S2E67 - Jaeger’s Recipe: Women, Power, and Les Dames d’Escoffier

About the Episode

In this conversation, Stephanie Jaeger, the president of Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI), shares her journey into the hospitality industry, her experiences running a restaurant for 25 years, and the lessons learned along the way. She discusses the importance of mentorship and communication in both personal and professional relationships, especially in the challenging restaurant environment. Stephanie also highlights her transition to a role in learning and development and provides insights into the mission of LDEI, which supports women in the culinary and hospitality fields through mentorship and scholarships. In this conversation, Stephanie Jaeger discusses the importance of mentorship for women in the culinary industry, the journey of joining the LDEI, and the challenges faced by women in hospitality.

She emphasizes the need for training and development, effective leadership qualities, and the role of technology in enhancing restaurant operations.

The discussion also highlights the future aspirations for women in the culinary field and the importance of community support.

Takeaways

• Starting young in hospitality can lead to a lifelong passion.
• Success in the restaurant industry often comes from teamwork and asking for help.
• Maintaining clear boundaries between work and home life is crucial for relationships.
• Communication is key in both personal and professional partnerships.
• The restaurant industry can be romanticized, but it is challenging and demanding.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in supporting women in the culinary field.
• Transitioning roles can provide new opportunities for growth and impact.
• LDEI focuses on empowering women through scholarships and mentorship.
• Networking with other women in the industry can provide valuable support.
• Each LDEI chapter offers unique opportunities for connection and growth. Mentorship is crucial for women in the culinary industry.
• Women should feel comfortable in kitchens and seek support.
• Joining LDEI provides networking and growth opportunities.
• Training and development are essential for staff confidence.
• Effective leadership requires communication and presence.
• Technology can enhance training and operational efficiency.
• Women need to know they belong in the industry.
• Community support helps women thrive in hospitality.
• Transitioning from multi-tasking to delegation is key.
• The restaurant industry is a complex business environment.

Timestamps

00:00 Early Career Start: Lifelong Passion 05:14 Embracing Teamwork Over Individualism 08:31 "Balancing Marriage and Work Boundaries" 12:09 LDI Mentorship and Networking Impact 14:14 "Embracing Hospitality and Expansion" 18:25 Mentorship in LDEI: Inspiring Opportunities 21:16 "Chapter Autonomy and Impact Initiatives" 22:57 Restaurant Ownership Challenges 28:05 Rethinking Restaurant Staff Training 31:03 "Always On in Hospitality" 35:13 Return of Human Touch in Dining 37:57 "Podcast Promotion: LDEI Participation"