Do you enjoy going out to eat where you know the food is not just good, but really good like you can already taste it good? Do you know what makes the food and experience even better? Knowing about the chef, their story, their connection to their community, and why they are inspired by their chosen cuisine. You can just taste the love and richness. It’s a big reason why 19 million people visit New Orleans each year, even though the NOLA region is home to only 1.5 million. 

Today’s guest is one of those kinds of chefs. Chef Dee Lavigne is a New Orleans native born and raised in the 9th ward. She started baking and cooking at the age of 7. Being the middle sibling of 8, her mom would only allow her to use ingredients plentiful in the family kitchen, such as flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. With those items, her pastry bones were born. Fast forward, Chef Dee Lavigne graduated from The Culinary Institute of America, worked at Whole Foods Markets in the bakery department for 15 years, and hosts the food Segment on WWL-TV4. Plus, she has a special place in her heart for Chef Lena Richards, which you just gotta hear from Chef Dee herself. 

Listen and Learn:

• How to save a small business when hope is in small supply, such as during a pandemic

• Why the Smithsonian asked Chef Dee for help twice

• Why Chef Dee says her cooking school is where skill meets history 

• What makes Chef Lena Richards an important part of New Orleans’ culinary history 

• How stepping outside of your comfort zone and asking for help can lead to business success

• What types of recipes will be in Chef Dee’s forth cookbook

• Information about the month-long P.O.W.E.R Plates program that supports female-owned restaurants

• The many ways the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation helps those in need

chefdee@deelightfulroux.com

www.chefdeelavigne.com

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/chefdeelavigne)

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/deelightfulroux/

TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@deelightfulroux)

Smithsonian Cook Up History (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/smithsonian-associates/2021/07/07/cooking-history-national-museum-american-history-and-smithsonian-associates/)

Side Door Podcast with Chef Dee (https://www.si.edu/sidedoor/ep-6-lena-richard-americas-unknown-celebrity-chef)

Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans Chapter (https://www.lesdamesnola.org/)

5th Annual P.O.W.E.R. Plates (https://power-plates.com/ )

Today we’re talking with Jolie Bernard, CEO of The Bernard Group, a full-service strategic branding and communications firm she started in 2010. She was on the podcast last June. and she’s back for a repeat visit because she was recently named the Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R. Woman of the Year at its inaugural awards ceremony!

Jolie received multiple nominations. Some of the words used to describe her included “champion,” “goal-oriented,” “solutions-driven,” “natural leader,” “passionate,” and “connector.” That is because she aligns herself with causes and non-profit organizations that are anchored in the spirit and mission of helping those that do not have traditional access to resources. In today’s conversation, I can’t wait to find out more about what this powerful woman is up to and what makes her tick.

Listen and Learn:

• What connected Jolie to the P.O.W.E.R. program

• How Jolie transitioned from television news to entrepreneurship

• The moment when potential, purpose, and passion solidified for Jolie

• What is servant leadership?

• The theme behind Jolie’s various non-profit organizations

•  Advice for those in the fund-raising space

• Three keys to having the life you want and enjoying it

• What makes Jolie’s partnership with the P.O.W.E.R program and the Fidelity family more than transactional

• The greatest life lessons Jolie has learned in the past few years

thebernardgroupnola.com

504-909-5650

LinkedIn @joliebernard

Instagram @joliebernard 

Facebook @joliedugasbernard

Twitter @TheBernardGroup

Do you work or lead a business that’s in a male-dominated industry? As a woman, do you find yourself being the only person “like you” in the room and struggle with owning your voice or navigating the situation? I think just about every woman in business is nodding yes, yes, and YES! That’s why you’re going to love today’s guest whose experience, insights, and practical advice will inspire you to show up differently and more powerfully than ever before.

Today, Host Mary Foley speaks with Iam Christian Tucker, President, CEO, and Owner of Integrated Logistical Support, Inc. (ILSI), a Civil Engineering Firm. Before this role, Iam was a Correctional Officer and Police Officer for the Baton Rouge Police Department. She is also passionate about New Orleans and serves on various community Boards including the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, Industrial Development Board of New Orleans, and Greater New Orleans, Inc. Throughout her professional career, Iam has figured out how to be successful in male-dominated organizations where she was often “the only” person like her in the room.  

Listen and Learn:

• The challenges of joining the family business

• Immersion is the fastest way to learn the ropes of a new business

• How to overcome hiring challenges

• Why women need to assert themselves in business

• Strategies to instantly destress when you may feel frustrated

• Advice for young women beginning their careers

• Stepping away from your business to continue your education

• Keeping your business afloat in the NOLA area

Ilsi Engineering — https://www.ilsiengineering.com/

iamtucker@ilsiengineering.com

@IamNOLA1 on Instagram