The Art of Belief: Sandy Marsico on Building a Purpose-Driven Enterprise

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 advantageWhether 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 changemakerThis 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@gosiasimprintIf 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 makeMeryl’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@gosiasimprintIf 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 After the Show conversation, Dan Gibbons, CEO of the City Club of Chicago, pulls back the curtain on the mentors, moments, and memories that shaped his leadership journey.From his time with legendary chairman Andy McKenna to building a table that welcomes activists, students, and prime ministers alike, Dan shares why mentorship matters more than ever. This intimate chat with Laurette Rondenet covers everything from the art of gathering to Chicago’s deep civic roots, and even favorite pizza spots, monuments, and firefighter family legacies.💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:•How legendary mentor Andy McKenna changed Dan’s life•Why “being in the room” is the secret to growth and opportunity•What makes Chicago the best walkable city for gathering and connection•Why creating inclusive spaces can redefine civic leadership•How City Club is elevating the next generation through access and intention•Stories of resilience from Dan’s firefighter family history and civic serviceThis is a heartfelt reminder that your legacy is built not just on what you do—but who you bring along for the journey.👉 Watch Dan’s full episode of Owning Your Legacy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVPipy-js5U&t=373s👉 Visit https://www.cityclub-chicago.org or follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cityclubchicago/ to learn more and get involved.🔗 Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gibbons-9aa2497/ 🌐 Learn more about Laurette Rondenet and Owning Your Legacy: https://www.lauretterondenet.com 🛎️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support meaningful conversations like this one.🎙️ You can also listen to this episode on your favorite podcasting platform by searching Owning Your Legacy.Video & Photo credits to:@rishi.productions@gosiasimprintIf 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 happens when you align your values with your actions? Elysabeth Alfano, CEO of VegTech Invest and host of the Plantbased Business Hour, joins Laurette Rondenet on Owning Your Legacy to share how her journey from Kellogg and PBS to launching a climate-focused ETF on the New York Stock Exchange is transforming the food industry, climate action, and impact investing.Elysabeth explains why food systems innovation is key to addressing climate change, healthcare costs, and global security—and how investing in plant-based foods, regenerative agriculture, and alternative proteins can create a healthier planet and financial returns. She shares the power of using your dollars to drive sustainable investing while living a joyful, purpose-driven life.In this episode, you’ll discover:✅ Why aligning your values with your daily choices matters✅ How the food industry impacts methane, water, land use, and your health✅ What a plant-based, climate-aligned ETF is and how it works✅ The joy and power of building a purpose-driven career at any age✅ How to find your voice and act on your purpose to leave a lasting legacy✅ The role of investing in reducing deforestation, factory farming, and emissions✅ Why collaboration and AI-driven transparency will shape the future of food✅ Stories of entrepreneurship, resilience, and shifting your path for greater impactWhether you’re interested in plant-based investing, sustainable business, ESG investing, climate solutions, or transforming the food system, this conversation will inspire you to take action and rethink what’s possible in your own journey.👉 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.Video & Photo credits to:@rishi.productions@gosiasimprint🎯 Keywords:# shorts #OYL #ElysabethAlfano #PlantBasedInvesting #SustainableInvesting #ClimateAction #FoodInnovation #ImpactInvesting #PurposeDrivenLife #LauretteRondenet #OwningYourLegacyIf 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.

Eric Larson, Founder and Managing Partner of Tilia Holdings, joins Laurette Rondenet on Owning Your Legacy to explore how food systems innovation, sustainable investing, and industry collaboration can drive measurable change for human health, climate action, and business growth. With decades of experience in private equity and a deep commitment to sustainability, Eric shares how aligning food, health, and environmental stewardship can create powerful ripple effects across the global economy.In this episode, Eric details how his “Three Ps” philosophy—public health, personal health, and planetary health—guides Tilia’s investments in the food supply chain, positioning the firm as a leader in the “to” of farm-to-table. From launching the Tilia Innovation Collaboratory to driving ESG accountability within portfolio companies, Eric explains how collaboration and practical idealism can transform the food industry while delivering financial returns and leaving a lasting legacy.In this episode, you’ll discover:✅ Why food is the single strongest lever for human and planetary health✅ How Tilia invests in the “to” of farm-to-table✅ The role of collaboration in transforming food systems✅ How data and strategy build successful portfolio companies✅ Insights on sustainability, food safety, and nutrition in the supply chain✅ The power of practical idealism in business leadership✅ How morning rituals and lifelong curiosity fuel legacy building✅ Why food industry innovation matters for future generationsWhether you care about sustainable investing, food innovation, ESG, or building your legacy through industry transformation, this conversation will inspire you to see food as a tool for systemic change.👉 Learn more about Tilia Holdings: https://tiliallc.com🔗 Connect with Eric Larson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-larson-38595b3/🌐 Learn more about Laurette Rondenet and Owning Your Legacy: https://www.lauretterondenet.comIf 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.

