Ben Shewry, chef-owner of Melbourne’s acclaimed Attica, shares the personal journey and leadership philosophy behind one of Australia’s most thoughtful restaurants.
In this heartfelt conversation, Ben opens up about the power of empathy, accountability, and sustainability—not just in sourcing, but in how we treat people. He discusses breaking the cycle of toxic kitchen culture, the importance of mental health, and how small daily actions shape high-performing teams. From lessons in ownership to the wisdom behind his new book Uses for Obsession, this episode is packed with honest reflections and practical advice for anyone looking to lead with intention.
Takeaways
- Empathy is the foundation of high-performance leadership.
- Building a healthy workplace culture is about daily effort, not grand gestures.
- Mistakes should be brought forward, not hidden in fear.
- Mental health and positivity are choices that require conscious practice.
- Small systems like weekly staff speeches can transform team connection.
- Sustainable practices should extend beyond sourcing to include team well-being.
- Chefs and owners have the power to shape community impact and cultural storytelling.
- Self-reflection, ownership of mistakes, and ongoing learning drive better leadership.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
02:14 Why Decency and Fairness Shouldn’t Be Exceptional
04:43 Writing, Creativity, and the Process Behind
Uses for Obsession 07:12 Breaking the Cycle of Harmful Kitchen Culture
11:06 Transitioning from Chef to Owner: Challenges and Lessons Learned
15:20 Leadership Qualities That Truly Matter
19:02 Four-Day Workweek and Holistic Sustainability at Attica
22:18 Weekly Staff Speeches: Building Empathy Across Teams
26:23 Supporting Mental Health: Ben’s Personal Story and Approach
33:44 Learning from Indigenous Culture and Community Engagement
40:06 Why Storytelling and Responsibility Matter in Food
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What is Restaurant Ready?
RESTAURANT READY: THE BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
Restaurant Ready is your backstage pass to the inner workings of the hospitality industry’s brightest stars. This podcast promises authentic discussions with the most influential chefs, restaurateurs, and food media experts. Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Matt Jennings, along with the MAJC team, helm this weekly podcast.
In each episode, industry veterans sit down for candid conversations revealing the honest stories behind their achievements, exploring the strategies, philosophies, and lessons learned along the way that shaped their path to success. Learn from the guests’ unique formula for creating consistent positive results in their business and personal lives.
Restaurant Ready delivers unparalleled value for restaurant owners, chefs, and managers looking to elevate their careers and businesses.
Listen in for a unique, no-holds-barred exploration of what it takes to thrive in the competitive world of hospitality. With each episode, we will discuss the state of the industry, the challenges we face and how to approach them, and ideas from the experts on how to best prepare yourself for success. You'll walk away with new ideas, and inspiration, as well as a greater sense of community and support as you drive your own success story.