Carla Harris

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...

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July 20, 2023

S4/Ep.7 Connecticut Works for Small Business

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...

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June 22, 2023

S4/Ep.6 The Journey from Product to Pitch: Learn from FunkkOFF’s Shar…

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...

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May 18, 2023

S4.Ep.5 Growth, Innovation and the Economic Futures of CT & NY

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...

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April 20, 2023

S4/Ep.4 Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream with Dr. Oscar…

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...

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March 24, 2023

S4/Ep3 Revolutionizing Retirement with CT State Comptroller Sean Scan…

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...

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Feb. 16, 2023

S4/Ep.2 It Starts With A Business Plan

“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...

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Jan. 19, 2023

S4/Ep1. Unlocking Connecticut

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...

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Nov. 17, 2022

S3/Ep.3 The Impact of Elections on Women Entrepreneurs

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 …

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Oct. 20, 2022

S3/Ep.2 Accelerating The Growth of Women's Entrepreneurship in CT

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...

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Sept. 22, 2022

S3/Ep.1 Women in Banking: Meet Four Connecticut CEOs

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 …

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Aug. 10, 2022

S2/Ep.7 Introducing The Mom Shuffle Podcast: When Women Thrive, Commu…

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...

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June 23, 2022

S2/Ep.6 Investing In the Future Of Women

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 . Of course, they discuss WBDC's work and why...

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May 26, 2022

S2/Ep.5 Supporting the Community While Boosting the Bottom Line

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 …

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April 21, 2022

S2/Ep.4 The First, The Few, The Only with Deepa Purushothaman

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 …

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March 24, 2022

S2/Ep.3 Supporting Child Care – An Industry in Crisis Pt.2

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 …

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Feb. 24, 2022

S2/Ep. 2: Supporting Child Care, an Industry in Crisis

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...

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Jan. 27, 2022

S2/Ep.1 Funding Growth for Connecticut’s Women-Owned Businesses

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 …

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Nov. 18, 2021

20.Shopping Local on Small Business Saturday . . . And Everyday

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...

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Oct. 14, 2021

19. Shifting Norms with Jennifer Palmer, CEO of Gerber Finance

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 …

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Sept. 30, 2021

18. Talking (and Walking) to End Alzheimer’s

18. Talking (and Walking) to End Alzheimer’s

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Sept. 16, 2021

17. Celebrating Small Business Week With Three of CT's Best

17. Celebrating Small Business Week With Three of CT's Best

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