July 25, 2024
“There's an opportunity right in front of you. You can stay right where you are if that's where you're content, but if you want to progress, you gotta want it. You got to work towards it". - David Walker, Culinary Director, Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
David Walker’s dedication and hands-on leadership style have made him a standout figure at HHS. His story is one of growth and continuous learning, inspiring everyone around him.
David's career began in the early 90s as a dishwasher. He spent many years climbing the ranks, working in various restaurants, and attending culinary school. About eight years ago, David transitioned into healthcare dining by joining HHS. Leveraging his extensive experience and determination, he quickly advanced, becoming the executive chef and eventually the director at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
Here are David’s five tips for career growth:
1 . Embrace Continuous Learning
When asked how he's managed to get promoted and grow in his career, David credits his curiosity and commitment to learning. His approach to growth is understanding the "why" behind every task, which is crucial for improvement and advancement. Building a solid foundation and understanding of the work is crucial in setting yourself up to succeed. From there, you have a solid jumping point for improving yourself and even improving processes along the way. "To grow, you need to ask questions and do research. Understand why you're doing what you're doing, whether it's taking temperatures or cooling soup properly. If you don't know, ask or look it up." Whenever a learning opportunity arises, he works through it with the team so everyone can learn and get better together.
2. Foster a Positive and Engaging Work Environment
David believes that "good food comes from a good vibe." He understands that his team's energy and morale directly impact the quality of the dishes they create. To achieve this, he ensures that his team is happy, motivated, and treated with respect. He emphasizes the importance of the team having a “why” and ensuring they understand how vital and appreciated their hard work is. “To me, success is treating my people with dignity and respect and making them want to come to work,” David emphasizes.
3. Engage with Patients
This positive atmosphere benefits the team and enhances the patient experience. David and his team prioritize connecting with patients, understanding their dietary needs, and providing nutritious and enjoyable meals. His team is dedicated to crafting meals that bring comfort and joy. It is important to note the value of a culinary team's personal and relationship-building. This personal touch helps with patient recovery and elevates the overall dining experience, making everyone feel cared for and valued. David encourages team members to create a positive atmosphere even when patients feel down. “Patients are stuck here, often feeling unwell, with nurses poking them and giving them medicine. We offer them something to look forward to. For instance, if the special tonight is baked chicken, I hype it up, telling them how fantastic our chef team is and encouraging them to enjoy it.”
4. Make Confident Decisions
In culinary, making quick, informed decisions is crucial. Curiosity helps you grow and improve. David encourages his team not to fear making mistakes as long as they learn from them and strive to improve. Trying things and making mistakes is an excellent way to better your practice and gain experience. “The only bad decision you can make is not making a decision at all,” he says. “But let’s not make the same mistake two or three times. There are a lot of fires put out, and you have to be able to think quickly on your feet.”
5. Keep Innovating and Adapting
Looking ahead, David sees a bright future for culinary services in healthcare. He envisions a shift towards more organic and locally sourced ingredients, aligning with the "grow to heal" philosophy. To achieve this, he takes his own advice and asks the right questions: “I want to learn too, so I ask questions like, 'Why is this better for you than that?' or 'What is this doing to promote this particular patient's health?'” He is also particularly excited about the ongoing expansion at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, which includes new kitchens and retail areas that promise to enhance the culinary offerings further. David's ambition and hunger for continuous improvement are truly inspiring.
By following his advice, you can chart a successful career path in the culinary industry, just like David Walker. Continuously learn, lead with respect, make confident decisions, foster positivity, and keep innovating. Like David’s, your journey can be one of growth, inspiration, and excellence.