Discover Your True Passion and Build a Business Around It

Are you ready to break free from the mundane and pursue a career that truly ignites your passion? Tune into our latest episode of the Culinary Mechanic Podcast featuring Scot Turner, the inspiring founder of Auden Hospitality. His journey from a hotel manager to a successful entrepreneur is a compelling reminder of the power of aligning your work with your core values and staying true to your calling.

Scot's path was anything but linear. He shares candidly how he faced two pivotal moments in his career that made him realize he had strayed from what he truly loved. First, as a hotel manager on track to becoming a general manager, he found himself unexcited by the prospect of working within the same four walls every day. This led him to independent restaurants, where he discovered the true essence of running successful food and beverage operations.

The second pivotal moment came when Scot was the COO of a company overseeing multiple restaurants and brands. Here, he found himself focusing on maximizing profits for investors rather than indulging in his passion for product development and brand creation. This realization prompted him to leave and embark on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately founding Auden Hospitality.

In our podcast, Scot emphasizes the importance of staying true to your core values and passions, defining your niche, and aligning your work with your core beliefs. "Always stay true to your core, and there's always a way to stay true to your core," he advises. He stresses the need to clearly define what you do best and what sets you apart, then focus your efforts on that niche. Don't try to be everything to everyone.

Scot also highlights the importance of creating sustainable business concepts. He believes in designing operations with long-term viability in mind, considering operational costs and long-term sustainability, rather than just focusing on a grand opening. This approach ensures businesses can consistently deliver memorable experiences without compromising values or overworking their teams.

Come check out how Culinary Mechanic can help you establish a sustainable work culture for your kitchen.

What sets Scot apart is his unique business model. Unlike many consultants who simply provide recommendations and leave, Scot runs two restaurants in London on a management contract. This hands-on approach allows him to experience the same challenges as his clients, giving him unparalleled credibility and empathy in his consulting. He emphasizes seeking opportunities that align with your core beliefs and values, and not compromising them for roles or projects that don't fit your niche or passion.

Scot's journey is not just about building a successful business; it's about finding fulfillment and purpose in his work. His story will resonate with anyone struggling to reconcile their passion with their profession or feeling torn by competing priorities.

In a world where work often consumes a significant portion of our lives, Scot Turner's story is a reminder to pause, reflect, and realign our paths with our true callings. By staying true to our core values, defining our niche, creating sustainable concepts, and aligning with our beliefs, we can build businesses and careers that provide both financial stability and ignite our passions.

Don't miss episode 21 —Scot's insights could be the inspiration you need to transform your career and discover your true calling. Listen now and start your journey towards a more fulfilling and passionate professional life.

Here are two crucial pieces of advice that I give to chefs who are striving to have their passions align with their career.

1. Ask yourself, "what do you want to be known for?" Make sure that each plate of food and every piece of the guest experience resonates with the legacy you want to create.
2. Whatever cuisine/concept/experience you craft, ensure that it is sustainable. Be clear about what you and your team can execute well consistently, day in, day out. A career is a marathon not a sprint.

DM me and let's get the conversation started

Until next time,

Simon

P.S. Whenever you are ready here are a few other ways I help people like you every day.

• If you are a restaurant operator looking for ways to improve the culture, systems, and profit in your kitchen. This is the way .
• If you are a sous chef or chef who looking to increase their leadership and find ways to run your kitchen without burning out. I've got you. Book yourself some time here
• If you are a corporate chef, culinary director, or high-level leader that is looking to invest in your chef team's leadership, we should talk.