Natalie Shmulik transformed her passion for food into a mission-driven career helping hundreds of founders grow their food and beverage businesses. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Natalie takes us behind the scenes of The Hatchery—Chicago’s premier food incubator—and shares her journey from running a franchise restaurant in Canada to building one of the nation’s most impactful entrepreneurial ecosystems.You’ll hear how she created programs that not only support product innovation but also champion founder mental health, community development, and legacy-building. From navigating burnout to redesigning what it means to lead with heart, Natalie is the kind of change-maker who makes you want to roll up your sleeves and build something real.🎙 In this episode:✅ How Natalie’s restaurant experience led her to build a national food incubator✅ Why founder burnout is real—and how to protect your energy as you scale✅ The difference between managing and leading (and why it matters)✅ Building equity in underserved communities through food entrepreneurship✅ What big food brands are learning from local startups👉 Learn more about The Hatchery: https://www.thehatcherychicago.org🔗 Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-shmulik-1432313b/🌐 Discover more from Laurette Rondenet and Owning Your Legacy: https://www.lauretterondenet.comIf 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.

Margaret Mueller, CEO of The Executives’ Club of Chicago, turned a 110-year-old institution into a modern hub for business leadership. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Margaret shares her unlikely journey from first-generation college student to founder, strategist, and now a transformational civic leader helping shape Chicago’s executive future.Her story is packed with insight—for women navigating leadership, for founders facing reinvention, and for anyone wondering if they’re “qualified enough” to lead big change. From scaling startups to modernizing The Executives’ Club of Chicago through a pandemic, Margaret shows what’s possible when you trust your vision and build with purpose.🎙 In this episode:✅ How Margaret went from Ph.D. to CEO of a major civic institution✅ What it takes to rebrand a legacy organization during a crisis✅ Why inclusivity—not exclusivity—is the future of executive networking✅ The mindset shift of curating your life (not “balancing” it)✅ Advice for women raising families while leading at the top👉 Visit https://www.executivesclub.org to learn more or explore membership options.🔗 Connect with Margaret on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretmueller/Video & Photo credits to:@rishi.productions@gosiasimprintIf 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.

Jon Harris, EVP & Chief Communications and Networking Officer at ConAgra Brands, has led an extraordinary career built on empathy, authenticity, and bold storytelling. In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Jon shares his journey—from humble beginnings and a life-changing internship at the Howard Stern Show to top-level roles at PepsiCo, Sara Lee, and now ConAgra.Jon opens up about his childhood promise to help others, his philosophy of building genuine relationships, and how he became a trusted advisor to some of the biggest names in business and media. Whether you’re interested in PR, personal branding, leadership, or career reinvention, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and heartfelt moments.🎙 In this episode:✅ What it means to lead with empathy in corporate America✅ How a cold-call lie led to his first internship✅ Lessons from Pepsi, Sara Lee, and crisis PR you won’t learn in textbooks✅ The power of networking, from Al Roker to Dolly Parton✅ Why your reputation is your resume—and how to build it with intention🌐 Learn more about ConAgra Brands: https://www.conagrabrands.com🔗 Follow Jon Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-harris-5683476/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/C-1UohNvfg0/💬 Connect with Laurette Rondenet: https://www.lauretterondenet.com🛎 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support more conversations like this.🎧 Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.🎥 Video & Photo credits to:@rishi.productions@gosiasimprintIf 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.