In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, host Laurette Rondenet sits down with Dr. Gertrude Lyons, author of Rewrite the Mother Code, for a transformative conversation on motherhood, identity, intuition, and the hidden cultural narratives that shape women’s lives.

Dr. Lyons shares her personal awakening, from navigating fertility through a holistic lens to questioning deeply ingrained expectations around pregnancy, birth, and what it truly means to be a “good mother.” Together, they unpack the invisible “mother codes” that drive guilt, self-sacrifice, perfectionism, and burnout.

This episode explores how women can rewrite outdated narratives and reclaim their power by integrating both masculine and feminine values, balancing productivity with process, structure with intuition, and achievement with self-nurturing.

Dr. Lyons also discusses:

✅ Why self-mothering is essential, not selfish
✅ The myth of putting yourself last to be a “good mom”
✅ How guilt is culturally conditioned
✅ Feminine leadership in work and family life
✅ The importance of community, modeling, and support
✅ Rewriting your own personal Mother Code

Whether you are raising children, building a career, leading a team, or nurturing a vision, this conversation will challenge you to examine the codes you are living by, and decide which ones need to be rewritten. 

🌐 Learn more about Dr. Gertrude Lyons: https://www.drgertrudelyons.com/

🎧 Listen to the Rewrite the Mother Code Podcast: https://www.drgertrudelyons.com/podcast

📲 Follow Dr. Gertrude Lyons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgertrudelyons/

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms
📲 Like, comment, and subscribe for conversations on leadership, love, and legacy

Video and Photo Credits:
IG: @rishi.productions
IG: @gosiasimprint

#RewriteTheMotherCode #DrGertrudeLyons #Motherhood #FeminineLeadership #WomenInLeadership #IntentionalParenting #SelfMothering #LeadershipDevelopment #OwningYourLegacy #PersonalGrowth

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, host Laurette Rondenet sits down with Brittani Mack, host of Tech Me As I Am, for a powerful conversation on authentic leadership, personal branding, emotional intelligence, and staying grounded in the age of AI.

Brittani shares the transformational moment that shifted her life after watching The Call to Courage by Brené Brown. What began as a wake-up call about vulnerability became a deep journey into self-love, identity work, and courageous authenticity. From navigating corporate leadership and corporate culture to building meaningful client relationships, Brittani explains how doing the inner work reshaped her leadership style, her parenting, and her purpose.

This episode dives into how leaders can create psychologically safe workplace cultures, why personal branding is rooted in character rather than job titles, and how neurodivergence and ADHD can be leadership strengths rather than limitations. Brittani also speaks candidly about raising four boys, supporting men’s mental health, navigating modern masculinity, and breaking generational trauma through emotional awareness, vulnerability, and intentional parenting. 

The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace, why fear around emerging technology is natural, and how human connection, emotional intelligence, and core values remain irreplaceable in an increasingly digital world. 

Topics covered in this episode include:
✅ Authentic leadership and vulnerability in the workplace
✅ Personal branding beyond your job title
✅ Emotional intelligence and psychological safety at work
✅ AI, fear of technology, and staying grounded in a digital world
✅ Neurodivergence, ADHD, and creativity as leadership strengths
✅ Raising emotionally healthy boys and supporting men’s mental health
✅ Breaking generational patterns through inner child work
✅ Building trust, connection, and influence in corporate environments
✅ Human connection as a competitive advantage in the AI era

Whether you are a corporate executive, entrepreneur, sales leader, working professional, parent, or someone navigating identity and career growth, this conversation offers practical leadership insights and mindset strategies for owning who you are — unapologetically.

🌐 Learn more about Tech Me As I Am: https://www.techmeasiam.com/

🎧 Listen to the Tech Me As I Am Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBxKJXlmMzqJZOABuG2vbIg 

📲 Follow Brittani for updates on her executive branding agency launching in 2026: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanimack/

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

What drives a woman to leap from Fortune 500 exec to art gallery owner… to launching a plant-based ETF on the NYSE? In this after-the-show conversation, Elysabeth Alfano, CEO of VegTech Invest, goes off-script with Laurette Rondenet to reveal the emotional journey behind her fearless pivots.

From growing up in France to building a career at IBM, Kellogg, and beyond, Elysabeth shares how curiosity, empathy, and a hunger for impact have fueled her path. This intimate exchange dives into the joy of reinvention, the emotional weight of being an empath, and the surprising spiritual practices that help her protect her energy!

You’ll also learn how VegTech’s ETF dramatically outperforms the S&P 500 in climate impact—and why she believes plant-based investing isn’t just a market trend, but a critical lever in fighting climate change.

✨ In this conversation, you’ll discover:

•How right-brain creativity and left-brain logic can shape a purpose-driven career

•What it means to embrace reinvention at every life stage

•The emotional side of leadership and legacy

•Why investing in food systems innovation matters

•How to protect your energy as a mission-driven changemaker

This is the side of Elysabeth you don’t see on the trading floor—and it’s a powerful reminder that building your legacy starts with being boldly, joyfully, unapologetically you.

👉 Watch Elysabeth’s full episode of Owning Your Legacy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJpwKdPwt3M 

👉 Follow Elysabeth Alfano’s Plantbased Business Hour Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElysabethAlfano1

👉 Follow Elysabeth Alfano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysabeth-alfano-8b370b7/

🌐 Learn more about Laurette Rondenet and Owning Your Legacy: https://www.lauretterondenet.com

🎧 Listen to Owning Your Legacy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

📲 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support meaningful conversations that help you build your legacy.

🎥 Credits:

@rishi.productions

@gosiasimprint

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this raw, after-the-show moment, Meryl Kennedy opens up like never before. Over champagne and cookies, she joins Laurette Rondenet to talk about love, leadership, and the real-life chaos behind building a legacy.

From meeting her husband on a bridge in Monroe to running multiple businesses while raising three kids, Meryl shares the deeply personal side of her story. She reflects on the vulnerability of motherhood, the courage it took to hire a CEO, and the unexpected clarity her youngest daughter brought into her life. This is a heartfelt conversation about balance, intuition, and learning to let go.

 In this conversation, you’ll discover:

•The love story that started on a Louisiana bridge

•Why hiring help saved her marriage—and her business

•How motherhood reshaped her priorities and leadership style

•What it means to lead with gut instinct in times of crisis

•Why female leaders need to support one another with grace, not judgment

•How letting go is sometimes the smartest move you can make

Meryl’s story is a reminder that owning your legacy isn’t always about building more—it’s about aligning with what matters most.

👉 Watch Meryl’s full episode of Owning Your Legacy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va0jLV15HdQ&t=491s

👉 Learn more at https://www.4sistersrice.com/

🔗 Connect with Meryl Kennedy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meryl-kennedy-36215b14a/, follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/merylkennedy/, or visit her website at https://www.merylkennedy.com.

🌐 Discover more about Laurette Rondenet and Owning Your Legacy: https://www.lauretterondenet.com

💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to support conversations that empower women leaders.

