BCW’s WIN Program Offers Budding Entrepreneur Leadership Insights

The Business Council of Westchester’s Westchester Innovation Network (WIN) continues its mission of fostering innovation by facilitating a match between former WPHS graduate and recent Sacred Heart University graduate Michael Berlingo and seasoned executive coach Sunni Lampasso.

This collaboration brings together the youthful energy and vision of Berlingo, CEO of Starteryou, with the wisdom and experience of Lampasso, CEO of Shaping Success.

At just 21, Berlingo has a vision for career development with his company, Starteryou, which he started with his Sacred Heart schoolmates. The platform serves high school and college students by providing a centralized database that includes job listings, educational resources, and networking opportunities tailored specifically for young adults.

“We are that first job or your first internship platform. You’re not going to find your big corporate level jobs on our site,” said Berlingo, who learned about WIN when he attended a recent new-business pitch session by students at White Plains High School co-sponsored by the BCW WIN.

Starteryou’s education portal provides a wealth of courses covering essential skills such as public speaking and Microsoft Office proficiency, aimed at preparing students for professional success.

Lampasso, a member of the Business Council of Westchester for about four years, has extensive experience in psychology and executive coaching. Recognizing the need for leadership development in startups, Lampasso offered her expertise pro bono.

“I saw an opportunity to give back. I have always found that startups getting off the ground is the best time for them to receive coaching,” she said.

Lampasso’s approach focuses on helping new leaders like Berlingo understand and leverage their strengths while addressing areas for growth. Her goal is to help Berlingo face the challenges that come with being a first-time CEO.

“I want to help him develop an understanding of his leadership style, the challenges of leadership, and how he is navigating them,” said Lampasso.

Berlingo said that he is enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn from Lampasso’s wealth of experience.

“I’m hoping that she’ll be able to help me understand what it entails to be a CEO and how I can be the best possible leader for my team,” said Berlingo.

This collaboration marks WIN’s second match involving Lampasso, underscoring the network’s commitment to supporting emerging entrepreneurs. With Lampasso’s guidance, Berlingo will refine his leadership skills and drive Starteryou toward success while serving as a powerful example of cross-generational mentorship and the innovative spirit thriving in Westchester.

“We, at the BCW, are delighted to help propel forward the next-next generation of innovators in our County”, said BCW president and CEO Dr. Marsha Gordon.

Can Your Business Benefit from BCW WIN?

The Business Council of Westchester is committed to helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life through the support of its diverse business ecosystem in Westchester County through its BCW WIN initiative. Its network is composed of small and mid-sized companies, professional services firms, and non-profits along with several of the best-known brands in the world like IBM, Pepsico, MasterCard, Heineken, Danone, Morgan Stanley, and Regeneron. It also includes some of the largest hospitals and healthcare systems in the world and many colleges and universities.