Chef Ron Stewart Of CHEFRON On How Leaders Make Difficult Decisions
An interview with Maria Angelova
Analyze Options — When faced with multiple solutions, leaders need to evaluate each option carefully in order to determine which one offers the greatest benefit with minimal risk of failure or negative impacts on other areas. To make this evaluation easier, consider breaking down each option into components such as cost/benefit analysis or pros vs cons lists before deciding upon a course of action.
As a leader, some things are just unavoidable. Being faced with hard choices is one of them. Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. What’s the best way to go about this? Is there a “toolkit” or a skill set to help leaders sort out their feelings and make the best possible decisions? As part of our series about “How Leaders Make Difficult Decisions,” we had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Ron Stewart.
Chef Ron Stewart has been a chef/restaurateur for over 20 years in Beverly Hills, Cabo San Lucas, The U.S. Virgin Islands, New York, and The Netherlands. He has personally worked with celebrities including Josh Brolin, Diane Lane, Barbara Streisand, and Tony Bennett, to name a few. Chef Ron is now focused on enriching the community’s health and wellness through nourishing, delicious, plant-based food at Chefron.com.
Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?
When I was little, I watched Julia Child and the Galloping Gourmet and was mesmerized. This may sound a bit cliché, but my first influence was my grandmother. She was from the South (Arkansas), and every meal was from scratch, super delicious, and made with love. I used to spend summers with her and my grandpa, and we would pick produce from their garden, gather fresh eggs from the hen house and quail pen, and I learned how to butcher rabbits, chickens, and goats when I was about seven years old. I have a picture of myself and Daw (my grandmother) baking a cake when I was two, and I was wearing a chef hat.
Traveling and experiencing different cultures blew my mind from the start. My first experience as a future chef away from my home in Santa Barbara, California was when I moved to Hyde Park, New York to attend the Culinary Institute of America. The differences in restaurant culture and cuisines were dramatic. I knew then that I needed to keep experiencing different cultures to fully understand the craft.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I would not have achieved success at the trajectory that I have without a great friend and Mentor, Chef Jeff Jackson, owner/chef at The Range restaurant in Santa Margarita, CA. When I came home from my European apprenticeship, Jeff and I started up a catering business in Paso Robles, California wine country. Jeff had been in the business for almost 10 years working in world famous 5-star hotels, while I had just finished with 5 years of training, but very little real-world experience. We formed a partnership, but it was really Jeff taking me under his wing and showing me the ropes of the business, and how to operate and execute at a very high level. We were quickly in high demand serving white-linen dinners and events at premier local wineries. Our reputation grew, and soon led to an opportunity to open a restaurant (Ristorante Mare Blu) which we excitedly accepted. Once again, we were a hit from opening night. After 2 years, I bought Jeff out and became the sole proprietor, and after 3 more years, I sold both the restaurant and catering business and moved to the Caribbean. Not bad for a young chef 5 years into the game. I was very lucky to begin my career with someone so talented and experienced, sharing his knowledge and passion as a culinary leader with me.
Thank you for all that. Let’s now turn to the main focus of our discussion. Can you share with our readers a story from your own experience about how you lead your team during uncertain or difficult times?
This is a story I love to tell. I was once requested to cater a wedding for an A-list celebrity. My team and I did not find out who it was for or have an opportunity to preview the location until the day of the wedding. The wedding took place at the groom’s family ranch about an hour away from my restaurant. When we arrived, I was shown where we would set up our kitchen and prepare the extravagant reception……a dirt lot. Not what I expected, but I gathered the team, and we made a plan and quickly set up a remote kitchen. We were soon surrounded by curious familiar faces of Hollywood stars, and my team was freaking out. Long story short, we ended up gathering a crowd of guests who chatted with us as we prepared the food. The team had a day they will always remember, the food was divine, and I needed a large glass of wine.
Did you ever consider giving up? Where did you get the motivation to continue through challenges? What sustains your drive?
The thought of giving up has literally never crossed my mind in tough situations. I am too focused on assessing the problem, making well thought out decisions, developing a plan, and setting the tone for the team. As a leader, one must be cool and confident on the outside, even if you are stressed on the inside. Your team is looking at how you are behaving and will in turn behave in the same manner. My motivation is always to overcome any obstacles and succeed. This is the challenge, and in my line of business if you do not love challenges, you will not last. I will not accept failure and am very vocal with my teams about this. I am very competitive, and my drive is really sustained by the desire to constantly improve and to be the best. A little fear of failure is also a healthy ingredient in the mindset of a successful leader as well.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader?
