Explore every episode of the podcast Owning Your Legacy

Most entrepreneurs think scaling a business requires millions in venture capital and high-pressure sales quotas. Rich Lyons proved the exact opposite.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, host Laurette Rondenet interviews Rich Lyons, founder of Lyons Consulting Group (LYONSCG) and author of Life Is Sales. Rich shares the unvarnished story of growing a bootstrapped digital commerce agency to $55M, surviving the 2008 banking collapse, standing up to abusive clients, and making the difficult decision to sell when tech giants consolidated the market.

Key topics covered:
•  Moving from a scarcity mindset and quota panic to consultative service and trust
•  The reality of bootstrapping — personal checks for payroll, home equity lines, and betting the farm
•  How a 2008 bank loan recall forced the agency to shed non-core services and master e-commerce
•  The dinner 'feelings game' that helped a stoic executive open up to his daughters

Resources & books mentioned:
•  Life Is Sales by Rich Lyons — lifeissales.com
•  Rich Lyons official site — richlyons.com
•  Good to Great & Turning the Flywheel by Jim Collins
•  Traction (the EOS system) by Gino Wickman
•  Dr. Gertrude Lyons on Owning Your Legacy (episode archive)

Connect:
Rich Lyons — linkedin.com/in/richardblyons/
Laurette Rondenet — linkedin.com/in/laurette-rondenet-82064911/

Subscribe to Owning Your Legacy for weekly conversations on leadership, authentic entrepreneurship, and leaving a lasting mark.

Chapters:
0:00 The Reality of Scaling a Business
1:22 Is Service the Heart of Sales?
3:35 The Core of Trusting the Process
6:07 Research, AI, and the Human Connection
8:06 Mindset vs. Talent in Sales Success
10:53 Using Anger Intentionally
15:53 The Hard Lessons of Entrepreneurship

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. 

Season 13 of Owning Your Legacy goes deeper into what it takes to lead, grow, let go, and build something that lasts.

Host Laurette Rondenet sits down with Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh, author of The Longevity Formula, for a conversation about Ayurveda, healthspan versus lifespan, stress, connection, and learning to trust your own inner wisdom.

Rich Lyons, entrepreneur and author of Life Is Sales, shares hard-earned lessons about putting customers first, building trust, navigating imposter syndrome, and creating a culture that can withstand the pressures of leadership.

And returning guest Brooke Foley, founder of The Jayne Agency, opens up about one of the hardest transitions for any founder: realizing when you are the person standing in the way of your company’s growth. She shares what it took to give up control, empower her team, scale Clarity University, and build a business capable of existing beyond its founder.

Season 13 also expands the conversation beyond the traditional interview, bringing members of the Owning Your Legacy team into the discussion and exploring what legacy looks like while you’re still actively building it.

Because legacy isn’t something that simply appears at the end of your life. It’s something you build every day.

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 special Season 12 compilation of Owning Your Legacy, leaders, founders, innovators, and changemakers reflect on the impact they hope to have on their teams, industries, communities, and the people around them.

Their answers are different, but a common theme emerges: legacy is built through the choices we make, the people we support, and the way we show up every day.

This episode brings together some of the most powerful reflections from Season 12 and returns to the question at the heart of the series:

What will your legacy be?

Watch, reflect, and share the legacy you hope to leave behind.

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 the career you built for decades starts to change around you?

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, award-winning food journalist Steve Dolinsky shares how he turned decades of experience in journalism, storytelling, and food into an entirely new chapter—without starting over.

Best known to Chicago audiences as the Hungry Hound and The Food Guy, Steve built his career by following his curiosity, developing deep relationships across the food industry, and becoming one of the city’s most trusted voices on food. But as television journalism changed, he recognized that his next opportunity might not look anything like the career he had known.

Steve shares how he identified the skills and relationships he had spent years building, created a one-page pitch around the value he could bring, and ultimately transitioned into a new role with Levy—where his food knowledge, storytelling ability, industry connections, and eye for trends now help shape experiences across hundreds of venues.

The conversation explores why reinvention does not mean abandoning everything you have built, the importance of maintaining relationships long before you need them, and how the skills you may take for granted can become your greatest advantage.