🎥 Video & Photo credits:

@rishi.productions

@gosiasimprint

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this After the Show conversation, Dan Gibbons, CEO of the City Club of Chicago, pulls back the curtain on the mentors, moments, and memories that shaped his leadership journey.

From his time with legendary chairman Andy McKenna to building a table that welcomes activists, students, and prime ministers alike, Dan shares why mentorship matters more than ever. This intimate chat with Laurette Rondenet covers everything from the art of gathering to Chicago’s deep civic roots, and even favorite pizza spots, monuments, and firefighter family legacies.

💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:

•How legendary mentor Andy McKenna changed Dan’s life

•Why “being in the room” is the secret to growth and opportunity

•What makes Chicago the best walkable city for gathering and connection

•Why creating inclusive spaces can redefine civic leadership

•How City Club is elevating the next generation through access and intention

•Stories of resilience from Dan’s firefighter family history and civic service

This is a heartfelt reminder that your legacy is built not just on what you do—but who you bring along for the journey.

👉 Watch Dan’s full episode of Owning Your Legacy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVPipy-js5U&t=373s

👉 Visit https://www.cityclub-chicago.org or follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cityclubchicago/ to learn more and get involved.

🔗 Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gibbons-9aa2497/ 

🌐 Learn more about Laurette Rondenet and Owning Your Legacy: https://www.lauretterondenet.com 

🛎️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support meaningful conversations like this one.

🎙️ You can also listen to this episode on your favorite podcasting platform by searching Owning Your Legacy.

Video & Photo credits to:

@rishi.productions

@gosiasimprint

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

What happens when you align your values with your actions? Elysabeth Alfano, CEO of VegTech Invest and host of the Plantbased Business Hour, joins Laurette Rondenet on Owning Your Legacy to share how her journey from Kellogg and PBS to launching a climate-focused ETF on the New York Stock Exchange is transforming the food industry, climate action, and impact investing.

Elysabeth explains why food systems innovation is key to addressing climate change, healthcare costs, and global security—and how investing in plant-based foods, regenerative agriculture, and alternative proteins can create a healthier planet and financial returns. She shares the power of using your dollars to drive sustainable investing while living a joyful, purpose-driven life.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✅ Why aligning your values with your daily choices matters

✅ How the food industry impacts methane, water, land use, and your health

✅ What a plant-based, climate-aligned ETF is and how it works

✅ The joy and power of building a purpose-driven career at any age

✅ How to find your voice and act on your purpose to leave a lasting legacy

✅ The role of investing in reducing deforestation, factory farming, and emissions

✅ Why collaboration and AI-driven transparency will shape the future of food

✅ Stories of entrepreneurship, resilience, and shifting your path for greater impact

Whether you’re interested in plant-based investing, sustainable business, ESG investing, climate solutions, or transforming the food system, this conversation will inspire you to take action and rethink what’s possible in your own journey.

👉 Follow Elysabeth Alfano’s Plantbased Business Hour Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElysabethAlfano1

👉 Follow Elysabeth Alfano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysabeth-alfano-8b370b7/

🌐 Learn more about Laurette Rondenet and Owning Your Legacy: https://www.lauretterondenet.com

🎧 Listen to Owning Your Legacy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

📲 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support meaningful conversations that help you build your legacy.

Video & Photo credits to:

@rishi.productions

@gosiasimprint

🎯 Keywords:

# shorts #OYL #ElysabethAlfano #PlantBasedInvesting #SustainableInvesting #ClimateAction #FoodInnovation #ImpactInvesting #PurposeDrivenLife #LauretteRondenet #OwningYourLegacy

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Eric Larson, Founder and Managing Partner of Tilia Holdings, joins Laurette Rondenet on Owning Your Legacy to explore how food systems innovation, sustainable investing, and industry collaboration can drive measurable change for human health, climate action, and business growth. With decades of experience in private equity and a deep commitment to sustainability, Eric shares how aligning food, health, and environmental stewardship can create powerful ripple effects across the global economy.

In this episode, Eric details how his “Three Ps” philosophy—public health, personal health, and planetary health—guides Tilia’s investments in the food supply chain, positioning the firm as a leader in the “to” of farm-to-table. From launching the Tilia Innovation Collaboratory to driving ESG accountability within portfolio companies, Eric explains how collaboration and practical idealism can transform the food industry while delivering financial returns and leaving a lasting legacy.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✅ Why food is the single strongest lever for human and planetary health

✅ How Tilia invests in the “to” of farm-to-table

✅ The role of collaboration in transforming food systems

✅ How data and strategy build successful portfolio companies

✅ Insights on sustainability, food safety, and nutrition in the supply chain

✅ The power of practical idealism in business leadership

✅ How morning rituals and lifelong curiosity fuel legacy building

✅ Why food industry innovation matters for future generations

Whether you care about sustainable investing, food innovation, ESG, or building your legacy through industry transformation, this conversation will inspire you to see food as a tool for systemic change.

👉 Learn more about Tilia Holdings: https://tiliallc.com

🔗 Connect with Eric Larson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-larson-38595b3/

🌐 Learn more about Laurette Rondenet and Owning Your Legacy: https://www.lauretterondenet.com

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Natalie Shmulik transformed her passion for food into a mission-driven career helping hundreds of founders grow their food and beverage businesses. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Natalie takes us behind the scenes of The Hatchery—Chicago’s premier food incubator—and shares her journey from running a franchise restaurant in Canada to building one of the nation’s most impactful entrepreneurial ecosystems.

You’ll hear how she created programs that not only support product innovation but also champion founder mental health, community development, and legacy-building. From navigating burnout to redesigning what it means to lead with heart, Natalie is the kind of change-maker who makes you want to roll up your sleeves and build something real.

🎙 In this episode:

✅ How Natalie’s restaurant experience led her to build a national food incubator

✅ Why founder burnout is real—and how to protect your energy as you scale

✅ The difference between managing and leading (and why it matters)

✅ Building equity in underserved communities through food entrepreneurship

✅ What big food brands are learning from local startups

👉 Learn more about The Hatchery: https://www.thehatcherychicago.org

🔗 Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-shmulik-1432313b/

🌐 Discover more from Laurette Rondenet and Owning Your Legacy: https://www.lauretterondenet.com

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Margaret Mueller, CEO of The Executives’ Club of Chicago, turned a 110-year-old institution into a modern hub for business leadership. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Margaret shares her unlikely journey from first-generation college student to founder, strategist, and now a transformational civic leader helping shape Chicago’s executive future.

Her story is packed with insight—for women navigating leadership, for founders facing reinvention, and for anyone wondering if they’re “qualified enough” to lead big change. From scaling startups to modernizing The Executives’ Club of Chicago through a pandemic, Margaret shows what’s possible when you trust your vision and build with purpose.

🎙 In this episode:

✅ How Margaret went from Ph.D. to CEO of a major civic institution

✅ What it takes to rebrand a legacy organization during a crisis

✅ Why inclusivity—not exclusivity—is the future of executive networking

✅ The mindset shift of curating your life (not “balancing” it)

✅ Advice for women raising families while leading at the top

👉 Visit https://www.executivesclub.org to learn more or explore membership options.

