THE COLLABORATORY @ CCEI
Welcome to The Collaboratory: Where Entrepreneurship Meets Communication Excellence
The Collaboratory is more than a space: it's a dynamic ecosystem that fuels creativity, collaboration, and success. We believe in the transformative power of contemporary communication channels, where entrepreneurs like you craft and share compelling content that resonates globally. Together, we create a powerful network of entrepreneurial storytellers who inspire, educate, and connect.

LATEST EPISODE: #13 IDEAS TO IMPACT WITH DENNIS HOUSE
AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE
WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

CONTENT PRODUCTION
Through curated curriculum and contemporary digital tools, we equip clients with the techniques required to convey innovative visions with clarity, impact, and authenticity. The Collaboratory provides digital content production, entrepreneurial communication, and pitch coaching.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Elevate communication skills with specialized training programs! Selected entrepreneurs and community partners have an exclusive opportunity to engage in high-level coaching sessions, honing their ability to convey stories with impact and authenticity.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Join a community that celebrates your uniqueness. The Collaboratory fosters a vibrant network that empowers and supports entrepreneurs. Exchange ideas, share experiences, and unlock full creative potential within a community that understands and uplifts you.
THE PODCAST

Welcome to Timely Topics, a monthly video podcast where co-hosts Rory and Jen bring their witty and lively perspectives to the forefront. We invite you to join their conversation on current events and contemporary business topics. From our studio in downtown Hartford, the show aims to connect the audience with entrepreneurs, innovators, and business thought leaders from a wide range of backgrounds and industries. Come join Rory and Jen in their inspiring and insightful conversations!

S01 E01: Rebranding
with guest Anthony Anthony
02/29/24
In our first episode, we dive into the potential of personal branding and identity using experiences and research. We'll also reflect on the “privilege of pressure,” and our eagerness to uplift entrepreneurs. Later, Connecticut CMO Anthony Anthony shares his experience in driving marketing initiatives for public and private sector organizations. To wrap, we tackle influencer marketing and the ethics with advertising partnerships.

S01 E02: Risk
with guest Emmet Moore
03/14/24
This week, we discuss 'risk' and its role in business and professional decision-making. Later, we respond to this month's correspondence, and guest Emmet Moore tells the story of leaving his native country of Ireland to start a business in the United States. To wrap, we debate whether it’s a good or bad idea for businesses to have a little April Fools fun.

S01 E03: Inspiration
with guest Andre Rochester
04/18/24
On this episode, we discuss the industry of inspiration! We sit down to interview Andre Rochester, distinguished fine artist and curator at UConn Health, to discuss the intersection of art, inspiration, and entrepreneurship. To end, we debate whether it’s a good or bad idea for businesses to partake in an “Employee of the Month” recognition program.

S01 E04: Success
with guests Bill Shufelt & John Walker
05/16/24
This week, we explore all sides of success, and consider the challenges around what to celebrate and when to reset. Jen sits down Bill Shufelt and John Walker, co-founders of Athletic Brewing Company, where they share how they became the top non-alcoholic beer brand in the U.S.. In our "Good Idea, Bad Idea" segment, we debate the merits of performance-based compensation.

S01 E05: Failure
with guest Jessica Lynch
06/20/24
In our fifth episode, we discuss plans for the summer and catch up on some correspondence. Later, we talk through the concept of failure, and everything that comes with it. We also sit down with entrepreneur Jessica Lynch, who shares her story from startup to exit. To wrap before summer, we engage in our most challenging “Good Idea, Bad Idea” segment yet.

S01 E06: Recognition
with guest Ryan Gresh
09/19/24
We're back from our summer break and ready to tackle the second half of season one! We'll dive into the topic of recognition, and the pros and cons of receiving it for a job well done. Later, Rory sits down with the founder of The Feel Good Lab, Ryan Gresh, who shares his entrepreneurial journey and a few tips for those just getting started. We also return with our “Good Idea, Bad Idea” segment, with a new mystery twist.

S01 E07: Intuition
with guest Erin Hatzikostas
10/17/24
This episode, we explore the role of intuition and when it’s appropriate to trust it. We'll discuss how intuition stems from past experiences and core values, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness — after all, staying true to yourself ensures your intuition remains authentic. Later, we sit down with best-selling author Erin Hatzikostas, who shares her entrepreneurial story. To wrap, we debate another “Good Idea, Bad Idea” mystery topic.

S01 E08: Consistency
with guest Justin Morales
11/14/24
In Episode 08, our co-hosts discuss consistency. Whether you're aiming for personal growth, career advancement, or better habits, staying consistent can be the game-changer that helps you reach your goals – but, are there limits on the positive attributes of always being consistent? Later, we sit down with "hospitality man," entrepreneur, and award-winning author Justin Morales, who shares his passion for storytelling and life in the restaurant industry.

S01 E09: Indulgence
with Jen and Rory
12/19/24
This episode, we debate indulgence: that irresistible pull toward luxury. From decadent products to lavish experiences, indulgence drives trends, shapes brands, and transforms consumer expectations. Our hosts explore how businesses tap into this desire and why indulgence is more than just a guilty pleasure — it’s a thriving industry. Being our season finale, we also have some fun with rapid-fire questions to prepare for next season!

S02 E10: Turning Passion into Purpose
with Jen and Rory
2/20/25
In Episode 10, we dive into the power of passion in business and entrepreneurship. Our hosts explore how aligning your work with what truly excites you can lead to greater success, resilience, and innovation. But what happens if you lose your passion? And how do you continue to motivate yourself if you’re no longer passionate? Tune in to hear about the role passion plays in business and how to persist when you lose it.

S02 E11: Ideas to Impact
with guest Hayley Segar
3/06/25
In Episode 11, co-host Jen sits down with entrepreneur Hayley Segar to explore her inspiring journey — from the early days of launching her brand, onewith, to her recent Shark Tank success! Hayley opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the challenges of staying true to her vision, and what it takes to build a brand with purpose.

S02 E12: Do(n't) Call it Luck!
with Jen and Rory
3/20/25
Is success in business all about strategy, or does luck play a bigger role than we might care to admit? While some swear by strategy and hard work, others credit simply being in the right place at the right time. Tune in to hear insights from our hosts, and how they think luck affects entrepreneurs and businesses.

S02 E13: Ideas to Impact
with Dennis House
4/03/25
Co-host Rory talks with Dennis House — news anchor, award-winning journalist, and host of “This Week in CT” on WTNH News 8 ABC. Dennis discusses his appreciation for the people of Connecticut and how the state has shaped his career. Hear all about Dennis' journey with storytelling and the different aspects of being a journalist in Connecticut.
GET IN TOUCH
Interested in being a guest on the Timely Topics podcast? Have a business or individual you want to see featured? Interested in advertising? Want to be an intern with our team?
MEET THE COLLABORATORY TEAM

Jennifer Mathieu
Executive Director

Rory McGloin Ph.D.
Associate Director of Entrepreneurial Communication & Research

Kate Savinelli
Marketing Coordinator

Rehaan Ahamed
Student Production Assistant

Lucas Lloyd
Student Production Assistant

Abigail Robinson
Student Production Assistant