The Art of Reinvention: Chef Emily Brubaker on Leading with Heart

mgraziano45
21 minutes ago
2 min read

From the Kitchen to the Camera

Chef Emily Brubaker never planned to become a celebrity chef. She originally pursued art and computer animation, but found her creative outlet in the kitchen where color, texture, and flavor became her tools. After years in fine dining and a few years devoted to motherhood, she returned to the culinary world and took home the top prize on "Yes, Chef!".

What mattered most to her was not the win itself, but the transformation that came with it. Through the process, she discovered how much she had underestimated her own abilities and learned to practice belief in herself, even before she fully felt it.

Leadership with Kindness and Conviction

In a profession known for intensity, Emily leads with a combination of strength and warmth. Her leadership philosophy blends accountability with empathy, setting high standards while creating an environment where mistakes are treated as learning opportunities.

She also speaks candidly about the different expectations placed on women in leadership roles. Over time, she has learned that being assertive and being kind are not opposites but essential partners in effective leadership.

On Stepping Away and Coming Back

When her children were born, Emily took three years away from the kitchen, a decision many professionals fear will set them back. Instead, the time away gave her clarity and purpose.

She realized that leaving her career for a season did not erase her experience or skill. It expanded her perspective and deepened her sense of purpose. When the right opportunity appeared, she stepped back into her work more grounded and sure of who she was as both a chef and a mother.

Redefining Success and Mentorship

Today, Emily finds the greatest joy in watching younger chefs grow. She approaches mentorship as a blend of guidance, trust, and encouragement. Whether helping line cooks find their footing or sharing lessons with peers, she takes pride in nurturing growth in others.

Her humility keeps her grounded. She sees herself as both a teacher and a lifelong student of her craft, someone who continues to learn from every kitchen, every team, and every meal she creates.

Courage, Cookies, and Conviction

For Emily, food has always been about connection. She continues a tradition from her restaurant days: baking cookies for her team as a simple act of comfort and care. The ritual reminds her staff to pause, reset, and remember why they do what they do.

She also acknowledges that conviction and collaboration can coexist. Over the years, she has learned to choose her battles wisely, to hold fast to what truly matters, and to stay open to the perspectives of others. This balance between strength and openness is the foundation of her leadership.