In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer breaks down the trap that keeps so many leaders stuck: trying to do everything themselves. Drawing from personal experiences and a real moment when an entire project stalled because he became the bottleneck, Christian explores why control is comforting but crippling, why delegation is not giving up but leveling up, and why systems create the freedom entrepreneurs desperately need. He shares three essential truths every leader must learn to scale, letting go, building support, and allowing others to carry the work with you. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from allowing more.
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AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer welcomes Christopher McFadden, founder of The McFadden Group, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and the evolution of hospitality. Christopher shares his journey from sommelier to leadership coach, opening up about hitting burnout, overcoming depression, and rediscovering purpose through emotional intelligence and personal growth. Together, they explore what it means to lead from the inside out, why self-care is the foundation of great leadership, and how transparency and empathy are reshaping the hospitality industry. Honest, heartfelt, and full of wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with authenticity, resilience, and heart.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer dives deep into one of the most overlooked skills in leadership, finding and using your true voice. Sharing lessons from his time in the kitchen and his journey as an entrepreneur, Christian explores how clarity, conviction, and authenticity separate real communication from empty noise. He breaks down three powerful practices to help leaders speak with alignment, connect with purpose, and earn trust through honesty instead of performance. Whether you’re leading a team, building a brand, or simply trying to be heard in a loud world, this episode is a reminder that your voice isn’t found in perfection, it’s forged in truth.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this inspiring episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, Christian J. Fischer sits down with Scott Porter, the fearless founder of San Diablo Churros, a brand redefining what it means to build community, connection, and unforgettable customer experiences through food. From his beginnings in healthcare administration to launching a churro empire without a brick-and-mortar location, Scott shares how curiosity, purpose-driven systems, and a human-centered approach can transform any business.
Discover how a passion for people and fearless creativity fueled Scott’s journey, why “experience” matters more than transactions, and how entrepreneurs can scale with authenticity and heart. No storefront required. Whether you’re a chef, creator, or business leader, this episode will ignite your hunger for innovation, resilience, and the sweet taste of possibility.
🔥 Listen now and learn how to serve humans, not just customers, one churro at a time.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer dives into “the quiet work”, the unseen, uncelebrated effort that separates those who chase momentum from those who build legacy. Christian reflects on the power of patience, structure, and alignment, reminding entrepreneurs that momentum without direction is chaos in disguise. Through personal insights and lessons from his clients, he explores why systems don’t kill creativity, they protect it, and how slowing down to strengthen your foundation can actually accelerate growth. This episode is a timely reminder that real success isn’t built for applause, it’s built for alignment, and the silence between breakthroughs is where mastery takes root.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer welcomes Chef Dan Capello, leadership coach, author, and former executive chef, for a powerful conversation about burnout, identity, and rediscovering purpose. Dan opens up about his journey from chasing titles and perfection to finding alignment through self-awareness, vulnerability, and empathy. Together, they unpack the truth behind the “grind harder” lie so many chefs and leaders are sold, and explore how redefining success can transform not just your career but your life. This is an inspiring and deeply human conversation about leading without losing yourself, and why real strength begins with authenticity.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer shares a raw and timely reflection on how easy it is to confuse busyness with purpose and end up chasing the wrong fires. Drawing from his own experiences as an entrepreneur and creator, Christian unpacks the difference between growth that fulfills you and motion that burns you out. He offers three powerful questions to help you realign your focus, rediscover your purpose, and rebuild from a place of grounding instead of grind. If you’ve ever felt like you’re achieving more but feeling less, this episode is your reminder to pause, reflect, and make sure the fire you’re chasing still belongs to you.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Mark Laux, founder of HotOperator and the creative mind behind one of the most successful food service marketing stories in history. Known as the “five billion man” for his work on the Stuffed Jalapeño Popper program, Mark shares his incredible journey from design student to shaping the way restaurants think about menus, pricing, and profitability. Together, they dive into the psychology of menu engineering, the silent killers inside restaurants, and why storytelling (not discounts) sells food. With insights rooted in decades of data, creativity, and industry disruption, this conversation is a masterclass in how to turn passion and strategy into lasting success in hospitality.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer unpacks what he calls “reset season”, the space between burnout and breakthrough, and shows how to reinvent your business or career without burning everything down. Drawing from his own experiences and lessons from working with leaders and teams, Christian breaks down a simple framework for rebuilding with clarity, structure, and intention. He explores why comfort is expensive, how to recognize when your mindset, not your model, needs to evolve, and why the path forward begins with honesty, not hustle. This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to start from scratch to start fresh; sometimes the smartest move is hitting reset, not restart.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Gary Montalvo, leadership coach, speaker, and former art director, for a powerful and honest conversation about self-leadership, emotional awareness, and the courage to be transparent. Gary shares his journey from the creative world of Sony Music to building a coaching practice that empowers leaders to face discomfort, embrace vulnerability, and lead from within. Together, they explore the importance of managing emotions, building self-awareness, and turning personal growth into a lifelong discipline. Filled with humor, storytelling, and raw truth, this episode reminds us that leadership starts in the mirror, and the most transformative leaders are those willing to do the inner work first.