UNDER THE ARCH: Conversations with our Members

Step "Under the Arch" and discover the stories behind our members. This virtual conversation series highlights the people who bring passion, purpose, and personality to our community.

Each session goes beyond the business card — exploring what drives our members, the journeys that led them to their work, and the impact they're making across Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and beyond.

Join us for a candid and inspiring dialogue celebrating the individuality, creativity, and heart that power our local business community.

This month we are joined by:

Laura Podesta, Founder of LauraPodesta.com

Laura is a former CBS News correspondent and BBC contributor who now coaches executives, founders, and teams to communicate clearly and confidently in high-pressure situations. Drawing on more than a decade in broadcast journalism, she helps clients sharpen their messaging, think on their feet, and sound natural, credible, and memorable. Laura has prepared clients for appearances on CNBC, TODAY, and CBS News, and has led workshops for organizations including Yale University, the New York Stock Exchange, and SXSW EDU.

Cliff Pearson and Liz Thomson, Co-Founders, The Village Trip Cliff and Liz serve as Joint Artistic Directors of The Village Trip. Cliff, a Village resident for over 30 years, writes widely on architecture and culture, is a contributing editor at Architectural Record, and previously directed programs at USC and Kohn Pedersen Fox.

Liz, the festival’s Co-Founder and Executive Producer, is a London-born journalist and author whose books include works on Bob Dylan, John Lennon, David Bowie, and Joan Baez. Together, they shape the festival’s program and foster connections with community organizations.

MORE SPEAKERS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SPEAKING PLEASE CONTACT: JESSE GERICKE, EXECDIRECTOR@VILLAGECHELSEA.COM