Thomas Keller: The French Laundry, Per Se, Bouchon, AD HOC

In April of 2010 I went to my mailbox and was greeted by my Wine Spectator magazine with Thomas Keller on the cover. As I sat and read through the article, I was impressed at his patience, persistence and conviction that turned his dream into a success story. I even re-read the story to my mom it was that good.

Many times in life we try things, take risks that may or may not work out. Some get up, keep going while others lay down. Our society seems to be enamored with only the success stories and our definition of success in my opinion is largely skewed. In many cases success is synonymous of money, power, fame, and material possessions. But what about relationships? While someone can be incredibly successful at making money, they fail at leading, teaching, at life and relationships.

It is so refreshing to hear of successful people who have such high integrity and work ethics that they place relationships above their success. They realize they are only as good as the people they surround themselves with. That as an owner they have the responsibility of leading and teaching, not just their bottom line.

I like to think success is when the people you spend the most time with care about you, believe in you, and support you because of who you are. I also would define success as getting back up even if things haven’t worked out the way you had hoped. If we never try we will never know or learn. Life is a big class room and we should all be open to experimenting, learning, and growing even if we fail. Failing is apart of living and learning and in my opinion if your not failing…your not living.

It seems to be human nature to attach our self-worth to what we do or accomplish and when things don’t work out we take it personally. That thought system can be so traumatic that it paralyzes us from ever trying again. Our fear becomes the driving force in future opportunities and how we see ourselves.

Although Thomas “failed” at some of his endeavors to the tune of being almost $1M in debt, he didn’t stay down. He wasn’t paralyzed by his past nor did he allow that to define or determine who he was as a person or his future. While it may have taken him a few years to pay off his debt and raise the capital he needed to start The French Laundry he never stopped believing in himself and possibility. When he was faced with challenges, he saw opportunity. It was that attitude that has made him one of the most respected chef’s and restaurant owners in the world.

What is more impressive is his humbleness, patience, and his ability to lead in a way that allows others to lead themselves. There is a long list of  his “students” who have worked with him and as a result were able to create their own success because of his mentoring. I can only imagine the satisfaction and gratification one must feel watching their students spread their wings, succeed, only to turn around and thank you. The people closest to him admire and respect him not only as their boss, but as a man. Read a few stories here

For all those reasons and his commitment to sustainable farming and good gastronomy, I admire and respect Thomas Keller and I was fortunate enough to meet him in person and tell him he rocks! I hope one day soon I will have the privilege of interviewing him.

How do your employee’s, staff see you? If they were interviewed what would they say about you? How are you running your business? Thomas Keller has a great story, one worth considering and adopting. Great employees are attracted to great leaders!

The French Laundry
Per Se
AD HOC
Bouchon
Bouchon Bakery