| | AUGUST 20259CIOReviewother organizations in many ways. We have been able to emerge from these challenges stronger than ever but find ourselves navigating a new landscape. We take a very thoughtful approach to our menuing and programming keeping labor and costs in mind. Partnering with various manufacturers, we incorporate new equipment and technology where possible and simplify recipes where needed to adapt to the workforce we have. We solicit feedback constantly from our operators to understand what the pain points are and try to provide solutions. At the end of the day, a leader has to remove obstacles and not place more in front of you!Driving Innovation and Sharing Career InsightsWhere we excel in the space is in part due to the breadth and strength of our GPO at Foodbuy. We develop plans each year with them to identify our needs and they help us find great partners and contract them. We have developed standards for all our lines of business including Catering, Retail, Residential Dining, Athletics dining and Concessions. Chefs and Directors are given all the tools needed to understand and execute to the standard. As we survey and listen to our students and guests, we take those insights to our manufacturing partners and they help identify products and recipes that we blend into our programs. It is a constant feedback loop that drives innovation and industry-leading programming. We also have a terrific R&D Team that has a Wellness and Sustainability contingent, overseeing all our culinary inspiration and keeping us focused on constant improvement.I enjoy visiting schools to discuss careers and success. Intentionality is key--your education, effort and surroundings shape your path. If pursuing a culinary career, master the fundamentals of cooking and kitchen operations. Learn from mistakes, observe successes and apply them to your leadership philosophy. Be proactive--support your team, ease workloads and foster a positive kitchen environment. A stressful kitchen should never be made worse by poor leadership. Interviews are a two-way process; evaluate employers as they evaluate you. Find mentors, absorb their wisdom and know when to move on to new ones. Build relationships, expand your network and embrace continuous learning. Feed your mind with leadership books, TED Talks and insightful experiences. Stay curious, open-minded and adaptable. Be thoughtful, empathetic and generous--remove obstacles and uplift your team. Success comes from consistent effort, strong values and a willingness to grow. At the end of the day, a leader has to remove obstacles and not place more in front of you!
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