From Chopped Champion to Chai: Chef Reuben Dhanawade’s Delicious Journey

In this flavorful and heartfelt episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean and Jen Olson sit down with chef, culinary competitor, and chai entrepreneur Reuben Dhanawade. Reuben shares his leadership journey from learning to cook with his mom after immigrating to the U.S., to competing on Food Network’s Chopped and Supermarket Stakeout. He opens up about kitchen leadership, burnout, the power of community, and why he stepped back from being a sous chef to chase his dreams—including launching a chai concentrate brand and becoming a private chef in Charleston. Learn how Reuben leads through empathy, keeps people coming back to work with him, and builds authentic connections—one meal at a time.🔗 Follow Reuben, watch his cooking content, and explore Charleston Chai in the show notes. #intentionalleader #chefleadership #choppedchampion #culinarylife #chaiwithhearthttps://renogize.comhttps://intentionalleadernetwork.comhttps://seanolsonspeaks.comhttps://www.intentionalleadernetwork.com/leadership-and-business-planning-bootcamp-2026www.chefreubencooks.com, @chefreubencookshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/reuben-dhanawade-508a85a8/https://www.facebook.com/rdhanaw1/www.lizkelleymusic.com, @lizkelleymusicwww.foodnetwork.com