The Secret Sauce of Success: Business Insights from “Food Stars”

“Food Stars” is a new show in which food entrepreneurs compete for a chance to win a 250k investment from host and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The contestants represent different backgrounds and food products ranging from sauce companies to catering to 3D printed beverages. What they all share however is the struggle with business leadership and the challenges that small business owners face on a regular basis. You do not need to be on TV to recognize them. Here are a few lessons from the first half of Season 1. 

“Influencers” are not Entrepreneurs

The advent of social media has led to the rise of “influencers” – popular profiles that promote products and influence their followers toward consumption. This can and does often become a lucrative business, but that does not necessarily translate to a successful entrepreneur. These individuals may master one or two aspects of business – often sales and/or marketing – and still be woefully underprepared for the other side of the coin. The show has exposed this in a dramatic and entertaining fashion.  

Communication and Teamwork are Irreplaceable 

Many entrepreneurs go into business for themselves because they personally excel at one particular thing, which becomes the basis for their services. Accountants, doctors, lawyers, painters, cleaners, plumbers etc. all can build practices around their personal expertise. But this does not excuse them from the need to communicate well and work in a team environment, especially as their business grows. Many of the contestants on the show have found initial success alone, but they are quickly learning that their inability to communicate and unwillingness to work with others will put them on the chopping block. 

Successful Entrepreneurs are Leaders

Not all entrepreneurs are leaders, and not all leaders are entrepreneurs. But you would be hard pressed to find a successful entrepreneur that did not embody the qualities of a good leader. A leader must focus on interpersonal dynamics just as much as quality control and sales volume. A leader must have strong technical skills, but also must be self aware enough to know where others may be better. A leader must be able to delegate tasks, even if they can do them, and must support others in these tasks, rather than sour with thoughts of “I can do better”. Most of all a leader must lead by example, otherwise who would follow? 

The contestants have rotated leadership throughout the challenges, and most have been spectacular failures. Some have been derailed by stubborn and unresponsive team members, which ultimately will lead to the elimination of both. As the pack has been trimmed the collaboration has grown, but so too have the rivalries. Will personal grievances ensnare otherwise quality candidates? It may be easier for the audience to recognize the lessons above than it is for the contestant entangled on the front lines. We are about half-way through the season, and the remaining episodes are sure to be as entertaining and insightful as the first half has been. 

Food Stars airs on Fox on Wednesdays at 9 PM.