


CULINARY• EVENTS • LIFESTYLE








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I love May—when nature stretches awake from its long winter and mud-season slumber, and everything feels possible again.
Our May issue is our annual Ladies Issue, and it’s always a favorite of mine. This year, I wanted to shine a light on nine extraordinary, badass women who help shape policy, programs, safety, and spiritual guidance in Stamford—yet rarely receive the recognition they deserve. These are women who spend their days lifting others, often quietly, always powerfully.

What makes this group especially meaningful is how organically it came together. And in that evolution, something beautiful revealed itself: a rich diversity of culture, perspective, age, and experience that truly reflects what makes Stamford such a magical place to call home.
The day of our photo shoot, led by the incredibly talented Jay Cohen, was nothing short of a lovefest of sisterhood. There was no ego, no drama—just kindness, support, laughter, and a shared willingness to play. It made for an unforgettable day—and photographs that capture that spirit perfectly.
Stamford is also home to a thriving community of women in tech. In this issue, Linda Drabova shares her path to success—an inspiring perspective for all women, and especially for the next generation of girls looking to launch their business.
This issue also marks our third year around the sun. Happy Birthday, Stamford City Lifestyle! I’m deeply honored to be part of this journey. Our publisher, Marty Shapiro, chose Stamford as his home, and I’m not sure anyone loves it more— except, perhaps, those of us lucky enough to have been born and raised here.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: there’s only one place that calls you one of their own.
Thank you to everyone who has helped build a voice that celebrates the very best of Stamford—the people, the stories, the spirit. And a special thank you to our advertisers. Without their support, this magazine wouldn’t arrive in your mailbox. Please support them whenever you can.
I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I enjoyed putting it together. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to these remarkable women who help shape and strengthen our community every day.

LAURIE A. GUZDA, @STAMFORDCITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE EDITOR
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Marty Shapiro | Marty.Shapiro@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Laurie A. Guzda | laurie.guzda@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Eva Glassman
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda Drabova, Laurie A. Guzda
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Jay Cohen
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick








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Stamford offers
Bold, resilient leaders shaping Stamford through
Stamford's bold leadership of amazing women: Lisa Tannebaum, Lt Jen Lynch, Rev Rolita James, Heather Cavanagh, Chris Crain, Eden Huang, Alice Knapp, Nette Compton and Krista Robustelli.
Jay Cohen
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”








Please
24th
Wednesday, May 13th 11:00am - 2:00pm | Tokeneke Club, Darien, CT







People often assume entering tech requires years of planning, connections, and perfect timing. But waiting for perfect conditions means you never move at all. Bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s looking at the risk, respecting it, and choosing to move forward anyway.
Stamford has the energy of New York City without the anonymity. On any weekday, you can sit in a café and hear conversations about fintech, healthcare, and data science bouncing between tables. I found my people at Modern Love Coffee Roasters, discovered the Stamford Innovation Center, attended Tech Hub events run by the Stamford Partnership, and worked alongside other builders at Serendipity Labs.
CT Digital Forum’s monthly events at UConn feature sharp voices from finance, banking, and fintech. Forge events opened doors into hardware tech. These weren’t places I visited before launching, they were the support team I sought after I’d already taken the leap.
When I needed to refine my services and better understand a niche market of start ups, I went back to that network—specifically through the Entrepreneur-inResidence program at The Ferguson Library, which connected me with people who sharpened my thinking. More than a few of them were women.
Savanha from Moneyling is tackling the financial education gap—covering money concepts that never make it
into basic school curriculum. Marlene Megos, founder of Equate Education, is modernizing how teacher residency and apprenticeship programs track and support candidates. Kira Dineen hosts DNA Today, an award-winning podcast covering advances in genetics. Geeta is building Excellence, a Christian business directory connecting values-aligned entrepreneurs and customers.
Hearing each of them talk through the real struggles of developing a product or service helped me see where a fresh approach to software development and client relationships could create genuine value. The network didn’t make me brave enough to start—it made me smart enough to keep building.
Women are bringing a distinct leadership ethic to Stamford’s tech scene: one that values collaboration over ego, and treats engineers, partners, and early customers as essential to any outcome. That experience makes us more attuned to who’s missing from the conversation and more intentional about culture. Those aren’t soft extras— they’re strategic advantages.
Stamford’s strength is its support structure. Tech Hub connects startups to mentors and corporate partners. UConn’s Innovate Labs in Stamford brings students and founders into the same orbit — and with a proposed AI Innovation Institute potentially on the horizon, that orbit is expanding.
ARTICLE BY LINDA DRABOVA

Linda Drabova is the founder of Bottleneck Technologies, a custom software development company offering AI/ML, app development, and integrations/automations that solve complex challenges and drive growth across a range of industries.

