Lawrence McFadden explores the challenges and nuances of building trust in the selection and success of a club’s Executive Chef, emphasizing the importance of patience, emotional connection, and cultural fit.
About The Author
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, Global Hospitality Professional
Lawrence T. McFadden, CMC, is a Master Chef and Global Hospitality Professional. He is the former General Manager/COO of the 146-year-old Union Club of Cleveland. His impressive 30-year career spans the globe with roles in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as some iconic operations state-side, including The Greenbrier, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, The Ritz Carlton Company and The Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, on Recipe Testing and Culinary Leadership
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, reflects on the challenges of managing a corporate cookbook project, emphasizing the importance of recipe accuracy, leadership responsibility, and preserving culinary legacy.
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, on Perfectionism, Leadership, and the Journey to Wisdom
The Certified Master Chef discusses how self-awareness and growth transformed his leadership and approach to life.
Creating Flavor Is in the Details
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, explores how great chefs achieve excellence through precision, respect for ingredients, and inspiring their teams with disciplined leadership and attention.
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, On Finding Balance in the Heat of the Kitchen
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, reflects on the challenges and choices chefs face in balancing career ambition with personal life, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing relationships and finding fulfillment in both work and family.
Balancing Passion and Priorities: Leadership Lessons from the Kitchen
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, explores the balancing act chefs face between their passion for cooking and the administrative demands of leadership.
Threads of Tradition: Uniforms of the Culinary World
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, discusses the evolving significance of uniforms, highlighting their role in tradition and professionalism.
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, Shares His Core Components of Food Quality
Each element must work in harmony to maximize emotions and deliver an exceptional dining experience.
Wine and Food: Beyond Pairing to Member Experience
McFadden explores the complex relationship between wine and food revealing that the true value lies in enhancing the overall dining experience for club members, rather than simply focusing on perfect pairings.
Is Flavor Predictable? Insights from Lawrence McFadden, CMC
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, explores the intricate journey of achieving great food, emphasizing the importance of predicting and enhancing natural flavors through meticulous techniques and team collaboration.
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, Asks: Can Private Clubs Realistically Hire a Female Chef?
A former club chef turned search executive discusses the challenges female chefs face in achieving leadership roles in private clubs, emphasizing the industry’s slow progress towards diversity.
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, On Navigating the Realities of Culinary Leadership
McFadden extends the dialogue from Chef to Chef, delving into the disconnect between the idealized expectations of culinary education and the rigorous demands of kitchen life, emphasizing the evolving culinary scene and the critical role of genuine leadership in addressing these challenges.
Culinary Confusion: Navigating Tradition and Innovation in Modern Kitchens
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, explores the balance between classic culinary traditions and the drive for innovation.
Mastering Consistency: A CMC’s Letter to the Heart of Professional Cooking
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, delves into the essence of culinary consistency, presenting a letter that underscores the journey towards perfection and the importance of upholding high standards to foster trust and excellence.
Balancing Time and Talent: The Key to Success for Executive Chefs
Executive club chefs achieve success by skillfully managing their time and talent, while actively engaging in industry networking and continuous learning.