My Story Vault with Dr. Dennis Rebelo

His journey is a story of innovation, leadership, and community impact. As the CEO of Boyd Biomedical, Stephen’s teams have helped design, build, and launch groundbreaking biomedical solutions. But his path began much earlier, with a childhood defined by curiosity, exploration, and an entrepreneurial spirit. From his first painting business in high school to studying psychology and religion at Middlebury College, Stephen learned the value of persistence, adaptability, and collective wisdom.In this episode, Stephen reflects on his journey, sharing how his diverse experiences shaped his leadership style and his approach to building resilient communities. From his early entrepreneurial ventures, inspired by his family’s business acumen, to his college years where he balanced academics with a passion for skiing and outdoor exploration, Stephen reveals how a spirit of adventure fueled his drive to innovate.Stephen also delves into his professional evolution, from working in finance in New York City to returning to the Berkshires to take on leadership at Boyd Biomedical. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of steering a family business into the biomedical field, emphasizing the importance of building strong, collaborative teams and fostering a culture of continuous learning. His philosophy of "stronger for the experience" serves as a guiding principle, highlighting the power of growth through adversity.A key theme of the episode is Stephen’s belief in the power of collective wisdom. Stephen’s dedication to fostering collaboration across generations and industries makes this episode a thought-provoking exploration of what it takes to build lasting community impact in a world of complexity.Links:Boyd Biomedical: https://www.boydbiomedical.com/Berkshire Innovation Center: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/Narrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] orgProduced by Nate Christy, BIC Studios

In this episode of My Story Vault, we sit down with Giovanna Fessenden-Fairbank—intellectual property attorney, strategist, technologist, and advocate for women in STEM.From early experiences teaching herself programming on a Commodore 64, Giovanna's path has always been about decoding complex systems—whether it’s a line of code, the U.S. patent system, or the undercurrents of what’s justice in the tech world.She brings a rare blend of technical and legal expertise, holding a Master’s in Computer Science and a J.D. with a focus on patent law. Giovanna empowers inventors, founders, and companies to secure their intellectual property with purpose and foresight.We explore how motherhood decision-points along her journey, the early calling to a clear professional identity, why she believes storytelling is essential to legal advocacy, and what it means to protect your ideas in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.Giovanna  speaks candidly about the people, experiences, networks and mindsets that helped her not just survive, but thrive.Whether you're an inventor, entrepreneur, or someone reflecting on how to reclaim your voice and value, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and inspiration.LINKSGuest Name: Giovanna Fessenden-FairbankTitle: Digital IP CounselWebsite: www.giovannafessenden.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/giovanna-fessenden-fairbank-6582744Partner Organizations & Programs:Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-programNarrative Research Group: narrativeresearchgroup.orgContact for Follow-up:For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon at:Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] orgProduced by Nate Christy, BIC Studios 

Tom Thalmann’s story is one of exceptional devotion—not just to a car, but to an ethos of presence, longevity, and meaningful exploration. A biotech advisor and Porsche enthusiast, Tom joins Dr. Dennis Rebelo to share how a single 911 Turbo has become both a travel companion and a mirror for life’s deeper lessons.From his early fascination with the form and function of Porsche design to his 730,000+ mile journey (and counting), Tom talks about preserving engineering as art and technology, building social capital across Porsche communities, and how driving connects him to both inner peace and interpersonal connection.This episode invites listeners to think beyond utility: what does it mean to hold on? What happens when we turn sense-making into meaning-making, and why does devotion to an object—or practice—make us more human? Whether you're a car lover or a seeker of purpose, this ride is unforgettable.LinksPorsche Club of America (PCA): https://www.pca.org/ Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-programNarrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] orgProduced by Nate Christy

Entrepreneur, social worker, and person in long-term recovery, Alex Brown joins Dr. Dennis Rebelo in the Vault to reflect on a life shaped by family legacy, disruption, and deep care.Raised in the iconic Berkshire property Blantyre and immersed in hospitality from an early age, Alex shares how his mother’s attention to non-drinking guests—mocktails, hot chocolate menus, and sparkling water tastings—inspired his own vision for inclusive hospitality. After battling addiction, losing his mother, and relapsing while traveling, Alex realized that for millions of people, hotels and restaurants feel like hostile environments.That realization fueled the birth of Recover Hospitality—a company that certifies and markets sober-friendly venues, while also supporting hospitality staff in recovery. In this powerful conversation, Alex talks about stigma in the restaurant industry, Gen Z’s sober-curious mindset, and how redefining hospitality can be both profitable and deeply human.This episode is a call to innovate, to welcome, and to reimagine the experience of being truly seen and supported—on the road, at the table, and in our lives.Links:Recover Hospitality: https://recoverhospitality.com/Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-programNarrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] orgProduced by Nate Christy, BIC Studios

