Echoes of Us

Legacy isn’t just about wealth — it’s about the wisdom, values, and stories that shape who we are.In this episode, Elena Iacono speaks with Steve Beauchesne, CEO of Family Enterprise Canada, about the growing shift in how families think about inheritance. As wealth alone proves unable to anchor the next generation, families are searching for new ways to preserve what truly lasts; their insights, voices, and lived lessons.A powerful conversation about the human side of inheritance , and why LegacyNex is proud to be at the forefront of this emerging movement.

Mallory McGrath from Viive Planning is changing how Canadians are thinking about estate planning. In this episode, we dive into why storytelling and open communication aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re the key to building deeper family connections and shaping the legacy you want to leave.

In this episode, Elena Iacono sits down with Christine Van Cauwenberghe, Head of Financial Planning at IG Wealth Management and author of Wealth Planning Strategies for Canadians (2026 Edition) — a leading voice in estate and wealth planning across the country.Christine shares why she believes every estate plan should capture more than just financial wishes — it should reflect the person behind it. From protecting vulnerable individuals to rethinking how advisors engage with clients, Christine offers powerful insights into why legacy storytelling isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s essential.Whether you’re planning for the future or guiding others through it, this conversation is a timely reminder: wealth alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Voice, values, and personal perspective matter.

In this episode, Elena Iacono and Dr. Paul Edelman — a coach, educator, and facilitator who helps families navigate leadership transitions and meaningful conversations in complicated times — come together to explore why true legacy isn’t about what you leave behind, but about what you set in motion.They unpack what holds people back from having meaningful conversations, how to foster a culture of reflection, and why guiding growth across generations is one of the most important roles any of us can play.If you work with families, advise them, or care about the values you’re passing forward, this conversation is for you.

In this powerful episode of Echoes of Us, Elena Iacono is joined by Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada, for an intimate conversation about the true meaning of legacy. Together, they unpack how generosity takes many forms — not just through wealth, but through time, kindness, and the stories we share. Kirstin offers a heartfelt look at how acts of giving ripple through communities and generations, and why storytelling is one of the most meaningful ways we can leave a mark. This is a conversation about shaping futures, building hope, and redefining what it means to give something of ourselves that truly lasts.

In this episode of Echoes of Us, I sit down with Dan Pontefract — leadership strategist, author, and champion of workplace culture — to explore how legacy storytelling isn’t about building monuments to ourselves, but about offering scaffolding for others. We talk about how personal stories teach us to love more deeply, not just romantically, but in how we appreciate life, people, and moments.Dan draws on Indigenous storytelling traditions, reminding us that while AI offers incredible possibilities, it can’t replace the human connection that stories forge. It’s through these exchanges that wisdom is passed down and meaning is made.We also dive into the workplace, where legacy storytelling helps leaders connect across generations, fostering empathy, perspective, and better decision-making. As Dan prepares for the release of his upcoming book on generational learning, this conversation couldn’t be better timed.A conversation about story, connection, and the invisible threads that bind us — at home, at work, and in the world.

Who inspires the people at the top? In this episode of Echoes of Us, I sit down with Cyril Leeder, CEO and President of the Ottawa Senators, for a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and the people who left their mark on his life.From early mentors to pivotal career moments, Cyril reflects on the lessons that stuck, the values that guide him, and the echoes of others that still shape the way he leads today. It’s a reminder that none of us get here alone — and that the stories we carry forward can light the way for those coming next.Whether you’re a hockey fan, a leader, or someone who believes in the power of people to shape people, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of Echoes of Us, Elena Iacono sits down with renowned Canadian financial journalist Renée Sylvestre-Williams (Globe and Mail, CBC, Toronto Star, Money Sense, The Walrus, The Budgette) for a conversation that moves beyond dollars and cents. Together, they unpack why legacy is so often reduced to financial assets, and what can happen when we expand that definition.From life lessons and personal values to the stories that shape us, they explore how legacy storytelling is gaining ground in the wealth management space — and why our lived experiences may be the most meaningful gifts we pass forward. Whether you’ve thought about your own legacy or are guiding others in shaping theirs, this episode offers a fresh, thoughtful perspective on what truly endures.

In this episode, I’m joined by the remarkable Caterina Lo Mascolo Minthe — a woman whose life weaves together art, courage, and global connection. Born in Canada to Sicilian and Polish parents, Caterina is a publisher, editor and founder of the book publishing house Mazara Edition. She is also a contributing writer at Condé Nast's Vogue Arabia — a true force of nature in the world of storytelling. Her celebrated interviews with icons like Julia Roberts, Giorgio Armani, Monica Bellucci, and Queen Farah Pahlavi reflect her lyrical, thoughtful approach to storytelling.We explore the often invisible pressures to follow in the footsteps of others — to live up to ideals we may not have chosen. Caterina offers a soulful reflection on making peace with those inherited expectations by reshaping and managing them in a way that leaves space for personal truth.As a mother of three, Caterina shares how her greatest responsibility isn’t to dictate but to quietly lead by example. Every choice she makes, every book she reads, every conversation she has — it’s all part of the silent legacy her children are observing. And if they asked, she’d gladly write it down — a collection of stories, insights, and small proofs of a life lived boldly, to inspire their own.It’s a conversation about courage, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling to both anchor and free us.

In this episode of Echoes of Us, global philanthropist Jay McCauley reminds us that the values we carry aren’t just personal — they quietly shape how we lead, live, and impact the world around us. This conversation invites us to capture the voices and wisdom of those we love, preserving the lessons that not only shape lives, but build stronger communities and cultures for generations to come. Follow Jay on Instagram - @jay.mccauleyFollow LegacyNex on Instagram - @legacynexofficial

In this special episode of Echoes of Us, I sit down with Dr. Michelle McQuaid — award-winning well-being expert, LinkedIn mental health thought leader, and loving granddaughter of an well-respected Australian farmer — to explore how the seeds planted by those before us shape the lives we lead today.Michelle reflects on the lessons passed down from her grandfather’s fields to her global work in well-being, leadership, and systems change. Together, we unpack how legacy storytelling isn’t just about preserving the past — it’s about finding clarity, resilience, and new ways forward.This conversation is a powerful reminder that the stories we tell and the wisdom we share plant seeds for meaningful, connected, and emotionally well lives.

In this premiere episode, Elena Iacono sits down with Jeff Schwartz, President and CEO of Go Lime, to explore the lasting impact one person can have across generations. Jeff shares the wisdom, values, and unforgettable words of his grandfather — and how those insights continue to shape his life and leadership today. It’s a thought-provoking conversation about the true meaning of legacy: the impact we leave through the stories we tell, the lessons we share, and the lives we touch.Echoes of Us is a LegacyNex production.

In this special preview episode, host Elena Iacono introduces Echoes of Us — a LegacyNex production about presence, reflection, and the quiet power of story. Discover what the show is all about, who you’ll meet, and why now is the perfect time to start asking the questions and gathering the moments that truly matter.Because the stories we share today become the echoes that guide tomorrow.