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.

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.

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.

“A lot of reasons why I talk about knowing your worth is that if you don't know it, you can't fight for it. And if you don't believe in your worth, don't ask me to. That's really hard. And so I think that's where people who are established or have a good solid sense of worth—it's on us to help others see that worth.” — Brooke Foley In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette is joined by her friend Brooke Foley, CEO & founder of The Jayne Agency, an award-winning strategic-creative boutique that specializes in helping businesses adapt and thrive in the new “clarity economy.” A born creative, Brooke followed her heart into graphic design, studying under some of the greats in Europe before landing a big agency gig in Chicago. Eventually, she left to open her own agency, where she experienced the many ups and downs of being an entrepreneur but ultimately found great success through her one-of-a-kind approach to branding—beginning with the origin story. Laurette and Brooke unpack that journey, including their own origin story and what led them to create “It’s Not Just Dinner,” a relationship and professional development non-for-profit (501c3) that focuses on the power of MEDIC: Mentorship, Education, Diversity, Inclusion, and Certification. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy: The evolution of ad agency life; Why your origin story matters; The importance of knowing your worth; Get to know WBENC—​​The Women's Business Enterprise National Council; Learning to leverage your network and sell naturally. 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.

“You know, I’ve always just believed really simply in leaving things better than what you took them. And I don’t have any sort of grand plans for legacy. I would like to leave things better. Everything that I touch, better than what I started it.” — Stuart McCarroll In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette is joined by Stuart McCarrroll, a seasoned food and beverage industry leader turned entrepreneur who has harnessed his vast knowledge and experience to found three companies—Menu Collective, an agency that specializes in food service innovation, CoLaboratory Chicago, an F&B co-working space, and most recently, SuperFree Beverages. Stuart knows the food and bev business from all angles and has helped to scale some of the industry’s best-known companies, including Kerry and DöhlerGroup, before venturing into his own businesses. With Menu Collective, Stuart co-led menu innovation for the Starbucks Reserve alcohol beverage program—a special project that continues to evolve. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy: The importance of creating anticipation with consumers; why the best process is built around people; the pros and cons of fast growth; designing the Starbucks Reserve roasteries beverage program; why uncomfortable situations are necessary for 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.

“The fact that our young people are learning that it's okay to ask for help, that's an amazing win.” — Kari Eckert In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Laurette is joined by Kari Eckert, the founder and executive director of Robbie’s Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teen suicide prevention. Kari’s son Robbie took his own life at the age of 15. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among teens in the U.S. and the number one cause in Colorado, where Robbie’s Hope began. But what’s more staggering than the statistics is that there isn’t more being done to help the individuals affected most—teens. The mission of Robbie’s Hope is to empower a generation of teens to let each other know it’s okay to not be okay. Laurette and Kari discuss the prevalence of teen anxiety and depression, and what needs to be done to bring this tough conversation to the forefront. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy: The shortage of therapists today; The prevalence of anxiety in young children and teens; Dealing with loss, grief, and healing; The importance of opening up the conversation on suicide; Social media’s role in teen depression and anxiety. In Case of an Emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 988 or text TALK to 8255. 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.