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.