Episode No. 1

How the Restaurant Industry Saved Kevin Boehm’s Life. Literally.

In an inspiring story of perseverance and passion, Kevin Boehm, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of BOKA Restaurant Group, shares his journey from living in his car to building one of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurant groups.

Throughout his conversation with Laurette, Kevin talks openly about the big risks he’s taken, the moments that didn’t go as planned, hitting "rock bottom", and getting the help he needed to make a strong comeback.

Kevin reflects on how the restaurant industry gave Kevin a place to call home in contrast to the one he grew up in. And from this foundation, he developed the courage and maturity to pay attention to his “Inner Narrator” — and learned to understand and respect each of his inner voices.

Kevin’s raw honesty about failure, overcoming imposter syndrome, and managing his mental wellness, offers powerful life lessons for anyone navigating their own challenges.

In this episode of Owning Your Legacy:

🦋 How a trip to Wendy’s sparked unexpected inspiration — we all need a Joan!

🦋 Why Kevin doesn’t see his move to Florida at 19 as “brave”

🦋 The difference between “hospitality” and “service”

🦋 The Art of Gathering

🦋 What you can learn from failure, even when things are going well

🦋 Kevin’s personal wellness journey and how he conquered imposter syndrome

🦋 The power of the “pre-shift”

🦋 Our Inner Narrator and the importance all voices have a seat at the table