Connecticut Innovations provides early-stage funding without leaving the state. WITS – Women in Tech Stamford meets regularly at Serendipity Labs. The Women’s Business Development Council runs the Ignite grant program, offering up to $10,000 for womenowned businesses. SCORE Fairfield County provides mentorship to refine business models. Governor Ned Lamont’s proposed R&D tax incentives would further help business owners adopt technology. The list keeps growing. Your passion is your foundation. Your experience is your greatest asset. Your Stamford network is ready to work alongside you. The choice to step into something uncertain and build anyway is where transformation happens—and right now, in Stamford, the door is open and there is room for every woman ready to walk through it.














ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY COHEN
BOLD, RESILIENT LEADERS SHAPING STAMFORD THROUGH SERVICE, COURAGE, AND COMMUNITY—WITH JUST ENOUGH BAD*SS ENERGY TO GET THINGS DONE.
Leadership is rarely a straight line. It is built through experience, challenge, and a deep commitment to something greater than oneself. The women featured in the following pages represent a powerful cross-section of Stamford—leaders in public safety, education, health, the arts, and community service—each guided by values that shape not only their careers, but the lives they touch every day. Their stories reflect resilience, purpose, and authenticity. They lead with heart, stand in their truth, and bring just enough bad*ss energy to create lasting, meaningful impact.



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At the Stamford Senior Center, we witness the strength of trail blazing women who lead with heart, lift others up and devote years ser ving their families, their country and their community
This month, we say we see you and we thank you for paving the way for the generations of women to come, who deser ve the same rights and opportunities you fought so hard to create


For Heather Cavanagh, President and CEO of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce, leadership begins with values that don’t waver. Influenced deeply by her late mother, Nancy, she learned early the importance of integrity, trust, and making ethical, consistent decisions—especially when it’s hardest.
Growing up in small family businesses reinforced those lessons, showing her that credibility and a positive, authentic culture are not optional; they are essential. Those early experiences shaped a leadership style

grounded in compassion, perseverance, and a clear sense of purpose.
Throughout her career, Heather has led Chambers of Commerce in Stamford, Darien, Westport-Weston, and South Kingstown, Rhode Island. In each role, she has focused on what she loves most: connecting people. By bringing together businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders, she helps create an environment where relationships thrive and local economies grow stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient. Her connection to Stamford, in particular, is rooted in collaboration— building trust, leveraging networks, and empowering others to succeed.
The most defining test of her leadership came during the uncertainty of the 2020 pandemic. With businesses shuttering or pivoting overnight, Heather worked tirelessly to keep members informed, connected, and supported. Offices went remote, restaurants adapted to takeout and delivery, and many businesses reimagined their models just to survive. Through it all, she witnessed extraordinary resilience, creativity, and determination. That moment not only deepened her respect for Stamford’s business community—it affirmed her own strength, adaptability, and ability to lead through crisis.
Looking ahead, Heather envisions a Stamford where local businesses are consistently supported and celebrated as the backbone of the community. She hopes to see continued growth driven by collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. For the women who will lead after her, her advice is both practical and empowering: be authentic, trust your values, build strong networks, and lift others as you rise.
Guided by her steady philosophy—“Keep Calm & Carry On”—Heather remains committed to making a meaningful difference, leaving every organization, relationship, and community she touches better than she found it.
Connecting people, strengthening business, and building a resilient, inclusive Stamford community
ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY COHEN
At the heart of Nette’s work is a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves access to beauty and joy. These are not luxuries, but essential human experiences—and a reflection of how a community values its people.
In Stamford, that philosophy has shaped the President and CEO of Mill River Park Collaborative’s approach that looks beyond functionality to something deeper. Whether through design, programming, or decision-making, the goal is always the same: to create spaces that foster dignity, belonging,

