The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur

Christian J. Fischer
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join 'The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur Podcast,' the essential resource for hospitality professionals seeking inspiration and growth. Host Christian J. Fischer welcomes trailblazing culinary entrepreneurs weekly to share their journeys of transforming passion into a profitable venture. This podcast is a treasure trove of insights for those eager to innovate in the hospitality sector, offering practical advice, industry secrets, and personal success stories. Follow us @christianjfischer for a blend of motivation and hands-on strategies. Elevate your culinary career and craft a life you love.

  1. Resilience, Reputation & Hospitality: Christina Cates on Leading with Integrity in a Broken System

    2D AGO

    Resilience, Reputation & Hospitality: Christina Cates on Leading with Integrity in a Broken System

    What does it really take to lead with integrity in the hospitality industry, especially when the pressure is high and the system isn’t always fair? In this powerful episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with hospitality operator, founder of Culinary Confidential, and industry storyteller Christina Cates for an honest conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of human connection. From working at iconic New York restaurants like Tavern on the Green to becoming a 30-year-old general manager in Tribeca, Christina shares the unfiltered realities of rising through a demanding industry. She opens up about the defining moment when she refused to compromise her values, walked away from a high-profile role, and proved that integrity matters more than optics. CONNECT WITH CHRISTIAN LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischer⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischer⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/⁠⁠ AND MOST IMPORTANTLY Subscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: ⁠⁠https://disruptivechef.club/⁠⁠ Discover more episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/podcast/ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechef⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/⁠⁠ Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!

    45 min
  2. When Leadership Feels Heavy, Look at the Decisions You’re Avoiding

    FEB 11

    When Leadership Feels Heavy, Look at the Decisions You’re Avoiding

    In this solo episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer delivers a grounded and timely message for leaders who feel the quiet weight of responsibility, pressure, and unresolved decisions. Drawing from a demanding week of conversations with leaders around the world, Christian unpacks why leadership rarely breaks under pressure but often erodes through delay. He explores how waiting for more data, alignment, or certainty quietly drains momentum, fuels burnout, and creates the gap between effort and progress that so many leaders feel. This is not a motivational talk but a clarity-driven reflection on why action creates focus, why teams need decisions more than perfection, and how leadership pain often shows up months after a decision should have been made. If leadership feels heavy right now, this episode offers a simple but powerful invitation to name one delayed decision, take action, and rediscover how clarity, momentum, and lighter leadership are built one choice at a time. CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischer⁠Facebook: ⁠http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischer⁠Website: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/⁠ AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: ⁠https://disruptivechef.club/⁠Discover more episodes: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/podcastTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechef⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/⁠Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!

    15 min
  3. Redefining Leadership Through Presence, Discipline, and Personal Standards with Lenzy Ruffin

    FEB 10

    Redefining Leadership Through Presence, Discipline, and Personal Standards with Lenzy Ruffin

    In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Lenzy Ruffin for a grounded and thought-provoking conversation about leadership, self-mastery, and the standards we set when no one is watching. Lenzy shares insights on developing discipline from the inside out, why presence matters more than performance, and how leaders can create lasting impact by focusing on consistency, character, and personal responsibility rather than external validation. Together, they explore the importance of intentional growth, owning your role in every outcome, and leading yourself before attempting to lead others. This episode is for entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders who are ready to elevate their influence by strengthening the foundation within. CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischer⁠Facebook: ⁠http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischer⁠Website: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/⁠ AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: ⁠https://disruptivechef.club/⁠Discover more episodes: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/podcastTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechef⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/⁠Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!

    47 min
  4. Behind the Curtain: Chef Charles Armenta on Why Craft, Story, and Transparency Matter More Than Ever

    JAN 29

    Behind the Curtain: Chef Charles Armenta on Why Craft, Story, and Transparency Matter More Than Ever

    In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Chef Charles Armenta for a raw, behind-the-scenes conversation about what hospitality really looks like when the curtain is pulled back. From old-school kitchen culture and the cost of ego-driven leadership to farm-to-table before it was trendy, mentorship over martyrdom, and redefining success through service, Chef Charles shares the experiences that shaped his philosophy and career. Together, they explore transparency, human connection, modern kitchen leadership, and why honoring people. both in front of and behind the plate. matters more than ever. This episode is a must-listen for chefs, entrepreneurs, and leaders who believe great food starts with integrity, discipline, and heart. CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischer⁠Facebook: ⁠http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischer⁠Website: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/⁠ AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: ⁠https://disruptivechef.club/⁠Discover more episodes: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/podcastTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechef⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/⁠Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!

