Owning Your Legacy

Hosted by Laurette Rondenet

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Owning Your Legacy is a podcast for those who seek inspiration on leadership and what it takes to courageously leave your mark on the world. It is centered on the belief that together we can change the world for the better. First, by defining the legacy we each wish to leave behind. And then, by being brave enough to take ownership of it.Join Laurette Rondenet as she hosts intimate discussions with fellow leaders, visionaries, and trailblazers who are making an impact in their space. They go deep on topics like relationships, leadership, business growth—and, of course, what it means to own your legacy. Laurette is president and CEO of Edlong, an innovative, globally-recognized food flavoring company. As a leader, Laurette’s calling is to create a culture of authentic belonging and be a beacon of light, challenging others to shine their light.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 18, 2026Episode 647 min

Steve Dolinsky: Reinventing Your Career Without Starting Over

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 .

August 4, 2026Episode 541 min

Managing a Full-Time Executive Career + A Passion Project (The Work-Life Balance Myth)

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 .

July 21, 2026Episode 447 min

Everything You Think About Food Science Is Wrong | Michael Colangelo

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 .

July 7, 2026Episode 333 min

Building a Legacy Through Design, Leadership, and Character | Lakesha Rose

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 .

June 23, 2026Episode 253 min

Building, Selling, and Shutting Down a Food Startup | Brittany Chibe

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 .

June 9, 2026Episode 143 min

How AI Is Changing Food Innovation with Justin Shimek

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 .

June 2, 20261 min

Owning Your Legacy Season 12 Trailer

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 .

May 26, 2026Episode 102 min

Season 11 Finale: What Legacy Do You Want to Leave Behind? | Owning Your Legacy

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 .

May 12, 2026Episode 951 min

Donna Berry on Dairy, Food Science & Processed Foods | Why nutrient density matters

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 .

May 5, 2026Episode 815 min

Gertrude Lyons on The Mother Code with Gail Scott

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 .