🔗 Connect with Margaret on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretmueller/

Video & Photo credits to:

@rishi.productions

@gosiasimprint

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Jon Harris, EVP & Chief Communications and Networking Officer at ConAgra Brands, has led an extraordinary career built on empathy, authenticity, and bold storytelling. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Jon shares his journey—from humble beginnings and a life-changing internship at the Howard Stern Show to top-level roles at PepsiCo, Sara Lee, and now ConAgra.

Jon opens up about his childhood promise to help others, his philosophy of building genuine relationships, and how he became a trusted advisor to some of the biggest names in business and media. Whether you’re interested in PR, personal branding, leadership, or career reinvention, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and heartfelt moments.

🎙 In this episode:

✅ What it means to lead with empathy in corporate America

✅ How a cold-call lie led to his first internship

✅ Lessons from Pepsi, Sara Lee, and crisis PR you won’t learn in textbooks

✅ The power of networking, from Al Roker to Dolly Parton

✅ Why your reputation is your resume—and how to build it with intention

🌐 Learn more about ConAgra Brands: https://www.conagrabrands.com

🔗 Follow Jon Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-harris-5683476/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/C-1UohNvfg0/

💬 Connect with Laurette Rondenet: https://www.lauretterondenet.com

🛎 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support more conversations like this.

🎧 Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🎥 Video & Photo credits to:

@rishi.productions

@gosiasimprint

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Meryl Kennedy, CEO of Four Sisters Rice, is reshaping the future of farming with family, sustainability, and purpose. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Meryl shares how she transformed her father’s commodity rice operation into a nationally recognized consumer brand—while redefining leadership in a male-dominated industry.

From launching a cutting-edge rice mill at 21 to securing shelf space in Walmart and Kroger, Meryl’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when legacy meets innovation. If you care about female founders, branding, and building a business with heart, this conversation will resonate deeply.

🎙 In this episode:

✅ The moment Walmart told her to change everything

✅ Turning failure into the launch of Four Sisters Rice

✅ What it’s like to run a business with your dad

✅ Delegating to elevate—why every founder needs this mindset

✅ Building a brand rooted in sisterhood, agriculture, and storytelling

👉 Learn more at https://www.4sistersrice.com/

🔗 Connect with Meryl Kennedy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meryl-kennedy-36215b14a/, follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/merylkennedy/, or visit her website at https://www.merylkennedy.com.

#OYL #WomenInAgriculture #FemaleFounders #FamilyBusiness #FourSistersRice #MerylKennedy #OwningYourLegacyPodcast #LauretteRondenet

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Dan Gibbons, CEO of the City Club of Chicago, believes civic engagement starts with meaningful conversations. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Dan shares his journey from advising Mayor Richard M. Daley to revitalizing one of Chicago’s most influential civic forums.

From uplifting entrepreneurs like Ida Nelson to driving real policy change, Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that change starts locally—and with the courage to connect. If you care about urban leadership, civic innovation, and next-gen change-makers, this conversation will inspire you to lean in, show up, and elevate your city.

🎙 In this episode:

✅ How showing up led to a career in city government

✅ The power of building long-term, authentic relationships

✅ Elevating grassroots leaders through civic platforms

✅ Why mayors (not Washington) get things done

👉 Visit https://www.cityclub-chicago.org or follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cityclubchicago/ to learn more and get involved.

🔗 Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gibbons-9aa2497/ 

🛎️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support meaningful conversations like this one.

Video & Photo credits to:

@rishi.productions

@gosiasimprint

🎯 Keywords:

 #OYL #CivicLeadership #ChicagoPolitics #CityClubChicago #LocalLeadership #DanGibbons #OwningYourLegacyPodcast #LauretteRondenet

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, host Laurette Rondenet sits down with Bela Gandhi, founder of Smart Dating Academy, for a powerful conversation on modern dating, emotional intelligence, and how to build healthy relationships at any stage of life.

Bela shares her personal journey from heartbreak to global corporate leadership, and the pivotal decision to leave a successful career in finance and manufacturing to pursue her purpose: helping people date with clarity, confidence, and intention. Drawing on neuroscience, behavioral patterns, and real-world coaching experience, Bela explains why so many people repeat unhealthy relationship cycles and how to break them for good.

This episode dives deep into dating advice for women and men navigating love after heartbreak, divorce, or long-term singleness. Bela explains why chemistry alone is not enough, how attachment hormones like oxytocin influence decision-making, and why emotional safety matters more than surface-level attraction.

Topics covered in this episode include:
✅ Modern dating challenges and repeating relationship patterns
✅ Dating advice for women and men over 30, 40, 50+
✅ Emotional safety and healthy conflict resolution
✅ Narcissism, gaslighting, and love bombing explained
✅ Why chemistry can be misleading in dating
✅ How to avoid losing yourself in relationships
✅ Attachment styles, oxytocin, and emotional bonding
✅ What makes love last long-term
✅ Building confidence, clarity, and self-awareness in dating

Whether you are single, dating, married, divorced, or starting over later in life, this conversation offers grounded, practical guidance for building relationships rooted in respect, trust, and long-term compatibility.

🌐 Learn more about Smart Dating Academy: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com

🎧 Listen to the Smart Dating Academy Podcast
📲 Follow on Instagram: @smartdatingacademy

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms
 📲 Like, comment, and subscribe for conversations on leadership, love, and legacy

Video and Photo Credits:
IG: @rishi.productions
IG: @gosiasimprint

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Thanks to Emily Smith’s bold leadership and inspiring mission, thousands of young girls are gaining the confidence to lead, speak up, and own their space—in business and in life.

Emily is the Senior Vice President of Bespoke Commercial Real Estate and the founder of Female Strong (https://www.femalestrong.org), a fast-growing, nonprofit organization empowering girls through entrepreneurship, leadership development, and mentorship programs. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Emily shares how she’s building a national movement to elevate the female economy—starting with girls as young as six.

Welcome to Season 9 of Owning Your Legacy. Whether you’re passionate about women in leadership, female entrepreneurship, nonprofit impact, or inclusive corporate culture; this conversation is packed with real stories, tangible advice, and a whole lot of inspiration.

In this episode:
🦋 Leading with love in a competitive industry
🦋 The origin story behind Female Strong’s national growth
🦋 Why empowering girls early changes everything
🦋 From mentorship to movement: stories of transformation 

This is more than a conversation—Female Strong is proof of the incredible impact that we can make together… when women support each other.  

👉 If you enjoyed the episode please subscribe to the podcast. 

Visit https://www.femalestrong.org to learn more about their life changing programs and see how you can get involved. And, connect Emily on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysmithbespoke/) or follow her in Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emilysmith319/ to share in her ongoing journey.

To learn more about the Traction Mindset, discussed our conversation, check out my interview with Bobi Siembieda at https://youtu.be/ETO7kxkwY6Q.

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Thanks to Alan Reeds refreshingly practical approach to taking on big issues, the Food & Beverage Industry delivered 4 million servings to people facing food insecurity last year.

As Executive Director of the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network and Bigger Table, Alan shares how his team is transforming food industry challenges into community solutions. This episode is all about turning what could be wasted into something deeply meaningful—delivering real, nutritious, culturally appropriate meals while fostering connections that make solutions sustainable.

