We were overjoyed to welcome Andy Cornett as our latest You’re So Fly speaker! Andy recently shared his long-distance hiking experiences, providing thoughtful insights about the benefits of being outside. From the obstacles of the route to the clarity that comes with unplugging, his lecture looked at how spending time in nature can have a significant impact on our well being, perspective, and sense of connection. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply enjoy a walk in the woods, Andy’s talk was a welcome reminder of the importance of slowing down and getting outside. We are so grateful to have had Andy come in and speak to us, as not only an entrepreneur but a fellow flywheeler.

Eric Cooperman, the Director of GVL starts and the Furman Innovation Lab talks about the need for a long-duration residency program for scalable founders in the Upstate ecosystem.

Annette Hayes is the founder of Grind Vine Consulting, a Winston-Salem–based firm helping businesses and organizations grow with purpose through strategic consulting, sustainable workforce development, and results-driven marketing. Whether she’s building scalable programs, streamlining operations, or developing creative brand strategies, Annette brings a sharp, solutions-oriented mindset to every project. At Grind Vine, she delivers tailored services in digital marketing, event and program management, performance analytics, and sustainability planning—empowering clients to lead with clarity and confidence in fast-changing environments.