Episode 220

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Published on:

29th Aug 2023

220: On the Dock with Chef Chris Spear

Mastering the Recipe for Success: Chris Spear's Journey from Doubt to Culinary Entrepreneurship

An audacious culinary maverick defies the odds, unleashing their flavorful passion for conquering the kitchen and their self-doubt, igniting a fiery journey towards entrepreneurial success in the cutthroat realm of gastronomy.

"Do what you love and there will always be opportunities. The rise of personal chefs is a testament to people wanting to pursue their passion for food without the drawbacks of traditional restaurant work." - Chris Spear

In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Unearth the dynamic world of culinary education and its profound impact on the evolving culinary landscape.
  • Discover the significance of personal growth and maturity before venturing into a culinary career.
  • Acquire an understanding of the journey of business startups and the essence of self-belief.
  • Network innovatively by learning from the inspirational journeys of individuals in the culinary industry.
  • Uncover the crucial role of persistent growth and development for lasting success in any domain.

My special guest is Chris Spear, an inspiring figure in the culinary world.

Coming from humble beginnings, he has built a name for himself as an accomplished chef and a successful entrepreneur in the fiercely competitive restaurant industry.

Chris has achieved fame for his exceptional culinary skills and his approach to personal growth. His journey has been a beacon of motivation for aspiring chefs.

From working hard on his personal development to establishing his own business, Chris is a testament to self-belief and resilience in the face of challenges.

The key moments in this episode are:

(00:00:00) - Being Vulnerable and Dealing with Loss,

(00:00:48) - Business and Emotional Resilience during the Pandemic,

(00:02:43) - Celebrating Family and Children's Interests,

(00:05:11) - Passing on Skills and Lessons to the Next Generation,

(00:07:16) - Self-Care and Finding Physical Outlet,

(00:12:31) - The Changing Landscape of Culinary Education,

(00:13:10) - The Benefits of Delayed Gratification,

(00:13:40) - Regrets and Self-Confidence,

(00:14:03) - Appreciation for Interviewing Experience,

(00:14:30) - Joining a Like-Minded Community,

Chris Spear is the chef and owner of Perfect Little Bites, an in-home personal chef business based in Frederick, Maryland. You might also know him as the host of the Chefs Without Restaurants podcast, and the man behind the culinary networking organization of the same name. Chris graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a B.S. in culinary arts, and has been working in the foodservice industry for almost 30 years.

Join the only online free community for chefs who want to enjoy their careers without sacrificing their lives. Click here for more information.

Now accepting applications for our first cohort-based "Culinary Leadership Bootcamp."

Call me at 828-407-3359 for more information.

Support for The Hospitality Industry:

Chowco.org

I Got Your Back

The Burnt Chef Project

Chef Life Coaching


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This show is sponsored by:

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Tomas Stephensen at Podlike co-produced this episode.

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About the Podcast

Chef Life Radio: Empowering Culinary Leaders
Successful Chefs | Thriving Kitchens
Welcome to Chef Life Radio, where we equip culinary leaders with the skills to create thriving, sustainable kitchens. I’m your host, Chef Adam Lamb, a culinary leadership coach and industry veteran, here to help you reclaim your passion, purpose, and process. The kitchen is evolving—and so must we. This isn’t just about cooking. It’s about leading with confidence, building resilient teams, and creating a kitchen culture where chefs and staff don’t just survive—they thrive. 🚀 Each episode delivers actionable insights on: ✔ Reducing turnover & burnout ✔ Mastering emotional intelligence in leadership ✔ Creating sustainable & profitable kitchen systems ✔ Building strong, resilient teams ✔ Balancing growth with work-life integration. If you're tired of the grind-for-survival mentality and ready to lead with clarity and purpose, this podcast is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe to Chef Life Radio today and take the first step toward a thriving, high-impact culinary career.
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About your host

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Adam Lamb

Adam M Lamb is a professional chef with thirty years of successes and failures, which he leverages as the producer and host of the podcasts Chef Life Radio, Line Check & Turning the Table.

He has successfully served in such roles as Director of Dining Services, Corporate & Executive Chef, Consultant, and Coach, emphasizing mentorship and modeling 'servant-leadership'

His intention and drive are focused on creating highly effective, trusted teams that produce transformational, sustainable experiences for guests, associates, and the community alike.

Adam spends much of his time speaking and teaching about the #newkitchenculture to chefs, industry leaders, and organizations ready to take on the operational challenges that our craft and fraternity now face.

You can learn more by emailing him at adam@chefliferadio.com or calling 828-688-0080