and delight. At Mill River Park, that vision comes to life in a place intentionally designed to feel welcoming and meaningful to all.
A multigenerational Connecticut native, she sees Stamford—and the state more broadly—as a place of unique balance and diversity. Yet she is equally aware of the divisions that can exist within that diversity. That awareness informs her leadership, driving a commitment to creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can come together. Through a mix of quiet natural settings and vibrant community programming, Mill River Park serves as a bridge— offering shared experiences that reflect the city’s full complexity while encouraging connection, understanding, and inclusion.
One of her most defining challenges came early in her tenure, when the organization faced both community skepticism and a nearly 30 percent reduction in its operating grant. It was a pivotal moment that underscored the importance of proactive relationship-building, deep listening, and adaptability. In response, her team doubled down on outreach and trust-building, ensuring that the park truly served all communities. Today, data shows that park users are more diverse and often less economically advantaged than the city overall—evidence that intentional inclusion can yield real results.
Looking ahead, she is inspired by Stamford’s strong network of women leaders—many balancing careers, parenthood, and caregiving. She hopes to help shape a future where this lived experience is recognized as a strength, bringing empathy and perspective to leadership.
Her philosophy is rooted in curiosity: you don’t need a perfect plan—just the willingness to take the next step forward.
Building inclusive spaces where beauty, connection, and belonging are accessible to every Stamford resident
For Reverend Rolita James and the Passion Organization, purpose is not a slogan—it is a responsibility. “My purpose in life is to enhance the lives of humans,” she says, “to help people discover that they matter, that they have worth, and that they can be impactful.” That belief has been her guiding compass, shaping a path rooted in service, truth, and long-term impact.
Staying aligned with purpose, she believes, creates change that ripples across generations. It’s never just about today—it’s about what we leave behind.

Her connection to Stamford is deeply personal. “Home is where you hang your heart,” she reflects. Leadership begins with awareness—taking an honest look at the full picture of the community and asking where you can contribute. Everyone needs something. The work is in identifying that need, taking inventory of your own resources, and stepping in where you can make a difference. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing something meaningful.
What has tested her most is the gap between perception and reality. While things may appear stable on the surface, the data tells another story—thousands of students at risk of dropping out, the closure of Black community centers, rising homelessness, unaffordable housing, seniors forced to choose between essentials, and cultural disconnects in education. These realities demand more than acknowledgment; they demand action. Through these challenges, she has found her voice—one that reaches beyond comfort, advocating for real change so people can experience hope again, not just survival.
Looking ahead, she envisions a Stamford grounded in transparency and respect for humanity, beginning with leadership and extending into every household. Her hope is that these values will cascade to future generations, teaching them to stay focused on what truly matters. As she reminds us, echoing timeless wisdom, “It’s always the right time to do the right thing.”
Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Each one, reach one.” Because even helping one person means we are moving forward—and that is how real change begins.
Leading with truth, compassion, and courage to uplift lives across Stamford’s diverse community
For Alice Knapp, CEO of the Ferguson Library, the guiding compass is clear: intellectual freedom and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These foundational principles are not abstract ideals—they are daily decision-making tools. “Once they become your lens,” she explains, “you begin to see the world differently.” That perspective has shaped her leadership at the Ferguson Library, influencing not only internal practices but also meaningful partnerships with organizations like DOMUS,

SilverSource, VITA, and Cradle to Career. Together, they form a network committed to expanding access, opportunity, and knowledge across the community.
Her connection to Stamford is both professional and deeply personal. Having worked in multiple communities, she sees Stamford as uniquely collaborative—a place where leaders across government, education, and nonprofits actively work together to close opportunity gaps and enrich lives through learning and the arts. It is this shared sense of purpose that inspires her leadership and fuels her commitment to service.
Throughout her career, she has faced defining challenges that tested both her voice and resolve. As President of the Connecticut Library Association in 2005, she stepped forward when four librarians were silenced by a National Security Letter tied to the Patriot Act. Acting as their voice, she advocated publicly for privacy and intellectual freedom until the gag order was lifted and reforms were enacted. More recently, she has confronted the surge in book challenges nationwide. These moments affirmed that leadership sometimes requires standing firm, speaking out, and working collectively to protect core values.
Looking ahead, her focus is clear: literacy. She is committed to closing reading gaps for both children and adults, recognizing that the ability to read is fundamental to participation in a democracy.
Her philosophy echoes Benjamin Franklin: “The person who deserves pity is a lonesome one on a rainy day who doesn’t know how to read.”
Championing literacy, inclusion, and intellectual freedom at the heart of Stamford’s civic life
Stamford Police Department’s Lieutenant
Jen Lynch’s approach is a simple but powerful belief: take care of people and earn their trust. Leadership, she believes, is not defined by rank, but by consistency, fairness, and showing up for others over time. After 29 years of service, she has built lasting relationships across the department and the community—grounded in credibility, respect, and a genuine commitment to keeping both her officers and the city safe. By staying true to her values, she leads with heart, remains

