I filled an entire notebook that night.

Hi -, 

I walked away with a notebook full of reminders that hit me right in the gut because they were the kinds of truths we all need to hear again and again.

Sharing a few of them here because they’re too good to keep to myself:

• There is no one definition of power. As Jessica Lundberg shared, we don’t have to conform to anyone else’s version of what leadership looks like. The best kind of power isn’t loud—it’s generous. Empowered people empower people.

• Visibility matters. Coco Storer spoke so honestly about how uncomfortable it can feel to step out from behind the scenes. But every time someone takes that leap, they’re quietly giving someone else permission to believe they belong there too.

• The invisible work counts. So much of what makes restaurants, businesses, families, and communities thrive happens behind the scenes. The planning. The organizing. The emotional labor. The follow-through. It’s often unseen, but it’s what keeps everything moving.

• Open the door when you can. Make the introduction. Recommend someone for the job. Share the opportunity. Mentor the younger cook. Take the meeting. Small acts of generosity have a way of changing someone’s entire trajectory.

• Show up. Then show up again. Not because it’s easy, but because that’s how meaningful things get built. Restaurants. Companies. Careers. Communities. They don’t happen in one big moment—they’re the result of showing up over and over again.

• We’re all part of a relay race. Mary Sue Milliken closed the evening with a reminder that every generation benefits from the people who came before them—and it’s our responsibility to keep passing the baton forward.

On a personal note, that night I was completely surprised when my name was called from the stage to receive the Spirit Award. (To be clear, I was halfway through a dinner roll and fully convinced the “surprise” she mentioned to me earlier was going to be an extra dessert in the gift bag. 😂)

Receiving an award called Spirit also made me stop and think about what that word actually means.

To me, spirit isn’t about being fearless or having endless energy. It’s believing in something before anyone else does. It’s doing the unglamorous work, day after day, because you care deeply about what you’re creating. Maybe that’s why accepting it while hobbling around on a torn ACL felt strangely fitting. Sometimes showing up isn’t pretty—but it’s still showing up. And in the long run, that’s usually what makes all the difference.

So there you have my ramblings and takeaways. 😅 And as per usual I’d love to hear from you.

Who’s a woman in food that’s inspired you lately? Maybe it’s your sous chef, your business partner, a farmer, a server, a founder, or someone who’s quietly making your corner of this industry better. Hit reply and tell me about her—I read every one of these notes, and I love discovering the people who are out there doing incredible work.

And, as always, if there’s anything our crew at Hedley & Bennett can do to help your team—whether it’s outfitting your kitchen, celebrating a milestone, dreaming up something custom, or simply cheering you on—hit reply. We love being a small part of the big things you’re building.

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Thanks for being here and always listening.