Kimberly Flear shares her transformative journey from a 15-year-old server at a truck stop to becoming a recovery coach for hospitality professionals. Through raw honesty and deep insight, she reveals how the industry's unique culture shaped both her struggles and her path to redemption .

Key Discussion Points:

How the hospitality industry's accessibility creates both opportunities and challenges The unique skillset developed in restaurant work, from crisis management to personal branding The importance of psychological safety and support systems in workplace culture Finding harmony between professional demands and personal well-being

Quotable Moments:

"The lines were very blurred between professional and personal. I don't look back at it like that was my work life. That was just my life."

Daily Win:

Kimberly's daily win is swimming in the ocean every day, year-round, demonstrating her commitment to consistent, healthy routines .

Guest Information: Kimberly Flear is the founder of Last Call Coaching, supporting hospitality professionals in recovery and personal development. With over two decades of industry experience across multiple continents, she brings unique insight to the challenges facing restaurant workers

Connect with Kimberly

www.lastcallcoaching.com

https://linktr.ee/kimberlyflear

IG: @lastcallcoaching

IG: @myspiritualrecovery

FB: Kimberly Flear

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www.culinarymechanic.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

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email: simon@culinarymechanic.com

In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Christine Smith, founder of CS Consulting, to explore how self-awareness transforms restaurant operations and team dynamics. From her early days scooping ice cream to becoming a respected industry consultant, Christine shares insights on leadership development, team building, and creating exceptional guest experiences through enhanced internal relationships .

What You'll Learn

How self-awareness in leadership directly impacts guest experiences and team performance The importance of understanding your leadership style and its effect on team dynamics Why meeting people where they are is crucial for successful team building How different generations can work together effectively in the hospitality industry The connection between internal team relationships and guest satisfaction

Key Highlights

Christine's journey from a 14-year-old ice cream server to hospitality consultant The role of self-awareness in creating positive team dynamics How leadership style affects team performance and guest experiences The importance of understanding generational differences in the workplace Why well-managed internal relationships lead to better guest experiences

Notable Quotes

"It doesn't matter what systems you have in place, there's always going to be a root cause."

"Don't let your ego get in the way. These young people got something to bring to the table."

Mini-Biography

Christine Smith is the founder of CS Consulting, bringing decades of hospitality experience to her work. Her journey through various roles in the industry - from ice cream server to fine dining and catering - has shaped her unique philosophy on leadership and team building. She now helps restaurant leaders understand and improve their leadership style to create better team dynamics and guest experiences .

Connect with Christine

LinkedIn - @csmithphilosophy

Check out her website: https://csmithphilosophy.com/

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Discover the power of fundamentals as Simon Zatyrka shares essential strategies for restaurant excellence. From menu costing to building a learning culture, this episode delivers actionable insights for immediate implementation.

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• www.culinarymechanic.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

⁠⁠ • Simon's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-zatyrka/

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