← The Elixir
Role Models
I’ve recently become a little obsessed with someone.
I’ve never met him.
Sadly, I never got to taste his creations.
But I’ve become fascinated by all the little things about him.
I’ve watched this video of Marco Pierre White well over 20 times.
I love the raw honesty of it. How hard he worked. How he came from very little and mastered a skill to build his success.
I love how respectfully he treats the room. He kisses the interviewer on both cheeks. When someone asks a question, he asks their name.
I love how he owns his story. No notes. Barely an ‘um’ or an ‘ah’ in the whole hour.
He has your attention from the first word.
He doesn’t speak quickly. He’s deliberate, slow and clear.
It’s masterful storytelling.
All these qualities inspire me.
They might not inspire you.
That’s the beauty of it.
Role models are personal.
And I don’t think they have to be rich or famous.
It can be anyone who lights a flame inside you. Someone who makes you think, I’d love to be a little bit like that.
My mum is one of my role models. I love how she treats other people, with such kindness and love.
My dad is one, too. I love how wise he is. He can say a sentence that stays with me for years and guides how I act.
My girlfriend is another. I love how she takes pride in herself and sees the beauty in others. She’ll often go up to someone just to tell them how lovely they look.
I try to meet and get close to people who inspire me. Being around them naturally lifts me.
I’ve also got some role models wrong.
I’ve admired something about someone and tried to be like them, only to realise that part of them isn’t me.
As hard as I tried, it didn’t fit.
If something fits, keep it. If it doesn’t, let it go.
Recently, I’ve been trying Marco’s recipes. I’ve bought his cookbook, too, and I’m excited to read it (when I get the chance)
I’ve also been watching an old documentary called Boiling Point. It’s fantastic! It follows a young Gordon Ramsay as he opens his restaurant, and how Marco trained him/ shaped him.
I kid you not: every time I wipe down the kitchen worktop, I imagine Gordon and Marco standing beside me, making sure I’m keeping up the standard.
Because of this documentary!
When I find someone whose work lights that flame inside me, I like to seek out their early work.
Their first live interview. The first post on their blog.
You realise those early days were scrappy.
But over time, they mastered their craft.
Day by day, refining it and getting a little bit better.
You also realise they’re normal people, like the rest of us.
They just went all in on something they cared about.
For me, that’s what a good role model does.
They lift you.
They raise your standard and make you better.
Who does that for you?
I’d love to know.
Have the best week ahead.
Kia Kaha & love,
Chris
Direct Links below incase missed them above. (non-affiliated)
“Mother Nature is the true artist and our job as cooks is to allow her to shine.”
Marco Pierre White