From Burnout to Breakthrough: Addressing Industry Wellbeing with The Burnt Chef Project CEO Kris Hall

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Kris Hall, CEO and founder of The Burnt Chef Project. Having faced his own mental health challenges throughout his career, Kris launched The Burnt Chef Project in 2019 to tackle the stigma around mental health in the industry. What began as a black-and-white photography campaign offering raw glimpses into the lives of hospitality professionals has since grown into a global movement spanning over 180 countries.

Today, The Burnt Chef Project is a globally recognized non-profit that raises awareness, provides training, and offers market-leading support for mental health issues within the hospitality industry. Tune in to learn how Kris advocates for building more compassionate, resilient workplaces, and how we can all play a part in supporting mental health in the culinary world on Episode 126: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Addressing Industry Wellbeing with The Burnt Chef Project CEO Kris Hall.

Tune in and LEARN:

• Developing our Internal Monologues: Learn how tuning into your internal monologue can help you recognize when your mental wellbeing might be slipping. Discover practical ways hospitality professionals can spot early warning signs and take meaningful steps toward better self-care – building self-awareness as a skill.
• Wellbeing as a Business Strategy: Explore why investing in mental health isn’t just a moral imperative – it’s smart business. Hear how high turnover rates impact the bottom line, and how fostering supportive, healthy work environments can reduce costs, improve retention, and drive long-term success across the hospitality industry.
• The Power of Conversations: Uncover the art of active listening and how silence, open questions, and genuine attention can be game-changers in fast-paced workplaces. Kris shares why simple check-ins, when done right, can build stronger teams and make individuals feel seen, supported, and more connected.

Resources

 Like journalism, politicians, advertising agencies – there are stress and high pressure points and mental health issues in every sector. We are not unique in that respect. However, I think what is unique to our industry is that there are things that we can do that take preventative steps to try and mitigate that.

 

The Burnt Chef Project is here to support industry professionals like you. They offer 24/7 global mental health support service, and a free e-learning academy. To view their resources and services, click here.

 You don’t need to be a professor of psychology or a doctor. What we really value, and in hospitality this is specifically true, is connection. In order for us to be able to feel like we’re seen and heard, we need to connect with another human being. 

– Kris Hall

About the Burnt Chef Project

Launched in May 2019 The Burnt Chef Project was set up with the sole intention of eradicating mental health stigma within hospitality. Today, The Burnt Chef Project CIC is a registered global nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to stamping out mental health stigma within the global hospitality industry through education and awareness and providing support to those who may be struggling with their wellbeing. Learn more at https://www.theburntchefproject.com/.

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Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Kris Hall for joining us.

Follow The Burnt Chef Project on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to keep up with his journey.

World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and our podcast sponsors.