#24. As co-founder and culinary director of High Street Hospitality Group, Chef Eli Kulp has left an indelible mark on the culinary world.  Originally from Philly, Eli's culinary journey took him to New York, where he honed his skills at renowned spots like Del Posto and the Major Food Group. His achievements include a James Beard Award nomination and being named Food and Wine's Best New Chef. Notably, he's been hailed as Chef of the Year by both Eater and Philadelphia Enquirer, showcasing his remarkable leadership.

However, Eli's path was marred by a tragic incident in 2015—an Amtrak accident that left him paralyzed. Despite the immense challenges, Eli's resilience shone through. He not only recovered but thrived, becoming the host of The CHEF Radio and Delicious City Philly Podcasts and maintaining a pivotal role in his award-winning restaurant group.

Eli's story is a testament to the power of the human spirit in overcoming adversity. His experiences highlight the importance of gratitude and perspective. As Eli wisely advises, we needn't wait for tragedy to strike to embrace these values.

Where to find Eli Kulp: 

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

In this episode, we cover:

(1:59) Eli’s background and when he started cooking
(13:27) Innovation versus sustainability in the Kitchen
(17:00) Building Confidence and cooking in the early 2000s
(21:10) Motivation and the challenges new chefs face today
(26:01) Keeping talent, community and building a work culture
(33:50) Eli’s accident and how it changed his life as a chef
(46:01) Dealing with trauma and mental health struggles
(52:35) Action as a cure for anxiety and depression
(58:41) Ikigai, gratitude, and discovering purpose again
(1:16:08) Finding a community with CHEF Radio