All Episodes

April 14, 2025 56 mins

HERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL!!       

Somewhere in the time construct Adam Lamb and Simon Zatyrka got together for a series of conversations. In this episode Simon joins Adam on Chef Life Radio. What ensues is a stark contrast from the conversation on CULINARY MECHANIC (previous episode). I hope you enjoy it at least half as much as we did recording it.

 

 "Just keep going, man. You learn more from failure than you do from success." Chef Simon    Zatyrka

In the ever-evolving landscape of culinary leadership, adaptability isn't just a skill—it's a necessity.

As chefs and restaurateurs navigate the choppy waters of rising costs, shifting consumer behaviors, and unprecedented challenges, one question looms large: How do we not just survive, but thrive?

In the ever-evolving landscape of culinary leadership, adaptability isn't just a skill—it's a necessity.

As chefs and restaurateurs navigate the choppy waters of rising costs, shifting consumer behaviors, and unprecedented challenges, one question looms large: How do we not just survive, but thrive?

In this episode of Chef Life Radio, I sit down with Chef Simon Zatyrka, the CULINARY MECHANIC himself, to explore the current state of the industry and uncover strategies for success in these turbulent times.

The Changing Face of Restaurants

We dive into the transformations reshaping the culinary world:

  • The rise of counter-service models in response to labor costs
  • How technology is altering customer interactions
  • The impact of natural disasters on local food scenes

"It's not the same as it was three years ago," Simon notes, highlighting the industry-wide sentiment of change.

timestamps

Innovative Solutions in Action

Discover how forward-thinking operators are adapting:

  • The emergence of worker-owned co-ops
  • Expanding through ghost kitchens and commissary models
  • Reimagining traditional service structures

The Human Element: Still at the Core

Despite technological advances, we explore why people remain the heart of hospitality:

  • Building cultures of mutual respect and understanding
  • The power of intentional leadership in retaining staff
  • Why treating employees "like people" is more crucial than ever

Lessons for Aspiring Culinary Leaders

Simon shares invaluable insights for those looking to make their mark:

  • The importance of continuous learning and adaptation
  • How to approach change with intention and purpose
  • Strategies for maintaining creativity amidst challenges

Whether you're a seasoned chef or an aspiring culinary entrepreneur, this conversation offers a candid look at the realities of today's restaurant industry—and the mindset needed to excel within it.

Ready to rethink your approach to culinary leadership? Tune in for a dose of practical wisdom and inspiring resilience.

Stay Tall & Frosty and Lead from the Heart,

Adam

Links In The Show

CULINARY MECHANIC podcast: https://culinarymechanic.com/

Simon on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-zatyrka/

 

Join the Crew and Support the Show: https://ko-fi.com/


Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.