Welcome to Second lifea podcast focusing on successful women who have made big career changes—and aren’t afraid to own that change. Hosted by Hillary Kerr, co-founder and chief content officer at Who What Wear, each episode gives you a direct line to the women who are changing the game in their fields. Subscribe Second life ABOVE Apple Podcasts, Spotifyor wherever you want to follow the podcast.
Laura O’Neill, co-founder of Icon Van Leeuwen Ice Creamhas had a career trajectory that epitomizes the serendipitous nature of business success. Growing up in Melbourne, O’Neill began her career in events production. However, a trip to London in her early 20s changed her life. There, she met Ben Van Leeuwen, her future partner and co-founder of the now-beloved ice cream brand.
Van Leeuwen shared a bold idea with O’Neill just before she moved to New York: what if they started an actual ice cream truck? Good ice cream? The concept immediately appealed to O’Neill, and less than a year after arriving in the United States, she, Van Leeuwen, and her brother Pete launched Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. The trio spent the next decade growing the business, gradually expanding their product line, opening brick-and-mortar stores, and developing a range of delicious vegan options.
Over the past several years, the professional partnership between O’Neill and the Van Leeuwen brothers has flourished—together, they continue to scale the business, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment. Today, O’Neill oversees every aspect of Van Leeuwen’s marketing, where her creative vision has led the company through multiple packaging innovations, celebrity collaborations like Jimmy Butler, and unique special-edition flavors like Hidden Valley Ranch. Under her guidance, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has experienced impressive growth, with more than 50 stores and a presence in 12,000 grocery stores nationwide.
Listen to the latest episode of Second life to learn how O’Neill decided to take the risk of starting a new brand in a new country and how she continues to develop the concept of premium ice cream.
Next: Meet Bo Shepherd: Incredibly talented designer and co-founder of Woodward Throwbacks.
