Let's call a spatula a spatula. Most of us are over-scheduled, over-informed, over-networked, overwhelmed. Good food -- the chance to buy it, prepare it, serve it -- is about slowing down. (Hence one of the most brilliantly named food ventures of all time: Slow Food.)
Slowing down is sacred. It allows us to breathe deeply, look around, appreciate our lives, those who are seated around us, and the moment.
Food entrepreneurs in new food systems are in the business of creating realities where we can eat and share food with care and consideration. To be effective ushers to that world, we must be the brand.
Why the Why Matters urged you to watch, digest and apply Simon Sinek's TEDx Talk. Knowing your Why is knowing how to steer your ship. It allows you to clearly see if you are on track, off track, or off the map.
As food pioneers and innovators offering alternatives to fast, handheld, transactional food, we ourselves must slow down, take measured and mindful steps, and influence by example those we are looking to serve. Our current and future customers, advocates, allies, and proteges can't experience the value of a more connected, communal, clean and healthy world if we are tearing around like banshees trying to cram as many words and actions into the day as we can.
WE must be the change we want to see in others and the world. WE must eat the change - not only through what we buy, but through the speed at which we prepare it, and how we create and hold space around our meals.
For 2013, I'm instituting a One Thing Rule. This means I bring one thing to a meeting. I make one request. I communicate one issue or update.
The One Thing Rule makes life cleaner and clearer. The person I'm talking to is likely over-scheduled, over-informed, overwhelmed. And when we rise and leave the table, I want her to be invigorated and inspired -- not dizzy from a hurried and stuffed meal.
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