What can we learn about leadership from an ex-convict? Plenty. The Orange County United Way, Women’s Philanthropy Fund invited Jeff Henderson to speak at their annual breakfast event before a crowd of 650 people. Many of us there that morning wondered how this man’s message would fit with the theme of helping women and girls.
\n\nJeff ‘s story is familiar: Raised in South Central Los Angeles, he became a successful drug dealer. He made lots of money at a young age. He got caught. What happens next is not the typical ending to this story.\n\nHe changed his life. While serving time for his crimes, he found his passion in the prison kitchens and taught himself to cook. When he was released 10 years later, he successfully pursued his dream of becoming a professional chef. With dedication, hard-work and extreme discipline he realized his dream and ultimately became the executive chef for the Café Bellagio in Las Vegas. He is now a sought-after speaker on human potential and a mentor to at-risk youth.\n\nHis message stresses the importance of:\n
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- Searching for the purpose in your life and pursuing that dream with everything you have
- Building relationships with people to create the opportunity for doors to open
- Having passion, drive, focus and urgency in the pursuit of personal and professional goals
- Growing and of changing the negative habits that get in the way of fulfilling the dream
- Making good choices and understanding the consequences of these choices
- Accepting constructive criticism and being resilient in the face of setbacks
- Listening, being detail oriented and having integrity
- Giving back and helping others
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\nAfter hearing his talk, it was easy to see why he was invited to speak. This is a sound recipe for anyone that aspires to lead. Mixed with a dash of respect, a sprinkle of empathy and a cup of caring people will line up to follow.\n\nJeff practices what he preaches on The Chef Jeff Project, a reality show on the Food Network where he takes six at-risk young adults and commits to turning their lives around by putting them to work in his catering company, Posh Urban Cuisine. He arms them with the knowledge, the skills and, ultimately, the opportunity for a new life with a culinary career. http://www.foodnetwork.com/the-chef-jeff-project/index.html
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