From leveraging food industry resources to tackling systemic issues with creativity and heart, Alan shows us what happens when the right people roll up their sleeves and take action.

In this episode:

·       How Bigger Table turned food waste into 4 million servings last year

·       Why culturally appropriate food matters in solving hunger

·       The role of human creativity and connection in food innovation

·       What it really takes to transform broken systems

·       How AI and technology fit into the future of food manufacturing

This is an inspiring close to Season 8, reminding us that big change happens when dedicated people choose to make a difference.

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

What happens when you combine culinary artistry, food science, and a passion for teaching? You get Chef Charlie Baggs, a leader in the culinary industry who’s redefined what it means to innovate with food. In this episode, we explore Charlie’s groundbreaking work on food as medicine, how the hedgehog concept helped him build a culinary empire, and how he bridges the gap between chefs and food scientists. Whether it’s creating nutritionally inspired training programs or teaching his "BASICS" model for flavor development, Chef Charlie’s insights will inspire you to see food in a whole new light.

Highlights from this episode:

• How Chef Charlie’s "food is medicine" philosophy is transforming the culinary industry.
• The “BASICS” model for balancing flavor, from acid to salt, and why it’s a game-changer for chefs and food scientists.
• Applying the "hedgehog concept" (from Jim Collins’ Good to Great) to focus on passion, excellence, and sustainable business practices.
• Chef Charlie’s legacy of giving back, mentoring chefs, and building a business rooted in kindness and gratitude.

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Natalie McGrady’s journey from a small town in New York to supplier diversity leader at Cargill is a testament to purpose and determination. Overcoming early discrimination fueled her passion for opening doors for underrepresented businesses. As the youngest of six daughters, Natalie’s fearless resolve led her to break barriers in corporate spaces, championing supplier diversity as a tool for economic empowerment.

Known for her commanding presence and impactful approach, Natalie shares how she discovered her voice, navigated systemic challenges, and turned obstacles into opportunities for others.

In This Episode:

· How Natalie transformed discrimination into a drive for change.

· Developing a dynamic leadership style and ability to inspire action.

· The critical role of supplier diversity in fostering economic equity.

· Practical advice for creating impact and leaving a lasting legacy.

Join us for a conversation that bridges personal purpose with professional impact, offering insights about leadership, diversity, and creating meaningful change in corporate America.

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this inspiring episode, Jess Kaskov, Certified Life Coach, Speaker, and Author, offers a fresh perspective on measuring success and fulfillment beyond traditional metrics, sharing her transformative journey from tech industry stress to discovering and pursuing her true calling. 

Together, Laurette and Jess explore how to design a life aligned with our passions, prioritize self-care, and make meaningful contributions to the world around us. Jess shares her unique framework for finding joy and purpose:  calculating your “Soul Salary”, understanding your "paychecks" of joy, and making necessary "budget cuts" in life.  You’re going to really appreciate this practical approach to identifying what truly matters

In this episode:

• How the threat of job loss became an opportunity for transformation
• Understanding and calculating your "Soul Salary"
• The four steps to achieving greater fulfillment and joy
• Why "should" is the killer of joy and how to overcome it
• Creating a legacy of impact through authentic living

Join us for a conversation that challenges conventional measures of success and offers a roadmap to creating a life rich in meaning and purpose.

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Sean Sebold, Founder of Sebold Capital Management, took an unconventional journey from English major and college football player to respected wealth management expert. In this episode, Laurette and Sean discuss challenging conventional wisdom about education, success, and building lasting wealth.

Throughout the episode, Sean offers fresh perspectives on how to approach major life decisions, from choosing educational paths to building careers and managing wealth. His practical approach to financial decision-making, combined with deep insights about personal growth and the value of failure, provides a unique framework for thinking about both personal and professional success.

In this episode:

• Why networking beats resumes in building a meaningful career
• How to approach education as a strategic investment rather than an automatic next step
• The crucial role of failure in developing grit and resilience
• Why rational decision-making matters in emotional financial choices
• Building a legacy through preparing the next generation for success

Join us for a conversation that bridges practical financial wisdom with powerful lessons about personal growth and meaningful success.

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

This week, Laurette is joined by Paul Graham, President & CEO of Americas at Döhler and recently appointed FEMA President, who shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings as a grape picker in Adelaide, Australia, to becoming a transformative leader in the global food and beverage industry.

Throughout his conversation with Laurette, Paul shares invaluable insights about authentic leadership, creative problem-solving, and the power of mentorship. Drawing from his extensive experience at Döhler, and his new role leading FEMA (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association), Paul offers unique perspectives on innovation, industry transformation, and the importance of saying “yes.”.

In this episode:

• The pivotal role of mentorship in professional growth and development
• How creative solutions can unlock unexpected opportunities, from selling insurance to truck drivers to revolutionizing food and beverage distribution
• The importance of authenticity in building trust with customers and teams
• Why saying "yes" to challenges, even when feeling unprepared, can accelerate your career
• The lasting impact of making a difference in both businesses and people's lives

Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with practical wisdom and insights from a true legacy of climbing to the top.

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Ever been told you can’t do something? Darcy Gaechter’s journey to becoming the first woman to kayak the Amazon River from source to sea is filled with moments when she defied limitations imposed by others and followed her passions.

In his episode of Owning Your Legacy, Darcy candidly discusses the challenges she faced being told she was "too small," "too short," or "too female" to succeed. From earning a college scholarship in volleyball to entering the male-dominated sport of extreme kayaking, when someone told her, “You can’t,” Darcy said, “Watch me.”  

Darcy’s experiences navigating the intense team dynamics during her 148-day Amazon expedition offer powerful insights into relentless determination, compassionate leadership, and redefining limits — and she shares these insights with humility and thoughtfulness throughout her conversation with Laurette Rondenet. 

In this episode:

• How early experiences of being underestimated fueled Darcy's determination to prove others wrong
• The unique challenges of being a woman in the male-dominated world of extreme kayaking
• Lessons about managing team dynamics during the grueling Amazon expedition
• The emotional rollercoaster of completing a life-defining journey and facing the question, "What's next?"
• Learning to accept help and support when you need it
• Darcy’s empowering message for anyone who feels underestimated.

Join us for an unforgettable conversation that will inspire you to push your boundaries, embrace challenges, and redefine what's possible.

For a more in-depth look at Darcy’s Amazon adventure, read her book: Amazon Woman.

To experience kayaking yourself, check out Small World Adventures for guided trips in Ecuador. 

Want to have Darcy as a speaker? Book her through Leading Authorities.

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In an inspiring story of perseverance and passion, Kevin Boehm, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of BOKA Restaurant Group, shares his journey from living in his car to building one of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurant groups.

Throughout his conversation with Laurette, Kevin talks openly about the big risks he’s taken, the moments that didn’t go as planned, hitting "rock bottom", and getting the help he needed to make a strong comeback.

Kevin reflects on how the restaurant industry gave Kevin a place to call home in contrast to the one he grew up in. And from this foundation, he developed the courage and maturity to pay attention to his “Inner Narrator” — and learned to understand and respect each of his inner voices.