Steve also dives into his lifelong obsession with pizza, the creation of Pizza City USA, what makes Chicago one of the world’s great pizza cities, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind: proving that Chicago-style pizza is about much more than deep dish.

If you are navigating a career transition, questioning what comes next, or trying to understand the value of everything you have already learned, this conversation is a reminder that your experience may be exactly what opens the next door.

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. 

Three years in, the team behind Owning Your Legacy steps out from behind the camera for an intimate, candid conversation about fear, leadership, and what it truly takes to build a meaningful movement. 
In this special behind-the-scenes episode, host Laurette Rondenet (CEO & Owner of Edlong Flavors) is joined by team members Gail Scott (Integrator at Owning Your Legacy & Edlong) and Denise Senter (Brand Manager & CMO at Ever Fresh Fruit Company). Together, they peel back the curtain on the "Passion Project Paradox"—balancing demanding executive careers while building a podcast and community dedicated to empowering leaders . 
From confronting imposter syndrome and stepping into the spotlight, to the exact moment Laurette almost threw in the towel, this raw discussion explores what happens when you decide to stop leading someone else's legacy and start claiming your own . 

00:00 – Introduction
01:08 – How “Owning Your Legacy” Began
03:31 – Meet the Team Behind the Podcast
05:43 – Overcoming the Fear of Being Visible
09:44 – Making an Impact One Person at a Time
14:10 – Balancing a Passion Project with Full-Time Work
18:06 – The Moment We Almost Gave Up
25:14 – Lessons Learned from the Journey and Our Guests
32:29 – Redefining Success Through Community and Connection
38:07 – Advice for Pursuing Your Passion Project
40:59 – Closing

💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode
Claiming Your Space: How Laurette realized she was living in her father's shadow and took the brave step to own her own leadership identity . 
The Pendulum Myth of Work-Life Balance: Why work-life integration isn't about perfect 50/50 equilibrium, but knowing how to manage heavy seasons . 
The Importance of "Belief Partners": Why you can't build a legacy alone—and how having a team that believes in the vision keeps you going through self-doubt . 
Grit over Perfection: Why missteps, setbacks, and pivots are necessary ingredients for personal and professional growth . 

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 makes a strawberry taste like a strawberry—and does it matter whether a flavor molecule comes from a fruit or a laboratory?

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette Rondinay speaks with Michael Colangelo, founder of Nota Bene Flavors, about the chemistry, creativity, and communication behind the foods and beverages we consume every day.

Michael shares his journey from analytical chemistry to flavor development, building innovation laboratories, working with beverage startups, and eventually launching his own consulting business. He also explains how finding his voice on LinkedIn transformed his career and allowed him to make complex flavor science accessible to a much wider audience.

Throughout the conversation, Laurette and Michael explore:

• Why “natural” does not automatically mean safer or more sustainable
• How dosage changes conversations about ingredient safety
• The science behind strawberry flavor and sensory perception
• Why the same flavor performs differently across beverages and food products
• The rise of non-alcoholic beverages and moderation
• How misinformation contributes to consumer mistrust
• Why marketing and R&D need one another
• The importance of mentorship, experimentation, and failing forward
• How scientists can communicate with greater confidence and clarity

Michael’s work demonstrates that science does not have to be intimidating. When complex ideas are communicated in relatable ways, consumers can make more informed decisions and innovators can create products that are healthier, more enjoyable, and better for the planet.

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 does it take to build a thriving business, lead with integrity, and create spaces that truly reflect the people who live in them?

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette Rondenet sits down with Lakesha Rose, Owner/Designer of L Rose Interior Design, a Chicago-based full-service design-build and interior design firm celebrating 10 years in business.

Lakesha shares her unconventional path into interior design, from sending out 40 resumes with no formal experience to building a respected firm known for thoughtful design, strong project management, and deeply personal client relationships.

With more than two decades in the industry, Lakesha explains why great design is about far more than color palettes and furniture. It is about listening, intuition, trust, and understanding how a client wants to feel in their home.

