For Hospitality Professionals
Still Running Every Shift Yourself?
There's a Better Way to Lead.
You got promoted because you were good at the work. Then they handed you the people, and nobody showed you that part. The Leadership Chef gives you real tools built for the hospitality world you work in every day.
20+ 300+ $25M+ 5
Years in Hospitality Team Members Led Dining Programs. World Class Brands
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
Disney · Marriott · Chick-fil-A · Sodexo · Aramark · Compass Group
SOUND FAMILIAR?
You Work Harder Than Anyone. So Why Does the Team Still Feel Like Your Problem?
It’s 10pm. Service is done. You’re the last one in the building again.
The schedules got done. The covers got pushed. The food went out. But you spent the whole day managing personalities, putting out fires, and redoing work that should have been done right the first time.
Your team shows up. They clock in, they clock out. But there's no ownership. No energy. No one stepping up when you need them to.
And the worst part? You already know what's missing. You just don't have a system to fix it.
“Managing operations is a skill. Leading people is a different skill entirely. Most of us were only ever taught the first one.”
That’s the gap, and nobody trained you for this part. You can close it starting on your next shift, because your team is waiting on you to lead them.
THE SHIFT THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Managing vs. Leading. The Difference Is Everything.
WHEN YOU'RE MANAGING
You're the one solving every problem
Team does the minimum and nothing more
High turnover, low morale, constant drama
You can't take a day off without chaos
Exhausted, reactive, always behind
People comply. Nobody commits.
WHEN YOU'RE LEADING
Your team solves problems without you
People take ownership and go beyond
Culture is the reason people stay
Operations run whether you're there or not
Energized, proactive, one step ahead
People choose to follow you.
THE LEADERSHIP CHEF FRAMEWORK
Five Areas That Determine Whether You Lead or Just Manage
Your leadership sticks when what you believe and what you do line up. These five areas build both.
01
Clarity
Know who you are, where you're going, and why it matters to the people around you.
02
Control
Discipline, habits, and emotional regulation when the pressure is at its highest.
03
Communication
Connect with your team, work through conflict, and build influence that lasts.
04
Coaching
Develop your people until they don't need you to run every single shift.
05
Culture
Build a kitchen people are proud of, where they grow, perform, and choose to stay.
ABOUT JUSTIN KENNON
I Didn't Learn This
in a Classroom.
I learned it the same way you’re learning it right now, in the middle of a busy service, short staffed, with everything on the line and no one coming to save you.
Over 20 years I built and led teams of 5 to over 300 people across some of the most recognized brands in hospitality. Disney. Marriott. Chick-fil-A. Sodexo. Aramark. Compass Group.
I've hired wrong. Led wrong. Lost good people because I didn't know what I didn't know. And I've rebuilt teams from the ground up after culture completely broke down.
I know what a burned out kitchen feels like from the inside. I know what it costs you in turnover, in performance, and in your own energy at the end of a shift.
And I know exactly what it takes to fix it.
I’m a certified Maxwell Leadership coach, a Maxwell DISC consultant, and a licensed facilitator for some of the most powerful leadership programs in the world, including materials developed by my mentor, Paul Martinelli.
I built The Leadership Chef because hospitality leaders deserve help from somebody who speaks their language and has stood exactly where they stand.
That’s why I’m Here.
Certified & Licensed Through
Maxwell Leadership
CCC, ACF
Maxwell DISC
Blueprint For Success
ServSafe, NRA
Empowered Living
Pick Your Starting Point.
Start Today.
Every program comes from real hospitality experience and gives you tools to use on your very next shift.
FREE · 3 MINUTES
Leadership Checkup
Three minutes, five areas, and an honest look at where your leadership stands. You’ll see what turnover may be costing you and the one move to make on your next shift.
PROGRAMS
FULL DAY WORKSHOP
Blueprint for Success
A full day, eight hour workshop that builds your vision, your plan, and the confidence to execute it. Walk away with absolute clarity on where you’re going and exactly how to get there.
Coming Soon
PRIVATE COACHING
Maxwell DISC Coaching Package
Go deeper than the debrief. Work with Justin across 3 focused coaching sessions to build your Personal Development Plan and start leading from your strengths immediately.
5 DAY ONLINE CHALLENGE
RESET
Clear your mental clutter. Rebuild your habits. Enter this year with a plan that actually works. One action per day for 5 days, and 10 minutes a day is all it takes.
PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT
MAXWELL DISC REPORT + DEBRIEF
Take the Maxwell DISC assessment and sit down with Justin for a 60 minute debrief. Understand how you’re wired, how your team is wired, and how to close the communication gap that’s costing you people and performance.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP
Hospitality Leadership Table
The community built exclusively for hospitality professionals. Monthly leadership lessons, live coaching, accountability, and a group of people who actually understand your world.
Coming Soon
Real People. Real Results.
“Justin is not only an incredible public speaker, but also listens to his audience. He truly wants to make an impact by sharing his expertise, giving everyone the opportunity to speak up and most importantly by respecting others. Take the opportunity and see it yourself, thanks Justin!”
Valentin Johannes LaserWhat Leaders Are Saying
"Thank you for being a presenter at our 2026 Chefs Leadership Summit at St. Thomas University. I also want to express the depth of my appreciation for your presentation. You did an excellent job of translating leadership theory into practical, real-world application for the culinary and hospitality space. The way you provided actionable, people-centered tools to strengthen culture, communication, and leadership effectiveness was impactful and clearly resonated with the audience. I’m also hopeful we’ll see you back as a presenter next year—your voice adds real value to the conversation."
Dr. Raymond BakerFree Weekly Insights
Get Leadership Lessons
Delivered to Your Inbox.
One short lesson a week, written for hospitality leaders, that you can use on your next shift.
The Decision Is Yours
Your Team Is Waiting
for a Leader.
Are You Ready to Be One?
Book a free 30 minute call, and we’ll talk honestly about where you are, where you want to go, and what it’ll take to get there.