Kevin’s raw honesty about failure, overcoming imposter syndrome, and managing his mental wellness, offers powerful life lessons for anyone navigating their own challenges.

In this episode:

• How a trip to Wendy’s sparked unexpected inspiration — we all need a Joan!
• Why Kevin doesn’t see his move to Florida at 19 as “brave”
• The difference between “hospitality” and “service”
• The Art of Gathering
• What you can learn from failure, even when things are going well
• Kevin’s personal wellness journey and how he conquered imposter syndrome
• The power of the “pre-shift”
• Our Inner Narrator and the importance all voices have a seat at the table

Tune in for this inspiring episode — and follow the Owning Your Legacy podcast!

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

This episode of Owning Your Legacy has Laurette speaking with Robert Pomazak, or “Coach Pom” as he is known by the players of St. Charles North High School, where he serves as head football coach. Coach Pom talks about how he answers the call to be a leader and everything that entails. He discusses his highs and lows as a coach and as a leader—from making a positive difference in the lives he touches to what he calls the “Leadership Gut Punch.”

Join us for a discussion about the importance of sports during formative years, the difficulty and crucial nature of building trust, the overlap between business and sports leadership, and the unique challenges of running an organization where you are the only real constant.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• Overlap between leadership qualities for sports and business
• How to cope with the hard moments as a leader
• Why it’s so important to create key “moments” for the people you lead
• Building something that people truly need in their lives
• Coach Pom’s approach to cultivating the next generation of leaders

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Teresa Ging, founder and CEO of Sugar Bliss, returns to Owning Your Legacy for a timely and values-driven conversation about growth, courage, and leading with integrity in uncertain times. From national retail expansion to sports concessions and airport locations, Teresa shares how Sugar Bliss has evolved while staying rooted in purpose.

In this episode, Teresa reflects on the realities of scaling a consumer brand, navigating volatile markets, and making difficult decisions that test both leadership and values. She speaks candidly about the changing DEI landscape, the responsibility of women-owned businesses to lead by example, and the moment she chose to walk away from a major retail opportunity that no longer aligned with her company’s mission. Throughout the conversation, Teresa emphasizes mentorship, financial literacy, and the importance of knowing every facet of your business—even when growth pulls you away from the day-to-day.

In this episode, you will learn:
 ✅ How Sugar Bliss expanded into national retailers, sports venues, and airports
 ✅ Why knowing your numbers is essential at every stage of growth
 ✅ How shifting DEI policies are impacting women- and minority-owned businesses
 ✅ What it means to walk away from opportunity when values are compromised
 ✅ Why mentorship and sponsorship are critical to closing the revenue gap for women-owned companies
 ✅ How leadership requires adaptability, clarity, and long-term vision
 ✅ Why legacy is built through consistency, courage, and collective uplift

Whether you are building a brand, navigating ethical decisions in business, or mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at what it means to grow with purpose—and to lead without losing sight of what matters most.

🌐 Explore Sugar Bliss: https://www.sugarblisscakes.com

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Israel Santiesteban-Barrientos joins us in this episode of Owning Your Legacy to share his story of how he went from delivering milk at Dannon to becoming a leader in food and beverage with roles at prestigious companies like Kraft-Heinz and Schreiber Foods.

Israel’s journey is one of perseverance, from losing his mother at a young age and playing semi-professional soccer to keep food on the table to learning food science on the job and reading textbooks for classes he wasn’t officially enrolled in.  Israel put himself headfirst into every challenge and made lasting connections with his community, quickly learning about every aspect of his greatest passion—food production and nutrition.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• Israel’s incredible story, from farmer to executive through a language barrier
• What makes milk and dairy products more or less nutritious
• Kraft’s role as a power player in improving nutrition and wellness
• Improving supplier diversity and empowering smaller, disadvantaged groups
• Using your power and influence to be a force for good and move others

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette speaks with Mar Soraparu, a former finance executive who went on to co-found BIÂN, a premier private social and health club for total well-being. She also serves as the club’s chief wellness officer. The transition from finance to wellness may not be a typical one, but the series of events makes perfect sense in her story—she simply met the challenges before her and followed what her intuition and heart told her.

Laurette and Mar discuss the intersection of wellness and business, both in terms of how corporations can be doing a better job of promoting wellness, and some ways in which holistic wellness has already influenced corporate life. Join us on Mar’s journey through the corporate finance world, the value of following her intuition, how she discovered her passion, and why she made the bold decision to pursue it.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• Mar’s career journey of finance to holistic and physical wellness
• How holistic wellness shapes the western corporate world
• The power of having a career mentor
• Owning and being empowered by your mindset
• What business can do better to promote total wellness

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette is joined by Julia Stamberger, the president, founder, and director of The Planting Hope Company, Inc. The two begin by discussing Julia’s start at United Airlines where she pioneered the airline snackbox concept and set her career on a trajectory of food innovation. This led her to found Planting Hope, a company that reimagines the future of food to something more sustainable, healthy, and scalable for the future.

The road to making Planting Hope a success has not been without its challenges. Julia has grappled with the demands and expectations of venture capital funding, learning more about food science on the job, and identifying which healthy products can actually be commercially viable—wait until you hear what she says about almond and sesame milk!

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• Improving airline food during an era of cost-cutting
• Reimagining sustainable food with Planting Hope Company
• The realities of working with VCs
• The challenges of scaling healthy products
• Empowering women and raising equity-focused men

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette is joined by Brent Novoselsky, former NFL player and current VP of Wealth Services at Alera Group. The two discuss Brent’s experience playing for the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, his career-ending injury, and life after professional football. Fortunately for Brent, he had a business degree from Penn State to fall back on.

When it comes to professional football and business, according to Brent, it’s all about who you know. It was his connections that got him a call from the Bears. They also helped him build a successful career as a financial advisor, where he helps clients make savvy decisions based on their values. 

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• Brent’s early football years
• The neck injury that changed Brent’s life
• Transitioning from the NFL to everyday life
• How values influence your financial decisions
• LinkedIn as an untapped resource

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette is joined by Jennifer Convery, the former group president of Griffith Foods North America. Jennifer currently sits on three boards and is an advisor to CEOs. Together, Laurette and Jennifer discuss how women’s role in the workplace has evolved over the last 30 years and the importance of advocating for yourself to get what you want.

Jennifer created a successful career path by tuning into her needs, learning to balance motherhood with work responsibilities, and never being afraid to raise her hand when new opportunities emerged. Pulling from decades of leadership experience, Jennifer shares valuable insights and personal anecdotes that anyone can apply to get ahead at work.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• Jennifer’s way into the food and beverage industry
• Balancing personal and professional priorities
• Building a career without mom guilt
• How to communicate your value
• The importance of connections outside of your organization

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette sits down with Tali Kogan, renowned Chicago stylist, founder of Tel Aviv Couture, and co-founder of Sweet Dome Chicago Foundation. Tali shares her inspiring story as a Ukrainian-born Israeli immigrant who came to America with little to her name and began her career as an accountant. Finding herself unhappy, she escaped an abusive relationship, eventually left her job, and turned her passion for Israeli-made fashion into a career as a personal stylist and empowerment coach. 

