Legit Concepts

I remember feeling alone, “in the weeds”, and tired from putting out fire after fire as an Executive Chef. Does that sound like you too? If so, I invite you to schedule a call with me to explore how my program, Beyond the Food: Mise en Place for the Executive Chef can help you not feel that way anymore. Beyond the Food covers key areas such as time management, budgeting, staff management, building a positive culinary culture, organizing, communication, leadership, and team motivation. When you join Beyond the Food, you gain lifetime access to: 1. MASTERMIND GROUP COACHING SESSIONS: Weekly sessions with me, available even after you complete the program. These calls provide ongoing support, guidance, and solutions. 2. PRIVATE COMMUNITY: A resource for asking questions, sharing experiences, and supporting fellow Executive Chefs. Upon graduating from the program, you will have a comprehensive blueprint for operating as an executive leader, guiding your team toward operational excellence. Beyond the Food is approved for 30 ACF CEHs. Please note, Beyond the Food is for Executive Chefs who are dedicated to growth and excellence. Are you ready to put in the work and lead beyond the kitchen? If so, follow the link below to schedule a call with me:  https://lnkd.in/ebkTfRnU ❗️Limited spots per month #executivechef #culinaryleadership #miseenplace #beyondthefood #legitconcepts #geraldlford

Last week, I had the pleasure of co-presenting with Ken Arnone, CMC, at an ACF webinar titled The Chef's Balancing Act. We dove into practical strategies for chefs to manage the demands of a busy life, covering everything from time management and self-care to personal growth. It was a great opportunity to share insights on how to thrive both in and out of the kitchen. Watch the recording here: https://ow.ly/3V9x50TagqG 

It's not about working harder—it's about working smarter. By implementing systems that streamline your operations, you free up valuable time to focus on what really matters as an Executive Chef: leading, mentoring, and elevating your craft. Are your systems working for you? If not, it’s time to make a change. If you are an Executive Chef and need help creating and implementing systems, I’d love to support you. Book a free discovery call with me- link is in the comments ⬇️ #legitconcepts #beyondthefood #miseenplace #execuitvechef #chefleaderhip #culinaryexcellence #execuitvecheflife #systemizedchef #worksmarter 

Excellence doesn't come before efficiency. Excellence doesn't come without organization. A well-organized kitchen is much easier to run, and makes it possible to produce great food. When you are organized, you can set the stage for efficiency and then eventually excellence. And that means organization of your thoughts, of your actions, of your vision, and of your physical spaces. The thorough practice of Executive level Mise en Place is the key. Ready to confidently run the business and admin aspects of your culinary operation? Watch my video on thriving as an Executive Chef —link in the comments ⬇️ #legitconcepts #beyondthefood #miseenplace #execuitvechef #chefleaderhip #culinaryexcellence #execuitvecheflife #excellence 

A big thank you to Chef Andrew Vaughn for his insightful review and dedication to personal & professional growth through “Beyond the Food: Mise en Place for the Executive Chef.” "The Culinary Playbook" is just one of the powerful tools we develop to empower Executive Chefs to effectively run, manage, and lead their culinary operations. With it, you will clearly define your standards and implement a brand-focused approach to SOPs, employee attraction, onboarding, development, culture, expectations, and production management. If you are an Executive Chef and this resonates with you, I’d love to support you. Book a free discovery call with me- link is in the comments ⬇️ #legitconcepts #beyondthefood #miseenplace #execuitvechef #chefleaderhip #culinaryexcellence #execuitvecheflife #systemizedchef 

In this video, I discuss 3 myths about micromanagement that I used to believe, how I overcame them, and how to steer clear of being the “micro-manager” nobody wants to work for. ⬇️ VIDEO LINK IS IN THE COMMENTS ⬇️ 

Standards should not flex. Have a listen and if this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. #legitconcepts #beyondthefood #miseenplace #execuitvechef #chefleaderhip #culinaryexcellence #execuitvecheflife 

How do I move my team from being reactive to proactive? Proactive Teams Start with Clear Communication. Here's my approach: Clear Steps: Start with a well-defined list of what needs to happen. Whether it's rolling out a new menu or executing daily tasks, everyone should know the roadmap. Big Picture Awareness: Most of the team wants to excel, but they might not see the entire picture. Share the vision, involve them in the process, and let them manage parts of it. It’s about training them to think ahead. Trust the Process: Trust takes time. While your team grows in confidence, make sure to check in often and provide feedback. This builds trust and ensures everyone is moving in the right direction. This is just one of the ways that I help Executive Chefs successfully run their culinary operation so it’s NOT running them. If you are an Executive Chef and this resonates with you, I’d love to support you. Book a free discovery call with me- link is in the comments ⬇️ #legitconcepts #beyondthefood #miseenplace #execuitvechef #chefleaderhip #culinaryexcellence #execuitvecheflife #TeamBuilding #ProactiveLeadership

I believe that executive chefs have 4 critical resources that they're responsible for managing at all times. Have a listen and if this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. #legitconcepts #beyondthefood #miseenplace #execuitvechef #chefleaderhip #culinaryexcellence #execuitvecheflife 

Are you looking to build trust within your team? For me, trust is built on a foundation of faith and evidence—but it’s not about blind faith that tasks will get done. ▪️ Be Clear and Specific: Assign SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) tasks to the right team members—those with the skills, understanding and potential to execute them effectively. ▪️ Support and Guide: Train, support, and guide them through the process. ▪️ Follow Up: Verify the work is completed to the highest standard. How do you build trust within your team as an Executive Chef? Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Watch my video on effective delegation—link in the comments ⬇️ #legitconcepts #beyondthefood #miseenplace #execuitvechef #chefleaderhip #culinaryexcellence #execuitvecheflife #delegationskills