6 Expert Tips on Mentorship, Growth and Building Positive Kitchens

In a fast-paced kitchen environment, learning never stops. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, mentorship and continuous development are key to success. We spoke to chefs from Unilever Food Solutions around the world, to gather their best advice on growth, supporting teams and creating a positive kitchen culture.

Make Mentorship a Priority

Mentorship builds confidence, creativity and skills. Make it a priority by creating a supportive space, scheduling mentoring sessions and recognising contributions. Encourage your team to set learning goals, explore new techniques and provide consistent feedback. Leading by example inspires others to grow.

Anna Santella, Country Capability Field Execution Manager, Unilever Food Solutions Philippines

Build a Positive Kitchen Culture

Mental health is key to a healthy team environment - don’t ignore it. A culture of mutual respect ensures that everyone feels valued, regardless of gender or background. When teamwork thrives, so does productivity and the overall kitchen atmosphere.

Gungun Chandra, Executive Chef, Unilever Food Solutions Indonesia

Encourage Rotation for Learning

Rotating staff helps enhance skills, improves teamwork and increases operational flexibility. It also identifies individual strengths, leading to a more versatile and motivated team.

Eric Chua, Executive Chef, Unilever Food Solutions Philippines

Structure Learning for Success

Continuous learning doesn’t happen by chance - it needs structure. Setting clear deadlines, dedicated training slots or organising further education ensures teams keep progressing. Good training can happen with or without external support; what matters is that development is prioritised.

René-Noel Schiemer, Chef, Unilever Food Solutions Germany

Communicate with Clarity and Respect

A message is only as strong as how it’s heard. Always make sure you have your team’s attention, be open to feedback and maintain a respectful tone. Acknowledging achievements, open discussions and listening as much as you speak all contribute to a thriving kitchen environment.

Frank Jakobsen, Culinary Adviser/Head Chef, Unilever Food Solutions Denmark

Invest in Mentorship and Skill Development

Mentorship drives growth, confidence, and helps new team members adapt to high-pressure environments. Leaders should pair experienced chefs with newcomers, organise workshops, and encourage section rotations to keep teams engaged and continuously learning.

Pinar Balpinar, Marketing and R&D Chef, Unilever Food Solutions Turkey

From structured mentorship to open communication, fostering growth in the kitchen is about creating a culture of learning, respect and teamwork. By prioritising mentorship and skill development, chefs can build stronger teams and a more positive work environment for all.