    46 min
  5. Beyond “Not Broken”: Nichole Hughes on Redefining Efficiency and Connection

    JAN 19

    Beyond “Not Broken”: Nichole Hughes on Redefining Efficiency and Connection

    In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Nicole Hughes of Elevate Virtual Business Solutions for an insightful and practical conversation about leadership, efficiency, and building businesses that actually support the people running them. Nicole shares her journey from healthcare administration to leading executive support and podcast operations, unpacking why strong foundations matter more than constant reinvention and how “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” can be a growth strategy when applied intentionally. Together, they explore the power of delegation, trust, systems, and communication, why every role in a business matters, and how small habits like calendar discipline, clear feedback, and even a genuine smile can transform culture and performance. This episode is packed with real-world strategies for entrepreneurs who want more clarity, better systems, and freedom without sacrificing connection or humanity. CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischer⁠Facebook: ⁠http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischer⁠Website: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/⁠ AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: ⁠https://disruptivechef.club/⁠Discover more episodes: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/podcastTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechef⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/⁠Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!

    39 min
  6. From the NFL to the Boardroom: Marques Ogden on Reinvention, Resilience, and Real Leadership

    JAN 6

    From the NFL to the Boardroom: Marques Ogden on Reinvention, Resilience, and Real Leadership

    In this powerful episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with former NFL player, bestselling author, and elite keynote speaker Marques Ogden for a raw, honest conversation about leadership, ego, failure, and rebuilding from rock bottom. Marques shares his journey from professional football to building and losing a multi-million-dollar construction company, and ultimately reinventing himself through speaking, coaching, and authorship. Together, they unpack hard-earned lessons on discipline, humility, emotional intelligence, and what it really takes to bounce forward after losing everything. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, accountability, and modern leadership for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone navigating reinvention after adversity. CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischer⁠Facebook: ⁠http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischer⁠Website: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/ ⁠AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: ⁠https://disruptivechef.club/⁠Discover more episodes: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/podcastTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechef⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/⁠Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!

    41 min
  7. When Self-Help Stops Working: Preston Ely on Identity, Faith, and Redefining Success

    12/30/2025

    When Self-Help Stops Working: Preston Ely on Identity, Faith, and Redefining Success

    In this powerful episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Preston Ely for a raw and deeply honest conversation about identity, success, and what happens when external achievement no longer fulfills you. Preston shares his journey from building highly successful businesses and living at the top of the entrepreneurial world to losing everything and confronting a profound crisis of purpose. Together, they explore the limits of traditional self-help, the danger of attaching identity to profit or status, and why true leadership begins with self-awareness, humility, and service. This episode challenges entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders to rethink what winning really means and offers a compelling reminder that the most meaningful comeback is coming back to yourself. CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischer⁠Facebook: ⁠http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischer⁠Website: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/⁠ AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: ⁠https://disruptivechef.club/⁠Discover more episodes: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/podcastTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechef⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/⁠Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!

    53 min
  8. From Hustle to Alignment: George Bryant on Redefining Success Beyond the Grind

    12/23/2025

    From Hustle to Alignment: George Bryant on Redefining Success Beyond the Grind

    In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with digital marketing strategist and relationship-first business builder George Bryant for a powerful conversation about sustainable growth, leadership, and building businesses that actually last. George shares hard-earned lessons from scaling online brands, navigating burnout, and learning why trust, integrity, and systems matter more than hype or shortcuts. Together, they unpack what it really takes to create alignment between purpose and profit, how to lead with consistency in a noisy market, and why long-term success is built through service, clarity, and execution. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and leaders who want to grow without losing themselves in the process. CONNECT WITH CHRISTIANLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjfischer⁠Facebook: ⁠http://facebook.com/theofficialchristianjfischer⁠Website: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/⁠ AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: ⁠https://disruptivechef.club/⁠Discover more episodes: ⁠https://www.christianjfischer.com/podcastTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechef⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/⁠Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Join 'The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur Podcast,' the essential resource for hospitality professionals seeking inspiration and growth. Host Christian J. Fischer welcomes trailblazing culinary entrepreneurs weekly to share their journeys of transforming passion into a profitable venture. This podcast is a treasure trove of insights for those eager to innovate in the hospitality sector, offering practical advice, industry secrets, and personal success stories. Follow us @christianjfischer for a blend of motivation and hands-on strategies. Elevate your culinary career and craft a life you love.

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