Set yourself up for a successful career in hospitality

Young chefs should be like sponges. Constantly ask questions and observe what is happening around you. Look at what experienced chefs are doing and use this as an inspiration. Be open to working at various stations to learn new skills and find where your talents really lie. Find what makes you excited about working in the kitchen. Use that as motivation each day to do your best.

Nicholas Tomei
Chef de cuisine, Papas Dubai

Let your love of hospitality fuel your growth

Every day is an opportunity to learn something new. Be willing to learn as much as possible. You need this to grow into the best chef you can be. You won’t be the greatest straight away. You need patience, so take the time to develop. Passion for this industry is essential. It will make the hours you spend mastering your craft fly by. Put your love into everything you do.

Nicole Benham-Corlette
Development chef, Tugo Food Solutions

Take care of your physical and mental health

To thrive in this career over the long term, you need a healthy body and mind. Prioritise your mental and physical health. Eat well, get enough rest and exercise regularly. Find a healthy way to release the daily pressures of the kitchen. It might be meditation, boxing or singing. Find something you enjoy.

Daniel A Calabrese
Demi chef, Omni King Edward Hotel
Culinary Team Canada 

Create an empathetic environment

A professional attitude is your foundation. It shows respect for the craft, your colleagues, and yourself. Leaders, remember that you and your team share a passion for this work. Provide opportunities to challenge them and develop their skills. Foster a supportive environment. We all have off days, and empathy goes a long way in building a strong, collaborative team.

Sunitha Nair
Pastry Sous Chef, Wolseley Group

Help your team succeed through constructive communication.

Each member of the team needs a different approach to be encouraged to become their best. Let them do what they are good at. Use constructive communication. Give positive feedback when it’s due. Show your team how to develop the skills they still need to learn. Get to know your staff personally and show them you are there if they need to talk. Do your best to be an example to your team.

Asimakis Chaniotis
Michelin-starred chef and hospitality consultant

Build a team that’s passionate

When looking for new talent, choose enthusiasm over impressive resumes. Find individuals who are excited to grow, professionally and personally. To retain talent, give your team the freedom to try new things. Mentor and guide them along the way. It helps people develop and feel valued. I inspire my team daily with the mantra that hard work, conviction and passion can lead to achieving anything they set their minds to.

David Echeverri
Owner and executive chef, David’s Restaurant & Lounge

Develop a career path for your chefs

You can set your team up for success from the start. Give new employees all the relevant information so it's not overwhelming at first. Spend the necessary time training new recruits and showing  them the ropes. Workplace culture is essential for retaining talent. Team members will want to stay if they are treated fairly. Offer clear progression and growth opportunities. People need to know there is a path for them within the organisation to progress.

Sally Abe
Chef, The Pem

Be patient as you rise up the kitchen ranks

You must love your job and be passionate about sharing your creativity with others. Be prepared to make sacrifices. Chefs work long hours and aren’t always able to spend holidays with loved ones. Stay humble. You might have to start from the basics when you look for a job. Work with chefs who want to teach you and help you grow.

Luciano Schipano
Executive Chef and Founder, Chef Luciano Schipano Hospitality Group