steady under pressure, and fosters a culture where people feel supported and held to high standards.
Her deep connection to Stamford shapes every aspect of her leadership. This is more than a place she works—it is a community she feels responsible to protect and serve. Years of working alongside residents, colleagues, and community leaders have given her a broad perspective and a personal investment in the city’s well-being. Every interaction, she emphasizes, involves a person—not just a role. Whether engaging with victims, colleagues, or individuals within the justice system, her approach is rooted in empathy, dignity, and respect.
One of the most defining challenges of her career came when she became the first female Sergeant in the Major Crimes Unit. The role carried both pride and pressure, as she understood her performance could shape opportunities for other women. In high-stakes, emotionally complex situations, she learned that strength is not about being the loudest voice, but the most steady and thoughtful. She built a collaborative team environment and embraced reflection, growth, and continuous learning—lessons that now inform her leadership as a Patrol Lieutenant.
Looking ahead, she hopes to cultivate a department where every officer—especially women—believes leadership is within reach. By encouraging diverse perspectives and strengthening community partnerships, she aims to build a safer, more connected Stamford.
Her guiding philosophy is one she shares often: integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Serving Stamford through empathy, accountability, and leadership that puts people first
For Christina Crain, leadership begins with filotimo—a Greek value rooted in honor, kindness, generosity, and moral responsibility. As the daughter of Greek immigrants, she was raised to believe that how you treat others reflects not just on you, but on your family and community. That belief has become her compass. In her work as the Executive Director of the Stamford Senior Center, it shows up in the smallest and most meaningful ways: ensuring every person who walks through the doors feels welcomed, valued, and respected.

For those who arrive in distress, she believes that even when answers are not immediate, offering dignity, compassion, and a listening ear is just as powerful.
Though she did not grow up in Stamford, the city has become her home over the past twelve years. Its unique blend of diversity and close-knit community continues to inspire her. Stamford, she says, feels like a small town at heart—where people care deeply, know one another, and take pride in where they live. That spirit of connection fuels her leadership and strengthens her commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults across the city.
Two defining challenges shaped her strength and voice. The first came at 26, when she lost her father and stepped in to help run her family’s restaurant—managing staff, finances, and operations while navigating profound grief. It was a trial by fire that revealed her resilience and reinforced her belief that empathy is not a weakness, but a strength. The second came during COVID-19, when she transformed the Senior Center into a lifeline—delivering meals, launching virtual programs, and ensuring seniors stayed connected and cared for. The experience affirmed that what the Center truly provides is community.
Looking ahead, Christina is committed to helping build a new senior center that meets the needs of Stamford’s growing older population. Her hope is to lay the groundwork for future leaders to expand that vision.
Guided by the wisdom, “People will remember how you made them feel,” she leads with heart—every single day.
Creating dignity, connection, and care for Stamford’s older adults through compassion-driven leadership
At the heart of Lisa Tannebaum’s journey is a guiding trio of values: kindness, curiosity, and a love of teaching. Deeply influenced by her mother—who at 95 continues to champion arts education through the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra—she learned that generosity, optimism, and a belief in learning can shape lives in lasting ways. Though her mother was not a musician, her example