Tali is a bright light who works with women leaders around the world, using clothing as a way to transform not only their style but their self-confidence. Her styling process “Calling Forth the Queen” is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings out a woman’s true essence and creates an energetic shift that allows them to show up in a whole new and powerful way.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• Tali’s story from “frumpy” accountant to shining stylist
• The four style personas—which one are you?
• Top styling strategies anyone can use
• The importance of a spiritual practice
• The inspiration for Sweet Dome Chicago 

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette sits down with Alex Johnston, the founder and president of Building Impact Partners, a philanthropy advising firm that works together with changemakers to help people, communities, and society move forward for good. Alex is also the author of Money With Meaning: How to Create Joy and Impact Through Philanthropy.

With over two decades of advising clients on how to give their money, Alex is a wealth of information when it comes to meaningful giving through philanthropy. In fact, Building Impact Partners has helped its clients give away over $1 billion since 2012. And still, with so much money sitting on the sidelines, there is ample opportunity for more. 

Alex breaks it all down for us, from the psychology of giving to why we tend to shy away from talking about money, and how to know your money is actually being used for good. He also shares the distinction between meaningful giving, selfish giving, spiritless giving, and senseless giving—a topic his book discusses in greater detail.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• The importance of philanthropy in politics
• Secrets of the ultra-wealthy
• How to talk about money with your kids
• Meaningful giving, selfish giving, spiritless giving, senseless giving
• Giving as an opportunity for transformation

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette sits down with Lori Hilson Cioromski, founder & CEO of HC Strategic Advisors, president of Essential Water Technologies, and award-winning author of You Hold the Power: Igniting Your Fire for Success.

As the episode title suggests, Laurette and Lori discuss how to scale a company in the face of adversity, as well as the necessity for women leaders to step into their power to unlock growth and potential. 

Lori shares stories of her earliest entrepreneurial endeavors as a young girl motivated by a need for money, to working with her dad and receiving backlash from her male counterparts, to the most catalytic moment in her life: a near-death experience during the birth of her youngest daughter, and what would later become the impetus for her award-winning book.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• Anointed vs. appointed: proving your worth in a family-owned business
• Scaling a business against tough financial times
• The power of “catalytic moments”
• Supporting our next gen of female entrepreneurs with Female Strong
• Why it is absolutely necessary to step into your power

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette sits down with Brandon Casteel, vice president of partnerships at SPINS, to discuss the leadership tenets that have allowed him to build a successful, multi-decade sales career. They also discuss how SPINS is leveraging point-of-sale data to unlock powerful consumer insights.

Brandon is a master of building authentic relationships through trust, vulnerability, and curiosity, artfully moving past the surface to get to the heart of any conversation, whether it be with a team member, sales partner, or one of his five kids. This gift along with his concept of an “emotional bank account”—the idea that he is giving as much as he is receiving—makes him a standout partner, leader, and father. 

Drawing from nearly 30 years of experience, Brandon now leads multiple teams at SPINS, a leading wellness-focused data technology company that provides retail consumer insights, analytics, and consulting for the natural, organic, and specialty products industry. 

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• The importance of physical presence
• How to leverage curiosity as a leader
• Balancing your emotional bank account
• The value of performance improvement plans
• Using sales data to unlock powerful consumer insights

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette sits down with Jennifer Bell, CMO of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant Group, to talk about the importance of professional development, risk-centered leadership, and the invaluable benefits of betting on yourself.

Laurette and Jennifer walk through the various obstacles of a journey to the C-suite, leading by example to multiply your team’s enthusiasm and effort, and what she did to skyrocket the business’s revenue to $300 million after the pandemic demanded a pivot.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• Making a major career pivot based on passion & purpose
• Key factors in building & leading a diverse, talented team
• Being your own biggest cheerleader
• Where leaders should challenge themselves more for growth
• The best tools to leverage strengths & foster better feedback

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Ayra Mudessir, TEDx speaker, three-time author, youth advocate, and neuroscience student, joins Laurette Rondenet on Owning Your Legacy for an insightful conversation about confidence, representation, and the power of intentional leadership at any age. At just 21 years old, Ayra reflects on the moments and influences that shaped her commitment to youth empowerment, education, and meaningful social impact.

In this episode, Ayra introduces the multiplier effect—the idea that one voice, one decision, or one act of courage can create waves of change far beyond the individual. She explains how representation reshapes belief at a neurological level, why confidence must come before skill, and how micro-leadership allows people to lead without titles, permission, or perfection. Ayra also speaks candidly about navigating unhealthy friendships, the impact of social media on motivation and self-worth, and the importance of mindset in breaking cycles of limitation.

In this episode, you will learn:
✅ What inspired Ayra’s TEDx talk and her mission in youth advocacy
✅ How the multiplier effect transforms individual action into collective change
✅ Why representation rewires belief and expands what feels possible
✅ Why confidence is foundational to skill development and growth
✅ How micro-leadership creates momentum without waiting for perfection
✅ How to recognize relationships that limit growth rather than support it
✅ Why mindset shapes long-term success more than credentials alone

Whether you are mentoring emerging leaders, questioning traditional paths to success, or seeking a grounded approach to confidence and self-belief, this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and a powerful reminder that legacy begins with the courage to take the first step.

🌐 Explore Ayra Mudessir’s work: https://www.ayramudessir.com

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette welcomes colleague George Southworth, executive director of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA). George’s extensive experiences as a government programs executive with IBM, a director and regional manager with the National Association of Manufacturers, and now executive director at FEMA have fueled his passion as a leader that drives change, fosters collaboration, and elevates the success of his peers.

Laurette and George explore how their career trajectories unfolded and how to harness the numerous benefits that come with joining trade associations: networking, leadership opportunities, a truly supportive community, and more.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• The personal and professional benefits of trade associations
• How to choose the best trade association to join
• Leveraging the value of industry experts 
• Strengthening your own leadership abilities
• Paying it forward to help future leaders grow

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette talks all about transparency, reflection, and potential with entrepreneur, life coach, and food industry executive Christie Myers.

A strategic visionary, Christie’s generational tie to the food ingredients industry has helped her embrace her history while defining her own unique career path. Today, she carries on her family’s penchant for innovation and creativity in two major ways: as the Business Development Manager at Cache Creek Foods, and also as the founder and consultant through her coaching practice that helps leaders transform their aspirations into reality.

Laurette and Christie dive into the shared human experience of insecurity and struggle, how to develop better self-awareness, and the simple mindset shift to adapt for a more impactful company culture.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:
*Accepting discomfort and sacrifice in leadership
*Why struggle is a good thing
*Handling criticism, constructive or otherwise 
*Reframing failure as a foundational win
*Christie’s simple practice for reflection & redirection

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette welcomes Chicago-based food & lifestyle entrepreneur D.C. Crenshaw to talk through his purpose-filled journey to creating culinary businesses that fuel the next generation of tastemakers.

