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.