SHOCEO^® Reading for Success: Twelve (12) Minutes.

For this edition in the She’s Her Own CEO^® interview series, we are excited to bring you Food Network Champion, celebrity chef, and restaurateur, Lee Ann Whippen! Lee Ann is the 2019 winner of the Master of ‘Cue championship on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Symon series.

Lee Ann has a long list of TV credits, including multiple seasons of Destination America BBQ Pitmasters and Food Network’s Chopped.  In addition to her new Master of ‘Cue title, she also beat Bobby on Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay.

Kathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO^®:  Hi, Lee Ann, thank you for joining us here on She’s Her Own CEO®! What are the career experiences that have made you into the fabulous and successful CEO you are today?

Lee Ann Whippen, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur:  I have been a competitive Pitmaster for 23 years, and have won State, National, and World BBQ Championships. I founded and was the managing partner of multiple restaurants and have served in Hotel Food and Beverage Management for over 30 years. I am currently Pitmaster and Managing Partner of Deviled Pig Restaurant in Tampa, FL. Prior to founding Deviled Pig, I was the Founder of Wood Chick’s BBQ Restaurant and Catering in Chesapeake, VA, the Chef and Partner at Chicago q, the Executive Chef of Southern Cut BBQ, and the Chef and Partner at Frozen Foodies in Chicago, IL.

Kathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO^®: I HAVE to ask…what was it like becoming Master of ‘Cue and being one of the competitors on the BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Symon series on Food Network?

Lee Ann Whippen, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur:  It was an awesome experience to work alongside Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, and the top Pitmasters in the country. The actual competition was grueling at times, with cooks starting when the sun came up…to way after the sun went down!

Kathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO^®: Any behind-the-scenes stories you’d like to share?

Lee Ann Whippen, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur: I did get stung by a bee while grabbing a bottle of honey during the competition!

Kathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO^®: Please tell us your favorite examples of how you Lead, Provide, and Create in your professional and/or personal world!

Lee Ann Whippen, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur:  Restaurant operations are my forte!  I especially excel in handling the toughest part, which is managing a staff. I pride myself on long-term retention of my employees by ensuring that they have proper training, that they are treated with respect, and by creating a working environment which is like being part of a “family!”

Kathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO^®: How is TV chef’ing different from your daily restaurant leadership and work? How do you manage the “all eyes on you” TV filming environment so effectively while you’re performing your craft to perfection?

Lee Ann Whippen, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur: There is a lot more pressure on my performance with cameras and mics in the picture. There is no room for error…in other words, there are no re-dos! There are immensely short time constraints during these TV competitions. Basically, I block it all out and focus on my cooking and pretend I’m by myself!

Kathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO^®: That is such good advice, especially for readers who tend to be perfectionistic. What has been your key to success within a male-dominated industry? Nothing wrong with working with men, of course, but how do different egos, working styles, etc., come into play?

Lee Ann Whippen, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur: I love what I do which is the key to success. I think of men as being on an even playing field and do not focus on gender. I love arrogant chefs and competitors, no matter who they are! That’s when my humor comes in. When I get the opportunity, I will tease them, just to break the ice!

Kathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO^®: That is a great answer, and it is congruent with our outlook here at She’s Her Own CEO®. As a leader, you know how important it is to be able to manage and work with many different types of people and to know what motivates them.  Speaking of which, you’ve worked with some big names, both on- and off-camera. Any stories you can share from your work with Bobby Flay?

Lee Ann Whippen, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur: Bobby Flay is my idol and to work with him twice on TV (on Throwdown with Bobby Flay and on BBQ Brawl) is just surreal. He is super-competitive and extremely talented.  However, he made me feel comfortable and did not try to intimidate me because I’m not at his level of fame (yet)!  

Kathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO^®: Being the CEO of your world can take many forms.  In your opinion, what is the best way to achieve success and to become the boss of your world?

Lee Ann Whippen, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur: Success, in my opinion, is based on a balance of work, family, and self-awareness. Being a single mom has been the most challenging.  I raised two wonderful daughters while working in a demanding business. I have involved my whole family, including my mom, dad, sister, and children, in my business, including in my competitions and restaurant operations. 

It has taken me years of experience to become a master of weighing business risks versus benefits…with the intent of achieving the best possible results. I continue to learn and grow every day.  As a leader, I also know the importance of effective delegation. For example, I train my dedicated employees with the purpose and belief that they can, in fact, do my job successfully…so that I can focus on new responsibilities and business goals.

I also think that it is critically important to be involved in community and non-profit organizations. I regularly carve out time in my schedule to volunteer for organizations that are near and dear to my heart, such as National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and St. Judes.

Kathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO^®: Anything you’ve got coming up in your professional world you would like to mention to readers?

Lee Ann Whippen, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur: I’m still trying to catch my breath from the win as Master of ‘Cue! My sister, Diane Berglund, and I are getting ready to launch a website for “Pig Powder,” my Dad’s BBQ dry rub.

Kathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO^®: Any additional advice you can share with motivated ladies with high aspirations? 

Lee Ann Whippen, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur: As in the world of Competitive BBQ and Restaurants, which tend to be male-dominated fields, keep steadfast and know that you, as a woman, can have incredible success! Regardless of losses and hurdles that may get in your way, don’t dwell on them.  Instead, learn from those experiences and be energized by what possibilities lie ahead.  Strive to achieve your dreams!! If you love what you do, it will resonate in your successes!!

Kathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO^®: Lee Ann, thank you for sharing your professional story with She’s Her Own CEO®.  I was so impressed with your Master of ‘Cue competition performance. You demonstrated so much effective leadership…as well as graceful, professional confidence throughout the show.

Are you an aspiring restaurateur entrepreneur?

Looking for even more #CEO Insights? Check out my other interviews and subscribe to the She’s Her Own CEO® blog below!

xo Kathryn

Name

Email*