instilled a passion for nurturing others. That foundation led her first to teaching, where she discovered the importance of reaching the student, not just the subject. Today, whether performing, teaching, or leading seminars, she approaches music as a vehicle for curiosity, discovery, and self-expression.
Her connection to Stamford grew from a desire to build both a home and a creative community. While the city offered strong cultural assets, she saw an opportunity to create something more intimate and collaborative—a shared space where artists could connect, mentor, and grow together. This vision led to the founding of Treetops Chamber Music Society and later Music in the Woods, a nonprofit dedicated to immersive musical experiences that blend performance, education, and community engagement. Through concerts, lectures, and programs for all ages, her work fosters meaningful connections between artists and audiences, often inspired by the natural world.
Her path to this work was anything but conventional. After studying harp as a child and earning a degree in physics, she committed fully to music in her mid-twenties. Along the way, she balanced family life and overcame a significant illness, returning to performance in a highly competitive field. These challenges became strengths, shaping a distinctive artistic voice rooted in resilience and storytelling.
Looking ahead, she hopes Stamford will continue to grow as a vibrant hub for artists—one that values collaboration, mentorship, and access. Through Music in the Woods, she envisions a lasting cultural center for future generations.
Guided by Oscar Wilde’s words, “Be yourself; everyone else is taken,” she continues to lead with authenticity, creativity, and heart.
Inspiring community through music, mentorship, and a lifelong love of learning and discovery
For this Stamford firefighter, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about resilience and humility. Starting the job at just 20 years old, she quickly realized how much she didn’t know. Firefighting demanded far more than physical strength; it required technical skill, emotional endurance, and the willingness to learn from others who had mastered the craft. Humility didn’t come overnight, but once she embraced it—accepting failure, asking questions, and even laughing at herself—her confidence and love for the job

grew. Resilience became just as essential, especially as a woman navigating a traditionally male environment. By staying patient, working hard, and earning respect over time, she found not just acceptance, but family within her department.
Her connection to Stamford runs deep. Raised in a large, close-knit family, she grew up surrounded by familiar faces and strong relationships that still shape her sense of community today. Though Stamford has grown into a city, it has never lost its small-town feel. That balance—progressive yet personal—fuels her pride in serving the place she calls home. Protecting her own community makes the work more meaningful, and the connections she’s built over a lifetime strengthen her commitment every day.
One of her greatest challenges came not on the fireground, but through a personal health struggle that tested her physically and mentally. Facing years of pain and uncertainty, she chose optimism over bitterness. That experience reshaped her perspective, teaching her patience, gratitude, and mental toughness. Today, she feels stronger and more capable than ever—proof that adversity can build, not break, you.
Looking ahead, her goal is simple: to be a positive influence. Whether mentoring young girls who visit the firehouse or simply being someone who listens and makes others laugh, she hopes to show that struggles don’t define you—they shape you.
Her advice is clear: be genuine, be kind, and stay curious.
Serving Stamford with grit, humility, and heart—proving strength is built through growth, not perfection
For Eden Huang, Health Inspector for the City of Stamford, the guiding principle has always been simple: care for people as if they are family. Her career began in the food service industry, where she built a strong foundation after completing both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees abroad. She later came to the United States to pursue her MBA, continuing a path rooted in service and growth. As Director of Food and Nutrition at the Tandet Center for 16 years, she remained deeply committed to providing high-quality, nutritious

meals while creating an environment of dignity and care for patients and residents. Managing staff, maintaining standards, and supporting individuals during vulnerable moments required both discipline and compassion—values that continue to define her leadership.
At 50, she made a bold career transition, becoming a health inspector. Moving from operations into enforcement might seem like a shift, but for her, the mission remained the same: protect and serve the community. Whether ensuring food safety or educating the public on health standards, her work is centered on keeping Stamford safe, sanitary, and informed. She sees environmental health as both challenging and deeply rewarding, requiring constant learning and a commitment to public well-being.
Her connection to Stamford extends far beyond her professional roles. As an active volunteer, she serves on boards such as the Stamford Parent Leadership Training Institute and the Stamford Senior Center, while supporting organizations like the Palace Theatre, ARI, Person to Person, and the New Covenant Center. Through this work, she stays closely connected to the needs of the community, always ready to offer help where it is needed most.
One of her greatest challenges has been navigating budget constraints while advocating for her team. These moments strengthened her voice and reinforced her belief in standing up for those she leads.
Looking ahead, she hopes to inspire women to recognize their full potential and break through any barriers.
Her philosophy is rooted in kindness: making one person smile can change everything.
From nutrition to public health, leading with compassion, protection, and community commitment


































































































ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.



Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard

