This conversation explores:

• Building confidence before you feel fully qualified
• Growing a business through relationships, trust, and reputation
• Why project management is essential to creative success
• Leading a team without ego
• Creating homes that tell a complete story
• Setting boundaries, minimums, and finding the right clients
• Balancing ambition, marriage, travel, and personal freedom
• The power of character in leadership and business

Lakesha also reflects on the legacy she hopes to leave behind: a life and business rooted in character, integrity, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, creative professional, interior design lover, or leader building something meaningful, this episode is a reminder that success is not only about what you create—it is about how you serve people along the way.

Learn more about Lakesha Rose and L Rose Interior Design:
https://lroseinteriordesign.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. 

What does it really take to build a food company from the ground up, raise capital, scale a team, and make difficult decisions when the market changes?

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Brittany Chibe shares the honest story behind her journey from corporate food sales to entrepreneurship, including the launch and sale of Paleo Scavenger and her work as co-founder of Aquacultured Foods.

Brittany discusses building a paleo snack brand from her home kitchen, growing into national distribution, learning the realities of co-manufacturing and retail margins, and why she chose not to bootstrap her next company.

She also shares how Aquacultured Foods was created around a mission to develop sustainable alternative seafood, the process of raising pre-seed and seed capital, navigating food-tech regulation, working with acclaimed chefs, and bringing a novel product to market.

But this is also a conversation about the harder side of entrepreneurship: fundraising in a difficult market, leading a team through uncertainty, managing runway, making layoffs, and deciding when it is time to wind down a company responsibly.

Brittany reflects on the lessons she is carrying into her next chapter, including the importance of customer connection, clear accountability, sustainable leadership, and separating your identity from the business you build.

Topics in this episode include:
• Food entrepreneurship and CPG startups
• Bootstrapping versus raising venture capital
• Paleo Scavenger and building a brand from a home kitchen
• Alternative seafood and food-tech innovation
• Startup fundraising, investors, and pitch strategy
• Leadership during uncertainty and company closure
• Building accountable teams and reducing operational burn
• Founder mental health, resilience, and life after a startup

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 if AI is not here to replace creativity, but to expand it?

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette is joined by Justin Shimek, CEO of Mattson, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping food and beverage innovation.

Justin shares his journey from food science to leadership, the role of curiosity in building a career, and how Mattson helps companies imagine what is coming next in food. The conversation dives into AI as a creative thought partner, not an answer machine, and how tools like Mattson’s AI persona “Leo” are helping teams generate ideas, understand consumers, and rethink innovation workflows.

Together, they discuss the fears and opportunities surrounding AI, how companies can begin integrating it responsibly, and why the future of innovation still depends on real human intelligence, judgment, and creativity.

This episode is for leaders, innovators, food scientists, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about how AI can help teams do their highest and best work.

Learn more about Justin Shimek and Mattson:
www.mattsonco.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. 

Season 12 of Owning Your Legacy brings together leaders, founders, creators, innovators, and storytellers who are building something meaningful through courage, curiosity, and intention.

This season explores what it takes to step into your next chapter, trust your instincts, build the right team, embrace change, and keep moving forward even when the path is uncertain.

From food, design, entrepreneurship, AI, sustainability, personal reinvention, and the power of community, these conversations remind us that legacy is not something we leave behind someday. It is something we build every day through the choices we make, the people we support, and the stories we choose to tell.

Featuring conversations with Steve Dolinsky, Lakeisha Rose, Justin Schimmick, Brittany Chibe, Denise Senter, and Gail Scott.

Watch Season 12 of Owning Your Legacy and join the conversation.

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 does it really mean to leave a legacy?

In the final episode of Season 11 of Owning Your Legacy, guests reflect on one of the most meaningful questions of the series: What is the legacy you would like to leave behind?

Their answers reveal that legacy is not only about achievement, status, or recognition. It is about the people we inspire, the love we put into the world, the courage to be ourselves, and the way we help others grow into who they are meant to become.

This Season 11 finale brings together powerful reflections on family, mentorship, authenticity, purpose, resilience, and staying committed to what truly matters.

