SSA Group’s Post

Laissez les bons temps rouler! 🎉🎷 As we embrace the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras, it's a reminder of the joy that comes from truly letting ourselves dive into new experiences. But behind every dazzling parade and mask, there's a story of preparation and the support of a community that makes all the difference. Embarking on a major transformation in life can feel a bit like preparing for our own personal Mardi Gras. It's not just about the decision to change; it's about setting the stage, ensuring we have the right environment, and, most importantly, the support system to help us navigate the journey. Just as a Mardi Gras parade requires musicians, artists, and countless others to come to life, transformational journeys require a network of support. Coaching is that behind-the-scenes crew for your personal parade, offering guidance, accountability, and the encouragement needed to make your career goals not just a dream, but a reality. After all, Mardi Gras isn't just an excuse for a party, but a preparation for a journey of personal and spiritual transformation! As we enjoy the festivities, let's remember that every significant change starts with a single step, and the right support can turn that step into a stride towards success. Let the spirit of Mardi Gras inspire you to prepare for your transformation with the joy and support it deserves. 🎭✨ #Transformation #Support #MardiGrasInspiration #CoachingJourney

Friends lovers... this one is for you 🙌👇 Monica's journey in 'Friends' shows us the power of resilience and passion in pursuing a culinary career 👩🍳✨ From losing her job to becoming a head chef, Monica's story is all about bouncing back and never giving up on your dreams. Whether you're facing setbacks or starting anew, her path reminds us that it’s never too late to follow your passion and achieve success 🥳 How did Monica inspire you in your career journey? Share with us! 👇 #careerchange #culinarycareer #pivotwithpurpose #resilience #dreamjobjourney

🍳 🔄 From Culinary Dreams to Career Reflection 🔄 🍽 👨🍳 As a young adult, the kitchen was my kingdom, and cooking was my calling. I had grandiose dreams of becoming a world class chef, wielding spatulas like wands and turning ingredients into works of art. 🎨 Pursuing that passion, I climbed the ranks, eventually reaching the role of restaurant general manager. 💼 Yet, despite the title and responsibilities, I found myself wrestling with a nagging sense of unfulfillment. The very thing I once loved began to feel like a burden, and I couldn't ignore the whisper of discontent that lingered in my heart. 💔 🔍 It was moment of reflection that led me to confront the truth: my journey had taken an unexpected turn, and it was time to reassess my path. While grateful for the lessons learned and experiences gained, I knew deep down that staying true to myself meant embracing change. 🛣 And so, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, exploring new interests and avenues. Each step forward has brought clarity and renewed purpose, leading me to where I stand today- a testament to the power of listening to one's own inner voice and embracing the journey, wherever it may lead. 🌟 My story is a reminder that the path to fulfillment is not always linear, but it is always worth pursuing. Here's to honoring our passions, embracing change, challenging ourselves, and finding fulfillment in every chapter of our careers. 🔄 🌱 #careerreflections #PassionJourney #embracechange #newbeginnings

I don’t know who needs to hear 👂 this but…. When you dine at a restaurant please tip the servers and or any staff who served you. The hospitality industry means (treat those as if you want to be treated) As a previous bartender and server I truly started to understand the importance of tipping and what it meant. Do you know by tipping you can.. 1. Save someone from being evicted or losing their house 2. Be the only tipper they had all shift 3. Make them feel recognized and appreciated 4. Be the reason why they have a pep in their step 🚶♀️ 5. Be the stepping stone for them to spread positivity 💫 to others Everything and every decision we make in life has a domino effect. Now be the winning 🏆 person that those hospitality employees need.

Anyone else watching The Bear? If you're not, I highly recommend it! (Especially if you've worked in the restaurant biz....Having spent 10 years waiting tables, bussing, hosting, catering, etc - I can say without a doubt that the skills, work ethic, and humanity instilled in me from those years are some of my most valuable.) Last night I watched the last episode. This 👇 is the advice that a super successful chef says she'd give to her younger self. I. Love. This. I think too often we feel the need to be perfect, to know it all, to feel really "ready" before starting something new. But that's just not how it works. We learn by doing. We learn by failing. We get good at something through practice. We must be OK with sucking at something new if we ever want to grow. Don't feel like you have to be perfectly ready before trying something new or you'll never get started. There's no perfect skillset, perfect place, perfect time. There's just right now... And life will pass you by as you're busy making all the plans. Go and do the thing! #thebear #hospitalityworld #workethic #ifyoudonttryyoullneverknow #goforit #pushthroughthefear #insurancerecruiter #recruiterlife #nbtalent #cpcu #cic #sales #insurancesales #confidence #faith #whatwouldyoudoifyouknewyoucouldnotfail

Personality is 3 dimensional!