Justin McKennon’s journey reflects a blend of curiosity, perseverance, and self-leadership. Growing up in Springfield, MA, Justin navigated a complex childhood, shaped by the guidance of his Big Brother - from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program - and his passion for learning. His pursuit of knowledge led him to a career as Principal Scientist at EMA, where he bridges technical innovation with leadership, managing space testing and research in Pittsfield, MA.In this insightful episode, Justin discusses how he balances his professional work in electromagnetic effects and space testing with his personal roles as a father, husband, and community member. Through candid stories and reflections, Justin shares his thoughts on leadership, community involvement, and the importance of being genuinely passionate about one’s work. His enthusiasm for science and commitment to community make this episode a captivating listen.Links:EMA - Electromagnetic Applications: EMA WebsiteBerkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: BIC AcceleratorNarrative Research Group: NRG WebsiteFor more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] orgProduced by Nate Christy 

Daniel Bennett's journey exemplifies dedication, creativity, and adaptability. From his early days insisting on playing the saxophone to his studies at Roberts Wesleyan and the New England Conservatory, Daniel's life is a testament to following one’s passion and purpose. In this engaging episode, Daniel discusses how his spiritual beliefs and creative instincts shape his work both as a touring jazz musician and educator.Through captivating stories of improvisation, performance, and teaching, Daniel emphasizes the importance of being fully present, serving others, and embracing the unexpected notes life presents. Whether performing late-night gigs or parenting early mornings, Daniel shares insights on how balancing life's many roles enriches his music, teaching, and connection to audiences.Links:Daniel Bennett Group: https://danielbennettgroup.netBerkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-programNarrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] orgProduced by Nate Christy 

Sue Mead’s life exemplifies curiosity, bravery, and determination. Her adventurous spirit, ignited in childhood through outdoor explorations and reading National Geographic magazines, led her to a remarkable path in photography, journalism, and  off-road racing.In this captivating conversation on My Story Vault, with Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Sue shares transformative moments that shaped her personal and professional decisions en route to becoming  a world renowned automotive journalist and Dakar Rally champion. She reflects on lessons learned from challenging terrains around the world, emphasizing the importance of trusting instincts, boldly facing uncertainty, and embracing opportunities for continuous growth and reinvention.Links:Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-programSue Mead Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-mead-9577845/Narrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] orgTo watch on YouTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W5peWlxxqEProduced by Nate Christy, BIC Studios

Juan Rodriguez’s journey—from New York City’s boroughs to the heart of Providence—charts a powerful narrative of resilience, innovation, and service. In this episode, Juan shares how his upbringing, family influences, and life experiences led to the creation of Winner’s Circle XR Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to virtual, augmented, and mixed reality learning for students in underserved communities.Juan reflects on childhood lessons learned through rough-and-tumble play and how navigating new environments honed his observational skills. He recounts transformative moments—like his time in Upward Bound—that first sparked his understanding of agency and leadership.We explore how Juan's personal experiences with underutilized technology in classrooms and the loss of his brother to violence propelled him from a career in video production to becoming an educator and social innovator. Today, Juan runs a downtown Providence STEAM hub that helps middle school students and educators integrate technology through real-world projects, including the Mind Blast Hackathon, which challenges students to create VR-based solutions to social justice issues.From overcoming imposter syndrome to reshaping what education looks like, Juan shares lessons for anyone working to empower the next generation.Links:Winner's Circle XR Academy:https://www.winnerscirclexr.com/Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program:https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-programNarrative Research Group:https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] orgProduced by: Nate Christy

Robert’s journey blends his move to the Berkshires to help a credit union with his dream of creating a better children’s car seat. His “jump a creek” mentality—going all in, engaging fully, and using lessons to improve—shapes his approach. Get ready for a fast-paced, high-energy conversation!Links:Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Programhttps://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-programRobert Simslinkedin.com/in/robert-sims-7580364Narrative Research Grouphttps://narrativeresearchgroup.org/For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org Produced by: Nate Christy

Jared's journey to becoming an inventor and renewable energy co-founder began with his early creative responses to South Africa’s “rolling blackouts.” His pursuit of new environments—through school and a move to Philadelphia—led to a friendship with Wharton classmate Andrew Crane at UPenn. Their conversations rekindled his passion for engineering, inspiring a move to the Berkshires, where he joined the dynamic ecosystem of the Berkshires Innovation Center, home to both him and Noble Carbon.Links:Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Programhttps://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-programNoble Carbonhttps://noblecarbon.io/Narrative Research Grouphttps://narrativeresearchgroup.org/For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org