If you are thinking about the life you are building, the people you are shaping, or the impact you want to leave behind, this episode is a reminder that legacy is created through the choices we make every day.

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 if the future of food depends on better science, better communication, and a little more nuance?

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Donna Berry shares how a lifelong curiosity about food and nutrition led her from an early internship at Edlong to becoming one of the dairy industry’s most trusted voices.

As a food scientist, writer, and founder of Berry on Dairy and The Daily Dose of Dairy, Donna has spent decades translating complex food science into meaningful industry insight while championing transparency, education, and the value of dairy.

This conversation explores the debates surrounding ultra-processed foods, sugar, food safety, and consumer trust, and why Donna believes the focus should shift toward nutrient density, affordability, and helping people better understand how food is made. 

Donna also shares her passion for mentorship, the importance of exposing young people to careers in food science, and how personal loss taught her to live fully, stay true to herself, and keep moving forward with purpose.

Donna also shares her passion for mentorship, the importance of exposing young people to careers in food science, and how personal loss taught her to live fully, stay true to herself, and keep moving forward with purpose.

Learn more about Donna Berry and her work with Berry on Dairy: https://www.berryondairy.com/

✔ Food conversations need more science and less fear
 ✔ Nutrient density matters more than oversimplified labels
 ✔ Transparency builds trust with consumers
 ✔ Mentorship can shape the next generation of food leaders
 ✔ Staying true to your values is part of your 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. 

In this special episode of Owning Your Legacy, Gertrude Lyons, author of Rewrite the Mother Code, joins Gail Scott, Director of Administration at Edlong and one of the producers of the podcast, for a powerful conversation on motherhood, identity, vulnerability, and the cultural expectations women inherit.

Gertrude shares the personal journey behind writing Rewrite the Mother Code and how the process invited her into a deeper level of honesty, healing, and self-discovery. Together, she and Gail explore how motherhood has been shaped by history, why there is no single “right” way to mother, and what it means to rewrite the beliefs and roles that no longer serve us.

This conversation is a thoughtful reminder that women are more than the expectations placed on them — and that legacy begins when we choose what we are willing to question, heal, and redefine.

Topics discussed include:
• Rewriting the Mother Code
• Vulnerability and personal storytelling
• Motherhood as a cultural construct
• The pressure to parent perfectly
• Women’s purpose beyond traditional roles
• Healing inherited beliefs
• Creating a more authentic legacy

#OwningYourLegacy #GertrudeLyons #GailScott #RewriteTheMotherCode #Motherhood #WomenInLeadership #PersonalGrowth #Vulnerability #Legacy #WomenEmpowerment

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 if the signs you keep ignoring are actually pointing you toward your purpose?

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Holly Garrard, founder of Fundae, shares how she walked away from a 25-year career in media to build a brand rooted in purpose, sustainability, and personal transformation.

After years in corporate leadership roles at companies like iHeart and ESPN, Holly felt a deeper pull to create something of her own. What followed was a journey shaped by personal challenges, intuition, and a relentless drive to build something meaningful.

From navigating a difficult divorce and a life-altering health scare to launching Fundae from scratch, Holly’s story is a powerful reminder that clarity often comes through action, not certainty.

This conversation explores what it takes to trust yourself before you feel ready, how personal experiences can shape a mission-driven business, and why resilience is required to bring any vision to life.

Holly also shares how she built Fundae, a sustainable footwear brand designed around modular design and personalization, and how she took it from an idea to the runways of Paris and Milan Fashion Week. 

If you are building something, questioning your path, or waiting for the right moment, this episode will challenge you to move forward anyway.

Learn more about Holly Garrard and Fundae:
https://fundae.com

✔ Purpose often reveals itself through hardship
✔ You do not need permission to start
✔ Intuition is a powerful guide in business and life
✔ Building something meaningful takes time and patience
✔ The journey is bigger than the product

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 if leadership is not something you chase, but something that finds you?

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Christie Tarantino-Dean shares how she stepped into a CEO role unexpectedly and what it really takes to grow into leadership over time.

As CEO of the Institute of Food Technologists, Christie leads a global community of scientists, innovators, and industry leaders working to advance the science of food and address challenges around safety, nutrition, and sustainability.

