Chapter 6: The Learner

In the grand tapestry of life, we are all students, forever learning from our experiences, our triumphs, and our failures. Yet, sometimes, we choose to formalize this learning, to embark on a journey of structured education, to expand our understanding of the world and ourselves. In 2020, I found myself on this path once again, choosing to return to academia to immerse myself in the world of business, sustainability, and leadership. The decision to pursue an MBA in Sustainability Management and International Business was not an easy one, but it was a choice that I felt compelled to make.

Business, Sustainability, and Leadership amidst a Pandemic

The year 2020 was also the year when the world changed irrevocably, the year when the global pandemic struck, challenging us in unimaginable ways, reshaping our lives, our societies, our world. The timing of my decision to return to school, coinciding with this global crisis, added a layer of complexity to an already challenging endeavor. Yet, it also supplied an unexpected opportunity, a unique lens through which to view my studies.

In the confines of my home, with the world grappling with a crisis outside, I began my journey into the world of business and sustainability. As I delved into the intricacies of management theory and the principles of sustainable business practices, I found myself drawing parallels between my studies and the world around me. The pandemic underscored the importance of sustainable practices, of businesses that could adapt and thrive amidst change, of leaders who could guide their teams through uncertainty.

The experience was transformative. It pushed me to examine my leadership style, to reflect on my values and beliefs, and to understand how these informed my approach to leading and managing teams. I found myself grappling with questions of sustainability and ethical business practices, reflecting on how these principles could be integrated into my work in the culinary world.

Learning Beyond Textbooks: A Multitude of Perspectives

From understanding the nuances of international business to delving deep into the principles of sustainability management, my MBA journey was enlightening. But the learning didn't just come from textbooks and lectures. It came from group discussions, case studies, and the unique perspectives of my classmates - a diverse group of individuals from various industries and cultural backgrounds. Their experiences and insights enriched my understanding, broadening my worldview and deepening my appreciation for the complexity and interconnectivity of our global business landscape.

As I immersed myself in management theory and sustainable business practices, I was privy to a myriad of perspectives. My classmates, a diverse group hailing from various industries and cultural backgrounds, enriched our discussions with their unique insights:

• A classmate working in commercial real estate illuminated the evolving paradigms of sustainable building practices and urban development. This perspective opened my eyes to the possibilities of incorporating sustainability into the physical spaces we dine in, thereby transforming the meal and the entire dining experience.
• Insights from another classmate, a neurologist, deepened my understanding of the relationship between diet, health, and sustainability. This knowledge enriched my concept of mindful eating, emphasizing its significance for personal health, reducing carbon footprint, and promoting ecological balance.
• An Air Force pilot offered a unique leadership and team management viewpoint in high-pressure environments. Their experiences stressed the importance of effective communication, swift decision-making, and trust - aspects equally critical in a bustling kitchen during peak dining hours.

While challenging in countless ways, the global pandemic acted as a stark reminder of the importance of adaptability and resilience - qualities central to sustainable businesses. Observing companies across various sectors modify their strategies to endure and prosper in the face of crisis, I recognized that sustainability principles are not merely about 'green' initiatives. They also encompass business survival, adaptability, and resilience amid unforeseen circumstances.

Translating these principles into larger business practices was a challenge. Yet, it also inspired me to envision how the principles of sustainability could be incorporated into a business model that drives sustainable growth on a grand scale.

My background in the culinary world offered unique insights into our discussions. The principles of sustainability were not new to me. In the kitchen, we were always conscious of waste, always striving to source ingredients responsibly. The challenge was translating these principles into broader business practices, into strategies that could drive sustainable growth on a larger scale.

The MBA journey was challenging, rewarding, and enlightening. It made me question, reflect, and grow. It equipped me with the tools to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability and international business, to lead with empathy and integrity, and to make decisions that are not just profitable but also responsible and sustainable.

Looking back, my decision to return to school to become a student once again was one of the best decisions I have made. It has enriched my knowledge and skills and provided me with invaluable insights into my leadership style and sustainability principles.

The world of business, like the world of food, is complex, dynamic, and constantly evolving. As a chef, I have learned to navigate this complexity, to adapt to change, and to create amidst chaos. As a business student, I have learned to understand this complexity, to manage change strategically, and to lead with purpose.

And so, as I stand at the cusp of this new chapter in my life, I am excited for the journey ahead. I look forward to applying my learnings, to blending my passion for food with my newfound knowledge of sustainable business practices, to create something meaningful, something impactful.

In the kitchen, a chef is a maestro, orchestrating the movement of ingredients, the play of flavors, the presentation of dishes. In the world of business, a leader is not much different. They must navigate the complexities of the market, balance the interests of stakeholders, and guide their team towards a common goal. The skills I've honed in the kitchen - creativity, adaptability, a keen eye for detail - find new applications in the boardroom.

Yet, the most profound lesson that my MBA journey has taught me is that, at their heart, both cooking and business are about people. Whether creating a dish to delight your guests or developing a business strategy to drive growth, the human element stands at the center. Understanding this and recognizing the impact of our decisions on people and the planet is the first step toward building a truly sustainable business.

Stepping into a New Phase: Culinary Explorer, Entrepreneur, Lifelong Learner

As I step into this new phase of my career, I am not just a chef or a business student; I am a culinary explorer, an entrepreneur, a lifelong learner. I am someone who believes in the power of food to bring people together, in the potential of business to drive positive change. I am eager to explore this intersection, to use my culinary expertise and business acumen to create a venture that is not just profitable but also sustainable and socially responsible.

This journey has not been without its challenges. Balancing school with work, adapting to the dynamics of the tech industry, grappling with the realities of the global pandemic - these experiences have tested my resolve, challenged my assumptions, and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Yet, they have also shaped me, taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to one's values.

As I look back on the chapters of my life - the roots, the scholar, the chef, the culinary explorer, the tech world, the learner - I see a journey marked by passion, curiosity and a relentless pursuit of growth. As I look forward to the chapters yet to be written, I am excited about the possibilities and opportunities to learn, create, lead, and make a difference.

In the end, life is a series of chapters, each one a unique blend of experiences, lessons, and memories. As I turn the page, ready to begin the next chapter, I am reminded of a quote by the great author Neil Gaiman's 2012 commencement speech at The University of the Arts,

"Life is sometimes hard. Things go wrong, in life and in love and in business and in friendship and in health and in all the other ways that life can go wrong. But when things get tough, this is what you should do: Make good art."

And so, I shall continue to do - in the kitchen, in business, in life. Always learning, always creating, always striving to make good art".