As a young entrepreneur, I faced many difficult decisions and choices. One of the most challenging choices I had to make as a leader was deciding whether to outsource part of my business operations. On the one hand, outsourcing would have allowed me to reduce costs and focus on other aspects of my business. On the other hand, it meant potentially compromising our company’s quality standards and sacrificing customer relationships.
After much deliberation and soul-searching, I decided that while outsourcing may come with some risks, it could also be a great opportunity for us to grow our business in new ways and reach a wider market base. As soon as I made this decision, we began looking at prospective companies that could offer us the best service at an affordable rate in order to meet our goals and objectives without compromising any aspect of our brand or values.
When all was said and done, not only were we able to increase efficiency within the organization by reducing costs through outsourcing but also open more channels for growth beyond what we previously thought possible before taking this risk as an organization leader. It wasn’t always easy but was well worth it — making tough decisions is key for any successful leader!
What process or toolset can a leader use to make a choice between two difficult paths?
Making choices between two difficult paths is a common dilemma faced by many leaders. It goes without saying that such decisions can have long-term implications for any organization, so it’s important to take a careful and systematic approach when attempting to make the right choice. Fortunately, there are several tools and processes at your disposal that can help you assess which option will yield the best results for your team or company.
One of the most effective approaches is conducting an analysis using cost-benefit ratios. This process involves breaking down both options into measurable elements and assigning weights (both positive and negative) to each based on their contribution towards achieving the desired outcome. Once all of these factors are taken into consideration, a mathematical calculation can be made to determine which path is more likely to lead towards success in terms of costs versus benefits.
In addition, decision-making tools such as SWOT analyses (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) or PESTLE (political/legal environment; economic; social/cultural; technological; legal/environmental) can be employed in order to gain greater insight on whether one option presents more favorable conditions than another. With these techniques, leaders are able assess potential risks associated with each solution while also gaining exposure to external forces that may influence their decision making process one way or another such as political stability, industry trends etc..
Finally, gathering different perspectives from those who will be affected by either outcome can provide invaluable context about what works best as well.
Taking these insights on board when making tough decisions allows leaders to move away from subjective personal preferences towards hard data points which provides them with confidence knowing they’ve explored all viable avenues prior to reaching any conclusion.
Do you have a mentor or someone you can turn to for support and advice? How does this help? When can a mentor be helpful? When is this not helpful?
I am fortunate to have a Mentor that I speak to fairly often. Not only does he help provide clarity, direction, and guidance in difficult times, but he also helps build confidence, encourages self-growth and ultimately leads to greater success.
A mentor can be helpful in almost any situation. From providing career advice to refining decision making skills, their insights into the industry or particular job market are invaluable. Mentors often know more than any book or online article can ever tell us; they possess skillsets that come from years of experience which they’re willing to share with us so that we may benefit as well. They will provide valuable insight into our own strengths and weaknesses — enabling us to capitalize on our positive attributes while at the same time working on areas where improvement is needed. Additionally, having a supportive person who takes genuine interest in your pursuits motivates you towards reaching goals with greater determination and less fear of failure because someone other than ourselves believes in our capabilities too!
On the flip side however, when taken too far or relied upon excessively (especially if this dependency conflicts with their life choices), even mentors need their boundaries respected too — no matter how close they might be as friends or family members. It’s important not to tarnish the relationship by becoming overly dependent upon them as your go-to source for problem solving & decisions making — rather view them more like a sounding board; learn what you can from them but don’t expect instantaneous solutions nor have expectations that everything will work out every single time without fail (this applies whether seeking professional help/advice or relying upon mentors). Ultimately, we are responsible for our own lives & decisions — good & bad alike… Our aim should remain proactive & independent whatever path chosen moving forward!
What would you say is the most critical role of a leader when faced with a difficult decision?
Of course, no two difficult decisions are the same, but there are some facets that leaders should consider to ensure they make the best possible decision for their organization and those affected by it.
First and foremost, it is essential for a leader to assess both sides of the argument objectively. Leaders should take into account all available evidence, input from stakeholders, and other information relevant to the situation to make an informed choice. They must evaluate different points of view before settling on a course of action that will have far-reaching implications. It is also important not only to consider short-term outcomes but long-term effects as well; this way, leaders can ensure their decisions don’t have negative consequences further down the road.
Leaders should also rely on their intuition when making these tough calls — even if it means going against conventional wisdom or popular opinion in certain cases. While doing so might mean taking risks at times, being willing to go out on limbs can reap great rewards in terms of success for companies or teams over time. This can be especially true when considering innovative solutions such as disruptive products or business models that may lead the organization into uncharted territory yet offer high returns in terms of profits or accomplishments.
