People and Places and How We Use Spaces

Episode 91: Leading with Heart; The Story Behind WomenVenture with LeeAnn Rasachak

LeeAnn Rasachak's story is one of resilience, purpose, and paying opportunity forward. Raised by parents who fled Laos after the Vietnam War and rebuilt their lives from nothing in Minnesota, LeeAnn learned early that hard work, community, and perseverance can transform generations. Those lessons shaped a successful corporate career before ultimately leading her to WomenVenture. LeeAnn shares how a failed entrepreneurial venture became one of her greatest teachers, why she believes no business owner should have to build alone, and how WomenVenture is helping thousands of entrepreneurs across Minnesota turn ideas into sustainable businesses through coaching, education, mentorship, and access to capital.  LeeAnn's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeannrasachak/] WomenVenture [https://www.womenventure.org/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

Episode 90: Stephanie Fowler on Building a Business, Raising a Family, and Betting on Yourself

In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur, CPA, and Austin Fowler founder Stephanie Fowler to discuss the journey from Big Four accounting to building a nationally recognized luxury bag brand.  Stephanie shares how one everyday frustration sparked a business idea, why she wasn't afraid to start without experience, and how persistence, thoughtful leadership, and a willingness to "figure it out" helped turn her vision into reality.  Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, working parent, or someone waiting for the "right time" to take a leap, this conversation will encourage you to start before you're ready—and trust that you'll figure it out along the way.  Stephanie's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-austin-fowler/] Austin | Fowler [https://www.austinfowler.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

Episode 89: Building a Legacy that Matters with Marilyn Carlson Nelson

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with one of Minnesota's most influential business leaders, Marilyn Carlson Nelson [https://tcbmag.com/honors/marilyn-carlson-nelson-lifetime-achievement/], for a conversation about leadership, family, purpose, and the responsibility that comes with influence. Marilyn reflects on her remarkable journey from being one of the first women to serve on corporate boards to leading Carlson Companies through a period of tremendous global growth.   She opens up about balancing family and career, the importance of staying true to your values, and why purpose-driven leadership matters now more than ever.  This episode is filled with powerful stories, practical leadership lessons, and a reminder that true success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the lives we impact along the way. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

Episode 88: The Foundation of My Story; A Conversation with Mom and Dad

In this deeply personal episode, Lisa sits down with two of the most influential people in her life—her parents, Larry and LuAnn Fransen. Together, they reflect on the family stories, values, and experiences that shaped generations. From Larry's father's remarkable journey from Sweden to Minnesota and the transformation of a small corner grocery store into a thriving garden center, to Luann's unexpected success as a young musician and performer, this conversation is filled with stories of perseverance, hard work, and opportunity.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

Episode 87 - From Heartbreak to Harvest with Liz Fiedler Mergen

Liz's journey was never part of a carefully written business plan. A nurse practitioner by training, she unexpectedly found herself rebuilding a life she never imagined after the devastating loss of her husband. What began as a small roadside flower stand during the uncertainty of 2020 transformed into something far bigger: a thriving flower farm, event venue, educational platform, bestselling book, and a mission rooted in joy and resilience. In this conversation, Liz shares the remarkable story behind Sunny Mary Meadow [https://sunnymarymeadow.com/]—from growing flowers and growing a business to navigating grief, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and learning how to rebuild after life changes everything.  Liz’s story is a reminder that even when life doesn’t go according to plan, something meaningful can still bloom. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]