This conversation explores the reality of stepping up before you feel ready, the mentors who help shape your path, and how trust and relationships define long term success.

Christie also shares how she approaches leadership in complex environments, builds alignment across diverse stakeholders, and helps guide an organization at the intersection of science, business, and global impact.

If you are building something, leading a team, or figuring out your next step, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership and growth.

Learn more about Christie Tarantino-Dean and her work with IFT
https://www.iftexchange.org/about-ift/leadership/christie-tarantino-dean

✔ Leadership often comes before confidence
✔ Mentorship can shape your entire career
✔ Trust is built through consistency and relationships
✔ Self doubt is part of the process
✔ Build your network before you need it

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, we sit down with Mara Smith, founder of Inspiro Tequila, to talk about what it really looks like to start over and build something meaningful on your own terms.

After stepping away from her career for 16 years to raise her family, Mara re-entered the workforce with no traditional roadmap, no network, and plenty of self-doubt. What followed was not a return to what she once knew, but a bold pivot into entrepreneurship.

From her background in law and corporate strategy to launching Inspiro Tequila in a male-dominated industry, Mara shares the mindset shifts, risks, and decisions that shaped her journey. This conversation explores confidence, imposter syndrome, motherhood as leadership training, and why being an outsider can be a powerful advantage.

This is not just a founder story. It is a story about reinvention, purpose, and building a legacy that extends beyond business.

In this episode, we cover:

✔ Mara Smith’s journey from stay-at-home mom to founder of Inspiro Tequila
✔ Reinventing your career after time away from the workforce
✔ How motherhood builds leadership, resilience, and adaptability
✔ Navigating imposter syndrome and earning credibility in a new industry
✔ Why being an outsider can drive innovation
✔ Building a purpose-driven brand in a competitive market
✔ The importance of community, mentorship, and showing up

If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who is thinking about starting over. #MaraSmith #InspiroTequila #OwningYourLegacy #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CareerPivot #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #FounderStory

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 Katrina Markoff, founder of Violet Flame Chocolate and the original creator of the globally renowned chocolate brand Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

Katrina shares the remarkable journey that took her from studying chemistry and psychology at Vanderbilt to culinary training in Paris and eventually building one of the most innovative chocolate companies in the world. Her entrepreneurial path was guided by creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to follow intuition even when it meant taking risks others would not. 

But success did not come without challenges.

After years of building her company, Katrina experienced profound personal and professional setbacks and ultimately lost control of the business she created. Rather than giving up, she chose to rebuild. 

Now, as the founder of Violet Flame Chocolate, Katrina is creating a new vision for chocolate. Her new venture blends luxury craftsmanship, ritual, and creativity while encouraging people to reconnect with their inner voice and imagination.

This conversation explores entrepreneurship, resilience, intuition, and the power of starting again.

📲 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, and legacy.

In this episode:
✅ The rise of Vosges Haut-Chocolat
✅ What it feels like to lose the company you built
✅ How intuition shapes entrepreneurial decisions
✅ The inspiration behind Violet Flame Chocolate
✅ Rebuilding identity, creativity, and purpose after adversity

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

How do grace, resilience, and purpose shape the kind of leader you become?
 
 In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Laurette Rondenet sits down once again with Michael Byron—author of The Grace Effect: From Brooklyn to Boise—to explore how faith, humility, and heart can transform both business and life.
 
 From his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to his trailblazing corporate leadership roles at Albertsons and Walmart, Michael’s story is a testament to what’s possible when you lead with authenticity and grace.

💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How The Grace Effect was born—and what inspired Michael to share his story

• The lessons his mother taught him about kindness, discernment, and resilience

• How he navigated bias and built bridges in business and community life

• The leadership philosophy that helped him exceed Walmart’s $20B women-owned sourcing goal

• The incredible story behind the McBride Sisters Wine Company and how Michael used his influence to help them succeed

• What “leading with heart” really means—and why it’s often a leader’s greatest strength

• How grace and humility continue to guide Michael’s “third act” as an author, mentor, and advisor

“People don’t remember what you said or did—they remember how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou, quoted by Michael Byron

This episode is more than a reflection on leadership—it’s a reminder that grace and authenticity can change how we show up, lead others, and live our legacy.

