Episode 206

206: On The Dock with Chef James Shirley

Published on: 20th August, 2022

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Chef James Shirley worked for the city of Chicago and began cooking as a side hustle.

He got a job at a restaurant and quickly learned that he knew nothing about cooking. The executive chef at the time, Tony Montuano, took him under his wing and taught him everything he knew.

Since then, Chef James Shirley has had an illustrious career in the culinary world.

Not to say that it didn't have its challenges!

Here are the steps you need to follow also to get Success in the industry:

1. Make sure you have a strong work ethic

2. Take advantage of opportunities when they come your way

3. Don't give up, even when things are tough

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About the Podcast

Chef Life Radio
For chefs and hospitality leaders who want to lead without losing themselves
You love the work. You’re starting to hate what it’s doing to you. Chef Life Radio is for sous chefs, kitchen managers, executive chefs and anyone else running a crew in the hospitality industry who got promoted for their cooking and never got taught how to lead people. Chef Adam Lamb hosts solo episodes and true stories from kitchens about the parts of the job nobody trains you for: holding your crew accountable without turning into the chef you swore you’d never be, getting stuck between ownership and your staff, coming home with something left after a 70-hour week, and working out what career fulfillment looks like once the dream version of the job has worn off. No hustle talk and no corporate leadership speak. Put it on while you break down the line or drive home, and if you’re after work-life balance that holds up through a Saturday double, start here. Once a month Adam also runs the Culinary Leadership Lab, a free live working session for chefs who want to lead without losing themselves. Register at https://link.cheflifecoaching.com/leadershiplab
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About your host

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Adam Lamb

Chef Adam Lamb is a culinary leadership coach and longtime industry veteran who helps chefs carry responsibility without burning out or betraying themselves.

After decades in professional kitchens, Adam’s work focuses less on “leadership skills” and more on restoring personal agency, clarity, and choice in high-pressure environments.

He is the host of Chef Life Radio and facilitator of the monthly Culinary Leadership Lab, a live working space for chefs ready to lead without losing themselves.

Find out more @ https://link.cheflifecoaching.com/leadershiplab