Chef & Leader — Rule #1: Be Optimistic

Apr 03, 2025

Welcome to the first edition of Chef & Leader, a weekly series sharing lessons learned from over twenty-five years spent leading professional kitchens across ten countries. I’ve worked in luxury resorts, high-end hotels, and on cruise ships—and if there’s one essential lesson I’ve discovered along the way, it's this:

Optimism Changes Everything

In the kitchen, pressure isn't something that comes and goes—it's a constant presence. Every second matters, every dish counts. And inevitably, there are days when things go wrong: the delivery is late, a station falls behind, tension rises quickly.

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In moments like these, my younger self would have tried to gain control by pushing harder, being louder, moving faster. But I learned early that real strength isn't found in noise and intensity. It comes from quiet confidence.

One Shift, One Moment

Years ago, during a particularly busy dinner service in a resort kitchen, I noticed one of my cooks freezing up as the orders flooded in. The kitchen was hot, noisy, and full of urgency. His panic was clear. In the past, I might have shouted instructions to push him faster. But something made me pause that day. I approached calmly, looked him in the eye, and said gently:

"We've got this. One plate at a time."

It was simple, but the entire energy shifted. That moment taught me clearly that optimism isn't about being naïve or blindly cheerful—it's about leadership. When the leader genuinely believes in success, the team finds the courage to achieve it.

Optimism Sets the Tone

This isn't about fake positivity or forced enthusiasm. Real optimism is quiet and genuine. It’s about:

Acknowledging challenges without getting overwhelmed
Leading by calm example, rather than by pressure
Demonstrating that confidence is contagious

Energy spreads quickly, especially under stress. When a leader shows belief and steadiness, that attitude becomes a powerful force.

Beyond the Kitchen

This lesson isn't limited to chefs or kitchens. It applies equally to anyone who leads—whether it's a project, a family, or a team. Optimism doesn't ignore problems; it faces them with an inner certainty that they can be overcome.

So, next time things start slipping—the momentum, the mood, the confidence—pause for a second:

Take a breath.
Ground yourself.
Remind your team (and yourself), "We've got this."

Sometimes, that's all it takes.

More reflections and true stories will follow each week—one rule at a time.

Next week: Rule #2: Find a Reason to Smile