5 Reasons Women Build Great Companies: Authority Magazine Interviews Michelle

We’re proud to share that Michelle was recently featured in Authority Magazine as part of their series on why women build exceptional companies. Interviewed by Vanessa Ogle, Michelle opened up about her career, her Italian roots, her passion for hospitality and luxury weddings, and the values that guide both her personal and professional life.

As the founder of Michelle Durpetti Events and the managing partner of her family’s iconic restaurant, Gene & Georgetti, Michelle brings her signature mix of elegance, empathy, and meticulous detail to everything she does – whether she’s planning a destination wedding in Tuscany or preserving an 85-year legacy of Chicago hospitality.

5 Reasons Women Build Great Companies

In the feature, Michelle reflects on the core principles that have helped her build successful companies and champion meaningful change:

💡 1. Empathy as a Leadership Tool
Michelle believes that emotional intelligence is a powerful asset. Women-led companies often create cultures rooted in compassion and understanding, which leads to stronger teams and more intentional, connected work. “People may not remember every detail of what you did — but they’ll remember how you made them feel,” she shares, quoting a guiding philosophy from Setting the Table by Danny Meyer.

🔄 2. Multitasking as a Superpower
Balancing roles — from wedding planner to restaurateur to board member — has taught Michelle how to pivot gracefully, prioritize under pressure, and solve problems creatively. She credits this superpower with executing complex events like coordinating weddings in Sicily and Chicago within the same 72-hour window!

💪 3. Resilience Born from Experience
Michelle opens up about her journey navigating the early years of her career, including getting (lovingly) fired by her father for losing her temper while hostessing. “You have to learn elegance and eloquence under fire,” he told her — and she’s carried that wisdom into every challenge she’s faced since, including the uncertainty of the pandemic.

🤝 4. Collaboration Over Ego
Leadership, for Michelle, is about lifting others. From mentoring young planners to co-founding the Illinois Events Coalition, she leads with a “we” mentality. “Success means nothing if you’re not using it to help others rise with you.”

❤️ 5. Vision with Heart
From luxury events that feel like cinematic experiences to philanthropic work with PAWS Chicago, Storybook Farm, and beyond, Michelle is driven by purpose. Her businesses don’t just aim for profit — they strive to make an impact, build legacy, and create beauty with intention.

Behind the Feature: What Drives Michelle

Michelle’s leadership is a blend of grit, grace, and authenticity. Her entrepreneurial journey is deeply influenced by her Italian heritage, her father Tony Durpetti’s legacy of integrity and consistency, and her love for connecting people through meaningful experiences.

She believes in doing things WELL – not for fame, but for the joy of excellence and the people she serves. That dedication extends far beyond event planning; it’s woven into her work in hospitality, civic engagement, and advocacy for women in business.

In the interview about 5 Reasons Women Build Great Companies, Michelle also touches on how women entrepreneurs often play the long game when it comes to growth, focusing on relationship-building and authenticity over quick wins. She speaks candidly about the need for more equitable access to capital, more women in investor seats, and a redefinition of what “success” really means.

Read the Full Interview

To dive deeper into Michelle’s story, insights, and what she believes makes women such powerful leaders, read the full feature on Authority Magazine here.

And to learn more about how Michelle and our team bring unforgettable events to life across Chicago, Palm Beach, and Italy, continue browsing here.

Follow along with Michelle’s work and travels:
📍 Instagram: @mdurpettievents
📍 YouTube: @MichelleDurpettiEvents
📍 Personal Blog: michelledurpetti.com

Thank you to Authority Magazine and Vanessa Ogle for highlighting such an important conversation about leadership, impact, and women in business. We’re honored to be part of the dialogue — and excited for what the future holds.