Finally, effective communication skills are key during such situations because poor communication can lead to confusion among staff members and other stakeholders who depend directly upon leadership’s deliberations concerning certain matters in order functioning properly within a larger framework (i..e., departments working together towards common goals). Communicating expectations accurately while detailing rationale behind particular choices goes much further than just informing listeners what has been decided; providing context helps build trust between management and personnel alike — a relationship that cannot be understated regarding its importance toward achieving successful outcomes overall (both immediately following decision-making sessions as well as long-term efforts).
Do you ever look back at your decisions and wish you had done things differently? How can a leader remain positive and motivated despite past mistakes?
Yes, I have made my share of mistakes, we all do. I use the mistakes as opportunities to learn, and never repeat them.
One key way that leaders can remain positive despite past missteps is by maintaining a growth mindset. This means having an open-minded attitude towards making mistakes; instead of seeing them as failures, viewing them as learning opportunities where something new can be gained or improved upon next time around. Keeping this healthy perspective will help build resilience against future challenges.
Another strategy that successful leaders use is creating short-term achievable goals along with long-term ambitions which allows for consistent small victories along the way towards the ultimate goal — these periodic successes help provide motivation during the more challenging times when working towards larger objectives may seem daunting or impossible at times due to prior missteps. Additionally, mapping out realistic plans with milestones helps create a sense of structure which instills confidence knowing that progress is being made every step of the way despite setbacks along the journey
Another critical factor for staying positive despite previous errors is leveraging existing resources within your team such as colleagues who have had similar experiences — their perspectives may provide much needed insights into how best to handle certain situations; seeking advice from mentors with experience handling similar circumstances might also prove beneficial here too!
Furthermore, focusing on self-improvement often yields promising results — developing skills related to problem solving and strategic thinking enables effective decision making regardless what kind of crisis situation arises due to failed attempts at reaching targets/objectives in advance! Finally, taking ample breaks (physical & mental) allows you to stay refreshed & optimistic even through turbulent times — allowing you to clear the headspace required effectively lead teams away from previously unsuccessful paths onto success ones eventually!
What is the best way to boost morale when the future seems uncertain? What can a leader do to inspire, motivate and engage their team during uncertain times?
Leaders have an important role in boosting morale when the future seems uncertain. The most effective way to inspire, motivate and engage team members during difficult times is to stay focused on the present, practice empathy, and prioritize clear communication.
First and foremost, by staying present in uncertain times leaders can help their teams stay grounded and focused on the task at hand instead of worrying too much about what might happen next. Leaders should demonstrate a calm yet confident attitude that communicates trust in themselves and their team to handle whatever challenges come up ahead. Regular check-ins with individuals as well as group meetings are also recommended so that everyone can be supported through difficult moments together.
Second, empathy becomes especially important when navigating through trying times together as a team because it provides an opportunity for everyone to lean into each other’s perspectives while understanding that people may not react or cope in similar ways during periods of uncertainty. Empathy with each other will further create psychological safety which enables open dialogue between leader and followers — fostering trust across all levels of the organization — thus supporting individuals who need additional help or support getting back on track quickly without fear of judgement or retaliation from peers or superiors.
Finally, communication should take priority for leaders when trying to boost morale amidst uncertainty because it can feel overwhelming without regular updates about what’s going on with the organization internally but also externally due to market changes impacting operations or revenue streams within companies today. Further still active listening is necessary for successful conversations building rapport with team members which allows them to be heard along with expressing positive reinforcement like reaffirming how valuable they are even if they don’t have all answers right now — creating space encourages creativity while allowing teams to think strategically versus reacting emotionally.
Can you share 3 or 4 of the most common mistakes you have seen other businesses or leaders make when faced with a hard decision? What should one keep in mind to avoid that?
Making hard decisions can easily become a difficult problem for many businesses or leaders, as the weight of responsibility and fear of failure can often cloud judgement. However, it’s important to understand that the ability to make wise decisions is a key factor in business success. Some common mistakes I have seen people make when faced with a tough call include:
1) Not having enough information before making a decision- It’s critical for successful decision making that businesses and leaders take the time to research all available facts and options surrounding any given decision. Failing to do so limits your ability to accurately assess various courses of action and could lead to less-than-ideal outcomes.
2) Gambling too much on an uncertain outcome– Many times, entrepreneurs will think they have uncovered an untapped potential or “gambled” their money and time into something unknown. Although this can work out at times and create huge profits, there is still great risk involved in taking this approach– if not analyzed carefully ahead of time it can easily end up becoming an expensive mistake.
