\u201cWhat\u2019s it like to be a woman in a male-dominated field?\u201d<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been asked this question countless times in my career, as kitchens are notoriously owned, operated, and staffed by men\u2014and that\u2019s to say nothing of the male investors, media personalities, and influencers who comprise the broader ecosystem of the food industry. But the truth is, it\u2019s nearly impossible to provide a concise answer. Every job, scenario, and person is different, and this is a deeply-rooted, layered issue (which is common in many other professions, too).<\/p>\n
Simply being in these spaces as a woman is to subvert expectations, but there are added assumptions once we\u2019re in the door: that we\u2019re not as strong physically and mentally, or that we should be more maternal and nurturing, particularly in leadership roles. We have to work harder than our male counterparts for the same opportunities, which are often more limited in availability (a fact that creates complicated competitive dynamics), and frequently for less pay. We have to hold stronger boundaries while at the same time being cautious of how we present ourselves, because what may read as commendably ambitious for a man can be seen as ruthlessness in a woman (or something much less positive). We have to care\u2014a lot\u2014but also be delicate if we want to avoid negative reactions that might threaten our progress.<\/p>\n
Of course, with every challenge, there are also opportunities. Fortunately, there are a number of ways women can find a sense of empowerment, lift one another, and contribute to positive, lasting change.<\/p>\n
First of all, it\u2019s critical to identify what you value, both personally and professionally. While refining your philosophy can take time and evolve, a solid starting point is to prioritize integrity, respect, and professionalism.<\/p>\n
Your unique set of principles will help you stay focused and determine how you want to operate, where you want to be, and which influences and practices you hope to absorb and carry forward. It\u2019s also helpful to identify who you choose to be around and learn from.<\/p>\n
In my life, there have been times when I wasn\u2019t 100% satisfied with a job or position, but I chose to stick with it because of the person or people I was working for and with. I made sacrifices because the human beings involved were the most valuable part of the equation, not the job or role itself. Find individuals you want to work with, whether that\u2019s a chef, a restaurateur, or other leader in your field who you consider a role model, a mentor who can offer meaningful lessons and guidance, or a team you admire or respect. Instead of seeking a title or chasing a sense of prestige associated with a particular establishment, level, or accolade, focus on the people around you – mentors, partners, and collaborators. And then someday, you can strive to be that beacon for others.<\/p>\n
On a similar note, there are some roads you have to take on your own, especially early in your career, but when possible, remember there is strength in numbers. Find a community that will protect you, support your ambition, and lift you up\u2014in your personal life as well as in your work. You want people around you who allow you to be ambitious without feeling threatened, who won\u2019t make you feel bad about being driven, and who will be there to help you up when your best laid plans don\u2019t pan out perfectly, or when your positivity takes a hit.<\/p>\n
Sharing resources and being transparent also makes a major difference for women in the industry, and it helps to seek out trusted networks and sources. One example for me has been Cherry Bombe\u2014a publication that celebrates the excellence of women within the industry. The annual Cherry Bombe Jubilee is a gathering of women in and around the food world, and when I attended for the first time and met professionals from an array of related disciplines, I knew it was a space in which women were the focus, and fellow attendees would have a better understanding of the particular challenges we all face.<\/p>\n
Of course, you don\u2019t have to interface solely with women, but it can be liberating, inspiring, and generative to be in a space without the pressure to justify your presence\u2014where you can freely explore the person and professional you are and hope to be.<\/p>\n
In industries that are notoriously difficult for women, you will likely find many systems have been built by and for men. Know that we don\u2019t have to conform to or feel boxed in by precedent. So many women have gotten super creative at finding fresh, unique, and ultimately better ways to exist and excel in this industry, and have exemplified opportunities to carve out space. Just because something has always been done a certain way does not mean it\u2019s the best way, so ask questions. If you don\u2019t see what you\u2019re looking for, can you create it? Can you start a group, or spearhead an initiative, or speak to someone in charge who you know will be receptive?<\/p>\n
Make sure you feel empowered to take a different approach. Allow yourself to be inventive and come up with new solutions, and know that how you embody this philosophy will invite others to do so, too. Encourage creativity in those around you; more voices adding to a greater pool of resources and ideas helps promise a better future for everyone.<\/p>\n
Learning from one another\u2019s experience is critical to substantial, systemic growth, and being generous in sharing yours whenever possible can go a long way. That said, be selective about how you do so in order to protect yourself and your message. Sometimes social media is a super effective and appropriate platform. Other times, you may want to choose a more intimate space for vulnerable conversations, one where you can feel safe and confident that you\u2019re not opening yourself up to public criticism. When you can, put yourself in rooms and in spaces where there are women seated at the table, and always seek out diverse scenarios in general. Having a variety of perspectives is essential to making well-informed decisions that benefit the greater good.<\/p>\n
Of course, you may also run into less positive situations between women at times. Some might want to protect their own information because it feels as if there\u2019s limited space for women in the industry, and it\u2019s scary to share. But how you respond and navigate those challenging interactions is part of creating positive change, too. You can\u2019t control someone else\u2019s choices and behaviors, but you can try not to operate from a place of scarcity. And if you don\u2019t feel as if you can offer a boost, you can always step to the side and refrain from actively putting up roadblocks. Remember that there will always be more opportunities, and you are the only you.<\/p>\n
At the end of the day, there are moments when women \u2014 or anyone, for that matter \u2014 may feel as if they don\u2019t have any power in their position. It\u2019s critical to recognize that every single human has influence<\/a>, no matter what their reach. That influence doesn\u2019t just have to be through social media or similar platforms, and your reach doesn\u2019t necessarily mean a number of followers. Ultimately, it’s the quality of interactions\u2014not the quantity\u2014that matters. I\u2019ve spoken to thousands of people in auditoriums, at conferences and award ceremonies, but sometimes the greater impact has come from a small group conversation\u2014or even a one-on-one. An Instagram post might be a useful tool, but every one of your daily interactions will leave an impression.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re aware of your impact and are consistent in your message, you can measure your success and legacy not by dollars or dishes or titles or status, but by the way you\u2019ve made people feel. If you move through your career with integrity, responsibility, and respect for others, you will always feel more personally fulfilled. And on the professional side, the positive networks you help create will likely have greater potential to generate opportunities that align with your values.<\/p>\n Lastly, it can be extremely difficult to know when to walk away from a situation\u2014especially when you are a committed team player and a dedicated worker. But it\u2019s also critical to define those boundaries and know when an effort is taking more from you than you can ever hope to gain from it. To recognize your worth is critical for your own career and mental wellness, and also signals to others that they should feel valued, too. That\u2019s a message that can benefit every woman\u2014and human being\u2014in any industry.<\/p>\n\t\n\t Top Chef Host Kristen Kish offers empowering advice for female culinarians on strategies that foster support, leadership, and change in professional kitchens and beyond.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67,"featured_media":71515,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1371],"tags":[1299,60],"class_list":["post-71514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-success-stories","tag-career-advancement","tag-executive-chef"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\u2026And Know When to Walk Away<\/h2>\n
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