D.C. founded Little Diner’s Crew to partner with local restaurants to curate inspiring dining events for young children that help develop their palates and approaches to health, nutrition, and happiness while fostering community and education.

His major passion for flavor led him to start Fête Select TV, a production company where he earned two Emmy nominations as the host of his original food competition show, Game Time Dine. He also owns and operates Fête Lifestyle Magazine, a digital publication that educates and inspires others to live a life of quality, covering a variety topics and perspectives from female contributors.

Laurette and D.C. chat more about his optimistic outlook on the food industry, the positive domino effect of new experiences, and how he embodies his values to inspire others naturally.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:
*D.C.’s journey from athlete to multifaceted businessman
*The powerful connection between sports, food, and memories
*Creating opportunities for enthusiasm and education 
*D.C.’s experience with fatherhood and his parenting advice
*How to live by example and lead with empathy 

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In the season 6 premiere of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette welcomes philanthropist and entrepreneur duo Amy and Pete Kadens for an incredibly powerful and transparent conversation about the need for more accountability in life and leadership. Because without it, we are only solving for symptoms instead of the core issues.

Amy is the founder of MOD Collective and Share Our Spare, which respectively work to support women and families affected by poverty who are in need of basic necessities, including diapers, clothing, and more. Pete is the founder and co-chair of HOPE Chicago, an organization focused on improving economic mobility through college and workforce access. Together, Amy and Pete both serve as chairpeople for The Kadens Family Foundation, a nonprofit they started to provide more equitable opportunities at all stages of life, starting with education.

With Laurette, Amy and Pete discuss the intersections and realities of their philanthropic endeavors, the collective success that comes from moving through discomfort, and how they support their shared passion for change (and each other!) through their very different approaches.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• Amy and Pete’s powerful philosophies on truly giving back
• Why there’s no such thing as “self-made”
• How to take accountability in all aspects of your life
• Transforming tragedy into thoughtful, aligned action
• Nuances to consider in your efforts to find purpose & help any community

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In the Season 5 finale of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette welcomes executive food & beverage professional Mary Wagner. From General Mills to Taco Bell and more, Mary’s impressive career is a testament to her standard of excellence and passion for progress. She has provided invaluable food science operations & strategy guidance for top brands in the industry, most notably and recently as the former Senior Vice President of Global Product Innovation, Food Safety, and Quality at Starbucks. Since retiring, Mary has launched and led her global food science consulting firm MK Wagner & Associates, where she and her team leverage 40+ years of expertise to deliver extraordinary results to global food brands. 

Laurette and Mary discuss the power of science for executing innovative ideas, the underrated yet incredible aspects of a professional role that involves flavor and nutrition, and how to weigh your options between certain business and career situations.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:
*The fascinating nuances of food science, flavor, and nutrition
*Prioritizing research, transparency, and sustainability in the industry
*Mary’s observations on private vs. public business pros and cons
*Navigating individual career decisions and sacrifices
*How to maintain perspective on your impact as a leader 

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette sits down to talk with certified life coach Suzanne Nance. Since starting her company Create 4 You, Suzanne has worked with some of the top leaders across the world, including those at the helm of Fortune 500 companies and mission-driven nonprofit organizations, to help reframe their perspective on the inevitable promise of challenge ahead and strengthen their approach so they can reach their personal Mt. Everest.

Laurette and Suzanne discuss the phenomenon of the loneliness that comes from reaching new heights, the benefits of pushing past your usual thresholds of capabilities, and the expansive power of continuing to pursue new achievements despite all odds.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:
*Suzanne’s biggest lessons from her ambitious expeditions
*Common insecurities that Suzanne sees in her executive clients
*Learning to listen to & understanding your limiting beliefs
*Finding harmony between your responsibilities & your dreams
*How to become your own biggest supporter & coach 

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette is joined by Beth Smith, founder and CEO of Simplicity Cold-Pressed Juice & Cocktails. Made with fresh fruits and vegetables, Beth expanded the brand’s offerings from only juice and added spirit-infused drinks based on her belief that fun and freshness aren’t mutually exclusive. As a result, she launched the country’s first ready-to-drink, cold-pressed cocktails—because you should be able to raise a glass without sacrificing your well-being.

Laurette and Beth talk transparently about her journey to healing through continued physical and emotional hardships, some of her most frustrating experiences working in food & beverage, and why she’s so passionate about transforming the way we view and implement nutrition.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:
*How Beth’s fertility struggles inspired her business
*Beth’s mission to detach shame & guilt from nutrition
*Navigating modern food & beverage industry obstacles
*Why prioritizing your wellbeing & joy isn’t selfish
*How to let go and trust the timing of your life

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette welcomes Oliver Kelly, the President & CEO of Kerry North America, to discuss his lessons learned in leadership and the mindset needed to create an unmatched workforce. 

A leader in sustainable nutrition, Kerry has expanded from its humble origins in Ireland to a global visionary within—and beyond—the dairy industry. With a 30+ year career in sales and business growth, Oliver has helped guide the company in reaching new heights after taking on his role in 2021 and continues to be a trusted partner for Edlong and many food & beverage companies.

Between the “new normal” of post-pandemic life and unemployment rates at a record low, companies are looking to improve their approach to hiring in order to optimize their processes and exceed satisfaction on all levels. Laurette and Oliver discuss their experiences in adapting to uncharted leadership challenges, how Gen Z has transformed the interview process, and the top considerations for employee professional development across departments.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:
*Prioritizing purpose in your goals and your people
*The responsibility of building and maintaining relationships
*How to approach professional growth programs
*When and why to hire specialized talent
*Oliver’s tips for determined job-seekers

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette welcomes Courtney Johnson, founder and president of Culinary Care, to talk about the decision to persevere through difficulties and transform struggles into inspiration in life and business. After losing her own father to cancer, Courtney wanted to bridge the gap that she experienced and create a better experience for others navigating this life-altering journey. Today, Culinary Care has provided more than 30,000 nutritious meals to cancer patients and their families, and the organization continues to bring comfort and hope to hospitals and homes across America.

Laurette and Courtney discuss Courtney’s personal commitment to the cause, how Courtney dealt with condescending criticism when launching her initiative, and the importance of centering compassion and connection in every interaction.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:
*Courtney’s purpose to create hope and address malnutrition
*Overcoming self-doubt and overwhelm in business decisions
*How to build a strong, engaged, and supportive board
*The most impactful way to help the organizations you care about
*Courtney’s key learnings for leadership success

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette is joined by serial entrepreneur, business expert, and author Robert Jordan. Robert is renowned for his tech start-up expertise and launching the first Internet-coverage magazine in the world, Online Access, which landed him on the Inc 500 list of fastest-growing companies. Now as the CEO of InterimExecs, he’s using his 30+ years of business acumen to bring record growth to owners and investors across industries.

