Explore how the James Beard Foundation is driving impact through innovative programs, advocacy, and educational resources in the food industry. Sara Abernethy interviews Dr. Anne McBride, Vice President of Impact, to uncover insights on leadership, mentorship, and fostering resilience in hospitality professionals.

Main Topics Covered:

• The role of the James Beard Foundation in industry advocacy and education
• How cooking, publishing, and food policy intersect
• Programs supporting women entrepreneurs and food professionals
• Strategic approaches to food book publishing and self-publishing
• The importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning
• Impact of advocacy and policy engagement for restaurant sustainability 
• Future initiatives and resources for industry resilience

Timestamps: 00:36 - Introduction to Dr. Anne McBride and her work at the James Beard Foundation
01:01 - Impact of the Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (WEL)
01:20 - Resources available on jamesbeard.org for food industry professionals
02:37 - Personal experiences with winter weather and its effects on restaurants
03:05 - Navigating Valentine’s Day and restaurant reservations
04:38 - The benefits of letting partners take the lead in dinner plans
05:12 - How Anne met her husband and her move from Switzerland to Louisiana
06:06 - Transition from Swiss village life to Louisiana college experience
07:01 - Moving to New York and career shifts from publishing to food media
09:32 - Starting at Hippocrates Books and the value of book proposals
11:23 - Insights on writing and marketing cookbooks, and self-publishing nuances
12:56 - The importance of strong proposals for book success
15:47 - Planning a cookbook as a regional or community-focused project
16:17 - From publishing to advocacy and impact at James Beard Foundation
17:03 - Life in early 2000s NYC with small publishing house experience
19:11 - How food programs like the Experimental Cuisine Collective shaped her career
20:05 - The importance of work-life integration and passion projects
22:38 - Comparing roles at the Culinary Institute of America and James Beard Foundation
24:19 - Overview of programming like WEL and other leadership initiatives
25:47 - Supporting women in food through financial literacy and mentorship
29:58 - The power of confidence-building workshops and small wins
34:40 - Advocacy against restrictive policies affecting restaurants and immigrant labor
39:12 - The significance of grassroots, consistent advocacy actions
41:31 - The impact of sharing case studies and testimonies
42:07 - Reflecting on nearly five years of impact work and future goals
43:16 - Resources, upcoming reports, and how to stay connected with jamesbeard.org
45:42 - Closing remarks and how to follow Anne McBride’s work

Resources & Links:

• James Beard Foundation

• Annual Industry Report

• Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Program

• Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival

• Follow Anne McBride on LinkedIn

• Follow James Beard Foundation on Instagram

Connect with Anne McBride:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

‼️JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY 🥰 to support this work and keep these conversations going for the women who need them.  ‼️