3) Relying too much on others opinions — Getting input from employees or advisers is certainly advantageous during decision making, however relying too heavily on others opinions may lead one down an incorrect path as well. One should use their best judgement while incorporating feedback obtained from others in order to make sure the final choice matches closely with what was desired all along..
4) Not being flexible enough — As conditions evolve rapidly over time within most industries, one should always remain adaptable enough so that modifications or even complete course changes might occur if necessary, during any situation or project; failing to keep up with changes could weaken results significantly without proper preparation.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure better quality decisions are made moving forward by adequately preparing oneself before diving into anything overly risky; thoroughly researching all possible paths ahead as well as staying open minded & flexible throughout each step gives one the best chance at achieving optimum performance no matter what kind of obstacle comes their way!
Here is the primary question of our discussion. Based on your experience and success, what are the five most important things a leader should do when making difficult decisions? Please share a story or an example for each.
1 . Define the Problem — Before acting, it’s essential to understand what problem needs to be solved and be clear about what success looks like. This means looking at all relevant facts and details to identify any potential stumbling blocks or hidden issues that could impact a solution. In the case of the wedding that I previously mentioned, this was as simple as explaining to the team that we were going to convert the dirt lot into an organized, functioning kitchen using all available equipment. We also needed to consider the flow of operations, and what everyone’s role for maximum efficiency, and all sanitation protocols to ensure food safety. With a plan in place and effective communication, the rest was nothing more than execution.
2 . Gather Input — Once the problem has been identified, it’s important for leaders to seek input from stakeholders who can provide insight into potential solutions. This ensures that all perspectives are considered when making decisions and helps reduce bias by providing an unbiased opinion from outside sources. I am a big fan of gathering input, especially from the team members who are executing the task at hand. I may have a plan in mind, but often times someone will have a fresh insight or flat-out better idea to solve the problem. If we keep our ears open, we can learn something from every single person around us every day, and in turn your team will feel important and fulfilled.
3 . Analyze Options — When faced with multiple solutions, leaders need to evaluate each option carefully in order to determine which one offers the greatest benefit with minimal risk of failure or negative impacts on other areas. To make this evaluation easier, consider breaking down each option into components such as cost/benefit analysis or pros vs cons lists before deciding upon a course of action.
4 . Make A Decision & Take Action — After considering all possibilities and gathering feedback from key stakeholders, leaders must move forward with confidence while staying alert for any new information that may arise during implementation. Furthermore, they must also have the courage and conviction stand by their initial decision even if their plan fails initially; revisions may be necessary but abandoning ship too soon could lead worse outcomes than if they had just stuck with their original choice despite difficulties along the way. In a professional kitchen, one must be confident with decisions and flexible at the same time. The most effective cooks and chefs are those that can roll with the punches and adjust along the way, while never compromising consistency in the product being served. This is where there is no substitute for excellent training and experience.
5 . Monitor Progress & Adjust As Needed — Monitoring progress allows for changes and improvements throughout execution so unsuccessful elements can be addressed quickly before further damage is done. Being able stay ahead of corrections shows initiative instead of waiting until after things turn sour before attempting recovery efforts which can often result in lost time/resources due to wasting energy on something that was already broken beyond repair. This is where a leaders personal involvement and on-the-spot coaching is imperative.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking, you’ve got to have a ‘what-the-hell attitude.’” — Julia Child
I had the pleasure of meeting Julia Child three times, and each time I instantly thought of this famous quote. She speaks volumes on taking risks in life and not shying away from challenges due to fear — an invaluable lesson for anyone! Most of my greatest career advancement strides were when I took chances, disregarded fear, and put myself out there.
One example would be when I moved to Den Hague, Holland to complete an apprenticeship at a super high-end Italian restaurant on the North Sea (La Galleria). To say that I was flat-out scared is an understatement. I had never been to Europe, the birthplace of haute cuisine, and really didn’t know what to expect. It would have been much easier to find an apprenticeship closer to home, but I just said, “what the hell” and dove right in. This one decision turned out to change my career dramatically as I have been consistently presented with higher quality opportunities than my peers with no European experience.
How can our readers further follow your work?
You can see what I am up to and read blogs and recipes at Chefron.com. You can also follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Internet sales of my vegan “bone” broth will begin this Spring, and we will be launching some interesting new whole food, plant-based products in 2023 as well.
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.
Thank you for the amazing opportunity!
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
