The importance of working for passion over praise
Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp spoke to chef and restaurateur David Higgs on Jacaranda FM, discussing his experiences, the importance of criticism versus opinion, and why it’s important to focus on your passion and not work for awards.
On Jacaranda FM's Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, Elana caught up with the talented David Higgs—chef, restaurateur, and TV personality.
You might know him from 'My Kitchen Rules', hosted with musician J Something, or perhaps you've savoured a meal at his top dining spots in Joburg - Marble, Saint, or the Pantry.
Throughout the chat, David opened up about the whirlwind year of 2024.
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Some weeks were a mystery, leaving him scratching his head, while others soared.
His mantra? Just keep doing what you do best. "Be consistent. Just make sure you're staying on top of it," he said, a tip we could benefit from following.
David also shared some great advice about not getting caught up in chasing trophies.
"It's very easy to cook for awards... then you're not cooking with passion," he emphasised.
It's about focusing on what makes you light up rather than just what looks good on paper. It's the genuine experiences that people remember, not the accolades on the wall.
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He also delved into how there's a world of difference between everyone's opinions and genuine feedback.
With a team that big, it's all about authentic interactions with the people they serve.
As Elana chimed in, saying, "Praise is your worst critic," because true learning happens when we look at what didn't go quite right.
Elana was very disappointed that the chef didn't bring her any snacks, but luckily she had some snacks and had David to do a blind taste test of her favourite Workzone snack.
Watch here:
Tune in to the 'Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp', weekdays from 09:00 - 12:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
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- http://jacarandafm.com
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Image: Jacaranda FM