Ben Shewry on Dumping Toxic Culture Forever

Ben Shewry, chef-owner of Melbourne’s acclaimed Attica, shares the personal journey and leadership philosophy behind one of Australia’s most thoughtful restaurants.In this heartfelt conversation, Ben opens up about the power of empathy, accountability, and sustainability—not just in sourcing, but in how we treat people. He discusses breaking the cycle of toxic kitchen culture, the importance of mental health, and how small daily actions shape high-performing teams. From lessons in ownership to the wisdom behind his new book Uses for Obsession, this episode is packed with honest reflections and practical advice for anyone looking to lead with intention.TakeawaysEmpathy is the foundation of high-performance leadership.Building a healthy workplace culture is about daily effort, not grand gestures.Mistakes should be brought forward, not hidden in fear.Mental health and positivity are choices that require conscious practice.Small systems like weekly staff speeches can transform team connection.Sustainable practices should extend beyond sourcing to include team well-being.Chefs and owners have the power to shape community impact and cultural storytelling.Self-reflection, ownership of mistakes, and ongoing learning drive better leadership.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview02:14 Why Decency and Fairness Shouldn’t Be Exceptional04:43 Writing, Creativity, and the Process Behind Uses for Obsession07:12 Breaking the Cycle of Harmful Kitchen Culture11:06 Transitioning from Chef to Owner: Challenges and Lessons Learned15:20 Leadership Qualities That Truly Matter19:02 Four-Day Workweek and Holistic Sustainability at Attica22:18 Weekly Staff Speeches: Building Empathy Across Teams26:23 Supporting Mental Health: Ben’s Personal Story and Approach33:44 Learning from Indigenous Culture and Community Engagement40:06 Why Storytelling and Responsibility Matter in FoodWant to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest?MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.