Sisters Team Up to Launch Networking Podcast
What happens when two self-motivated sisters with a high degree of business acumen, ambition and complementary skillsets find themselves homebound quarantining during a global pandemic? If they are the Speranza sisters, they launch their own interview-based podcast geared toward helping females grow both professionally and personally, aptly named The Business Casual.
Stacey Speranza ’19, a second year student in U of T’s Rotman Commerce Management program is the show’s Host, and a natural one at that. Not only does she have a voice for radio, but also a penchant for networking, technology and managing the business side of things.
“When I started at university, I didn’t know what Coffee Chats were or what it meant to network and connect with people on LinkedIn.” She hit the ground running during her first semester, set up her LinkedIn profile and discovered she really enjoyed having in-person conversations with people in the industry and reaching out to connect with others she had never met. In their most recent podcast with Nicole Lee, Senior Director of Sports Marketing for the NHL, Stacey shares the story of how Nicole was one of the first professionals who she connected with on LinkedIn, and how that buoyed her confidence to continue to reach out to others.
Marianna Speranza, a Grade 11 student and this year’s Executive Provincial Officer for DECA Ontario, is the show’s Producer. She is now taking the Grade 12 Communications Technology course at CDS, and credits Ms. Stefanescu and Ms. Weening for teaching her many of the skills that serve her well as creative director. “My forte is the computing side. I handle the editing and design side of things.” Marianna plans on studying Computer Science in university and enjoys graphic design, editing each show to roughly 30 minutes, and creating the graphics for their Instagram and LinkedIn pages.
The sisters had always talked about starting a business together, and last year Stacey’s university guidance counsellor suggested the idea of podcasting during a conversation about her interest in technology. However, they both agree that had COVID-19 not arrived, The Business Casual may still remain an unrealized dream.
Marketed as a podcast made for young, ambitious, leaders in the making, Stacey extends invitations to a wide range of young female trailblazers in their respective industries across North America. She strikes a balance in the show’s format, discussing business and career journeys, while also exploring their passions, interests and everyday lives. And with every new connection she makes, Stacey continues to fuel her ever growing list of potential interview subjects.
“I love having conversations with people in the [business] industry and thought this would be a great resource to offer women in business,” explains Stacey. This podcast presents a platform for women interested in pursuing a business career, including high school students, to hear from other smart professional women – people who they resonate with – and learn from their career journeys. Business Casual also strives to be a community in which girls can connect with other like-minded individuals who share the same passions.
Recent interviews have been with Chloe Elise, CEO of Deeper than Money; Brooke Miccio, Social Media Influencer; and Marissa Papaconstantinou, a 21-year-old Paralympian.
The sky’s the limit for the Speranza sisters. Business Casual now has more than 150 subscribers, 800 starts on Spotify, is streaming in 14 countries and on track to produce 15 podcasts by the end of 2020, having only launched July 15. That’s pretty impressive for two full-time students in less than five months.
Stacey and Marianna are excited for what's to come in 2021 and who they’ll have on their podcast next. We wish them well!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
