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Guest written by Chef Daniela Martinez
Growing up in a family full of cooks, my fascination with the culinary arts started at an early age. I was unknowingly surrounded by people who had this untapped creativity for cooking. As I got older, college was a nonnegotiable for my mother, and it’s really due to her that I am where I am. After a year of self-destructive behavior, that I used as an excuse to heal from an abusive relationship that I left in NYC, she finally said enough is enough. I needed to do something productive and beneficial for my future, “What do you want to do? Maybe not for the rest of your life, but at least for now?” We didn’t have to do much listing, because I couldn’t think of wanting to do anything else but cook. This push sparked my journey into the industry, leading me to attend culinary school. Subsequently, I honed my pastry and savory skills at renowned kitchens here in San Diego, as well as other countries, enriching my knowledge and expertise.
The trait of leadership, in my case, is a blend of nature and nurture. I have always been inclined towards taking initiatives and guiding others, but it was through my experiences in the high-pressure, collaborative environment of kitchens that I truly realized my potential as a leader. Leadership, I believe, comes from an innate desire to serve and empower others, complemented by the ability to inspire, motivate, and drive a team towards a shared vision.
In my opinion, a good leader is someone who leads by example and is not afraid to get their hands dirty. They should be able to build a positive and collaborative work environment and foster open communication. It’s also crucial for a leader to recognize and nurture the individual strengths of team members, and help them grow and flourish.
My journey into mentoring came naturally with the leadership roles I consistently found myself being pushed into. My mother, again the driving force behind my strength as a woman in a male-dominated industry, really was MY first mentor. I’d look to her for advice in situations that I couldn’t navigate on my own, with my own life experiences, and her wisdom would allow me to garner a perspective from someone with more experience in those matters. And, to be honest, it made me create this internal dialogue of mothering those around me. You learn quickly with that thought process, that mentors really are like nonjudgmental parents. There to offer a word of advice, or encouragement, and sometimes to put you in your place, teach you to drop your ego. As I advanced in my career, I found young, passionate individuals keen to learn, and I saw reflections of my younger self in them. The opportunity to guide them, share my experiences, and contribute to their growth was something I couldn’t resist. Being a mentor is a gratifying experience. Beyond planting seeds, being a mentor allowed me to witness the growth, blossoming, and eventual flourishing of those I helped guide. It’s a journey of nurturing potential, cultivating skills, and empowering individuals to reach their full capabilities. Seeing your mentees achieve their dreams, make their mark in the industry, and become confident and skilled professionals is truly rewarding. It’s a testament to the power of mentorship and a reminder of the positive impact one can have by sharing knowledge and experiences. As a mentor, you become not just a teacher, but a guide, a supporter, and a source of inspiration for those you mentor. I take those relationships I build to heart, they are all my babes, and I love them all dearly. You know who you are, keep growing and keep shining, and always remember! “The only dumb question is the one you don’t ask. And when you don’t believe in yourself, call me so I can remind you of how I see your growth and believe in you still!”