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The culinary industry is steeped in tradition—one where change is slow and barriers for women remain high. But to build a more inclusive and innovative future, action must be taken now.
That’s exactly what Cheryl Cordier is doing.
As the founder of International Culinary Studio, Cheryl is accelerating action in culinary education, breaking through outdated systems, and proving that quality training doesn’t have to be confined to a physical kitchen. By embracing digital innovation, she’s opening doors for aspiring chefs worldwide—especially those who would otherwise be excluded from traditional pathways.
“Culinary education shouldn’t be limited by four walls,” Cheryl says.
Her work is reshaping not only how chefs are trained but who gets the opportunity to step into leadership roles in the industry.
Breaking the Chef’s Code: Challenging Tradition
In an industry built on rigid hierarchies, the idea of teaching professional cooking online was unthinkable.
“The pushback was intense,” Cheryl recalls.
Many argued that apprenticeships were the only way, but Cheryl saw the flaws in that system.
“Some argued that you can’t learn to cook online, that apprenticeships are the only way. But here’s the thing—traditional apprenticeships often just pass down bad habits.”
Determined to accelerate change, Cheryl set out to prove that professional culinary training could be both accessible and high-quality. Today, International Culinary Studio holds more accreditations than any other online culinary school globally—a direct challenge to outdated industry norms.
“We didn’t just want to be different; we wanted to be better.”
From Solo Hustle to Leadership: The Power of Mentorship
Women founders often face unique challenges—balancing business growth with personal responsibilities, breaking through male-dominated spaces, and securing the right support.
For years, Cheryl led the business solo, feeling stuck on what she calls “the founder’s hamster wheel”—working harder but not necessarily moving forward.
“I knew we had something special, but I also knew I needed help to take it to the next level,” she shares.
That’s when she joined Founder Catalyst, a programme designed to support entrepreneurs.
“The mentorship experience was transformative,” Cheryl says. “I came in thinking I needed funding, but what I really needed was perspective.”
She learned that the right partner isn’t just about money—it’s about shared vision and complementary skills.
“Running a scaled business requires different skills than starting one. It’s okay to admit you need help—in fact, it’s crucial for growth.”
Pioneering the Future of Culinary Education
Beyond breaking industry norms, International Culinary Studio is evolving to meet the future of the industry. The business is exploring ways to expand content and integrate emerging technologies like augmented reality to enhance the learning experience.
“The fundamentals of cooking may remain unchanged, but the industry is evolving rapidly. From automated machinery to augmented reality, technology is transforming how modern kitchens operate.”
For Cheryl, staying ahead of these changes isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Her work is proving that excellence in culinary arts doesn’t require decades of unpaid apprenticeships—it requires quality training and a willingness to adapt.
Balancing It All: The Reality of Women in Leadership
Running a global education platform while maintaining a family life isn’t easy.
“I’m essentially ‘on’ for 13 hours a day,” Cheryl shares. “Between running the business and school pickups, some days feel impossible.”
Her solution? Non-negotiable self-care.
“Every Thursday is yoga day—nothing interrupts that. And yes, I live on a beautiful golf course that I never have time to play,” she adds with a knowing smile.
For many women in leadership, the challenge isn’t just growing a business—it’s doing it while juggling everything else.
Shaping the Next Generation of Chefs
As she continues to push the boundaries of culinary education, Cheryl is driven by the impact she sees.
“Meeting students in South Africa wearing uniforms from my college—students who weren’t even born when I started this journey—that’s what reminds me why I do this.”
International Culinary Studio isn’t just changing how people learn to cook. It’s accelerating action by opening doors for aspiring chefs who might never have had the opportunity.
As Cheryl looks ahead, she’s focused on scaling the business, finding the right partners, and continuing to challenge the norms of culinary education.
This International Women’s Day, Cheryl’s story is a reminder that women aren’t just shaping industries—they’re accelerating action to transform them.