👉 Learn more about Michael Byron’s book: The Grace Effect: From Brooklyn to Boise — available now on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hqfSsT8

🎥 Watch Michael’s previous interview on Owning Your Legacy:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm41ut8v8iE 

🔗 Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-byron-1b15995/

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

🛎️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations about purpose-driven leadership and legacy building.

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. 

How do you turn a college side hustle into two thriving businesses that bring joy to thousands? 

In this inspiring episode, Jasmine Gonzalez, founder of Hype Productions and Loft 21 Events, joins Laurette Rondenet to share her fearless journey from D1 athlete to award-winning entrepreneur and mentor.

From stepping in as one of the first female MCs in the industry to building one of Chicagoland’s most innovative event venues, Jasmine proves that leadership built on heart, hustle, and hope can turn every obstacle into opportunity.

💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:
• How Jasmine turned a “fluke” college job into a lifelong career in entertainment
• The moment she shattered barriers as one of the first female MCs in the field
• How Hype Productions and Loft 21 grew into two powerhouse brands
• Lessons in resilience and reinvention through the COVID-19 shutdown
• The role sports play in shaping confidence, teamwork, and leadership
• Why she’s creating the Christian Athletes Alliance to mentor the next generation
• How to balance motherhood, entrepreneurship, and mentorship with grace
• The mindset shifts that help women “juggle it all” and lead fearlessly

This is a story about more than business—it’s about faith, family, and fierce determination. Whether you’re building a brand, leading a team, or raising the next generation of changemakers, Jasmine’s journey reminds us that success is measured not just in wins, but in how you lift others along the way.

👉 Learn more: https://hypeproductionsinc.com | https://loft21events.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. 

Sandy Marsico, Founder and CEO of Sandstorm Design, joins Laurette Rondenet on Owning Your Legacy to explore how purpose, creativity, and human-centered innovation can transform business culture and leadership. 

From her early days as a painter to leading one of Chicago’s top creative technology agencies, Sandy shares how blending art, psychology, and entrepreneurship led her to build a purpose-driven enterprise rooted in empathy, joy, and authenticity. 

Sandy reflects on her journey of self-belief, from overcoming doubt as a 24-year-old founder to embracing the title of CEO, and how she built a company where “doing good work for good people” is more than a motto; it is a mission. Through resilience, curiosity, and a warrior spirit, she reveals how Sandstorm became a national leader in user experience, serving purpose-driven clients across healthcare, higher education, and global nonprofits. 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✅ How Sandy’s art background shaped her approach to leadership and design 

✅ The story behind the “4% Moment” and redefining success as a woman founder 

✅ Why empathy and purpose are the most powerful tools for growth 

✅ How company values can transform culture and attract aligned talent 

✅ What it means to move from founder-led to team-led leadership 

✅ How curiosity fuels innovation in AI, UX, and creative technology 

✅ The role of mentorship and lifelong learning in building a lasting legacy 

✅ Why joy is a business strategy and a competitive advantage

Whether you are an entrepreneur, creative leader, or purpose-driven professional, this conversation will inspire you to see leadership as an art form where belief, authenticity, and vision shape not just a company, but a 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. 

What does it mean to lead with purpose, authenticity, and courage in today’s world? Season 10 of Owning Your Legacy invites you to find out. Hosted by Laurette Rondenet, this season brings together visionary founders, creative leaders, and change-makers who are shaping industries and redefining what legacy means in business and in life. 

Listen to guests like Sandy Marsico, Founder and CEO of Sandstorm Design, on building a purpose-driven enterprise; Ayra Mudessir, on leading with authenticity and amplifying underrepresented voices; Ahmed Darwish, on innovation, design, and building culture that lasts; and returning guest Teresa Ging, Founder of Sugar Bliss, on resilience, reinvention, and joy in entrepreneurship — among others.

Each conversation explores how today’s leaders are blending creativity, empathy, and strategy to drive lasting impact in their companies, communities, and personal lives.

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. 

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. 

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.