I originally wrote this in June of 2018 when reflecting on the death of Anthony Bourdain. Although I no longer work full-time as an executive chef the thoughts still resonate extremely strongly today…… I keep looking for the right words to say or the correct clip to post to make myself more at peace with who and what the world just lost. What Anthony Bourdain taught us all is to be filled with empathy and to wear our neighbor’s shoes. If we do this with love and dedication then maybe we can understand those around us better and be there in our friends’ and families’ biggest times of need as they would for us. Tony exposed the cultural underbelly and ugly truth behind many a food service operation. I always remember thinking how could the very business that connects and brings people together be such a terrible force of negative energy behind the scenes. I’m not talking about tough love and critical or even harsh critique. I’m speaking to abuse, disrespect and frankly the criminal behavior that we as an industry need to change. It is this ‘bro’ back of house culture that openly rejects empathy. That stands at odds to walking in another’s shoes. I have always hated this and in the leadership roles I’ve earned in recent years I hope to continue to help others build careers that are filled with opportunities to learn and grow. Not filled with fear of what might happen at work today. Kitchens are hard, work is hard, work should be hard. Work should also build you up and energize you as it does the guests and individuals you serve. Hospitality, no matter where you work or what you do, is not just a thing. It is the only thing. Let’s be good to each other people and take care of our neighbors. I’m positive it’s what Anthony Bourdain would want.

I want to share this article talking about my chef and mentor Pedro Sanchez! Such an amazing chef to learn from!

So, what is the right way to give notice? Firstly, it is important to schedule a face-to-face meeting with your boss. This shows that you value their time and allows for an open and honest conversation. Here are a few key points in this short video. You've got this! Tammy Kalstad Erik Kalstad, CPC Carolyn Parker Laura Stevens Ashanthi Herath Keith Josselyn Gecko Hospitality (Corporate) Robert Krzak CPC, CERS Sheila Hale Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts #letgoandletgecko #interviewtips #geckohospitality

“HAVE FUN STORMING THE CASTLE!” There is a classic scene in the movie, The Princess Bride, where Billy Crystal aka Miracle Max wishes Westly, and his two companions to “HAVE FUN STORMING THE CASTLE!”, as they all set out to help rescue his true love Princess Buttercup from Prince Humperdinck. So, why am I citing a satirical line from a movie in a LinkedIn article? Well, it’s been my career [and in some ways my life] motto. Life is short and work consumes many, many hours-so make it the best, have fun, and most importantly love what you do. And since my children began school, I would voice to them every morning as they walked out the door “Have fun storming the castle! I learned at a very young age when I started working for Kelsey’s along with the many teammates lead by Paul Jeffery, that each and all honestly loved what they were doing. They had a passion, an energy, a positive attitude that I gravitated towards and have never wavered to this day. Sure, we all have those *#@$! type of days, and foodservice has been in turmoil since 2020, but there is nothing else I would rather do than what I have been working at my entire career. To be transparent my business has suffered, like the foodservice industry, and several associates had suggested I change [pivot was a big word] my focus, my field as the understanding of branding, strategy and design skillset could be applied to many other industries. From a practical perspective it makes sense, BUT from a passionate perspective it goes against what I always believed - Love What You Do. Do What You Love. Foodservice is about people, not a product. It is an industry like no other, one that has heart, passion, perseverance and always a positive attitude. And now in its worst of times, how can I turn my back and walk away from something I truly love? And to cite another classic line for the same movie, “There is nothing more noble than true love.” Unfortunately, there is no miracle pill to help rescue foodservice, but if there is anything I can do to help the many operators and suppliers, I certainly can concoct an effective and experienced remedy.