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer explores how setbacks, failures, and breakdowns can actually become the tuition for future success. Drawing from his own journey as well as lessons from clients and peers, Christian shows how to turn painful experiences into clarity by reframing them as data instead of personal defeat. He introduces practical tools like the 48-hour pause and setting non-negotiables to help entrepreneurs slow down, extract insights, and free up energy to move forward with intention. This episode is a powerful reminder that every breakdown carries the seeds of a breakthrough if you’re willing to pause, reflect, and apply the lessons.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer welcomes Kyle Inserra, restaurant veteran turned commercial real estate expert, for a candid conversation on disruption, social media, and trusting your gut. Kyle shares his journey from running restaurants to carving out a new career in real estate, where he challenged outdated industry norms by embracing transparency and digital storytelling. They explore lessons on partnership struggles, the importance of self-awareness, and why authenticity always wins over sales tactics. With insights that apply far beyond real estate, this conversation is packed with honesty, humor, and practical wisdom for anyone looking to reinvent themselves and lead with courage in a changing world.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer challenges entrepreneurs to face one of the hardest truths in business: sometimes the most powerful move you can make is letting go of your first venture. Drawing from his own experience of closing a restaurant and the lessons he now shares with clients, Christian unpacks the emotional traps of pride, sunk costs, and survivorship bias that keep founders stuck. He explains why ending what no longer serves you isn’t failure but freedom, creating space for growth, clarity, and new opportunities. This episode is a candid reminder that pruning the old is often the only way to make room for the next version of your success.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with chef, pitmaster, and restaurateur Matt Vascellaro, the owner of JJ Cooper’s and founder of Matty Smokes BBQ. From bussing tables at 14 to running restaurants and catering businesses, Matt shares his journey through the highs and chaos of hospitality, highlighting how discipline, consistency, and servant leadership shaped his path. He opens up about building systems in the kitchen, balancing creativity with profitability, and leading by example to empower his team. Listeners will gain insights into what it really takes to thrive in food service, the sacrifices behind the scenes, and how Matt continues to grow both his business and his family life while staying true to his passion for hospitality.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer explores the power of hitting reset without starting from scratch. Drawing from personal experiences and client stories, Christian challenges the myth that resetting means failure and shows how it can instead be a strategic choice for growth. He shares a simple four-step framework (audit, reframe, repurpose, and rebuild) that helps entrepreneurs keep the wisdom, assets, and credibility they’ve already built while moving into a new season with clarity and intention. This episode is a reminder that you don’t need to burn everything down to start again; you just need the courage to reset smarter and build forward with purpose.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Alvin Narsey, entrepreneur, business strategist, and coach, to explore how defining your “why” can transform both business and life. Alvin shares his journey from pharmacist to retail business owner to international coach, revealing how values like freedom and adventure guided him to reengineer his career and lifestyle. He opens up about the skepticism he faced when hiring his first business coach, the role meditation plays in staying grounded, and why breaking through noise and distraction is critical for clarity. Packed with wisdom on resilience, alignment, and practical tools for entrepreneurs, this conversation is an inspiring reminder that success starts by looking inward.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer explores the powerful idea of the “second act” and what it means to reinvent yourself after burnout, success, or major life transitions. Drawing from personal experiences, client stories, and examples like Steve Jobs and J.K. Rowling, Christian reveals why the moments that feel like endings are often just the close of one act and the beginning of another. He shares a five-step roadmap, pause, audit, vision, experiment, and commit, that helps entrepreneurs and leaders design their next chapter with purpose and alignment. This episode is both an invitation and a challenge to ask yourself: if you gave yourself permission to start today, what would Act Two of your life look like?
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer welcomes James Walker, CEO of Lunchbox and a seasoned leader in the restaurant industry, for an inspiring conversation about food, leadership, and innovation. James shares his journey from pastry chef on Martha’s Vineyard to leading a cutting-edge restaurant technology company, reflecting on the lessons learned from culinary icons like Anthony Bourdain and Jacques Pépin along the way. Together, they explore the balance between employee and customer happiness, the importance of innovation with purpose, and how respect and authenticity form the foundation of lasting leadership. Packed with stories, insights, and a touch of food fun, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about disrupting the foodservice world while staying true to their values.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer unpacks one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face—making tough decisions without a team to lean on—and introduces the powerful concept of building your own “inner boardroom.” Drawing from personal experience and lessons from mentors, Christian shows how to create a mental table of advisors—the visionary, the operator, the skeptic, and the customer—that can guide choices with speed and clarity. He shares practical rules like the 70% principle, one-way versus two-way doors, and the impact-effort framework to help leaders stop overthinking and start moving forward. This episode is a roadmap for any founder, solopreneur, or decision-maker who wants to build confidence, cut through doubt, and lead with sharper intuition.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!
In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Chef Bridget Mangwandi, MasterChef South Africa contestant, entrepreneur, and rising culinary voice. Bridget shares her inspiring journey from cooking childhood meals at home to building her catering brand, studying food science, and competing on one of the world’s biggest cooking stages. She opens up about resilience, overcoming rejection, staying authentic under pressure, and finding creativity in the waiting periods of life. From South Africa’s vibrant food culture to her vision for a cooking show that blends flavor with real conversations, Bridget’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and disrupting industry norms. Tune in to discover how she’s redefining success in the kitchen and beyond.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischerFacebook: http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischerWebsite: https://www.christianjfischer.com/
AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: https://disruptivechef.club/Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!