Yes Chef! What "The Bear" Taught Me About Success In Any Industry 🐻
What I Learned About the Food Industry and What It Takes to Be a Success from Watching "The Bear"
“Every Second counts!”
Arguably the most impactful culinary TV show since the late, great Anthony Bourdain's series, The Bear has captivated audiences—and though I may be late to the party, I recently finished watching this critically acclaimed show. As someone passionate about the food industry—and writing for a food-focused audience—I felt compelled to share the emotional rollercoaster the show took me on.
While I’ve never worked in fine dining, nor do I currently aspire to, I found myself reflecting deeply on the intense, high-pressure environment portrayed in the series. Even though my personal experience doesn't align with the intricate details of a high-end kitchen, the show captures something universal: the relentless pursuit of greatness and legacy. Carmy, the main character, embodies this drive for perfection—his obsession with culinary excellence and refusal to compromise. It's a personality type that can often come across as harsh, even unhinged, but there's a deeper lesson beneath the surface.
Watching Carmy’s journey reminded me of moments of my own experiences as an entrepreneur in a fast-paced, quality-driven food industry. Whether it’s a gourmet dish or handmade ice cream, each creation carries the weight of a reputation. Your last product is what defines you, and it’s the attention to detail in every plate—or in my case, every tub—that builds trust and credibility over time. The show vividly captures the idea that to be among the best, there is no margin for error. And when mistakes do happen, it’s critical to correct them quickly and learn from them. Passion for the craft and commitment to the customer’s experience is everything.
One scene that really struck me was when Carmy meticulously cleaned a tabletop with a toothpick, ensuring no detail was missed as part of his “Non-Negotiables”. This moment captured the essence and the meticulous nature of what it takes to be world-class in any craft: relentless attention to detail, outrageous work ethic, and a deep love for what you do. His set of “Non-Negotiables” prompted me to reflect on whether I’m truly holding myself accountable to those standards as often as I should. I began to question whether, both personally and in business, I consistently deliver on the promises I've made to myself and our customers.
In the final episode, it becomes clear that Carmy’s journey as both a chef and entrepreneur has been shaped not only by his passion for food but also by the people around him. This is further emphasized when Richie, or “Cousin,” asks one of the expeditors how she stays inspired, to which she responds: "Surround yourself with people who inspire you." This statement struck a chord with me. Whether in food, business, or life, your environment—both inside and outside of work—plays a significant role in your trajectory. Surrounding yourself with driven, passionate individuals not only shapes the culture of your business and self but also contributes to its long-term success.
Throughout my journey in running my own business, I learned that creating an environment where people feel confident to be their best selves is essential. It’s crucial to foster an atmosphere that encourages passion, learning, and growth—not just in the products you deliver but also in how your team feels at the end of the day. Ultimately, it’s about more than just achieving success; it’s about creating memorable experiences for both customers and team members.
Reflecting on my own leadership, there are moments I regret—times when I could’ve handled situations better, especially in how I managed my teams or interacted with individual members. *The Bear* highlights the duality of leadership. Carmy’s greatness as a chef is built on both tough and nurturing mentorship, but both left him emotionally, physically, and mentally scarred in different ways. This dichotomy is real and sticks with him daily. You can be tough, or you can be nurturing, and people respond to different styles in different ways. Striking the balance is what makes a truly great leader. I’ve had coaches who motivated me with empathy, and others who pushed me through tough love. Both have their place, but the ability to frame lessons from both types of leadership is what truly fosters growth and gets the best results for longevity.
One line from the final episode resonates deeply: “The greatest mistake in a chef’s career is working for a bad boss.” This statement holds true not only in kitchens but across all industries. Poor leadership can drive away your best team members, resulting in chaos and dysfunction, while weak leadership can lead to similar issues and in some cases a completely rogue team or person with no guidance, structure or growth.
We see glimpses of this chaos in The Bear when Carmy begins to treat his team as he was treated. As an entrepreneur, finding the balance between high standards and empathetic leadership is crucial. You want to encourage your team to reach their full potential without breaking their spirit or allowing your own past traumas to disrupt the work environment, as we witnessed in Carmy’s case.
*The Bear* isn’t just a great show because of its portrayal of the complexities of the culinary world. It’s a testament to the sacrifices, dedication, and sheer grit required to reach the top of any craft. But more than that, it highlights the importance of teamwork, passion, and the relentless pursuit of growth—not just for your business, but for yourself. The idea of continuous improvement, that 1% better each day, to show up every day with the mindset of just a small bit more effort, is what being an entrepreneur, a food business owner, and ultimately a person is all about. It's about taking the lessons—both good and bad—from mentors, experiences, and the scars we carry, and using them to fuel our journey toward being the best versions of ourselves, both in business and in life while pushing the boundaries of our own mental, and physical capabilities.
“Every Second counts!”
Let me know what you think of the bear!
