She Became CEO Without Chasing It | Christie Tarantino-Dean on Leadership and Mentorship
She Became CEO Without Chasing It | Christie Tarantino-Dean on Leadership and Mentorship  
Podcast: Owning Your Legacy
Published On: Tue Apr 14 2026
Description: What if leadership is not something you chase, but something that finds you?In this episode of Owning Your Legacy, Christie Tarantino-Dean shares how she stepped into a CEO role unexpectedly and what it really takes to grow into leadership over time.As CEO of the Institute of Food Technologists, Christie leads a global community of scientists, innovators, and industry leaders working to advance the science of food and address challenges around safety, nutrition, and sustainability.This conversation explores the reality of stepping up before you feel ready, the mentors who help shape your path, and how trust and relationships define long term success.Christie also shares how she approaches leadership in complex environments, builds alignment across diverse stakeholders, and helps guide an organization at the intersection of science, business, and global impact.If you are building something, leading a team, or figuring out your next step, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership and growth.Learn more about Christie Tarantino-Dean and her work with IFThttps://www.iftexchange.org/about-ift/leadership/christie-tarantino-dean✔ Leadership often comes before confidence✔ Mentorship can shape your entire career✔ Trust is built through consistency and relationships✔ Self doubt is part of the process✔ Build your network before you need itIf 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.