In this episode, I’m joined by Laurette Rondenet, CEO of Edlong, host of Owning Your Legacy, and a mother of five, for a deeply moving conversation about what it truly means to lead with authenticity. Laurette shares the remarkable journey of becoming the unexpected leader of her family’s business and how embracing both strength and vulnerability transformed the company’s culture.

Together, we explore the unique challenges of balancing motherhood with executive leadership, navigating grief while raising young children, and making the heartbreaking decisions that sometimes accompany leading with integrity. Laurette reflects on the lessons she inherited from both of her parents, revealing how freedom, trust, and values became the foundation of her own leadership philosophy.

We also dive into the concept of authentic belonging, creating environments where people feel genuinely seen, heard, and empowered. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that our greatest legacy isn’t what we build, but how we make others feel along the way.

• (06:30) Growing up as the youngest of seven and finding her own path
• (11:35) Saving the family business during its biggest financial crisis
• (16:00) Motherhood, leadership, and learning to ask for help
• (19:30) Grief, resilience, and leading through profound personal loss
• (39:20) The family values exercise that led to “Authentic Belonging”
• (49:00) Why every emotion has wisdom—and how curiosity changes everything

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about legacy, courageous leadership, and the transformative power of authentic belonging.

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• Learn more about Laurette on her Website
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