Earnesty: No rest for the chef.

No rest for the chef:

Chefs are trained to interpret the owner, their needs, their wants and most importantly: Their end desired result. Trained, seasoned, and precise, Chefs master techniques and their craft recipes with an utmost artistry and precision most of us should admire. Outside of the literal kitchen, “chefs” can represent something broader—those we defer to as experts, gatekeepers of traditional; or authorities of a craft. -This craft is specific, and undeniably important. -They inspire and aim to embody our traditions. -Chefs may have their own culture, but that culture has a place.

The “chef fallacy” is the belief that because someone is a master or close to one, they must always know best. We've all worked under a master (If you're here), and been better off for it. However, knowing that we can bounce ideas off of one another, and being open to it , we will absolutely expand our understanding. So. Here's why you shouldn't be 'that' chef.

Progress vs. Preservation

Preserving knowledge is vital, but preservation without adaptation turns culture into fossil.

The same is true in business, science, art, and thought. Systems that don’t evolve don’t just stay the same—they degrade.

This is why apprentices eventually outgrow mentors. At some point, to truly honor what we’ve learned, we must go beyond it. We must stop copying recipes and start creating new ones.

Creativity Requires Risk

Progress doesn’t happen on safe ground. It happens when someone says, “What if we tried it this way?” It happens in experiments, failures, half-formed ideas. Chefs who keep cooking the same dish over and over may perfect it—but they may also fossilize. This teaches discipline, however it it a fraction of what your chef is teaching you. Take those techniques, turn them, use them, evolve.

We as professionals have those we look up to, we should respect them absolutely. Yes, someone does something funny or weird here and there. Unfortunately, at some point, with the amount of pressure we are under: You'll be one. At some point atleast. Take it a little easier, stop looking at the end game and enjoy the journey.