Laurette and Robert discuss the modern landscape of executive knowledge and innovation, his experience guiding businesses through common pain points in order to achieve major breakthroughs, and the four key FABS Leadership Assessment styles he developed that inspired his book Right Leader Right Time: Discover Your Leadership Style for a Winning Career and Company.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

*Robert’s four tried-and-true FABS Leadership Assessment styles
*What today’s top organizations are looking for when hiring leaders
*Robert’s RED (Rapid Executive Deployment) Team formula for success
*Why decision-makers shouldn’t be precious with their brilliance
*How Robert inspired founders to embrace their powerful legacy

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

Ahmed Darwish, founder of The Living Organism Project, joins Laurette Rondenet on Owning Your Legacy for a powerful exploration of healing, authenticity, and human transformation. From leaving law school to embracing a long career in clinical psychology, Ahmed describes the turning points that shaped his desire to help people understand themselves and move toward a more aligned and meaningful life.

In this episode, Ahmed shares how a vivid dream inspired his mission to bring emotional truth and self leadership to a broader audience. He explains why authenticity is one of the highest expressions of human potential, how shame and self-protection shape our behavior, and why learning to pause and reconnect with our bodies can guide us toward deeper clarity. Ahmed also discusses the shift he sees happening in society today, the rising influence of feminine energy, and his belief that we are entering a new era that values individuality and shared human potential. 

In this episode, you will learn:
✅ What led to the creation of The Living Organism Project and its purpose in the world
✅ How aligning your actions with your inner truths supports authentic living
✅ Why identifying patterns of shame can reveal themes that influence your choices
✅ How to distinguish growth discomfort from misalignment
✅ How feminine energy and emotional presence contribute to healing divisions
✅ Why individuality encourages connection and generosity rather than separation
✅ How a single person acting with intention can create a wave of possibility

Whether you are reflecting on your own path, guiding others through change, or searching for a more grounded way to lead, this conversation offers clarity, insight, and a hopeful vision for what personal and collective growth can look like.

🌐 Explore The Living Organism Project: https://www.thelivingorganismproject.org/

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette is joined by entrepreneur Teresa Ging, Founder & CEO of the Chicago-based retail bakery Sugar Bliss. Teresa’s cupcakes and cookies have been a staple in the Windy City for the past 16 years, offering high-quality flavor experiences for those with an elevated sweet tooth. As a woman- and minority-owned business, Teresa has rewritten the recipe for success on her own terms and wants to inspire other up-and-coming female entrepreneurs to do the same.

When she was intentionally passed over for a promotion at an equity firm, Teresa channeled her energy into spending more time with her loved ones. In turn, she rediscovered a passion for the simple pleasures in life—specifically, the sweet treats that define our shared joyful moments. She invested in her education by attending a top pastry school in Paris, then used her background in economics to launch her first brick and mortar location in downtown Chicago. Teresa’s enthusiasm and resilience continued to strengthen from navigating the ups and downs of sustaining and scaling Sugar Bliss, and today she’s equally proud of her journey and excited to see where the business will expand next.

Laurette and Teresa discuss the competitive landscape of food & beverage, persevering through some of her biggest (and most costly and unexpected) challenges as a small business owner, and her priceless advice to avoid some preventable mistakes she made. They also highlight the advantage of wearing many different business-related hats, the importance of being WBENC-certified, and welcoming more women of color into entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

*Teresa’s lightbulb moment that inspired her career shift
*How to trust yourself during moments of struggle or doubt
*Four non-negotiable business needs to address crisis
*Teresa’s scholarship collaboration with WBENC
*How to expand your creativity in problem-solving

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

In the season 5 premiere of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette is excited to welcome Karuna Rawal, the Chief Revenue Officer & Chief Marketing Officer at Nature’s Fynd. Karuna’s background includes brand strategy & marketing roles at P&G, Arc Worldwide, and Leo Burnett, elevating legendary brands within food, beverage, and beyond. A proven innovator in CPG, her expertise in building brands from scratch has resonated with colleagues and consumers alike throughout her career.

Still, Nature’s Fynd presented an exciting challenge for Karuna. The alternative protein company was created by Sustainable Bioproducts, a biotech start-up, and started as a research initiative back by NASA! In fact, the Chicago-based brand didn’t even have a name when she accepted the role. With a shared commitment to sustainability, Karuna approached the opportunity with enthusiasm as she and her team faced unconventional obstacles during development and before launching in 2020—right at the start of the global pandemic. Now, she’s invested in scaling the company’s story, products, and new discoveries to better “Feed Your Optimism.”

Laurette and Karuna discuss navigating necessary pivots in life and leadership despite the unknown, the need for more sustainable protein sources, and the priceless impact of having the right support, whether it be from loved ones, aligned partnerships, or your company’s Board. They also bond over their passion for female empowerment, being proud working moms, and Karuna’s career highlight: the famous “Like a Girl” campaign for Always.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

• The fascinating power & possibilities of fungi 
• How to be resourceful and outsource for more joy 
• Building a modern CPG brand against all odds (and with NASA's research!) 
• Why motherhood redefined Karuna's perspective on responsibility 
• How Karuna helped change "Like a Girl" from an insult to a compliment 

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

“An indispensable leader goes above and beyond, but is thought of beyond their role as a go-to. Imagine if [your clients] thought of you like that. Then there would be more touch points. You would deepen the relationship. And if you have, you know, competitors, it's going to be tough to unseat you. But as an indispensable leader, you go the extra mile." — Larry Kaufman

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy,  Laurette is joined by Larry Kaufman, Midwest regional managing director for Jefferson Wells, keynote speaker, and author of “The NCG Factor: A Formula for Building Life-Changing Relationships from College to Retirement.” Larry is an expert on all things LinkedIn, networking, sales, and leadership—in fact, with over 30,000 followers, he’s often referred to as “LinkedIn Larry.” 

Laurette and Larry discuss the power of connection, how to become an “indispensable” leader, and some of Larry’s expert tips and tricks for maximizing LinkedIn’s capabilities, from what to put in your profile to how many times a day to post.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy: Branding yourself on LinkedIn; Personalizing LinkedIn connections; What it means to be an indispensable leader; One of the craziest asks Larry’s received; The NCG Factor: Networking, connecting, giving.

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.

“We're building trust through a really great foundation of transparency. One of my pet peeves is I shouldn't be walking into a situation and somebody says, ‘I didn't know that.’ When somebody says, ‘I didn't know that,’ then I am not doing my job [as a leader].”  — Ryan Smith

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy,  Laurette is joined by Ryan Smith, the executive vice president of Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America. Ryan has a long history in the food and beverage industry, beginning in retail and merchandising. Early in his career, he experienced the traumatic loss of his mentor, colleague, and friend, and he says this moment set him on the path to who he is today and how he shows up as a leader.

Ryan shares a world of wisdom in this episode, from the lessons he’s learned from leaders that came before him to those that he imparts to his team. While he’s been told that he’s too kind, it’s his kindness that makes him such a strong, well-liked leader, and at the core of his message is the importance of trust in all of our relationships—with consumers and colleagues alike.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy: Ryan’s wake-up call; Being a thoughtful leader; The truth about MSG; The art of change management; Embracing risk through growth mindset.

If you enjoyed the episode please share it with others, and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about me and how I am Owning My Legacy, you can find me on Instagram @LauretteRondenet and online at lauretterondenet.com.