July 29, 2025

Rising Tides Live: Ask Shawn Anything

In this session of Rising Tides Live, the community gathered for a special Ask Shawn Anything, where host Shawn Walchef took questions from the group and encouraged everyone to do the same. From a former dishwasher turned GM sharing leadership lessons, to a barbecue pitmaster navigating burnout and balance, the conversation was honest, practical, and full of insight. Shawn opened up about imposter syndrome, learning to ask for help, and the power of storytelling over sales. The group exchanged ideas about AI, content creation, restaurant leadership, and mentorship. Whether you're building a team, launching a product, or just trying to keep your table stable, this session was a reminder that curiosity, consistency, and community are the real secret ingredients.

Interview Takeaways:

Leadership Is About Listening, Not Just Managing – Great leaders create space for ideas to flow, recognize wins both big and small, and support their teams with consistent encouragement—not just correction.

Content Creation Starts with Consistency – Whether it’s Substack, LinkedIn, or 60-second videos on TikTok, the key to growing your digital presence is to start small, show up daily, and share what you know.

Asking for Help Builds Stronger Businesses – The most successful operators aren’t afraid to ask questions, lean on their community, and delegate with intention. Growth often begins with vulnerability.

Episode Links:

Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/

Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/

Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

About Our Sponsors

DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...

Click here to learn more

Marqii:

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...

Click here to learn more

...more